Calculation of deflection by strain energy method using Abaqus software and Analytical Solution

Project Overview

This Abaqus tutorial is designed to help you understand how to calculate the deflection of a structure using the Strain Energy Method and the Abaqus software.

In this example, the deflection of point C is first calculated using the Analytical Solution. Then, the same problem is modeled and analyzed using the Abaqus software, and the results obtained from both methods are compared.

Problem Description

The model consists of two rods, AB and BC, which are connected together at point B.

The length of both rods AB and BC is 200 mm. A downward force of 150 N is applied to point C.

The objective of this problem is to calculate the vertical deflection of point C using the Analytical Solution and the Abaqus software.

Analytical Solution

First, the deflection of point C is calculated using the Analytical Solution based on the Strain Energy Method.

According to the Analytical Solution, the deflection obtained at point C is 11.57 mm.

Abaqus Simulation

Next, the same problem is modeled in the Abaqus software. A downward force of 150 N is applied to point C, and the vertical deflection of this point is obtained from the Abaqus results.

The deflection obtained from the Abaqus software is equal to 11.6 mm.

Comparison of Results

Finally, the deflection of point C obtained from the Abaqus software is compared with the result obtained from the Analytical Solution.

The Analytical Solution gives a deflection of 11.57 mm, while the result obtained from Abaqus is 11.6 mm.

As observed, the results obtained from the Abaqus software are precisely concordant with those obtained from the Analytical Solution.

What You Will Learn

• How to model two connected rods in Abaqus.
• How to apply a concentrated force at point C.
• How to calculate the deflection using the Strain Energy Method.
• How to calculate the deflection using the Analytical Solution.
• How to obtain the deflection of point C from Abaqus.
• How to compare Abaqus results with the Analytical Solution.

Key Features

• Deflection analysis of a two-rod structure.
• Strain Energy Method.
• Analytical Solution.
• Abaqus numerical simulation.
• Two connected rods AB and BC.
• Rod length of 200 mm for each rod.
• 150 N downward force applied at point C.
• Calculation of vertical deflection at point C.
• Comparison between Abaqus and Analytical Solution.
• Free Abaqus tutorial.