OS-E: 0145 Nonlinear Analysis of Rack and Pinion using Restart

This example problem is of a rack and pinion mechanism, and showcases the restart capability available in OptiStruct.

Model Files

Before you begin, copy the file(s) used in this example to your working directory.

rack_pinion_read_increment.fem
rack_pinion_write.fem

Model Description

Nonlinear Quasi-Static (NLSTAT) subcase with Large Displacement (LGDISP) is used here to simulate the interaction between rack and pinion. Contact tracking is based on continuous sliding contact algorithm.

FE Model
Element Types: CHEXA

The linear material properties are:

MAT1
Young’s Modulus: 2.1E5 MPa
Poisson's Ratio: 0.3
Density: 7.85E-9

Results

The deformations are compared (Figure 2).