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How to include anisotropy in the solid mechanics module

Topics: Structural Mechanics, 4.3a

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John R Puentes

John R Puentes

January 10, 2013 5:04pm UTC

How to include anisotropy in the solid mechanics module

I am working on a model, simulating an anisotropic material that shrinks and warps due to changes in temperature. I wonder how can I include an initial temperature (thermal strain) in the structural mechanics module? Do I need to use the structure-heat transfer coupling? Is there any way that I can add a constant temperature as the load in the structural mechanics module?


Thanks

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Nagi Elabbasi

Nagi Elabbasi
Certified Consultant
Veryst Engineering

January 10, 2013 8:57pm UTC in response to John R Puentes

Re: How to include anisotropy in the solid mechanics module

Hi John,

If the temperature is constant it is simpler to not use the heat transfer physics. You can account for the thermal strains using the “Thermal Expansion” sub-node under elastic materials or using the “Initial Stress and Strain” sub-node and manually setting initial strain equal to CTE*(T-T_Ref).

Nagi Elabbasi
Veryst Engineering

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John R Puentes

John R Puentes

January 14, 2013 3:04pm UTC in response to Nagi Elabbasi

Re: How to include anisotropy in the solid mechanics module

Thanks Nagi,

I have one more question regarding anisotropy, how does COMSOL treat the local and global coordinates in anisotropic models? In anisotropic models is important to be able to impose different local coordinates depending on the orientation of the fibers. Does COMSOL have options for local coordinates in curves and irregular shapes? Where can I find more information about the use of local and global coordinates in anisotropic models?


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Nagi Elabbasi

Nagi Elabbasi
Certified Consultant
Veryst Engineering

January 14, 2013 3:29pm UTC in response to John R Puentes

Re: How to include anisotropy in the solid mechanics module

For curved geometries you can setup a Base Vector System in the Definitions node and refer to it in the Coordinate System Selection of the material model you are using. The manuals contain some examples.

Nagi Elabbasi
Veryst Engineering

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