ANSYS RBE3 command vs Contact Wizard

[CFDFEAGURU]

Hello all,

Just thought I would throw this one out there.

Who preferes to use the RBE3 command to automatically create a set of constraint equations and who prefers to use the Contact Wizard?

I used to use the Contact Wizard but I recently got burned by it, so I switched to using the RBE3 command, which isn't the most pleasant command either but hey it's ANSYS.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks
Mattt

 

[minger]

I've personally never used RBE3s. I've either used MPC connections or CE/CPs. Do RBE3s have an advantage being nodal over MPCs (surface based)?

 

[CFDFEAGURU]

Do RBE3s have an advantage being nodal over MPCs (surface based)?

I am not sure is there is an actual advantage. I do know that using constraint equations with a large number of nodes can cause some inefficiency in the solution time.

In version 12.1 you have to use a parameter array for the slave nodes. A component will not work.

Thanks
Matt

 

[minger]

I see that RBE3s are force-distributed rather than directly "coupled". This could things like applying moments probably more accurate. The thing about the parameter array is kinda dumb though. Why?

 

[CFDFEAGURU]

Why?

I am not sure. I had to call tech support because I didn't know you had to use a parameter array either. You can use components for every other command. I made a short text file that can be used for the job. It is a modification of the one that the tech support group sent me.

Let me know if you want it.

Thanks
Matt