Simulating closer of gap bertween stud and track

[Tinni1]

Hello,

I am performing a numerical simulation of the compression test of the cold-formed steel stud and track assembly.

In a practical scenario, there is a small gap between the stud and track, due to the rounded corner. I have measured this gap and modeled the gap in my numerical model.

Now I want to simulate the true behavior.

During testing, I noticed that due to applying the compressive load, first the gap between the stud and track is closed. During this period, the stiffness of the load Vs axial shortening curve is very low, which is obvious because of the gap. After the gap is closed, the stud comes into contact with the track flange. Then the stiffness of the load Vs axial shortening curve increases.

In my numerical model, I am applying a displacement-controlled loading (As in testing), however, I have noticed that the gap between the stud and track is not being closed. Therefore, I believe, that I am not being able to simulate the actual scenario.

The picture of my numerical model(with a gap) is provided below:
[URL unfurl="true"]https://res.cloudinary.com/engineering-com/raw/upload/v1663411520/tips/gap_closer_rveuve.docx[/url]

I have tried to use the position constraint option in Abaqus. But in this case, at the top my movable object is the track surface, the fixed abject is the stud edge; at the bottom- my movable object is the stud edge And the fixed abject is the track surface. In Abaqus, there is no such position constraint as face to edge or edge to face.

Could you please advise, how I could simulate this gap-closing behavior?

Many thanks!

 

[FEA way]

Position constraints in the Assembly module won’t affect the behavior of the numerical model. They are only used to ensure the proper positioning of parts even after updating the geometry. To close the gap you have to set contact and push one part towards the other. Just make sure that nothing is blocking the parts from moving into their desired positions (keep in mind that contact accounts for the shell thickness).

 

[Tinni1]

Thank you!, I will attempt this way.