Optistruct

Copyright © 2009 Altair Engineering, Inc. Proprietary and Confidential. All rights reserved.
Altair OptiStruct®
Feb 2017
Agenda
Introduction
Linear Static Analysis
Modal Analysis
Linear Buckling Analysis
Thermal Analysis
Frequency Response Analysis
Transient Response Analysis

Introduction to FE Analysis
Analytical Method
-Classical Approach,
- Accurate Result
-Applicable for simple problem like Beam, Trusses etc
Numerical Method
-Mathematical Representation
-Approximate, Assumption Made
Experimental Method
-Actual Measurement
-Time consuming and needs expensive set up

• Advantages of FEA
• Visualization
• Design Cycle Time
• Number Of Prototypes
• Testing
• Optimum Design
• Numerical methods -FEM
• Finite Element Method
–Discretization of Integral Form(governing equation)
–Converting Physical infinite problem to Finite Problem
--Make Calculations at limited number of points & then

interpolate the results to entire Model
• Finite Element Procedure

• Finite Element Procedure (Contd…)

• Steps Involved in FEA
1. Pre-Processor
Material, Property, Element Type, Meshing CAD Model, Boundary

Condition
2. Processor/Solver
Solution Setting
click on Solve
3. Post-Processor
Results: Deformation, Reaction, Stress, strain etc.

• Element types
OptiStruct
•
What is OptiStruct ?
OptiStruct is an industry proven, modern structural analysis solver

for linear and nonlinear problems under static and dynamic
loadings. It is the market-leading solution for structural design
and optimization.
OptiStruct Analysis Overview

Stiffness, Strength and Stability
• Linear and nonlinear static analysis with contact and

plasticity
• Large displacement analysis with hyperelastic materials
• Buckling analysis
• Noise and Vibrations
• Normal modes analysis for real and complex eigenvalue

analysis
• Direct and modal frequency response analysis
• Random response analysis
• Response spectrum analysis
• Direct and modal transient response analysis
• Preloading using nonlinear results for buckling, frequency

response, and transient analysis
• Rotor dynamics
OptiStruct Analysis Overview
• Coupled fluid-structure (NVH) analysis
• Powertrain Durability
• 1D and 3D bolt pretension
• Heat Transfer Analysis
• Linear and nonlinear steady-state analysis
• Kinematics and Dynamics
• Static, quasi-static, and dynamic analysis
• Optimization of system and flexible bodies
• Structural Optimization
• Topology, topography, and free-size optimization
• Size, shape, and free-shape optimization
• Multi-model optimization
OptiStruct Process
Pre-Processing in HyperMesh
MODEL LOADS Run Controls
Materials CONSTRAINTS
Nodes & Moments Subcases
Properties SPC, MPC
Elements Forces… Output Requests…
Formatted ASCII input file
Fem file
RADIOSS
Model
Checks
Solve
Binary result files Warnings, errors, run details User requested
H3d file Res file Out file Log file Other ASCII result files
General Guide lines
What are the loads and boundary conditions on this system or

component?
Are the loads static or dynamics?
Which is the load path?
What are the design criteria? (Strength based or Stiffness based)
Where do we expect the high stresses and what failure criteria should be
chosen?
Is it a linear or non-linear problem?
How can I verify the FEA results?

Chapter 2 – Linear Static Analysis
What is a Static Analysis?

Model Definition Structure
How to do a Static Analysis Setup
Exercise 2.1 Simple Beam
Exercise 2.2 Bracket
Linear Static Analysis Setup

Step 1 – Define the material.
Step 2 – Define the properties and associate it with the appropriate material.
Step 3 – Define the components and associate it with their relative property.
Step 4 – Create the Finite element mesh with the appropriated properties associated
with the elements:
Step 5 – Define the constraint load collector and apply the model constraint.
Step 6 – Define the force load collector and apply the loads.
Step 7 – Define the load step.
Step 8 – Define the extra parameters to your analysis. Optional
Step 9 – Run the analysis.
Step 11 – Post-process the results.

