In geometric linearity, the equilibrium equation is established in the undeformed state and will not be updated with deformation. In other words, we ignore the small deformation of the geometry to simplify the calculation. This does not seem to be in line with the core idea of structural mechanics, because the calculation of deformation is … Continue reading Geometric nonlinearity: a simple two-member truss problem
Steel
Plastic limit analysis of a statically indeterminate beam
A structure can become unstable when a load reaches its buckling value or when nonlinear material becomes unstable. It is possible to observe the full response of a structure under proportional (ramped) loads using elastic-plastic analysis in ANSYS, so the plastic limit load and the location of plastic hinges can be determined. In this post, … Continue reading Plastic limit analysis of a statically indeterminate beam
A comparison between ANSYS Mechanical and Simulation in SolidWorks
A Comparison between ANSYS Mechanical and SolidWorks Simulation
Contact Analysis of a Pipe-clamp Assembly
We have discussed multiple examples of contact analysis so far. In this post, we are going to investigate a pipe-clamp assembly. By using a pretensioned bolt, the clamp holds the pipe firmly (see the following figure). If the pretension is insufficient, slipping would happen between the pipe and clamp. If the pretension is too large, … Continue reading Contact Analysis of a Pipe-clamp Assembly
Harmonic analysis: A steel disk example
Harmonic analysis is used to determine the steady-state response of a linear structure to loads that vary sinusoidally (harmonically) with time, thus enabling you to verify whether or not your designs will successfully overcome resonance, fatigue, and other harmful effects of forced vibrations. This analysis technique calculates only the steady-state, forced vibrations of a structure. … Continue reading Harmonic analysis: A steel disk example
The application of contact elements: A bolted beam-column connection
In this post, we are going to explore the application of CONTA174 (i.e. 3D 8-node face-face contact element). CONTA174 is used to represent contact and sliding between 3D target surfaces and a deformable surface defined by this element. It can be used for both pair-based contact and general contact. In the case of pair-based contact, … Continue reading The application of contact elements: A bolted beam-column connection
The application of MACRO and *DOWHILE
In this post, I will show an example of using MACRO and *DOWHILE. The APDL is developed to model an experiment as shown below. Essentially it is a clamped-clamped cracked beam carrying a body. An important feature of the body is that its mass distributes far away from its centroid, hence the rotary inertia would … Continue reading The application of MACRO and *DOWHILE
Non-linear analysis of a point-fixed glass curtain wall cable-truss structure
Fig.1 Typical glass curtain walls Some assumptions and simplifications in this problem: Elastic materials Cables are modeled using LINK10 elements with the tension-only option Trusses are modeled using BEAM44 (or BEAM188) elements The glass wall is modeled using SHELL63 elements. Wind load distributes evenly on the surface. The aim of this problem is to calculate … Continue reading Non-linear analysis of a point-fixed glass curtain wall cable-truss structure
Contact analysis: a bolted flange connection
A typical bolted flange connection (see Fig.1) is modeled in this example. Fig.1. The geometry of the model. Only the 1/4 model is created due to symmetry. The challenges in this example are as follows: Complicated geometry. Applying pretension to bolts. Multiple load steps. Modeling contact. It is worth mentioning that a special element Prentension179 … Continue reading Contact analysis: a bolted flange connection
Torsional limit analysis of a container
Fig.1. A typical container This problem is to analyze the torsional limit of an open container (without lid). It is a typical problem in structural nonlinear buckling analysis. As an alternative to the Newton-Raphson method, the arc-length method will be used. Fig.2. A simplified model of the container body Some assumptions and simplifications in this … Continue reading Torsional limit analysis of a container
Xutao Sun 