Simulating Deformation with a gap

[FeldmanWill]

I'm trying to run a fairly simple simulation and getting nowhere with it.

I'm simulating compression of a cantilever tab until it hits a stop. After that it should go into sliding support against that stop and 2-point supported beam deformation.

I'm probably not using right solver and/or constraint.

Seems like such a simple problem. Infuriating.

 

[FEA way]

Did you define contact ? How does it looks like with the deformation scale factor set to 1 (true scale) ?

 

[FeldmanWill]

It's true scale. Simulation doesn't understand there is another surface.

 

[IceBreakerSours]

You have not told the software to detect the presence of another surface/entity i.e., you need to prescribe contact (constraint; thou shall not pass!) condition between the two entities. Also, you are supposed to perform a nonlinear analysis.

I would recommend taking a step back and running a Hertzian contact analysis. Compare analytical predictions against numerical ones. Finally, find a gray haired mentor, if possible.

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[NRP99]

I do not see any connections inserted under the model tree which is nothing but no contact defined.

Model=>insert connections=>insert contact => frictional or frictionless=>define the cantilever tab as slave(less stiffness part) and stop surface as master (higher stiffness part)