Structural Mechanics Module

New Functionality in Version 4.2a

• New functionality in the Shell interface:

• Using the new offset property it is possible to model shells where the midsurface is offset from the location of the boundary in the COMSOL geometry.

• Prestressed modal and frequency-response analysis

• Voigt notation for orthotropic and anisotropic linear elastic materials.

• Specification of linear elastic materials using Young’s modulus and the shear modulus.

• Principal stress and principal strain quantities are now available as variables that you can use in models.

• The handling of geometric nonlinearities built into the study steps making geometrically nonlinear analyses more efficient and easier to use.

• Better organization of structural mechanics result quantities.

New Models in Version 4.2a

• Vibration of an Impeller: A tutorial model that demonstrates the use of dynamic cyclic symmetry with postprocessing on the full geometry.

• Postbuckling Analysis if a Hinged Cylindrical Shell. This model shows how to trace a postbuckling path where neither the load nor the displacement increases monotonously.

• Polynomial Hyperelastic Model. This model shows to to implement a Mooney-Rivlin constitutive material model using a user-defined strain density energy.

• Sheet Metal Forming. This model shows plastic metal forming using a rigid punch, and the results are compared with experimental data.

Backward Compatibility vs. Version 3.5a

Plane Stress

Version 4 represents the out-of-plane strain as a separate degree of freedom. Plane stress models made with version 3.5a need to be re-solved to correctly display strains and stresses. Displacements are correctly displayed.