Stiffening Plates

[MatthewM23]

Hey guys,

I am looking to run an ABAQUS simulation which best replicates a future experimental test set up.

Currently, we have square hollow steel beams which are being tested under four point loading to induce pure bending in the center of the beam (the two inner contact points on the top of the beam are fixed, and the two outer contact points move vertically upwards as the displacement is applied to the rig setup).

In the tests that have been run the beam has failed at the outer contacts in the web and we are looking to stiffen this section by attaching plates to thicken the web around the supports.

I am wondering how I would best go about replicating this in ABAQUS? I have currently created separate parts for the stiffening plates that will be attached to the web (probably with rivets). Should I just tie the surface of the stiffening plate to the beam or should i be looking to create rivets in ABAQUS and somehow model the interaction?

I have attached the set up of the beam. Any help with modelling the stiffening plates would be a huge help

Regards,
Matt

 

[Mustaine3]

- the four tools can be defined as rigid, since I assume that you are not interested in their deformation
- think about using symmetry to reduce computational effort
- define contact between the beam and the rigids
- make sure that you don't have any free movement of any part in a static analysis

Work yourself through the Getting Started first to get the basics of Abaqus.

 

[rstupplebeen]

I second using symmetry planes to model only a quarter of the geometry. A tied constraint or merging the solids together may be good starting points depending on your needs.

I hope this helps.

Rob Stupplebeen
OptimalDevice.com/blog
Rob's LinkedIn

 

[MatthewM23]

What would be the best way to define contact? Surface tie?