Analysing a tube chassis in Mechanica

[SuperChab]

Hi,

we've got a tubular
chassis (Formula SAE) which is modeled in ProE (hollow tubes). "Traditionally" we've
used ANSYS to analyse, i.e. torsional rigidity.

We're looking
into using a ProM model instead. While I'm not familiar with either
programs, I'd like to know if it's possible to import an Ansys model to
ProM, and (alternatively) what would be the best way to turn our ProE
model into a model that is ideal for FEA analysis (beam based?).

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[jabbadeus]

If you want to use beam elements in Pro Mechanica, you might be better off creating a Pro E model consisting of datum curves representing the locations of the beams, then defining the beam properties and applying them to the geometry. If you already have a solid part, then the automatic mesher will try to put solid and/or shell elements there.


I don't know about importing an ANSYS model into Mechanica, but in FEM mode (which requires an Advanced license of Mechanica), you can turn on the fem_mesh_operations config.pro option and import a NASTRAN deck.

 

[Vesh]

Sorry not sure re the Ansys issue.

Yes use beam elements for the tubes.

I too have modelled a FSAE chassis for my thesis. Ive done it using beam elements as this is fairly accurate, and not at all cpu intensive.