Rigid Body Dynamic

Setup
Chapter 2

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A. Rigid Dynamic Analysis Prerequisites

Training Manual

ANSYS Structural, Mechanical or Multiphysics license.

Add on license for Rigid Dynamic analysis.

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2007 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

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ANSYS Rigid and Flexible Dynamic

Analysis

As noted earlier to perform rigid dynamic solutions in ANSYS:

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B. Rigid Dynamic Setup

Training Manual

Rigid dynamic models are currently limited to 3D solid bodies.

Multibody parts (DesignModeler) are not supported.
All parts are assumed rigid (no stress/strain).

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2007 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

ANSYS, Inc. Proprietary

ANSYS Rigid and Flexible Dynamic

Analysis

Geometry:

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Rigid Dynamic Setup

Training Manual

April 9, 2007
2007 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

ANSYS, Inc. Proprietary

ANSYS Rigid and Flexible Dynamic

Analysis

Solid geometry (3D) is used to define the model.

Parts are considered rigid so density is the only required material
property.
To begin a rigid dynamic analysis parts must have their stiffness
behavior flagged as rigid.

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Rigid Dynamic Setup

Training Manual

Joint

Mass

ANSYS Rigid and Flexible Dynamic

Analysis

Rigid bodies are automatically simplified in Simulation as shown

here.
The body is represented by mass elements at the centroid.
Joints are represented by their respective coordinate systems.

Mass
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Rigid Dynamic Setup

Training Manual

Since all parts are assumed to be rigid, only density is required as a

material property.
Materials are assigned on a per part basis as with other Simulation
analysis types.

April 9, 2007
2007 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

ANSYS, Inc. Proprietary

ANSYS Rigid and Flexible Dynamic

Analysis

Materials:

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Rigid Dynamic Setup

Training Manual

April 9, 2007
2007 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

ANSYS, Inc. Proprietary

ANSYS Rigid and Flexible Dynamic

Analysis

The analysis map shown at Simulation start up

can be used to pre-configure a rigid dynamic
solution.
In addition an end time can be specified as well.
The analysis tree will be configured for rigid
dynamic analysis.

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C. Rigid Dynamic Connections

Training Manual

April 9, 2007
2007 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

ANSYS, Inc. Proprietary

ANSYS Rigid and Flexible Dynamic

Analysis

Unlike flexible analyses, rigid bodies are related to one another and
to ground using joint and/or spring connections (no contact).
Motions at each joint are defined with respect to a local reference
coordinate system associated with each joint.

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Rigid Dynamic Connections

Training Manual

The auto joint feature can create revolute and/or fixed joints.

April 9, 2007
2007 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

ANSYS, Inc. Proprietary

ANSYS Rigid and Flexible Dynamic

Analysis

Joints can be created manually or automatically (similar to

automatic contact creation).

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D. Rigid Dynamic Solution

Training Manual

No equilibrium iterations.
Generally smaller time step sizes than traditional ANSYS solvers.
Can employ automatic time stepping algorithm (recommended).

ANSYS Rigid and Flexible Dynamic

Analysis

Rigid dynamic solutions employ an explicit time integration solver:

The initial conditions for the analysis can be set using an initial
solve or by using the configure tool (discussed in the next chapter).

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