Solidworks COSMOS - How to read results

In summary, the von misses stress criterion uses the maximum distortion energy theory to predict yielding in a good manner. Additionally, the equation takes the principle stresses into consideration in all directions. Additionally, the other stress criterions (shear and normal) can be used to correlate to the yield strength.
  • #1
assafwei
20
0
Hi,

First of all I must say, I am a bit ashamed asking this question...

Since its been a long time since I studied mechanics of materials and since I never used it in my line of work, I am trying to analyze a problem regarding this subject using COSMOS in solidworks, I have a model and I figured out the boundary conditions and the forces acting in the system. The analysis seems ok, but i have difficulties trying to remember what the numbers say...
Assuming small displacements, I am using the VON MISSES criteria, as far as I remember this criteria predicts yielding of ductile materials in a good manner, first of all, is this correct?
Second - how does the other criteria (shear and normal stresses in all directions) should be interpreted, and how can they be correlated to the yield strength?

Thanks.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
1. yes von misses is a good approximation assuming isotroptic materials.
2. 2sigy^2 = (sig1-sig2)^2 + (sig2-sig3)^2 + (sig1-sig3)^2

where
sigy = yield stress of isotropic matieral
sig1 = largest principle stress (from your mohrs circle)
sig2 = second principle
sig3 = third principle

principle stress => no shear

sigy = Fy/A

The reason this equation works is because it takes the principle stresses into consideration in all directions.

We kno G = E/2*(1+eta) = only usable on isotropic materials

where eta is poissons ratio, G = shear modulus and E = mod of elasticity.

remember how when you strain somthing it either expans or shrinks in a different direction, von misses takes those aspects into consideration.

I don't know if I did well at answering your question... but what do you mean by "Second - how does the other criteria (shear and normal stresses in all directions) should be interpreted, and how can they be correlated to the yield strength?"

other criteria in the equation? or other stress criterions?

*Von misses stress = maximum distortion energy theory = maximum octahedral shear stress criterion

For orthotropic, and anisotropic materials other stress criterion are used if memory serves me correct? This would exclude composites from von-misses stress prerequisites. For example, E1 does not equal E2 and v12/E1 = v21/E2
 

Attachments

  • Microsoft Word - Composites Summary _2_.pdf
    171.4 KB · Views: 338
  • #3
Thanks for the reply,

but what do you mean by "Second - how does the other criteria (shear and normal stresses in all directions) should be interpreted, and how can they be correlated to the yield strength?

I meant the other stress criterions, Since I know shear is the critical parameter, I check all three shear parameters, but than how should I consider the normal stresses in the points where the shear is at maximum, do they increase or decrease the stresses on the material?

BTW - if von mises only adherds to the stress invariants and not the shear stresses, how is shear taken into account in the von mises criterion?
 
  • #4
Von Mises does take into account shear stress. As Nick said its basically a 'lumped' stress of all principle stresses, and generally asumed to ast in the direction of the largest principle stress.

Priniciple stresses are not 'real' per se. Its a combination of he normal and shear acting in a certain direction. (I think this is where you are going wrong, but I guess you already knew it, so sorry if it sounded patronising)

Other stress plots arent really useful if you only want to determine failure or factor of safety, as Von Mises allows you to to directly compare it to the yield or tensile strength.

But the shear plot is useful if you know that a certin shear stress is unacceptable even if the von mises is within acceptable limits. (you wouldn't compare this to yield stress but he shear limit)

The normal stresses are the same as above only can be compared to the yield strength. Both are basically a breakdown of what goes into the calculating the principle stresses.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
I returned to the textbook and realized I was really wrong.
Thanks for the replies it really helped.
 

1. What is Solidworks COSMOS and how does it work?

Solidworks COSMOS is a simulation software that allows engineers and designers to test and analyze the structural and thermal performance of their designs. It works by using finite element analysis (FEA) to break down complex structures into smaller, more manageable elements and then applying mathematical equations to calculate the behavior and stress of each element.

2. How do I access the results from a Solidworks COSMOS simulation?

To access the results from a Solidworks COSMOS simulation, you can click on the "Results" tab in the main interface. This will display a list of all the available results, such as stress, displacement, and factor of safety. You can also view the results by clicking on the specific element or component you want to analyze and then selecting the "Results" option from the right-click menu.

3. How can I interpret the results from a Solidworks COSMOS simulation?

Interpreting the results from a Solidworks COSMOS simulation requires a basic understanding of engineering and FEA principles. The results are typically displayed as color-coded maps, where areas with high stress or displacement are shown in red and areas with low stress or displacement are shown in blue. You can also view numerical values for each result by hovering your mouse over a specific element or component.

4. Can I customize the results in Solidworks COSMOS?

Yes, you can customize the results in Solidworks COSMOS to better suit your needs. You can change the display settings, such as the color scale and legend, to make the results easier to interpret. You can also adjust the mesh density and type to improve the accuracy of the results. Additionally, you can create customized reports to document and share the results of your simulations.

5. What are some common errors or issues when reading results in Solidworks COSMOS?

Some common errors or issues when reading results in Solidworks COSMOS include incorrect boundary conditions, unrealistic material properties, and inadequate mesh density. It is important to carefully review and validate all input parameters before running a simulation to ensure accurate results. Additionally, it is recommended to perform a sensitivity analysis to verify the reliability of the results.

Similar threads

  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
965
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
16K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
755
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
943
Replies
4
Views
956
Back
Top