Simulating a simply supported type of contact

[dr2234]

Hi,I am trying to simulate a pipe resting on three supports - the reason i am doing this is that the region directly in contact with the support has thinned, so i need to determine the stresses in the thinned section of pipe.

The pipe is simply resting on the supports and is free to move axially (to allow for expansion). This means that i dont want a bonded contact.I have tried using frictional contact, but this creates a non-linear analysis which wont converge when i apply a force.

The analysis runs when i apply a displacement but this isnt simulating what i need.Does anyone know of a way of simulating this sort of simple support i.e. purely not allowing the pipe to pass through the support!!

I am using ANSYS solver.Thanks in advance. KLT

 

[corus]

If it's not symmetric axially then you have to prevent motion in that direction so somewhere has to be restrained and the pipe can move relative to that position. Apply vertical restraints at the supports and use symmetry to define half a pipe. A problem arises if you have relatively wide supports and you need to define exactly where it is supported. Assuming it rests on the mid point of the support can lead to wrong results. In that case you'd need to use contact.

Tata