Understanding and Dealing with Artificially High Stresses — Lesson 3

In this lesson, we will show why artificially high stresses arise in structural finite element models.  Typical cases of these are from point loads and constraints, re-entrant corners, over-constrain of the model, and sharp corners in contact. Knowing to look out for these and how to address them will better equip us to use our simulation tools and interpret results properly. We will deliver a short lecture and then get into Ansys Mechanical to illustrate the concepts on a mechanical part.

Alternate video link.

Video Highlights

1:50 - Most Common Cases for Artificially High Stresses

2:19 - Artificially High Stress Due to Point Loads or Constraints

3:48 - Artificially High Stress Due to Sharp Corners or Edges

5:50 - Artificially High Stress Due to Contact with Sharp Corners or Edges

6:17 - Artificially High Stress Due to Over-Constraints from Improper Boundary Conditions

8:52 - Stress Singularity vs Stress Riser

11:18 - Specifying Local Mesh Sizing

15:47 - Scoping the Stress to the Region of Interest

21:17 - Applying Cylindrical Support

22:00 - Applying Elastic Support

Simulation Files

Download the accompanying geometry and archived project file used in the video lesson here. Download Ansys Student for free here.