COMSOL 4.3b - Introduction To Structural Mechanics Module

Introduction to
Structural Mechanics Module
VERSION 4.4
Introduction to the Structural Mechanics Module

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Version:
November 2013
COMSOL 4.4
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Part number. CM021105
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces. . . . . . . . . . 5

The Physics List by Space Dimension and Study Type . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Model Libraries Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Model Examples in this Guide and the Model Library . . . . . . . . . . 12
The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Parametric Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Modeling Techniques for Structural Mechanics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Including Initial Strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Modeling Thermal Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
|i
ii |
Introduction
The Structural Mechanics Module is tailor-made for modeling and simulating
applications and designs in the fields of structural and solid mechanics. Engineers
and scientists use it to design new structures and devices, and to study the
performance of existing structures.
This module can model static and dynamic analyses in 2D, 2D axisymmetric, and
3D coordinate systems for solids, shells (3D), plates (2D), trusses (2D, 3D),
membranes (2D axisymmetry, 3D), and beams (2D, 3D). The material models
include linear descriptions, such as linear elastic and viscoelastic material models.
Other capabilities are for thermal stress, geometric nonlinearities (large
deformations), and structural contact.
Figure 1: Von Mises stresses caused by thermal expansion in a turbine stator model. From the Heat
Transfer Module Model Library: Thermal Stress Analysis of a Turbine Stator Blade (turbine_stator). This
model uses both the Structural Mechanics and Heat Transfer Modules.
The Structural Mechanics physics interfaces are the backbone of the module.
These have predefined formulations for the capabilities described above. This
guide gives an overview of these interfaces as well as examples of the modeling
procedures used in them.
The Applications
Simulations in structural mechanics are used in a wide range of applicationsfrom
the microscale of MEMS components to the geomechanics scale of civil
Introduction
|1
engineering. These types of simulations are also frequently used to study the
behavior of existing structures, from microscopic biostructures to glaciers.
Structural mechanics was the first engineering field to use the concept of finite
elements as a standard tool. Over time, these verifiable and validated formulations
have been developed and are applicable to a wide range of materials. Simulations
can often replace experimental measurements. For example, finite element
simulations are used extensively in safety-critical applications within the aerospace
and nuclear industries.
A traditional use of structural analysis tools is depicted below. The device being
studied is a pipe with a bolted flange, and the purpose of the study is two-fold: to
estimate the stress in the pipe and to evaluate the performance of the bolted joint.
Figure 2 shows the deformation (exaggerated) and the von Mises stresses in the
pipe.
Figure 2: The deformation (exaggerated) and the von Mises stresses in the pipe. From the Structural
Mechanics Module Model Library: Prestressed Bolts in a Tube Connection (tube_connection). This model
also requires the CAD Import Module.
A less traditional application of mechanical design for a MEMS device is shown in

Figure 3. The microactuator is subjected to controlled thermal expansion by the
application of a current through parts of the structure, which induces Joule
heating. The thermal expansion then causes the actuator to deflect and the
simulation predicts the deflection as a function of the operating conditions. The
2 | Introduction
simulation also reveals the limitations of the design, because the device will not
work properly if the legs of the actuator make contact along the free faces.
Figure 3: The total displacement in a MEMS device. From the MEMS Module Model Library: Thermal
Actuator (thermal_actuator_tem).
Structural analysis is also important outside of traditional structural engineering,

for example in the field of bioscience. Figure 4 shows the results of a simulation of
part of the vascular system in a young child. The purpose of the simulation is to
study what happens when surgery is performed on a child with a malformed aorta.
The aorta and its ramified blood vessels are embedded in biological tissue.
Pressure from the moving fluid is applied as a face load in the structural analysis.
The Structural Mechanics Module includes the Fluid-Structure Interaction
interface, which is a predefined multiphysics interface dedicated to these types of
studies.
Introduction
|3
Figure 4: Displacements in the blood vessel. From the Structural Mechanics Module Model Library:
Fluid-Structure Interaction in a Network of Blood Vessels (blood_vessel).
4 | Introduction
The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces

The figure below shows the physics interfaces that are in the COMSOL Model
Wizard and included with the Structural Mechanics Module. In addition to the
structural mechanics capabilities, the module also has substantial multiphysics
capabilities, including AC/DC, acoustics, CFD, heat transfer, fluid-structural
interactions, Joule heating, and piezoelectricity.
Figure 5: The 3D model physics list available with the Structural Mechanics Module. The Beam Cross
Section and Plate interfaces are not shown, but are available in 2D. In addition, the Multibody Dynamics
and Fatigue interfaces are also included in the list but require additional licenses.
A short description of the Structural Mechanics physics interfaces follow.
S OLID
MECHANICS
The Solid Mechanics interface ( ) defines the quantities and features for stress
analysis and general linear and nonlinear solid mechanics. The Linear Elastic
Material node is the default material model. The elastic material model can be
expanded with features for thermal expansion, viscoelasticity, damping, and initial
stress and strain. The description of elastic materials in the module includes
isotropic, orthotropic, and fully anisotropic materials. A number of preset study
types are available for solid mechanics (shown below). Also see The Physics List
|5
by Space Dimension and Study Type on page 8.
Geomechanics, Nonlinear Structural Materials, Multibody Dynamics and

Fatigue
There are four additional modules available to enhance the Solid Mechanics
interfacethe Geomechanics Module, the Nonlinear Structural Materials
Module, the Multibody Dynamics Module, and the Fatigue Module.
With the addition of the Geomechanics Module, you can add Soil Plasticity,
Concrete, and Rocks features to the physics interface.

