Adding Gap Elements to a Model

1. Introduction

The model shown in Figure 1 represents ½ of a sliding assembly. The blue section is made of aluminum
and the red of steel. Two subcases are used with the first subcase having only the 10psi pressure load
applied using one increment and the 2nd subcase applying an additional 3psi in the X-direction. The
aluminum base is simply-supported at each end and symmetry boundary conditions are used on one
side. Once the friction force is overcome, weak springs (Figure 2) restrain the block from sliding across
the base plate.

V1 10.
1
C1 2. 10. 10.
Y
1.5 10. 10.

1. 3 10.

0.5 3 3

0. 3 3

3 3
0.
0.5 3 3
1.
123 1.5 3
3 3.
2.
2.5 3. 3 3.
3.
3.5 3. 3
4.
4.5 3
5.
5.5 3
6.
6.5 3
7.
7.5 3
8.
8.5 3
9. X
Y 9.5 123
10.
123
Z X 123

Figure 1. Sliding Block Model

1
V1
1 3
C1
3 10.

3
Y 3
3
2. 123456

3 10. 3
3

3
1.5 123456 10. 3
3

3 3
3

1. 123456 3 4.
3
3.5
3.
3 2.5
0.5
3 2.
1.5
1.
0. 123 0.5
0.

Y
123
X

Z
123

Figure 2. Restraining Springs

2. Adding Gap Elements

The gap elements can be added using one of two methods. The first method simply involves adding and
replicating elements. The second method uses a single command to generate the gap elements. For
either method, we start by creating the gap property using the Model – Property menu and selecting the
Gap element under the Elem/Property Type…

2
Figure 3. Property Definition

The above values work with most metallic structures. The minimum input is the Compression
Stiffness. The friction coefficients are optional with zero values implying no friction. The Tension
Stiffness can be left as a zero if the Initial Gap is also zero. A “-1.” can be specified for the Initial Gap
to using the gap element length as the initial opening. This is useful in Hertzian contact type problems
where the two contact surfaces start with an uneven separation.

2.1 Method 1

Using the Model – Element menu, change the Type to Gap and select the two nodes on each of the
blocks that vertically correspond to one another as shown below.

124

100

Figure 4. Select Nodes Along Edge

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Figure 5. GAP Element Definition

Select the Gap element property. Click on the Vector box and define the orientation of the friction plane.
In our example, this is the X-direction of the model.

Figure 6. Vector Location

Next, repeat for all elements along the first edge. Using the Mesh – Copy menu, replicate the gap
elements created to the center row of nodes and to the opposite edge nodes.

V1
2
C1

1.5
10.

2.

2.5

Z X

Figure 7. Replicate Gap Elements

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2.2 Method 2

Reorient the model as shown below. Select Mesh – Connection – Closet Link… and box pick all of the
nodes on the bottom of the top solid in the Select Node to Generate From dialogue. Then do the same
for the Select Node to Generate To dialogue selecting the top nodes on the bottom solid.

3.

3.
10. 10. 10.

0.5 1. 1.5 2. 2.5 3. 3.5 4. 4.5 5.

Z X

Figure 8. Reorient the Model

Next, select line elements and the gap element property created previously.

Figure 9. Options Connection Generation

Define the friction plane orientation the same as previously.

5
Figure 10. Vector Location

3. Defining Nonlinear Solution Parameters

A nonlinear analysis is required when using gap elements for the open/closed gap behavior to exist in
the model. Gap elements can be used in linear static solutions but will only function as springs with the
Compression Stiffness in the axial direction and the Transverse Stiffness in the transverse direction.

To set up the nonlinear analysis, select the 1st load set (normal force only), and go to the Model – Load
– Nonlinear Analysis menu as shown below.

Figure 11. Load Set Options for Nonlinear Analysis

Only one increment is needed since this load case is simply applying the normal force and all gaps will
close immediately. For the 2nd load set (combined normal and shear force), we will use 10 increments to
capture the point at which the block slips.

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Figure 12. Load Set Options for Nonlinear Analysis

4. Running the Nonlinear Analysis

Depending on the method used to create the model, a check for coincident nodes may be necessary.
Do this using the Tools – Check – Coincident Nodes menu, and make sure the Merge Coincident
Entities box is checked.

Figure 13. Check/Merge Coincident

Run the analysis selecting the File – Analyze menu. Select Nonlinear Static for the Analysis Type,
Displacements and Stresses for the Output Type, and Select All for the Loads Button.

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Figure 14. NASTRAN Analysis Control

5. Reviewing Results

For contact and large displacement nonlinear analysis it is recommended that actual displacements are
plotted. To do this use the View – Options – PostProcessing menu and uncheck the % of Model
(Actual) box.

Figure 15. View Options

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Figure 16 shows the von Mises stress from the 1st load case (normal force only). Figure 17 shows the
final displaced position after the application of the 2nd load set. Figure 18 shows the block X-
displacement versus load increment.
V1
L1 144.5
C1 140.1
123456 135.8
131.5
123456 3 127.1
122.8
123456 3 3 118.4
114.1
3
3 3
109.7
105.4
3
3 3
101.1
3 3 96.72
3
92.38
123 3
3 88.03
83.69
3 79.35
75.01
3 70.66
66.32
3 61.98
57.63
3 53.29
48.95
3 44.61
40.26
3 35.92
31.58
Y 3
27.23
123 22.89
18.55
Z X 123 14.21
Output Set: INCR 1, LOAD= 1.000E+00 9.862
Deformed(0.000184): TOTAL TRANSLATION 123 5.52
Contour: SOLID VON MISES

Figure 16. Load Set 1 Results

V1
L1 134.6
C1 130.5
123456 126.5
122.4
123456 118.4
114.3
123456 3 3 110.2
106.2
3 3
102.1
98.07
3
3 3
94.01
3 3 89.96
3
85.9
123 3
3 3 81.84
77.79
3
3 73.73
69.67
3 65.61
61.56
3 57.5
53.44
3 49.38
45.33
3 41.27
37.21
3 33.15
29.1
Y 3
25.04
123 20.98
16.93
Z X 123 12.87
Output Set: INCR 10, LOAD= 2.000E+00 8.81
Deformed(1.): TOTAL TRANSLATION 123 4.753
Contour: SOLID VON MISES

Figure 17. Load Set 2 Results

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 1.

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.
1. 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.
Set Value
1: T1 TRANSLATION , Node 116

Figure 18. Block X-Displacement Versus Load Increment

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