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Distributed mass problem
2

Distributed mass problem

Distributed mass problem

(OP)
Dear All,

I have a model consisting of shell181 and solid 185 elements. The structure is made of laminates, which I have modelled using the section commands. I want to add a distributed mass across the whole structure (to simulate the mass of wiring).

My questions are:

- Is there a way of adding a uniformly distributed mass across a structure? I am aware that shell elements have an added mass per unit area option but solid elements do not as far as I can tell.

- I considered increasing the density of the material (although this is less straightforward in a composite model). To calculate the required density increase I need to know the total volume of the structure. But I can't find anywhere a way of doing this! It seems a very fundamental thing, so there must be a way right? How do you calculate the total volume of a model (a mixture of shells and solids)?

By the way, I am using Ansys Multiphysics (not workbench).
Many thanks for any help,

Will

RE: Distributed mass problem

Hi,
you could overlay shell elements to the "outer surfaces" of the solid elements.
As for the volume, see *VSUM command. In case of shells, the volume is trivially the area multiplied by the defined thickness.

Regards

RE: Distributed mass problem

Use SURF154 elements.  You can add mass per unit area...or you can assign them density and thickness.  Make sure you specify real constants and material properties correctly!

RE: Distributed mass problem

(OP)
Thanks guys, both very helpful replies! I have now fixed the problem.

Cheers,
Will

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