Reference:

Problem description:

Console bar is heating up. In order to restrict heat extension a gap at the bar end is applied. Determine axial load N in truss at the moment of gap disappearing.  

Problem sketch:

Type of created problem:

Flat frame (X, Z, UY).

Geometric characteristics:

L = 3 m; δ = 0.002 m.

Material properties:

Elastic modulus: E = 10.5·10⁶ tf;

Thermal expansion coefficient: α = 12.5·10^-6 °С^-1.

Boundary conditions:

Left side of beam: X = Z = UY = 0.

Loads:

ΔТ = 100 °С.

Model description:

The system is modeled by 2 general finite elements of spatial bar (FE type is 10) and 1 physically nonlinear single-noded FE of one-sided inelastic links (FE type is 266). A gap is modelled via single-noded finite element with a large rigidity with a gap. A node, which contain single-noded element is linked at directions Z and UY. For nonlinear solution, iterative process is used (number of steps is 1, minimum number of iterations is 3000).

Calculation results: