Simulating cam-follower stresses in FEA

[Aled87]

I'm attempting to simulate a cam lobe moving across a flat follower face in FEA to determine contact stresses, whats the best way to go about applying the forces?

I have the tappet fully constrained, do i use a bearing force, or idealised geometry to apply a force??

Some advice would be great, thanks

 

[rstupplebeen]

It really depends on your goal of the simulation. Providing a picture, what code you are using and more details will greatly improve the responses.

My rule of thumb is to apply boundary conditions 1 part away from the ones of interest. So if you are interested in parts A and B model out to C and apply the boundary conditions there.

I hope this helps.

Rob Stupplebeen

https://sites.google.com/site/robertkstupplebeen/