With the Nonlinear Structural Materials Module, hyperelasticity, plasticity,
creep, and viscoplasticity can be modeled.

The Multibody Dynamics Module makes it possible to study rigid and
flexible bodies connected by different types of mechanical joints.

Using the Fatigue Module, you can augment your stress analysis with low or
high cycle fatigue evaluation.

The exact contents of the menus and windows shown in this document may vary
depending on the license or licenses you have. All illustrations assume the presence
of these additional modules, even though the examples given only require the
Structural Mechanics Module.
S HELLS
AND
P LATES
The Shell interface ( ) is intended for the structural analysis of thin-walled

structures. The formulation used in the Shell interface is a Mindlin-Reissner type,
which means that transverse shear deformations are accounted for, and it can
therefore be used for rather thick shells as well as thin ones. It is possible to
prescribe an offset in a direction normal to a selected surface. The Shell interface
also includes other features such as damping, thermal expansion, and initial
stresses and strains. The preset studies available are the same as for the Solid
Mechanics interface.
6 | The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces
The Plate interface ( ) is a 2D analogy to the 3D Shell interface. Plates are

similar to shells, but act in a single plane and usually act only with out-of-plane
loads. The formulation and features for this physics interface are similar to those
for the Shell interface.
B EAMS
The Beam interface ( ) is intended for the modeling of slender structures
(beams) that can be fully described by their cross-section properties, such as area
and moment of inertia. The Beam interface defines stresses and strains using
Hermitian elements and Euler-Bernoulli or Timoshenko theory. Beam elements
are used to model both planar and three-dimensional frame structures. This
interface is also suitable for modeling reinforcements of solid and shell structures.
It includes a library for rectangular, box, circular, pipe, H-profile, U-profile, and
T-profile beam sections. Additional features include damping, thermal expansion,
and initial stresses and strains. The preset studies for this physics interface are
almost identical to those for the Solid Mechanics interface, with two exceptions
the Linear Buckling and Prestressed study types are not included.
A separate 2D physics interface called the Beam Cross Sections interface ( ) can
be used to evaluate properties for general cross sections, to use as inputs in beam
analysis.
TRUSSES
The Truss interface ( ) may be used to model slender structures that can only
sustain axial forces. Trusses are modeled using Lagrange shape functions, which
allow the specification of small strains as well as Green-Lagrange strains for large
deformations. Examples of truss structures are truss works with straight edges and
cables exposed to gravity forces (sagging cables). Additional features include
damping, thermal expansion, and initial stresses and strains. The preset studies for
this physics interface are the same as for the Solid Mechanics interface.
M EMBRANES
The Membrane interface ( ) is used for membranes, which can be modeled as
plane stress elements in 3D and can deform in both in-plane and out-of-plane
directions. The difference between a shell and a membrane is that a membrane
does not have any bending stiffness. Thin films and fabric are structures suited for
modeling with the Membrane interface. The preset studies for this physics
interface are almost the same as for the Solid Mechanics interface, with one
exceptionthey do not include the Linear Buckling study type.
|7
O THER S TRUCTURAL M ECHANICS I NTERFACES

The Thermal Stress multiphysics interface ( ) combines the Solid Mechanics
interface with the Heat Transfer in Solids interface. The temperature field is
automatically coupled to a structures (material) expansion.
The Joule Heating and Thermal Expansion multiphysics interface ( ) combines
three physics interfaces: Joule Heating, Heat Transfer in Solids, and Solid
Mechanics. It describes the conduction of electric current in a structure, the
subsequent electric heating caused by the ohmic losses, and the thermal stresses
induced by the temperature field.
The Piezoelectric Devices interface ( ) combines the Solid Mechanics and
Electrostatics interfaces to model piezoelectric materials. The piezoelectric
coupling can be in stress-charge or strain-charge form. All solid mechanics and
electrostatics functionalities are also accessible through this physics interface, for
example, for modeling the surrounding linear elastic solids or air domains.
F LUID F LOW
The Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) multiphysics interface ( ), found under
the Fluid Flow branch in the Model Wizard, combines fluid flow with solid
mechanics to capture the interactions between fluids and solid structures. A Solid
Mechanics interface and a Single Phase Flow interface model the solid and the
fluid, respectively. The flow can be either laminar or turbulent (turbulent flow
requires the CFD Module). The FSI couplings appear on the boundaries between
the fluid and the solid. The FSI interface uses an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian
(ALE) method; it combines the fluid flow formulated by an Eulerian description
and a spatial frame with solid mechanics formulated by a Lagrangian description
and a material (reference) frame.
The Physics List by Space Dimension and Study Type

