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Questionable frame analysis displacement results

Questionable frame analysis displacement results

Questionable frame analysis displacement results

(OP)
I am using Solidworks to simulate a relatively simple frame. The model consists of beam elements with 3 different cross-sections; the legs are 2” x 1” x 0.095” rectangular tube, the upper and lower rectangular frames consist of 2” x 1.5” x 1/8” angle plug welded to 2” x 1” x 0.095” tube, and the cross members 2” x 1” x 0.095” rect tube with a 1/8” strip plug welded across the top. The load currently being simulated is a distributed 500lbf total vertical down load at each of the cross members, along with gravity. It’s a static study, material is A36 Steel.

I’m trying to go through and carefully verify to a reasonable degree all of the simulation calculations with hand calcs. However, looking at the exaggerated deformed shape, I’m not seeing symmetry despite the load and problem geometry being symmetric. When looking at the frame from the side as shown in the attached pic, the lower part swings out to the left, whereas the upper part swings out to the right. Since the beam profiles oppose each other, the neutral axes of the upper and lower side beams are such that the beams should want to bend away from each other, inducing an axial load in the cross members. Instead, I'm getting a near zero axial stress in those members.

The only real non-symmetry here is the fixturing, all leg nodes are fixed vertically at the floor, with one being fixed in all rotational/horizontal directions as well. Could this result have to do with the fixturing? Or is there something else I’m missing here? Am I right, that this result doesn’t look realistic? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

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