Summary

In this course, we discussed boundary conditions and loads to be used in structural analysis. Let’s summarize the key points from each lesson.

Determining which Support to Use

• Supports are used to represent parts that are not present in the model but are interacting with it.
• Supports help truncate the domain, which in turn helps in efficiently obtaining numerically accurate results without modeling parts of the geometry that are not of primary interest.
• There are different types of support available, and choosing the appropriate support is essential as it assures that the simulation model will properly represent the boundary condition.
• We discussed the different support types and showed which support to use for different situations.

Understanding the Need to Fully Constrain the Model

• Always keep in mind the need to fully constrain the model.
• The model should not be over-constrained; rather, we must have optimal boundary conditions to complete an analysis successfully and accurately.
• Understand the importance of properly constraining the model and the best strategies that users may follow to achieve success.

Understanding when to Take Advantage of Symmetry

• If the geometry, material orientation, loading, and expected response all exhibit symmetry about the same planes, we can take advantage of planar symmetry and only model a portion of the actual structure to reduce analysis run time and memory requirements.
• Using Symmetry Regions in Ansys Mechanical can give more accurate and more computationally efficient solutions.
• The Symmetry Region tool should not be used when all four symmetry requirements are not satisfied such as in modal or linear buckling analyses where non-symmetric modes are needed to be calculated.

Understanding the Difference Between Forces and Pressures

• In 3D analysis, force and pressure loads are related to each other.
• The major difference between force and pressure is how it is applied to the system.
• Users can select either force or pressure to excite or load the model; however, one might be easier to use and more accurate than the other.

Understanding Inertial Loads

• Gravitational acceleration can be included in a static analysis, but it may be a bit confusing for new users since parts should not move or accelerate in a static analysis.
• Different types of inertial loads are available, such as acceleration, rotational velocity, rotational acceleration, and gravity.
• The inputs needed for their definition in a static analysis are different.
• Defining proper material properties is essential for carrying out a finite element analysis with inertial loads.
• Inertia loads need to be interpreted in the context of a moving reference frame, and the equation of motion varies for static and dynamic analysis.

Performing a Thermal-Stress Analysis

• Change in temperature produces thermal strain.
• Constraining thermal expansion or contraction will produce stresses.
• We receive the temperature distribution from thermal analysis and thermal strains from structural analysis.
• We can map temperature results from thermal to structural analysis even when the geometry or mesh differ.