Structural Dynamics

Structural Dynamics

Is it possible to perform a seismic analysis on a free-stranding/non-anchored structure in ANSYS?

    • FAQFAQ
      Participant

      Question: Is it possible in ANSYS to perform a seismic analysis on a free standing/non-anchored structure? We’re looking at an equipment rack that is on 4 short legs and is not bolted to the ground. I have used ANSYS in the past to analyze an equipment rack that was bolted to the ground using a modal analysis followed by a response spectrum analysis. Answer: Typically, “seismic” = “base excitation”, and “base excitation” = “base is constrained and excited”. So the answer is no, typically a free-standing system does not have a seismic excitation in a Response Spectrum Analysis.