Contact stresses localized to single nodes for cylindrical contact

Autodesk Support

Oct 8, 2023

Products and versions covered

Issue:

Only a couple of nodes are showing excessive stresses while other nodes are not taking any of the load when you have coplanar curved surfaces in contact.

Causes:

Mesh creates a multifacted face instead of a smooth face.  As an example, image a pin in a hold with an exact fit. Nodes on the face of the pin and the hole are on the same circular line.  However if you draw the mesh lines from one node to the other, it will cut into the pin, creating an interference fit with the pin.

User-added image

Solution:

Create a matched mesh or create a small gap between the pin and hole can reduce the initial high stress.  However there will always be nodes that will take up more stress than others.  This is a limitation of FEA.

Products:

Simulation Mechanical; Nastran; Inventor Nastran;

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