Solidworks Simulation: How do you block a translation in only one direction?

Simulation Generality
1

Hello

I would like to create a link with:

 - the 3 blocked rotations

- 2 free translations

- the third free translation in one direction only.

 

Or in other words: can I block a translation in only one direction?

For example: X+ movement possible but X- movement blocked

Thank you.

2

Hello

Is it possible to have an overview of your geometry and the translation involved?

1 Like
3

Hello

To complete the remark of @Icome please specify whether your simulation is done in static or dynamic.

In statics, the authorized translations are only in one direction and always with respect to a frame of reference, whether for example a face in relation to another face or a "coordinate system".

You will notice to support my point that for the constraints, for example X if you give a millimeter, you are not offered X and -X, but only one of the two.

(it's pear or cheese but not both: even for the €120 menu)

Kind regards

4

Hello

I have a tank placed on the ground  and fixed  in  4 points.

I have great lateral efforts.

I am trying to model the 4 fixing points (bolts) and the support on the ground (so translation in one direction only).

The study is in static only.

Thank you.

 

 

5

You have to put a virtual wall type contact:
Contact Online Help

It allows you to block in one direction but to leave the detachment of your frames free

2 Likes
6

Hello @alebas

If I understand, you have four frames under your feet and you want to know the force on one or two of the four bolts (one bolt is better in my opinion).

So on the two plates that are the least stressed to the tear (downwind plate or opposite the forces) you put connections on between the ground or the virtual wall.  On the other two plates you can then measure the reactive force on your beveling bolts.

Obviously, if you put anchor bolts on all your turntables, you will have results, but they will not give quite the maximum effort on the turntables to the wind because part of the forces is absorbed by the structure which must also be deformed somewhere.

Another simpler way to do it: you put remote loads on each of your plates, which are fixed by anchor bolts on a virtual wall.

Kind regards

 

7

Hello @zozo,

I tried with the virtual wall which apparently corresponds to my request. Indeed, the entire bottom of the tank is in contact with the ground.

I found this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2YZLJ1aDKc

On the other hand, the calculation is very long, I haven't yet reached the end (1 hour).

Thanks for the help.

 

8

It's normal that the calculation is longer because with a virtual wall you manage the contact: so the calculation is done by iteration (if your foot/leg deforms, then your plate will not press on its entire surface but probably only on the inside or outside).

It is also necessary to think about putting lateral constraints to avoid a sliding of the model laterally (this can hinder the convergence of the calculation or give results of aberrant displacements). Attaching a straight line (edge of a sole) to limit these movements can be a good solution

1 Like
9

Good evening

I would like to hear from @froussel (it's also one of the advantages of blocking on an edge ;-)  ) and I add that if the mesh is too fine it has considerable consequences on the delay because there are then millions of elements to process.

It is better to start with a slightly coarser mesh that refines the very constrained areas. On this kind of exercise it does not normally exceed 5 minutes especially for a tank.

Kind regards