The table below lists the physics interfaces available specifically with this module
in addition to those included in the basic COMSOL Multiphysics license.
INTERFACE
ICON
TAG
SPACE DIMENSION
PRESET STUDY TYPE
fsi
3D, 2D, 2D
axisymmetric
stationary; time dependent
Fluid Flow
Fluid-Structure
Interaction
INTERFACE
ICON
TAG
SPACE DIMENSION
PRESET STUDY TYPE
Solid Mechanics*
solid
3D, 2D, 2D
axisymmetric
stationary; eigenfrequency;
prestressed analysis,
eigenfrequency; time dependent;
time dependent modal; frequency
domain; frequency-domain modal;
modal reduced order model;
prestressed analysis, frequency
domain; linear buckling
Thermal Stress**
3D, 2D, 2D
axisymmetric
Shell
shell
3D
Plate
plate
2D
Beam
beam
3D, 2D
frequency domain;
frequency-domain modal; modal
reduced order model; time
dependent; time dependent
modal
Beam Cross Section
bcs
2D
stationary
Structural Mechanics
|9
INTERFACE
TAG
SPACE DIMENSION
PRESET STUDY TYPE
Truss
ICON
truss
3D, 2D
Membrane
mem
3D, 2D, 2D
axisymmetric
domain
Joule Heating and

Thermal Expansion**
3D, 2D, 2D
axisymmetric
Piezoelectric Devices
pzd
3D, 2D, 2D
axisymmetric
stationary; eigenfrequency; time

dependent; time-dependent
modal; frequency domain;
frequency domain modal; modal
reduced order model
* This is an enhanced interface, which is included with the base COMSOL package but has
added functionality for this module.
** This interface is a predefined multiphysics coupling that automatically adds all the physics
interfaces and coupling features required.
The Model Libraries Window

To open a Structural Mechanics Module model library model, click Blank Model
in the New screen. Then on the Home or Main toolbar click Model Libraries
.
In the Model Libraries window that opens, expand the Structural Mechanics
Module folder and browse or search the contents.
Click Open Model
to open the model in COMSOL Multiphysics or click
Open PDF Document
to read background about the model including the
step-by-step instructions to build it. The MPH-files in the COMSOL model
library can have two formatsFull MPH-files or Compact MPH-files.
Full MPH-files, including all meshes and solutions. In the Model Libraries
window these models appear with the

icon. If the MPH-files size
exceeds 25MB, a tip with the text Large file and the file size appears when
you position the cursor at the models node in the Model Libraries tree.
Compact MPH-files with all settings for the model but without built meshes
and solution data to save space on the DVD (a few MPH-files have no
solutions for other reasons). You can open these models to study the settings
and to mesh and re-solve the models. It is also possible to download the full
versionswith meshes and solutionsof most of these models when you
update your model library. These models appear in the Model Libraries
window with the
icon. If you position the cursor at a compact model in
the Model Libraries window, a No solutions stored message appears. If a full
MPH-file is available for download, the corresponding nodes context menu
includes a Download Full Model item ( ).
To check all available Model Libraries updates, select Update COMSOL Model
Library ( ) from the File>Help menu (Windows users) or from the Help menu
(Mac and Linux users).
The Model Libraries Window
| 11
Model Examples in this Guide and the Model Library

In this introduction guide, you use several versions of the bracket model to set up
a static analysis, perform a parametric study for analyzing a varying load, include
initial strains, and model thermal expansion.
In the Structural Mechanics Module model library there are several more detailed
examples that use the bracket model to extend this tutorial. These models show
how to:
Model with special features such as rigid connectors and spring conditions
(bracket_rigid_connector, bracket_spring)
Model thin structures using the Shell interface (bracket_shell)
Perform structural dynamics analysis using eigenfrequency extraction,
transient analysis, and frequency response analysis (bracket_eigenfrequency,

bracket_transient, bracket_frequency)
Perform a linearized buckling analysis (bracket_linear_buckling)
Perform a contact analysis (bracket_contact)
Use nonlinear materials (bracket_plastic; requires the Nonlinear Structural
Materials Module)
12 | The Model Libraries Window
The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis

This section summarizes the fundamentals for modeling structural mechanics
problems and applying them in COMSOL Multiphysics and the Structural
Mechanics Module. It includes instructions for creating a geometry, as well as
defining material properties and boundary constraints and conditions. After the
solution is computed, you will learn how to display and analyze the results.
The model used in this guide is an assembly of a bracket and its mounting bolts,
which are all made of steel. This type of bracket can be used to install an actuator
that is mounted on a pin placed between the two holes in the bracket arms. The
geometry is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6: The geometry for the bracket assembly. The bracket is gray and the bolts are blue.
In this analysis, the mounting bolts are assumed to be fixed and securely bonded
to the bracket. To model the external load from the pin, specify a surface load p
with a sinusoidal distribution on the inner surfaces of the two holes:
p = P0 sin 0
0 0
where P0 is the peak load intensity. The main direction of the load is defined by
0 , the angle from the negative y-axis. The direction of the load is given in a local
coordinate system controlled by a parameter theta0. The type of load
distribution is shown in Figure 7:
| 13
Figure 7: The load distribution on the bracket.
In the first study, the load will be pointing along the negative y-axis, but the more
general definition will be useful later.
M o d e l W i z a rd
The first step to build a model is to open COMSOL and then specify the type of
analysis you want to doin this case, a stationary, solid mechanics analysis.
Note: These instructions are for Windows users, but apply with minor differences
to Linux and Mac.
1 To start the software, double-click the COMSOL icon on the desktop. When
the software opens, you can choose to use the Model Wizard to create a new
COMSOL model or Blank Model to create one manually. For this tutorial, click
the Model Wizard button.
If COMSOL is already open, you can start the Model Wizard by selecting
New
from the File menu and then click Model Wizard
.
The Model Wizard guides you through the first steps of setting up a model. The
next window lets you select the dimension of the modeling space.
2 In the Space Dimension window click 3D
14 | The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis
3 In the Select Physics tree under Structural Mechanics, select Solid Mechanics
(solid)
.
4 Click Add, then click Study
5 In the Select Study window under Preset Studies, select Preset

