How to drive analysis with a load curve?

Meaghan
Meaghan Altair Community Member
edited November 2023 in Community Q&A

I have a linear static simulation where I'd like to apply the same load at multiple angles. Rather than create multiple load steps for each angle, I'd like to set the load such that it's driven by a vector driven by a curve or equation. Ideally the analysis would then be performed at each XYZ vector step in the curve. Is this possible in Hypermesh/Optistruct? Is there a better way to do this than what I'm attempting to do?

For some more context, this is essentially a simplified drop test. The load is the weight of the object and the varying angle is because there are multiple angles at which the object can impact the ground, so I want to change the load vector at the center of gravity to mimic the deceleration of the CG. This is a study on the internal ribbing structure supporting the CG and not on the external failure due to impact with the ground.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Answers

  • Adriano A. Koga
    Adriano A. Koga
    Altair Employee
    edited November 2023

    for linear static you would need to create as multiple loadcases. There's no other way, but it is pretty straightforward as well.

     

    But if really needed to be created in a single loadcase, then you would need to elaborate a transient analysis, maybe, by combining 2 vectors and varying their magnitude over time.

     

    I understand that you're trying to simplify the problem, which is pretty good. But just FYI, OptiStruct has also Explicit analysis now, and you could perform these drop using it.