Applying Constraints

Solid stress analyses require you to constrain the solid part to prevent unwanted rigid motions. In this simulation, you define fixed constraints that mimic the clamps that hold the solid disc into place. As you model a quarter of the disc, you also define symmetry constraints at the surfaces that represent the symmetry planes.

To define constraints:
  1. In the Simulation Navigator panel, right-click the Constraint Container node and select New Constraint > Fixed Constraint.
  2. In the Fixed Constraint dialog, click (Model Objects to Constrain).
  3. On the disc geometry, select the following two surfaces:


  4. On the disc geometry, also select the surface marked as 3 (this surface is on the other side of the disc, opposite to surface 2):


  5. In the Fixed Constraint dialog, click OK.
To apply symmetry constraints:
  1. In the Simulation Navigator panel, right-click the Constraint Container node and select New Constraint > Symmetry Constraint.
  2. In the Symmetry Constraint dialog, click (Planar Faces to Constrain).
  3. On the disc geometry, select the following two surfaces:


  4. In the Symmetry Constraint dialog, click OK.