pipe constraints

[kennymcmack]

How do I constrain a pipe or other revolved section for FEA? I want to constrain the center axis and apply an internal pressure. Seems like it should be a simple answer. Thanks, Kenny.

 

[karachun]

Use 3-2-1 method.

http://www.digitaleng.news/de/free-floating-fea-models/

 

[Mustaine3]

There is a general method, that allows to constrain a solid body to prevent unlimited movement, but also without limiting it's deformation/expansion.

Take 3 nodes/points in one plane on the body. Make sure you have a coordinate system that is aligned with that plane.
Use the first node to remove all 3 translations with a BC. All movement will now happen around this point. Only the 3 rotations around that node are still unlimited.
Take the second node and constrain two translations and the third node with one translations. It's hard to explain what translations you have to fix, but I think you can see were this is going and what you need to do.


Edit: Ok, the link above explains it.

 

[karachun]

Also for body with three ortogonal planes of symmetry (cube, cylinder, sphere) and symmetrical load you can split body with these sym planes and apply symmetry constraint. The benefit is that you can calculate only 1/8 part of model.