Build a cantilever beam (10-inch x 0.5-inch, Part 1, Aluminum 6061). Force a wedge (0.5-inch to 0.75-inch thick taper, 4-inch long, Steel A-36) under the end. Perform a 2D analysis.
This example only covers creating the model. For instructions on setting up and performing the analysis, see Surface to Surface Contact.
- Start a new FEA model.
- Set the analysis type to Nonlinear: MES with Nonlinear Material Models (or whatever version of nonlinear you own).
- Click Override Default Units and select English (in) from the Unit System drop-down menu. Click OK to set the units.
- Click New and enter a model name.
- Both parts are created using 4-point rectangular meshes. Start with the cantilever beam. Select Mesh
Structured Mesh 4 Point Rectangular. Type 20 in the AB field and 4 in the BC field. Define the point (0,0,0) as Point A, (0,10,0) as Point B, (0,10,0.5) as Point C and (0,0,0.5) as Point D. Click Apply to finish the mesh. - For the wedge, type 2 in the Part field. Type 8 in the AB field and 4 in the BC field. Define the point (0,10,0) as Point A, (0,14,0.25) as Point B, (0,14,-0.5) as Point C and (0,10,-0.5) as Point D. Click Apply to finish the mesh.
- Click the X to close the Point Mesh Setup dialog box.
- View the model with View Navigate Orientation Right View.
- As drawn, the wedge is in contact with the beam. Lower it slightly to create a gap. right-click the 4-Point Mesh 2 heading in the tree view for the wedge and select the Move or Copy command. (Make sure the Copy check box is not activated.) Type 0.0625 in the Total distance field and select the DZ button. Click the Reverse direction and then click OK. The wedge moves 0.0625-inch below the end of the beam.
- To specify the contact between the two parts without creating an excessive number of contact elements, use Selection Shape Polyline and Selection Select Lines to select the lines on the top of the wedge and on the bottom of the beam (at least 4 inches inward from the end). Use Draw Modify Attributes to place the lines in Surface 2.