Studies>Stationary
.
6 Click Done
G lo ba l D e f init io ns - Pa r a m et er s
It is good modeling practice to gather the constants and parameters in one place
so that you can change and vary them easily. In this model, the parameter set
includes theta0, the angle at which the maximum pressure from the pin is applied
to the holesthis is a parameter you may want to vary later on. In general, these
constants and parameters are valid throughout the model, and are therefore
denoted as global parameters.
The following parameters will be defined: the load orientation angle theta0, the
maximum load value P0, and the y- and z-coordinate of the center of the bracket
holes, y0 and z0.
1 On the Home toolbar click Parameters
Note: On Linux and Mac, the Home toolbar refers to the specific set of controls
near the top of the Desktop.
2 In the Parameters settings window under the Parameters section, enter theta0
in the Name column and 180[deg] in the Expression column.
3 Fill in the Parameters table with the other parameters and expressions as
displayed in the figure below.
| 15
I m p o r t i n g th e G e o me t r y
The next step is to create your geometry, which also can be imported from an
external program. COMSOL Multiphysics supports a multitude of CAD
programs and file formats. In this example, import a file in the COMSOL
Multiphysics geometry file format (.mphbin). The file contains the assembly of
both the bracket and mounting bolts.
Note: The location of the files used in this exercise varies based on your
installation. For example, if the installation is on your hard drive, the file path
might be similar to C:\Program Files\COMSOL44\models\.
1 On the Geometry toolbar click Import
2 In the Import settings window under Import, click Browse. Then browse to the
folder Structural_Mechanics_Module\Tutorial_Models under the COMSOL
installation directory and double-click the file bracket.mphbin.
3 Click Import.
Form Union (fin)

1 In the Model Builder right-click Form Union (fin)
Selected
.
and choose Build
The Finalize feature node determines how the parts of the assembly will be
considered in the analysis. By using the default setting, Form a union, the
mounting bolts are automatically bonded to the bracket and the internal boundary
assumes continuity. If Form an assembly were selected instead, the mounting bolts
would not be connected to the bracket, and the structural contact between the
bolts and the bracket could be modeled. This first example assumes that the
mounting bolt is bonded to the bracket.
Definitions - Selections
Regardless of whether the model is treated as a single entity or as an assembly, you
still may need to access different parts of it for definitions, such as multiple
specifications of similar boundary conditions or solid domain specifications. The
use of arbitrary box selections is one way to do this. In this example, one selection
contains the bolt domains, while a second selection contains the area around the
load-bearing boundaries of the holes. The box selection is independent of the
geometry, and allows you to change the geometry topology while still keeping the
desired selection.
1 On the Definitions toolbar click Box
2 In the Box settings window under Box Limits,

enter:
- 0 for x minimum, y minimum, and z minimum
- 0.2 as x maximum
- 0.1 as y maximum
- 0.11 as z maximum
3 Under Output Entities in the Include entity if

list, select Entity inside box.
| 17
4 Click the Wireframe Rendering button

the selection as in the figure:
5 Add a second Box

in step 1.
on the Graphics toolbar to display
selection, as described
6 In the Box settings window, select Boundary

from the Geometric entity level list.
7 Under Box Limits, set the values as in the
figure to the right and below. In the:
- x minimum field enter -0.01
- x maximum field enter 0.22
- y minimum field enter -0.23
- y maximum field enter -0.17
- z minimum field enter -0.02
- z maximum field enter 0.08
8 Under Output Entities, in the Include entity

if list, select Entity inside box.
View the selection in the Graphics window. It should match this figure.
D e f i n i t i o n s - Va r i a bl e s a n d C o o rd i n a t e S y s t e m s
In this section you define variables and add a local coordinate system.
Variables
Here, you want to define expressions for the load applied to the load-carrying
holes. This is done by first evaluating the radial angle based on the position along
the global z-coordinate. Using a sinusoidal function, the second expression is then
defined by the pressure distribution.
1 On the Definitions toolbar click Local Variables
2 In the Variables settings window, enter angle in the Name column and
atan2((y-y0),(z-z0)) in the Expression column.
| 19
3 Add a second variable loadIntensity with the expression

P0*sin(angle-theta0)*(sin(angle-theta0)>0).
The last part of the expression is a condition that ensures that the load is applied
to only one half of the hole.
Coordinate Systems
Create a rotated coordinate system, which defines the orientation of the load
applied to the bracket holes.
1 On the Definitions toolbar click Coordinate systems
System
.
and choose Rotated
2 In the Rotated System settings window under Settings, enter -theta0 as the
value for beta.
Mate rials
COMSOL Multiphysics is equipped with built-in material properties for a number
of common materials. Here, choose structural steel as the material for both the
bracket and the bolts. The material is automatically assigned to all domains.
1 On the Home toolbar click Add Material
| 21
2 In the Material Browser under Built-In,

