Learning Forum

[ggege0524]

I am working on a model in ANSYS Mechanical where I need to perform two separate Static Structural analyses.

In the first analysis, I establish an initial stress state and deformation of the specimen. In the second analysis, I modify the model (e.g., by introducing a crack), and I would like to use the stress state and deformed geometry from the first analysis as the initial condition.

The issue is that I cannot find a way to transfer the solution data (stress, strain, deformation, etc.) from one Static Structural analysis to another. I have considered using a multistep analysis, but since the model geometry/mesh changes between the two analyses, that does not seem to be a suitable approach.

Is there a recommended workflow for transferring both the stress state and the deformed geometry from one Static Structural analysis to another when the model has been modified between analyses?

[peteroznewman]

You can’t have the same stress state in a model with a crack as you had in a model without a crack.

You can have the same loads and supports on each model (one without a crack and one with a crack) and get two different stress results.  Each model can solve independently.

Fatigue cracks can grow from a tiny initial crack and become a big crack over many load cycles.  Ansys has some crack growth models. Is this what you are interested in?