Checking if there contact and when

[flyforever85]

I was asked to do a unique (for me) analysis: I have two hollow shaft, coaxial and the outer shaft sits on a flange of the inner shaft. The to shafts should be always in contact during the application of different loads. I know how to simulate a contact but how can I see if for particular conditions the the components do not touch anymore?

Thanks

 

[FEA way]

There are output variables that show the state of contact. Obvious one is CPRESS (contact pressure) but there’s also a special variable for this purpose - contact status (CSTATUS). It shows where contact is closed and open. And another one showing contact opening (COPEN). It is part of the CDISP variable.

 

[flyforever85]

Thank you FEA way. Regarding the contact itself do I have to still modelling it like any other contact? Tangential and normal behavior, etc

 

[FEA way]

First you need to define Interaction Property for contact. In case of mechanical interaction it's normal and tangential behavior, as you said. Then you create contact interaction with this property and apply it to master and slave surfaces. Or you can use general contact algorithm which will be applied to appropriate regions automatically.