SS-T: 3000 Non-linear Separating Contact and Bolt Pretensioning, Hanger Beam

Perform non-linear separating contact analysis and setup bolt/nut tightening loads.

Prerequisites
Some features used in this tutorial are only available in SimSolid Advanced version. Please switch to Advanced to complete this tutorial.
Purpose
SimSolid performs meshless structural analysis that works on full featured parts and assemblies, is tolerant of geometric imperfections, and runs in seconds to minutes. In this tutorial, you will do the following:
  • Perform assembly analysis
  • Perform non-linear separating contact analysis
  • Use SimSolid bolt tensioning functions
  • Compare SimSolid results with those obtained in traditional FEA.
Model Description
The hanger beam model in this tutorial has 70 parts, 16 bolts/nuts, and 32 washers.
Figure 1.


The following files are needed in this tutorial:
  • Hanger beam.x_t (CAD source file)
  • Hanger Beam.ssp (SimSolid project files with the first load case solved. This is where you start the tutorial.)
  • Hanger Beam SOLVED.ssp (SimSolid project file with all load cases solved. Provided as a reference.)
Important: The introductory steps of this tutorial provide information on how the first analysis was created. If you wish to skip this, go straight to Open Project.