right-click Structural steel and select Add
to Component 1.
3 On the Home toolbar click Add
Material
again to close the window.
Solid Mechanics
Now define the physics for the bracket assembly. Initially, the analysis was
specified to be stationary using the classical equations associated with solid
mechanics. In this step, you are more specific concerning the different modeling
domains.
By default, the Solid Mechanics interface assumes that the participating material
models are linear elastic, which is appropriate for this example. All that is left to do
is set the constraints and loads acting on the structure, making use of the box
selections defined previously (see Definitions - Selections on page 17).
Fixed Constraint
Assume that the bolts are rigid and that the displacements are perfectly
constrained.
1 On the Physics toolbar click Domains
and choose Fixed Constraint.
2 In the Fixed Constraint settings window under Domain Selection, select Box 1
from the Selection list.
| 23
Boundary Load
Apply a boundary load to the bracket
holes.
1 On the Physics toolbar, click
Boundaries
and choose Boundary
Load
.
2 In the Boundary Load settings window
under Boundary selection, select Box 2
Use the rotated coordinate system to
change the load orientation by a value of
theta0.
3 Under Coordinate System Selection,
select Rotated System 2.
4 Under Force, enter loadIntensity
for the x2 component.
DISPLAYING PHYSICS SYMBOLS ON THE GRAPHICS WINDOW
The Graphics window shows the domain selection, including symbols to describe
the type of load applied to the selection.
The symbols indicate only the type of settings applied to the model and not the
magnitude. If you are interested in visualizing the actual applied pressure
distribution, a solution must be computed first.
You turn the physics symbols on from the Preferences menu. For Windows users,
select File>Preferences. You can also customize the Quick Access Toolbar and
then click a button. For Mac and Linux users, select Options>Preferences.
In the Preferences dialog box, click Graphics and click to select the Show physics
symbols check box. Click Apply and OK. Click anywhere in the Model Builder,
then click the node again. The symbols are now displayed in the geometry.
Study
You are now ready to compute the solution.
1 On the Study toolbar click Compute
The Study node automatically defines a solver

sequence for the simulation based on the
selected physics (Solid Mechanics) and study
type (Stationary). Since a mesh is required, and
it has not been created yet, the Study node
automatically generates this based on default
settings at the same time as the solver sequence.
Note: In general, do not rely only on the
default mesh settings. For most real problems, suitable meshing parameters
should be set up from the Mesh toolbar.
| 25
Results
The default plot displays the von Mises stress distribution together with an
exaggerated (automatically scaled) picture of the deformation. As expected, the
high stress values are located around the holes and in the vicinity of the mounting
bolts. The maximum von Mises stress remains below the yield stress value for
structural steel, which validates the choice of a linear elastic material to analyze this
structure.
Now, add an arrow plot to display the applied load.
1 In the Model Builder under Results, right-click Stress (solid)

and select
Arrow Surface
. Alternatively, you can select Stress (solid) and click Arrow
Surface on the Stress (solid) toolbar.
2 In the Arrow Surface settings window under Expression, click Replace

Expression
. Choose Solid Mechanics>Load>Load
(Spatial)(solid.FperAreax,...,solid.FperAreaz) from the list. Double click to
select it.
3 Under Coloring and Style, enter 3000 in the Number of arrows field.
4 Click the Plot button
From the Graphics window you can now check that the applied load is as
intended. Note that the arrows by default are plotted on the undeformed
structure.
Displacements
To study the displacement, add a second 3D plot group to the Results node.
| 27
1 On the Results toolbar click 3D Plot Group
2 On the 3D Plot Group 2 toolbar, click Surface

. The plot you just added
shows the displacement by default, so you do not need to change the result
expression.
In the figure below you can see that the bracket base remains fixed while only the
arms are deformed. The maximum total displacement is about 27 m, which is in
agreement with the assumption of small deformations.
Principal Stresses
Create another plot to display the principal stresses in the bracket.
1 On the Results toolbar click 3D Plot Group
2 On the 3D Plot Group 3 toolbar, click More Plots and choose Principal Stress
Volume
.
3 In the Principal Stress Volume settings

window under Positioning, find the X
grid points subsection. From the Entry
method list, select Coordinates.
4 In the Coordinates field, enter
4e-3 15e-3 30e-3 1e-2. A space
between each of the values is required.
5 For both Y grid points and Z grid points,
enter 15 in the Points field.
6 In the Coloring and Style section, select
Scale factor. In the field enter 1.5e-9.
As the load is oriented along the negative y direction, the principal stress plot
shows tensile stress in the arm of the bracket.
| 29
Note: In the plot on the previous page, the red arrows show the largest principal
stress, the blue arrows show the smallest principal stress, and the green arrows
show the intermediate principal stress. The order is RGB, just as for the
coordinate system arrows. To view the green arrows, zoom into the red arrows in
the Graphics window. If the stress is compressive, the two arrow heads will aim
inward. If the stress is tensile, the two arrow heads will aim outward, as shown
below.
Reaction Forces
A final check is done to compute the total reaction force along the x, y, and
z directions. Because the mounting bolts are fully constrained, use a volume
integration over the constrained domains.
1 On the Results toolbar click More Derived Values
Integration
.
and choose Volume
2 In the Volume Integration settings

