orthotropic bridge deck

[SKJoe]

Hi,

I need examine normal stresses of orthotropic railway bridge deck (i mean thin flange with stiffeners perpendicular to this flange). I am interested in stresses on interface flange - stiffeners as well, so I need know their correct values. But discontinuity of these stresses occur on this interface...
I work in ansys9 and use shell 181 member.

Is there anyone able to help me avoid this discontinuity and obtain correct values ?

p.s. : sorry for my bad english, but I hope it is clear...

 

[Drej]

There will always be a discontinuity at any simply connected interface/flange. You haven't given any details about how all the parts are connected together, so what is there to carry the stress apart from air?


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[SKJoe]

The rectangular flange (thin-walled sheet) is simly supported on its edges. Stiffeners are welded to this flange.
Two opposite edges (edges of stiffeners are included as well)are subjected to uniform pressure - it means load is
applied in mid-plane of shell elements.
There is used initial geometrical imperfection of thin-walled sheet in shape of sinusoidal surface (initial stresses are not considered)