How to simulate a rope?

[sylwcios]

Hi Guys,
Can you tell me how to simulate a behaviour of a rope in Femap?
Rope is in red on the attached picture.
Which elements shall I use to mesh it?

Thanks

 

[rob768]

I'd suggest rod elements, but you need to check if there will be no compression in the elements because obviously a rope can't take compression. if there is compression, remove the elements from the model. I have no idea about the properties though.

 

[rb1957]

a rod is ok, if you check the results to ensure no compression. you can use CBUSH to control stiffness or maybe a GAP element; but you might have trouble with the model if it needs to put compression into the rope and it can`t then it`ll "freek". rods and checking are probably the best way to go. You might need to consider preloading the rope.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[jbrackin]

Another trick that can work is to use rod element and then define a nonlinear elastic material with the compression side of the curve "very low modulus". This requires a nonlinear solution.