Connection conditions (Ansys workbench) 1

[Brew88]

Hi, Long time reader, first time poster.

CAD: NX6 & Solidworks 2010
FEA: Ansys Workbench 12

I'm struggling to decide on a course of action regarding the application of connection conditions. I have a 4 part assembly which is shown in the attached picture, in essence i have a double ended female taper sleeve, with connecting male tapers at each end, all held together with a screw. Currently I have negated the screw and have simply applied 'no separation' connections at the the taper interfaces.

The model will be subjected held at one end and a force applied at the other, in effect beam deflection. I would be interested to know if anyone can think of a better way the connect the parts.

 

[flash3780]

It's common practice to neglect modeling screw threads for standard fasteners and connections. The assumption is that these connections are well understood and adequacy can be determined with hand calculations.
Overall, the methodology looks fine - good to see that you're taking advantage of symmetry; I assume that the loading is symmetric as well.
The only other things that I might consider would be to remove the exterior fillets and to remove the hex from the bolt to reduce the problem size a bit. You may consider modeling the mating part at the clevis connection if you're especially concerned with the stress in that location.
Consider your loading, whether it is static or cyclic. If you're dealing with cyclic loading, fatigue is likely a concern. In static loading, stresses in interior fillets generally yield out in steels. In cyclic loading, stresses in interior fillets develop into cracks and break your part.

 

[flash3780]

I forgot to address your question about contact. If the taper is held together with the bolt, I would not use no-separation contact. You'd be artificially constraining your problem. Contact with friction would be the most accurate.