window under Selection, select Box 1 from
the Selection list.
3 Under Expression click Replace
Expression
. Select Solid
Mechanics>Reactions>Reaction force
(Spatial) and double click Reaction force, x
component (solid.RFx) (or enter
solid.RFx in the Expression field). On
the Results toolbar, click Evaluate
.
4 Change the expression in the Expression
field to solid.RFy. Click the Evaluate
button
.
5 Change the expression in the Expression
field to solid.RFz. Click the Evaluate
button
.
The results are visible in the table located in the lower-right side of the desktop.
To open the Table window you can also click More Windows on the Home
toolbar and choose Table
. You can verify that the total reaction force in the
load direction (y) is close to the 8 kN applied load. Along the x and z directions
the values are zero except for small numerical errors.
| 31
Parametric Study
In the previous section, a bracket loaded by an actuator was analyzed. This section
extends this analysis to study the effect of the actuators position. This is equivalent
to changing the direction of the applied load. You will use the load-angle
parameter that the model already contains to set up a parametric study.
COMSOL Multiphysics has two ways to perform parametric studiesa
Parametric Sweep node or an Auxiliary sweep from the Stationary Solver node. In
this example, both methods are applicable. The continuation solver in the Solver
node is not used. This is a feature which uses the solution from the previous
parameter as an initial guess to calculate the current parameter value, and is the
preferred option for nonlinear problems. Using the Parametric Sweep node is
preferable for applications requiring, for example, geometric parametrization.
Loading the Model

Either continue working on the existing model or open a saved version of the
model from the Model Library. (See The Model Libraries Window on page 11.)
Browse to the Structural_Mechanics_Module\Tutorial_Models folder.
Double-click to open bracket_static.mph.
E x t e n d i n g t h e S t u d y w i t h a n A u x i l i a r y S we e p
Parametric studies can be set up from scratch or, as in this example, added to an
existing study.
1 In the Model Builder expand the Study 1 node and click Step 1: Stationary
32 | Parametric Study
2 In the Stationary settings

window, click to expand the
Study Extensions section and
select the Auxiliary sweep check
box.
3 From the Run continuation for
list, choose No parameter.
4 Under Auxiliary parameter click
Add
.
5 As the parameter theta0
(Direction of Load) is the
default choice, you need not change anything, but in general you would need
to pick one of the parameters from the list.
6 In the Study Extensions section click the Range button
7 In the Range dialog box, set the Start,

Stop, and Step fields as below:
- Select Step as the Entry method.
- In the Start field, enter 0.
- In the Step field enter 45[deg].
- In the Stop field enter 180[deg].
Note: You can also copy and paste the

expression
range(0,180[deg],45[deg])
directly into the Parameter value list field.

8 Click Add. The parameter
values are added to the table.
9 On the Study toolbar click
Compute
.
Parametric Study
| 33
Results
The default plot shows the solution for the last parameter value (180[deg]),
which is the same as the case studied in the previous section (see Results on page
26). You can easily change the parameter value to display the plot and then
compare solutions for different load cases.
Note: Click the Zoom Extents button
to view the new default plots.
1 In the Model Builder click the Stress (solid) node
2 Under Data in the 3D Plot Group settings window, select 0 from the Parameter
value (theta0) list.
Note: Under the compressive load, the maximum von Mises stress is significantly
lower than under the tensile load. Also, the deformation of the bracket arms
occurs in the opposite direction.
4 Click the Stress (solid) node
again. In the 3D Plot Group settings window
under Data, select a different value from the Parameter value (theta0) list, for
example 1.570796.
The plot displays the stress distribution for a bending load case. The maximum
stress values are no longer located around the holes but in the region where the
arms connect to the bolt supports.
Reaction Forces
To evaluate the total reaction forces for all parameter values, each component of
the reaction force is integrated over the bolt domains. Because no load is acting in
the global x direction, the reaction force in this direction is zero.
Parametric Study
| 35
1 On the Results toolbar click More Derived Values

and choose Volume
Integration
. This adds a second Volume Integration
node to the Model
Builder.
2 In the Volume Integration settings window under Selection, select Box 1 from
the Selection list.
3 Under Expression click Replace Expression
. Select
Solid Mechanics>Reactions>Reaction force (Spatial)>Reaction force, y
component (solid.RFy) from the list (or enter solid.RFy in the Expression
field and replace the default).
4 Click the Evaluate button
5 Replace the text in the Expression field by solid.RFz. Click the Evaluate
button
.
The results are available again in the table located in the lower-right side of the
desktop. If it is not visible, click More Windows on the Home toolbar and choose
Table
to open the Table window.
The reaction force in the y direction is antisymmetric around 90onegative from

0o to 90o and positive from 90o to 180o. The reaction force in the z direction has
a maximum at 90o.
Plot the Reaction Force

1 In the Table window click Table Graph
2 In the Model Builder under Results, click 1D Plot Group 4
3 In the 1D Plot Group settings window click to expand the Legend section.
From the Position list, select Lower right.
4 Expand the 1D Plot Group 4
node and click Table Graph 1
5 Click to expand the Legends section and select the Show legends check box.
Note: You may need to select Table 2 from the Table list in the information
window to produce this plot.
Modeling Techniques for Structural Mechanics

The next set of tutorials build on the previous examples to demonstrate the
following structural mechanics modeling techniques: How can I model thermal
stress? How can I add an initial strain to the simulation? To get started, go to
Including Initial Strain on page 38 or Modeling Thermal Expansion on page
43.
Parametric Study
| 37
Including Initial Strain