Linear Static Analysis
Calculate the displacement of a cantilever beam subjected to a

force of 10 lb on its free end. The beam dimensions are 12" x 1" x
0.1". The beam is made of an isotropic material with an elastic
modulus, E, of 30×106 psi and a Poisson's Ratio of 0.3.
• 𝛿 max = (PL^3)/(3EI)
• = (10*12^3)/(3*30^6*1*.1^3)
• = 2.304 ‘’
• Stress
• M/I = 𝜎/Y
• 𝜎= P*L*Y/I = (10*12*0.05*12)/1*0.1^3
• = 72000 Lb/in^3
Model Definition Structure
Input/Output Section
• location and names of the input,
output and scratch files,
• type of run (analysis, check or restart)
• overall running of the analysis or
optimization, and,
• type, format and frequency of the
output.
Subcase Information Section

• Define Load Cases (Sub Cases, Load
Steps)
• Specify output requests
• Define Titles, Subtitles for
documentation
Bulk Data Section

Defines analysis via nodes, elements,
constraints and loads
Bulk Data section Materials
Looking at the connectivity:
NODES
ELEMENT
PROPERTY
MATERIAL
Consistent Units
All internal calculations in RADIOSS are unit-less.
It is the responsibility of the user to create the model using a consistent

set of units.
The equations that governs consistent units are:

• Force = Mass × Acceleration
• Mass = Density × Volume
• Acceleration = Length / Time2
As an illustration:
Mass Length Young’s Density Force Stress
Modulus
Kg m Pa Kg/m3 N Pa
Kg mm GPa Kg/mm3 KN GPa
ton mm MPa ton/mm3 N MPa
Exercise 2.1: Simple Beam

In this exercise, a structural analysis is performed on a simple supported beam. The
structural model with loads and constraints applied are shown in the figure below. The
objective is to create a finite element model that is good enough to predict the theoretical
solution for this model.
12345 23
Model Information
○ Force = 1000 N (Applied in a segment equivalent to 2mm)
○ Beam properties: L = 1000, B = 10 and H = 20 mm
○ Material Steel: E =210000 MPa and Nu=0.3
○ UNITS: N, mm, ton, s
F *L H
M c * 3FL
Theoretical Results:  max  max  4
B*H 3
2
  375MPa
I 12 2 BH 2
FL3 FL3 FL3

U max   3    14.881mm
48EI 48E BH
12 4 EBH 3
Problem Setup:
You should copy this File: Beam_shell_geometry.hm;
Exercise 2.1: Simple Beam (RESULTS)
Element 10 mm Element 5 mm
With 50 elements on the height it is easy

to see that the bending behavior is well
represented.
F *L H
M c * 3FL
 max  max  4
B*H 3
2
 2
 375MPa
I 12 2 BH

Exercise 2.2: Static analysis of a solid bracket.

In this exercise, a structural analysis is performed on a bracket modeled with solid elements. The
structural model with loads and constraints applied are shown in the figure below. The objective is to
create a finite element model that is good enough to predict an accurate solution for this problem with a
reasonable model size
Model Information
Force = (12000,12000, -20000) N
Material Aluminium:
E = 70000 MPa Nu = 0.33
S0 = 240 Mpa SADM = 0.7*S0
UNITS: N, mm, ton, s
Problem Setup: You should copy these files:

nafems1.hm, nafems2.hm,
nafems3.h3d, nafems4.h3d, nafems5.h3d, nafems6.h3d
nafems7.h3d
Exercise 2.2: Static analysis of a solid bracket.(RESULTS)

Exercise 2.2: Static analysis of a solid bracket.(RESULTS)

Thin structures subject to compression loads that haven’t achieved the

material strength limits can show a failure mode called BUCKLING. This
failure can be analyzed using a technique well known as “linear buckling
analysis”.
Linear buckling is a mathematic tool used to predict the theoretical buckling

strength of an ideal elastic structure. It is solved by first applying a reference
level of loading, Pref, to the structure.
A standard linear static

analysis is then carried out to
obtain stresses which are
needed to form the geometric
stiffness matrix KG.
This new matrix is evaluated using the initial stiffness matrix augmented by
the initial stress matrix corresponding to the load specified in the static load
step, multiplied with a factor that is determined such that the resulting matrix
has zero as its lowest Eigen frequency. The buckling loads are then calculated
by solving an eigenvalue problem:
K  K G x  0
The lowest eigenvalue Cr is
associated with buckling and
the critical or buckling load is:
PCr  Cr PRef

