Learning Forum

[G_G_K]

Hi Guys,
I want to do stress analysis of a specific weight on a roof rack on a vehicle. I have done static structural analysis, which was fine. Can someone advice what type of analysis I should be doing to study the stress distribution when the vehicle is moving through a road curve.

Thank you

[Sampat Kumar]

Hi 
To study the stress distribution on a roof rack when a vehicle is moving through a road curve, you should consider performing a dynamic analysis. Ansys Mechanical offers capabilities for dynamic analysis. You can set up a transient structural analysis to study how the stress distribution on the roof rack changes over time as the vehicle goes through a curve. 
when setting up your dynamic analysis, to consider all relevant loading conditions that the roof rack would experience during the vehicle's motion through a curve, including gravitational, inertial, and any other external forces. 

If you don't want to see the effect over time then you can simulate them in the static structure also. Apply the relevant loading condition as per your analysis e.g. Cebtripetal force, Inertia force, gravitational forces.  

Best Regards,
Sampat

[G_G_K]

Hi Sampat,

Thank you for the response. I want to simulate a 1g lateral acceleration on the vehicle, also I am not intrested in the effect over time. So in this case can I perform a static analysis with 1g Lateral acceleration on the vehicle, with relevant weight loading on the vehicle roof rack.

Thank you.

[Sampat Kumar]

Hi 
Thanks for your patience. 
Yes, you can do it. It will give you the effect of the applied forces on the roof rack of the vehicle but it will give you the static effect of the forces. 

Thanks,
Sampat