CREATING CONNECTORS BETWEEN MESHES

CREATING CONNECTORS BETWEEN MESHES

OBJECTIVE:

To create a connector between mesh surfaces.

INTRODUCTION:

Connectors is used to define connections between 2 or more components. It represents FE idealization of physical connections.

Types of connector:

• Seam
• Bolt
• Spot

CONNECTOR CHARACTERISTIC:

1. Terminology: Defines connector method (Seam/Bolt/Spot) and State.
2. Definition: Defines locations and layers of connections.
3. Realization: State of connector.
4. Review: Review the existing connectors.

CONNECTOR STATE:

• Realized: Green. (Connector defined perfectly)
• Unrealized: Yellow. (Connectors yet to defined properly)
• Modified: Blue. (Connectors modified after realized)
• Failed: Red. (Connectors failed to realize)

SUB PANEL EXPLANATION:

Column 1:

• Seam/Spot/Bolt -> Create connection and realized.
• Create-> Create only connections.
• Realize-> Realize existing connections.
• Edit-> Delete or remove connectors.

Column 2:

• Location: Nodes/Node list /Lines are selected for connection locations.
• Connect what: Components/Surfaces to be connected.
• Tolerance: Approx. lengths to find elements to next components.

Column 3:

• Type: Connection type with respect to the method of connections.
• Property: Material properties of connections.

Column 4:

• Procedure to make a connection between mesh/Surface is assigned in this column.

Pic 2:

PROCEDURE:

SEAM CONNECTOR:

• Seam connectors connects two or more components along the line or length of the components.
• Seam Quad (Angled+ Capped+ L): Create angled elements in terms of connections. It produces 2 types of elements 1. Slant elements 2. adjacent side elements. As shown in Pic 3.

Pic 3.

• Classifications:

Weld angle: Angle between node projection and slant elements.

Run-off angle: Angle between adjacent surface elements and slant elements

Cap angle: Angle between Adjacent elements and slant elements.

• Connector creation method:

Mesh Dependent > Adjust mesh > Quad transition > Imprint.

• Hexa (Adhesive): Creates weld connector in as 3D elements (Hexa hedron).

Classifications

Thickness: Thickness is defined by Tolerance. The actual value will be the length between elements to connect.

Width: Width of the Hexa mesh.

Strips: No. of elements along the width.

Coats: No. of elements along with the thickness.

Pic 4:

BOLTS: In terms of mechanical, bolt is a temporary connection between 2 or more components. Connection made by Bolt or screw with or without washer.

• Bolt (General): Simple bolt connections made by this option.

Column 1: Locations and No. of components to be connected are filled.

Column 2: Property and Vector is selected.

Column 3: Mesh dependent > Create hole, if none > Adjust hole > Realize and hole detect.

Pic 5:

SPOT: Spot connectors create weld connections at points. (Spot weld)

• Spot (Rigid): Creates 1D rigid elements.

Column 1: Locations (Nodes), Tolerance (Thickness), Connect what (Components/Surfaces) No. of connections.

Column 2: Type (Rigid), material properties, Diameter of the weld.

Column 3: Connector creation method:

Mesh Dependent > Adjust mesh > Quad transition > Imprint.

Pic 6:

• Spot (Spring): Creates 1D spring elements.

Only parameter changes from spot (rigid) is type. Type will be spring on column 2.

Pic 7:

FINAL IMAGES:

RESULT:

The final mesh created with various connectors like Spot, Seam and Bolt and verified its status.