Initial stresses and strains can be specified in a subnode to a material model. You
can define a stress/strain distribution with constant values or an expression which
can, for example, be space- or time-dependent. The initial stresses and strains can
also come from another physics interface in the same study, or even results from
another study.
In this example, you add a pin geometry to the bracket assembly. Then you specify
an initial strain to simulate that the pin is prestrained in the axial direction, and
then you investigate its effect on the assembly.
L o a d M o d e l a n d C h o os e t h e S t u d y
1 See The Model Libraries Window on page 11 and then browse to the
Structural_Mechanics_Module\Tutorial_Models folder and double-click to
open bracket_basic.mph.
2 On the Home toolbar click Add Physics
. Go to the Add Physics window.
3 In the Add Physics tree, under Structural Mechanics select Solid Mechanics
(solid)
.
4 In the Add Physics window click Add to Component
5 On the Home toolbar click Add Study
. Go to the Add Study window.
6 In the Studies tree under Preset Studies, select Stationary

7 In the Add Study window click Add Study
8 On the Home Toolbar click the Add Study and Add Physics buttons again to
close the windows.
Definitions - Pa rame te rs
Parameters defining the original length of the pin, L0, and the current length, L,
are used to calculate the initial strain. The prestrain is the only load acting on the
structure, which is fixed by fully constraining the mounting bolts.
38 | Including Initial Strain
In the Parameters table, define a strain value that corresponds to a reduction of

the pin length from 216 mm to 215 mm.
1 In the Model Builder expand the Global Definitions node
Parameters
.
and click
2 In the Parameters settings window in the Parameters table, add the new
parameters L, L0, and InitStrain as in the figure.
Geo metr y
Next, the pin geometry is added to the bracket assembly. This is done by
importing it into the existing geometry.
Note: The location of the files used in this exercise varies based on your
installation. For example, if the installation is on your hard drive, the file path
might be similar to C:\Program Files\COMSOL44\models\.
1 On the Home toolbar click Import
Model Builder.
. An Import 2 node is added to the
2 In the Import settings window under Import, click Browse.

3 Browse to the model folder \Structural_Mechanics_Module\Tutorial_Models
and double-click the file bracket_pin.mphbin.
4 Click Import.
| 39
A dd i n g I n i t i a l S t r a i n a n d O t h e r P hy s i c s S e t t i n g s
The initial strain is specified under the Linear Elastic Material node.
1 In the Model Builder under Solid Mechanics, right-click Linear Elastic
Material 1
and select Initial Stress and Strain
. The D in the upper left
corner of the Linear Elastic Material node means that it is a default node.
The prestrain direction is the axial direction of the bolt, which coincides with the
global x direction.
2 In the Initial Stress and Strain settings window, to the right of the Selection list,
click the Clear Selection button
. Then select only Domain 3 (the pin).
3 Under the Initial Stress and Strain

section, enter InitStrain in the first
component of the 0 table.
Fixed Constraints
1 On the Physics toolbar click Domains
and choose Fixed Constraint
Compute and Display Results

The default plot shows the von Mises stress in the bracket.
| 41
The results show how the pin compresses the bracket arms, and that the largest
stresses are found in the region where the bracket arms are joined to the bolt
supports.
Note: The structural analysis from the previous tutorial is not included here.
You can also plot the x-component of the strain tensor to visualize the total strain
in the structure. As the pin is stiff in comparison to the bracket, the total strain in
the pin is almost the same as the initial strain given in the example.
1 On the Home toolbar click Add Plot Group
and select 3D Plot Group
2 To add a a surface plot, on the 3D Plot Group 2 toolbar click Surface
3 In the Surface settings window under Expression, enter solid.eXX in the

Expression field.
Modeling Thermal Expansion

In this example, a thermal field is applied to the bracket and pin assembly and the
thermal stresses are calculated.
COMSOL Multiphysics contains physics interfaces for structural analysis as well as
thermal analysis. You can define the analyses separately and then simulate the
thermal-structure interaction by coupling them using the appropriate variables
and terms in the structural analysis equations, or you can add a predefined
Thermal Stress physics interface at the beginning of the setup.
If you were using a Solid Mechanics interface, adding thermal expansion to a
material model is as easy as it was to add the initial strainyou would add a
Thermal Expansion node to the Linear Elastic Material Model.
However, an even easier option is to use a predefined physics interface, the
Thermal Stress interface. This interface contains both the structural and thermal
equations along with the coupling, which is included by default.
L o a d t h e M o d e l , s e l e c t P hy s i c s , a n d C h o o s e t h e S t u d y
1 As in the previous tutorial, see The Model Libraries Window on page 11
and then browse to the Structural_Mechanics_Module\Tutorial_Models folder
and double-click to open bracket_basic.mph.
Note: You can also select File>Revert to Saved
to open the original file or
select File and choose the file from the Recent list.
2 On the Home toolbar click Add Physics
. Go to the Add Physics window.
3 In the Add Physics tree under Structural Mechanics select Thermal Stress
4 In the Add Physics window click Add to Component
5 On the Home toolbar click Add Study
. Go to the Add Study window.
6 In the Studies tree under Preset Studies select Stationary

7 In the Add Study window click Add Study
.
.
8 On the Home toolbar click the Add Study and Add Physics buttons again to
close the windows.
| 43
T h e r m a l S t re s s
When you add a Thermal Stress interface, what
actually happens is that one Solid Mechanics
interface and one Heat Transfer in Solids interface
are added. In addition, a Multiphysics node is also
added to the model tree. Under the Multiphysics
node there are two subnodes: Temperature
Coupling and Thermal Expansion. If you click each
of these nodes, you can see that the coupling is set
up automatically.
Note: The thermal expansion requires both a coefficient of thermal expansion

and a strain reference temperature, which is the temperature reference at which
there are no thermal strains. Because a material (structural steel) has already been
defined for the model you do not need to modify anything here.
44 | Modeling Thermal Expansion
You can now set the boundary conditions.

