Static Analysis Properties

The Static Analysis block calculates displacements, strains, stresses, and reaction forces using static finite element analysis, for a given FE Model and set of Boundary Conditions. The loads are assumed to be applied slowly until the model reaches a state of equilibrium (static assumption), and the relationship between loads and displacements is assumed to be linear. All inertial and damping forces are neglected. In order to function, the boundary conditions must contain a displacement restraint for at least one node. Otherwise, the model will not be fixed in space, and the analysis cannot reach equilibrium.

Note: Currently, we can only run linear and nontransient static analyses in nTop.

Static Analysis Properties

The key properties specific to the structural analysis block include many scalar fields containing information such as the part’s Von Mises Stress, Displacement, etc. We will not use these properties in this course, but they can be used to drive parameters such as beam thickness, which you can learn in our 320: Data Driven Design course.