Fixture Configuration

Analysis > Loads > Fixture Configuration

Description

Fixture configuration is used to perform a one-click quick setup of bending test model setup in SimLab.

The fixtures (Probes and Supports) are shown as virtual bodies. During the export of solver deck, we create cylinders and assign rigid properties to the probe and support fixtures.

Schematic of Fixture configuration

Steps to setup fixture configuration
  1. Specify the fixture configuration type you need to setup.
  2. Define the probe resting surface.
    Note: The normal of the plane must be opposite to the loading direction.
  3. Define the axis about which the entire assembly is going to bend.
  4. Specify the distance between the support fixtures by using the span length.
    • If Span length is not specified, SimLab automatically calculates the maximum distance in the span direction.
  5. Specify the radius of the support and probe cylinders.
  6. Two types of loading can be modelled to simulate bending test.
    • Force
    • Enforced displacement.
  7. Specify the loading time.

Fixture configuration types

To perform bending test, there are two types of configurations that can be setup in SimLab.

Three-point bend fixtures: Configuration of flexural strength testing where a specimen is loaded at a location midway between two support fixtures.

Four-point bend fixtures: Configuration of flexural strength testing where a specimen is symmetrically loaded at two locations that are situated one third or one half of the overall span, away from the outer two support fixtures.

Four-point configuration types
  1. One third of span length

  2. One half of span length