1 Make sure that Solid Mechanics is the currently
active physics interface. Do this selection either on
the Physics toolbar or by selecting a node under Solid
Mechanics in the model tree.
2 On the Physics toolbar, click Domains
choose Fixed Constraint
.
and
As the Thermal Stress interface includes a heat balance, the thermal boundary
conditions must also be set. Assume that the mounting bolts are kept at a
temperature of 20 oC. Also assume that the arms of the bracket are holding the
pin, which itself has a constant temperature of 100 oC. Finally, assume that heat
is lost by convection to the surroundings from the surfaces of the arms and the
bolt support.
4 On the Physics toolbar make sure that Heat Transfer in Solids is the currently
active physics interface.
5 On the Physics toolbar click Boundaries
and choose Temperature
.
6 Select boundaries 22, 25, 30, 33, 46, 49, 54,
and 57 (or use the Paste Selection
button).
7 Add a second Temperature node. On the
Physics toolbar click Boundaries
and
choose Temperature
.
8 In the Temperature settings window under
Boundary Selection, select Box 2 from the
Selection list.
9 Under Temperature enter 100[degC] in the T0
field.
| 45
10On the Physics toolbar click Boundaries

and choose Heat Flux
.
11In the Heat Flux settings window under
Boundaries, select All boundaries from the
Selection list.
12Under Heat Flux click the Inward heat flux
button. In the h field, enter 10.
Compute and Display Results

Under the Results node, three plot groups are automatically added to show the
default results for a structural analysis and a thermal analysis. The first plot group,
Stress (solid), shows the von Mises stresses on a scaled deformed geometry.
You can see how the bracket arms holding the pin are deformed through thermal
expansion and that thermal stresses have developed.
The second default plot group, Temperature (ht), displays the temperature
distribution on a scaled deformed geometry.
This concludes this introduction. For additional tutorials using the bracket
geometry, go to the Structural Mechanics Module model library and browse the
Tutorial Models folder. Click the Model PDF button to open instructions for each
of these models.
As a final step, pick one of the plots to use as a model thumbnail.
1 In the Model Builder under Results click any of the plot groups.
2 Click the Root node (the first node in the model tree). On the Root settings
window under Model Thumbnail, click Set Model Thumbnail.
Make adjustments to the image in the Graphics window using the toolbar buttons
until the image is one that is suitable to your purposes.
If you want to explore further, in the Structural Mechanics Module model library
there are several more detailed examples that use the bracket model to extend this
tutorial. See Model Examples in this Guide and the Model Library on page 12
for more information.
| 47

COMSOL 4.3b - Introduction To Structural Mechanics Module

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COMSOL 4.3b - Introduction To Structural Mechanics Module

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Introduction to

Structural Mechanics Module

Introduction to the Structural Mechanics Module

The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces. . . . . . . . . . 5

The Model Libraries Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Including Initial Strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

A less traditional application of mechanical design for a MEMS device is shown in

Structural analysis is also important outside of traditional structural engineering,

The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces

A short description of the Structural Mechanics physics interfaces follow.

The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces

by Space Dimension and Study Type on page 8.

Geomechanics, Nonlinear Structural Materials, Multibody Dynamics and

Concrete, and Rocks features to the physics interface.

creep, and viscoplasticity can be modeled.

flexible bodies connected by different types of mechanical joints.

high cycle fatigue evaluation.

The Shell interface ( ) is intended for the structural analysis of thin-walled

6 | The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces

The Plate interface ( ) is a 2D analogy to the 3D Shell interface. Plates are

The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces

O THER S TRUCTURAL M ECHANICS I NTERFACES

The Physics List by Space Dimension and Study Type

PRESET STUDY TYPE

stationary; time dependent

8 | The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces

PRESET STUDY TYPE

stationary; time dependent

Beam Cross Section

The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces

PRESET STUDY TYPE

Joule Heating and

stationary; time dependent

stationary; eigenfrequency; time

10 | The Structural Mechanics Module Physics Interfaces

The Model Libraries Window

window these models appear with the

The Model Libraries Window

Model Examples in this Guide and the Model Library

transient analysis, and frequency response analysis (bracket_eigenfrequency,

12 | The Model Libraries Window

The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis

The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis

Figure 7: The load distribution on the bracket.

14 | The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis

5 In the Select Study window under Preset Studies, select Preset

The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis

Form Union (fin)

and choose Build

16 | The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis

2 In the Box settings window under Box Limits,

3 Under Output Entities in the Include entity if

The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis

4 Click the Wireframe Rendering button

5 Add a second Box

on the Graphics toolbar to display

6 In the Box settings window, select Boundary

8 Under Output Entities, in the Include entity

18 | The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis

The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis

3 Add a second variable loadIntensity with the expression

20 | The Fundamentals: A Static Linear Analysis