Output Vector
Output Vector
(OP)
Hello,
I try to get a better understanding of the meaning of the output vector for stresses in femap, and I'm a bit confused now!!
With femap, we can get for a plate element, X normal, Y normal and XY shear stress. So I believe these are the components of the stress tensor.
But X and Y are relative to each element right? (X direction is from 1st to 2nd node).
So what I don't understand is when femap gives X normal stress, what is X? is it the global CS?
Also if the stresses are averaged from adjacent nodes, but the stresses are from elements which have different orientation; how accurate this is?
I have probably missed a point because I now don't know how to interpret the output from femap!
Thanks for your help!!
I try to get a better understanding of the meaning of the output vector for stresses in femap, and I'm a bit confused now!!
With femap, we can get for a plate element, X normal, Y normal and XY shear stress. So I believe these are the components of the stress tensor.
But X and Y are relative to each element right? (X direction is from 1st to 2nd node).
So what I don't understand is when femap gives X normal stress, what is X? is it the global CS?
Also if the stresses are averaged from adjacent nodes, but the stresses are from elements which have different orientation; how accurate this is?
I have probably missed a point because I now don't know how to interpret the output from femap!
Thanks for your help!!





RE: Output Vector
another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?
RE: Output Vector
Also, when the average of the stresses computed from surrounding nodes is done, it seems that regarding the element orientation, the values picked up would not be the same.
So I 'm a bit puzzled about the consistency of the results now
Thanks for your help!!
RE: Output Vector
First, you can set the element orientation using Modify-Update Elements-Material Orientation
Second, you can check the orientation with View-Options-Labels....-Element Material Direction
There is several parameters to "play" with and like rb1957 said, you need to understand your model. To simply accept the defaults can result in strange things.
Thomas
RE: Output Vector
Is it the same for the principal stresses? I guess in that case the orientation of the vector is given by the angle giving no shear.
Finally, at a given element, let's say a distorted quad (not a perfect rectangular as in books). we have sigmaX, that gives traction. so if we want the normal force, how is calculated, what is the cross section taken as is varies along the element?
Thanks for your help!