Using different symmetry in different load step

[jiligeo]

Hi, I am doing a static structural analyse in Ansys classic v. 11. The Analyse is nonlinear because of nonlinear material and contact elements.
My model is geometrically symmetry in x and y directions.
The loads in first and second load steps are also symmetry in x and y directions but the loads in third load step are only symmetry in y direction.
Is it possible to analyse the first and second load steps according to symmetry in both directions (to analyse the 1/4 model) and then analyse the third load step according to symmetry only in y direction ( to analyse the half of the model)?

Regards
Jalil

 

[omidomidi]

yes it is.do your analysis in the first two loadsteps.after that restart your solution that is by using "restart" in the solution control menu.delete the extra symmetry.keep on your analysis

 

[jiligeo]

Thank you Omid for your reply.
The first two steps calculate the initial stresses (self weight of the model) and the third step’s results depend on them. I have also contact elements.
I want to analyse the first and second load steps with 1/4 of the model and then reflect the geometry to create the symmetry part before to start the third load step. Of course I have to change the B.C. for third load step too.
Is it possible to do that? Thank you very much in advance for your help.

Regards
Jalil