Learning Forum

[brodie]

Hello,

I’m running into a pretty specific problem that is out of my area of expertise and was hoping you could help. We’re trying to retrieve force reactions at the clamp pad locations due to bolt pretension and after trying multiple ideas on how to simulate proper behaviour I found a solution I was happy with by modeling an initial gap allowing the clamp pad to contact the rigid body first. The problem with the solution I found is that it works on my small test model but not on my larger complex model because it leads to convergence issues when the contact status changes from open to closed.

I had a new idea which is to eliminate the middle block and replace it with a spring of equal stiffness. For it to be realistic however I need to allow the spring to deform 1/16” with very little resistance (to simulate the gap) and then change the spring stiffness to imitate the steel block. I found a couple of Ansys forum posts that show APDL is able to help with specific problems like this. I’m not familiar with APDL and was hoping you could help me out et me know if you need further information, Thanks!!

[Erik Kostson]

Hi

Search for combin40, as it allows for a gap to be considered before it becomes active.

/forum/forums/topic/how-do-i-implement-combin40-for-springs-in-wb/

All the best

Erik