Problem in creating "distance against s22 plot" of a composite beam using history output 1

[Lucifer12]

Greetings,

I'm doing wave propagation analysis of a beam by applying a harmonic load at one end of the beam whilst holding it fixed against a wall (cantilever beam) with rolling supports applied at surfaces other than loading surface. The image illustrates my project:

In doing so, I'm trying to investigate stress plots along the length of the composite at particular nodes and obtain reaction force for the set named "fix". I have done the following so far:

a) Create three nodal sets at varying heights: starting from the edge of the fibre till the boundary of the matrix. And created a reaction set for the fixed end.
b) Create history output using sets and appropriate variables. In this case I created "reaction force" and "s22 for the nodal sets", for evenly timed intervals of 2000.


However when I look at the History output variables i get loads of variables! It is something like this:

In the figure above I can't even find most of my nodes in the node set created before post-processing.

I have only two steps: initial and pulse load, when I try to plot using history output I seem to only get one plot, would someone mind explaining what this plot actually represents (maybe reaction force as it says)?

My supervisor for this dissertation doesn't seem to like the fact that I can use field output to convey my results and he seems adamant on this matter so I am kind of forced to use history output (at the moment trying to work with element sets). If i were to use field output I would've been done for my results weeks ago! Time is of essence.

 

[FEA way]

How many nodes do these sets include ? You can check it easily by editing, querying, replacing in display group or manually verifying INP file for node set definitione. Remember that the history data object will be generated for each node in the set. Do you need the plots for all nodes or just one for them all ? In case of the latter you should use some averaging or max/min value extraction from the generated nodal results data.

 

[Mustaine3]

Think about using a kinematic coupling or rigid body to fix the nodes at the boundary condition. Then work with the reference node.

 

[Lucifer12]

FEA way, I have solved the problem with element sets instead of nodal sets, and its more convenient that way. However, before I depart are you implying the reaction force in the plot is nonsensical?

 

[FEA way]

No, but if you chose one of these objects displayed in history output window (second picture in your first post) and plotted it then the resulting plot shows the value of reaction force only for one node, not for the whole boundary consisting of many nodes.

 

[Lucifer12]

Thanks FEA for your help I have reduced my complexity with your advice and its more reliable now.