The problem of linear buckling is

solved in two stages:
• A standard linear static analysis
is carried out to obtain stresses,
$$------------Case Control Cards ------------ $
which form the geometric
$
stiffness matrix . SUBCASE 1
• The buckling loads are then SPC = 2
LOAD = 3
calculated by solving the
$
eigenvalue problem. SUBCASE 2
SPC = 2
Requires STATSUB card for a METHOD = 1
Buckling Analysis: STATSUB = 1
$
BEGIN BULK
EIGRL 1 2 MASS
FORCE 3 82 01.0 0.0 0.0 -1000.0
SPC 2 1 123 0.0
$
How to Setup a Linear Buckling Analysis
1 – Define the static load step. (Ref. Chapter 1 Section 3)
2 – Create an EIGRL LoadCollector.
3 – Create a linear buckling loadstep.
4 – Run and post-process the buckling results.

Classic Euler Beam Buckling

Exercise 4.1: Wing Linear Buckling Analysis
This exercise runs a linear buckling analysis on a simple Aircraft wing. This is typical
problem in aerospace structures that needs to be very light and consequently became
slender. Then because the structure has a high slenderness ratio the buckling failure
verification became necessary. The objective of this project is to verify if the static 3 load
cases applied to the wing will not make it fail.
Model Information
1. Buckling: FIRST MODE > (1.5 x).
2. Static: U < 20 mm and Von Mises < 70 MPa.
3. Material Aluminum:
 = 2.1e-9 T/mm3 [RHO]
E = 70000 MPa [E]
n = 0.33 -
[nu]
Problem Setup:
You should copy this File: Wing.hm ;
Exercise 4.1: Wing Linear Buckling Analysis (Results)
Static Load Step results
U ADM  20mm
 ADM  70MPa
Critical Buckling Ratio > 1.5x

Chapter 3:Modal Analysis
Definitions
Why Modal Analysis is so important!
Eigenvalue Solution Methods
Modal analysis using FEM
How to setup a Modal Analysis
Exercise 3.1 – Shell Clamped Beam Model
Exercise 3.2 – Compressor Bracket Modal Analysis
Definitions
Mx  Kx  0
x   sin t 
Circular natural
frequency
Mode shape
or
Eigenvector
K   M  0
2
Eigenvalue Solution Methods
1. Vector Iteration Methods
2. Transformation Methods
3. Polynomial Iterations Methods
4. Lanczos Iteration Method
5. Subspace Iteration Method

Why Modal Analysis is important
On any kind of structural simulation a modal analysis will help the Engineer to
understand the global behavior of the system, doing a modal analysis first it is
possible to:
• Identify the natural frequencies and modal shapes of the system.
• Verify if there are rigid modes on the system, and the link between
components.
• Understand if the BCs applied to the system are correct.
• With the strain energy density for example, the Engineer can determine
where the part should be reworked to improve the performance.
• It helps on predict the dynamic responses that this system will have,
then all the other dynamic simulations should be done only after a
MODAL Analysis.
Why Modal Analysis is important
It is useful to know the modal frequencies of a structure:
1. Is there resonance?
2. Is it a static or a dynamic problem?
3. If is Dynamic which type of analysis should I do?
4. How can I calibrate my CAE model with a test?
In summary the modal analysis is used to determine the normal

modes and normal shapes, but it helps on understand the whole
system and helps on understand all other dynamic analysis.
Normal Modes Analysis
Normal Modes analysis is performed when you are interested in the

natural frequencies and the mode shapes of the structure.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington

How to setup a modal analysis

1. Step 1 – Generate a FEM
model with the material
and properties already
setup (Chapter 1 section
3).
2. Define the constraint

LoadCollector and the
BCs.
3. Define the Eigrl card.
4. Define the modal load

step.
5. Run and post process the

results
Normal Modes Analysis
The required card for Normal Modes analysis is EIGRL:

