Stress Analysis
Models of membrane structures created in Surface© can be analysed in Strand7 FEA software for forces, stresses and displacements under the action of any number of load cases . The Surface© model is saved as a DXF file and this imports into Strand7 as a realistic 3D representation consisting of a mesh of plate elements complete with guys/cables if present.
In general, all that is needed to complete the structural model is:
1. Assign properties to the membrane and cables (stiffness, density & Poissons Ratio)
2. Type in a thickness for the membrane and a diameter for the cable.
3. Fix the holding down points
4. Apply loads, one of which will be pretension in the cables and/or membrane.
As Surface© structures are generally made from relatively flexible materials, and they will deflect significantly under the applied loads, it is necessary to carry out a non-linear analysis. This is straightforward in Strand7 and in most cases the software will take less than a minute to arrive at a solution. The results can then be displayed as stress, strain, force or displacement contours on the model.
Strand7 includes a comprehensive kit of model building and editing tools and provides a unique combination of versatility, ease of use and value. It is a professional, fully benchmarked structural, dynamic and thermal analysis package and is used across a wide range of applications throughout the world.
www.strand7.com or E-mail info@strand7.co.uk . Contact telephone number:- +44 1480 211011 to find out more.
Here are some screen snaps of a stress analysis performed in Strand7 on a cone imported from Surface:
Before the analysis calculations
After the analysis calculations
Detail of reaction forces around the top ring
