I am working on a linear static analysis involving hinge joints, as shown in the attached image. I have attempted multiple modeling approaches in HyperMesh and OptiStruct, but I am not getting realistic stress results.
Approaches tried:
- RBE3 + CBEAM: I modeled the hinge joint using RBE3 elements for load transfer and CBEAM for the pin. However, the stress results were unreasonably high (around 800 MPa), which does not match the expected behavior.
- CAD Bolt with Tie Contacts: I imported a CAD model of the bolt and used TIE contacts between the bolt and the levers. This setup also did not produce accurate or expected stress distributions.
Objective:
I want to accurately represent the hinge behavior in a linear static analysis using OptiStruct. The goal is to model the rotational degrees of freedom appropriately and achieve a realistic load path and stress distribution in the connected parts (levers and pin/bolt).
Questions:
- What is the recommended way to model hinge joints for linear static analysis in OptiStruct?
- Should I be using 1D, 2D, or 3D elements for the pin/bolt in this case?
- How should the contact interaction be defined between the pin and the levers (e.g., contact vs. tie, or using MPCs)?
- Is there a better alternative to RBE3 or TIE constraints for such assemblies?
Any guidance or best practices for modeling this type of joint in OptiStruct would be greatly appreciated.
