Viewing contour plots of specific state variables is the best way to evaluate the structural performance of the radiator tank. In particular, we will examine SDV9, the matrix tangent elastic modulus.
- After the job has completed, click from the main toolbar and open radiatortank_output.odb. This will open the output database file and switch to the Visualization module. The undeformed tank appears in the viewport.
- Click to display the contour plot.
- Now select SDV9 from the list of output variables (Result > Field Output). SDV9 represents the tangent elastic modulus of the matrix material.
- Step through the analysis from beginning to end and monitor SDV9 as the pressure is applied to the tank. SDV9 will give us an indication of any softening of the material.
We see a large degree of material softening near the hole on the side of the tank. It is likely that failure will initiate near the edges of the hole if we continue to pressurize the tank.