Hello,

I have attached a picture to show the overall setup I am trying to model in ALGOR. I am not very familiar on modeling with gap or rigid elements. I am trying to use 2d elements to model a 3d model because I believe this should be easier than trying to import 3d cad models configure them and try to make contact points between all the parts.

What my real model is are two sheets (1 upper & 1 upper) that are both connected to four bars that frame around between the two sheets. The upper sheet will be loaded with pressure and therefore supported by the bars and reacted at the four corners where they would be restrained. The bottom should help out some and would expect it to take some loading and so what I want to do is use rigid, gap, or spring elements to connect the upper and lower sheets.

What I have successfully done is to model a sheet (plate elements) with the bars framing it (beam elements) fixed at the corners. This was pretty easy, but now I would like to see how much impact the bottom sheet has.

Well, any suggestion or different ways to approach this challenge will be appreciated.

IPO