http://help.solidworks.com/2016/english/solidworks/cworks/idh_help_nonlinear_advance.
htm
https://www.cati.com/blog/2020/06/how-do-i-complete-a-nonlinear-analysis-in-solidworks-
simulation/
Nonlinear analysis in solid works
How do I complete a nonlinear study in SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium? Every study
in SOLIDWORKS Simulation follows the same six general steps. You can read more about
these steps here: Six Steps To Your Simulation Study. Nonlinear studies are no different, there
are just a few extra bells and whistles to watch out for.
Let’s cover the basics. Nonlinear studies are appropriate whenever the structural stiffness of the
model or the model’s boundary conditions change throughout the simulation. Some common
reasons to switch to a nonlinear solver are below:
1. Nonlinear Materials– Elastomers, plastics, or composites qualify here; also,
materials that will exceed yield stress during the simulation.
2. Large Deformations– If the model is going to have large deformations, the stiffness
will not be constant, and must be calculated with a large displacement solution.
3. Time-dependent Loading– If loads or forces acting on the model realign, or change
magnitude/direction during the calculation, they must be calculated with nonlinear
analysis. This includes large amounts of sliding contact.
Watch out for shock or impact loads, these are sometimes best handled with linear dynamics,
which will be covered in a future blog.
The problem I would like to solve involves a plastic latching mechanism, pictured below:
I expect to have some plastic deformation as well as sliding contact, so a nonlinear study is
appropriate.
Starting a nonlinear analysis is the same as the other study types.
Once created, we can go into the study properties to set up the “Stepping Options” of the
nonlinear solver.
For this analysis, we will use the default stepping options.
Next, we must apply the correct material properties to each body in the assembly. This is similar
to linear statics, except there are extra material models available. Choosing the correct material
model and the associated material properties is covered in depth in the SOLIDWORKS
Simulation Premium: Nonlinear training course.
For our purposes, I have chosen a Plasticity-Von Mises definition. This allows us to assign a
tangent modulus which linearizes the post-yield behavior of the material, for simplicity. This
material will be applied to the white body in our model so that the post-yield behavior of the
material is captured.
The red body will be assigned a material out of the SOLIDWORKS default materials
library: AISI 316 Stainless Steel Sheet (SS). Materials in the library that have the suffix “(SS)”
have a stress-strain curve associated with them. All we must do is select it and activate the
appropriate nonlinear material model, same as above.
The blue body will be assigned a linear material that is much harder than the others. This will
assist with convergence.
Next, the appropriate contacts are added. In this model, any face that will come into contact
during the simulation has been assigned a “No Penetration” contact set. For more information on
contact, and why these were done as “contact sets” read my blog here.
Fixtures are applied to the model to restrain it in place, as well as a forced displacement to engage
the latch.
The forced displacement in this case is applied as a function of time. I want the latch to be forced
closed, then pulled open again.
The options above show how to set up the required 7.3 mm prescribed translation to the part up
until halfway through the simulation, then fully reverse that motion by the end of the simulation.
Remember our “End Time” is one second, so at one second, we set our translation to be zero;
indicating a return to initial position.
There are no other loads applied for this simulation.
For sliding contact, a well refined mesh in the sliding areas is strongly recommended. Once
created, we can run the simulation.
Below is an animation of the stress plot.
Post processing the “time” dependent results requires a bit of extra attention. Close attention
should be paid to which time step you are viewing. This is easy to see this information in the
upper left corner of the graphics area.
The time step can be changed by right clicking the active plot, then editing the definition of the
plot and selecting the desired time. Or you can click the blue arrows underneath the plot legend.
There is much more capability in the post processing tools that may be covered in a future blog.
In the meantime, I hope this blog has enlightened you to the things to watch out for when setting
up nonlinear studies in SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium. This blog has an accompanying
video under the same title. Check out the Computer Aided Technology video page for more
information and subscribe.
Matthew Sherak, CSWE-Simulation
Simulation Product Specialist, Application Engineer
Computer Aided Technology, Inc.