FORMAT H3D
$$------------------------------------------------------------------------------$
$$ Case Control Cards $
$$------------------------------------------------------------------------------$
SUBCASE 2
LABEL Normal Modes Run
SUBTITLE = Nominal
SPC = 1 $ references all single-point constraints with ID 1
METHOD = 3 $ references the EIGRL card with ID 3
$
BEGIN BULK
$
EIGRL 3 20 MASS
$
$ SPC Data
SPC 1 31 1234560.0
Bulk Data section Normal Modes
Example local coordinate system (EIGRL card):
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
EIGRL SID V1 V2 ND MSGLVL MAXSET SHFSCL NORM
Where:
SID Unique set identification number. (Integer > 0)
For vibration analysis: Frequency range of interest

V1,V2
For buckling analysis: Eigenvalue range of interest.
ND Number of roots desired. (Integer > 0 or blank)
MSGLVL Number of roots desired. (Integer > 0 or blank)
MAXSET Number of vectors in block or set. Default = 8 (Integer 1 through 16 or blank)
For vibration analysis: Estimate of the frequency of the first flexible mode.
SHFSCL
For buckling analysis: Estimate of the first eigenvalue.
MASS eigenvectors are normalized to generalized mass (not valid for buckling).
NORM MAX eigenvectors are normalized to the unit value of the largest displacement.
Default = MASS for normal modes analysis, MAX for linear buckling analysis
Exercise 3.1: Shell Clamped BEAM model
This exercise runs a modal analysis on a very simple problem where the Eigen
values and eigenvectors are well known and can be found using analytical formulas.
The problem intends to describe all the cards involved in a modal analysis and the
procedure of setup a modal loadstep.
L b
Model Information
Geometry: L =1000, h=10 and b=10 mm
Material Steel:
E = 210000 MPa nu = 0.3
RHO = 7.8e-9 ton/mm3
UNITS: N, mm, ton, s
Problem Setup: You should copy this file: BEAM_SHELL_MODAL.hm

Exercise 3.1: Shell Clamped BEAM model (Results)
L b
EI
f1  0.7482
mL4
EI
f 2  1.8732
mL4
EI
f 3  3.134 2
mL4
Exercise 3.2: Compressor Bracket Modal Analysis
This exercise runs a modal analysis on a compressor system.

To make this system viable the vibration produced by the engine can’t have resonance
with the compressor system.
Suppose that our 4-cycle engine can work up to 8000 RPM, and then the excitations from
the second order (2 explosions per cycle) are up to ~266 Hz.
Then the objective of this project is to have a Bracket with the first frequency higher than
350 Hz.
Model Information
1. Natural frequencies > 350 Hz.
2. Compressor: (Mass = 3 kg and CG =
(-5.2, -14.5, 65.2)
3. Material STEEL:
 = 7.8e-9 T/mm3 [RHO]
5 Bolt link
E = 210000 MPa [E]
n = 0.3 - [nu]
Problem Setup:
You should copy these Files: BRACKET_COMPRESSOR_FEA_2nd.hm;
Exercise 3.2: Compressor Bracket Modal Analysis (Results)
Refine?
Refine?
Chapter 4: Linear Buckling Analysis
Definitions
How to Setup a Linear Buckling Analysis

Exercise 4.1: Wing Linear Buckling Analysis
Chapter 5: Inertia Relief Analysis
Definitions
How to Setup a Static analysis with Inertia Relief
Exercise 5.1: Satellite Inertia Static Load Test
Inertia Relief
Inertia Relief analysis allows the

simulation of unconstrained
structures
• Typical applications are:
• An airplane in flight
• Suspension parts of a car
• Satellite in space
This provides the steady-state

stress and deformed shape in
the structure as if it were freely
accelerating due to the applied
loads
Inertia Relief
A few different ways of requesting for an Inertia Relief analysis

SUBCASE 6 $ Defines subcase number 6
LOAD = 6 $ references all static load cards with ID = 6
SUPORT1 = 8 $ references all SUPORT1 cards with ID = 8

LOAD = 6 $ references all static load cards with SID = 6
…
BEGIN BULK
SUPORT, 10,6, $Grid ID, DOF’s Supported, …

LOAD = 6 $ references all static load cards with ID = 6
…
BEGIN BULK
PARAM,INREL,-2 $Defines inertia relief without a suport point
How to Setup an inertia relief analysis
1 – Prepare the FEM model as it 4 – Define appropriate INREL

was for any other static parameter.
analysis.
5 – Create the static load case
with fictitious supports.
2 – Define fictitious support

(suport or suport1) 6 – Run and post-process the
inertia Relief results.
3 – Define the equivalent static

force.
Displacement and Stress

Exercise 5.1: Satellite Inertia Load Test
This exercise runs an inertia relief load case on a simple Satellite, this is a test
made with aerospace structures that will need to support inertia loads. The
objective of this kind of test is to verify if the structure is strong enough to support
Model Information
these loads without a static failure.
1. Max Rel. disp. < 500 mm.
4 load cases 2. Von Mises < 70 MPa. (Aluminum).
o 2 Gs on Z
o 3 Gs on Y
3. Total Mass = 3.09 ton.
o 3 Gs on X 4. Suport:
o 4.7 Gs SUM
Node 2: Uy = 0
Node 3: Ux, Uy, Uz = 0
Node 4: Ux, Uy, = 0
LOADSTEP: 2 Gz F(n1)= (0,0, 61800)
N 2 Gs
LOADSTEP: 2 Gy F(n1)= (0,0, 92700)
N 3 Gs
LOADSTEP: 2 Gx F(n1)= (0,0, 92700)
N 3 Gs
LOADSTEP: SUM 4.7 G F(n1)= (0,0,
144933.8) N 4.7 Gs
5. Material:
Problem Setup: You should copy this file: Satellite.hm ;

Exercise 5.1: Satellite Inertia Load Test (Results)
Umax < 500 mm
max < 70 MPa


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What are the different analysis types discussed?

What are the different analysis types discussed?

What are the steps involved in finite element analysis?

What are the steps involved in finite element analysis?

Copyright © 2009 Altair Engineering, Inc. Proprietary and Confidential. All rights reserved.

Linear Static Analysis

Linear Buckling Analysis

Frequency Response Analysis

Transient Response Analysis

-Applicable for simple problem like Beam, Trusses etc

-Approximate, Assumption Made

-Time consuming and needs expensive set up

• Design Cycle Time

• Numerical methods -FEM

• Finite Element Method

–Discretization of Integral Form(governing equation)

–Converting Physical infinite problem to Finite Problem

--Make Calculations at limited number of points & then

• Finite Element Procedure

• Finite Element Procedure (Contd…)

• Steps Involved in FEA

Material, Property, Element Type, Meshing CAD Model, Boundary

Results: Deformation, Reaction, Stress, strain etc.

OptiStruct is an industry proven, modern structural analysis solver

OptiStruct Analysis Overview

• Linear and nonlinear static analysis with contact and

• Large displacement analysis with hyperelastic materials

• Noise and Vibrations

• Normal modes analysis for real and complex eigenvalue

• Direct and modal frequency response analysis

• Random response analysis

• Response spectrum analysis

• Direct and modal transient response analysis

• Preloading using nonlinear results for buckling, frequency

OptiStruct Analysis Overview

• Coupled fluid-structure (NVH) analysis

• 1D and 3D bolt pretension

• Heat Transfer Analysis

• Linear and nonlinear steady-state analysis

• Kinematics and Dynamics

• Static, quasi-static, and dynamic analysis

• Optimization of system and flexible bodies

• Topology, topography, and free-size optimization

• Size, shape, and free-shape optimization

Formatted ASCII input file

Binary result files Warnings, errors, run details User requested

General Guide lines

What are the loads and boundary conditions on this system or

Are the loads static or dynamics?

Which is the load path?

What are the design criteria? (Strength based or Stiffness based)

Is it a linear or non-linear problem?

How can I verify the FEA results?

Chapter 2 – Linear Static Analysis

What is a Static Analysis?

Linear Static Analysis Setup

Step 7 – Define the load step.

Step 8 – Define the extra parameters to your analysis. Optional

Step 9 – Run the analysis.