A FIRST COURSE TO Code_Aster

Guide through to Salome_Meca and Code_Aster

Stefanos Syllignakis
Petr Vosynek
3 AUDIOBOOK COLLECTIONS

6 BOOK COLLECTIONS
Finite Element Analysis Method using
Open_Source_Software

Step-by-Step Guide…
Finite Element Analysis Method using
Open_Source_Software

Step-by-Step Guide…

Credits and Copyright

Written by: Bc. Syllignakis Stefanos

[email protected]

Main Editor: Ing. Petr Vosynek, Ph.D

[email protected]

Review and Editor: Ing. Marek Benešovský

******@vutbr.cz

Preface

The presented material was created within the Erasmus+ project of the student Stefanos Syllignakis under the
leadership of Petr Vosynek. It is basically support material for the subject 6KP and its English version 6KP-A (basics of
computational modeling using finite element method) taught in the Institute of Solid Mechanics, Mechatronics and
Biomechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology.
Computer labs of 6KP and 6KP-A are composed of active exercises under the current interpretation of the
fundamentals associated with the type of elements and also from a separate project for a group of students. The texts were
made in two versions, for the computing open_source system Salome_Meca (C_A) and for computing system ANSYS
Workbench v16.2.
4 CONTENTS FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

Contents

Credits and Copyright ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Preface................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Introductory ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
General Principles of Code and Platform............................................................................................................................ 5
Presentation of Code_Aster ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Wide Range of Finite Elements .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Algorithms and Analysis Methods ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Creation of a Command File ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Data Setting and Command Language ................................................................................................................................ 9
Salome’s Possibilities ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Code_Aster Possibilities ................................................................................................................................................... 12
Where to Find Information ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Useful Links ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Personal Difficulties During Salome_Meca, Code_Aster Study ...................................................................................... 17
Chapter_I: Cube ......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem...................................................................................... 18
Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 18
Step 3: Model Geometry ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Step 4: Meshing Geometry ............................................................................................................................................... 22
Step 5,6,7,8 and 9: Salome_Meca Linear Static Analysis Wizard .................................................................................... 24
Step 10: Running the Analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Step 11: Post Processing the results .................................................................................................................................. 27
Chapter_II: Cylinder Rod ............................................................................................................................................................. 32
Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem...................................................................................... 32
Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 32
Step 3: Model Geometry ................................................................................................................................................... 33
Step 4: Meshing Geometry ............................................................................................................................................... 35
Step 5,6,7,8 and 9: Salome_Meca Linear Static Analysis Wizard .................................................................................... 36
Step 9: Manual editing of command (.comm) file ............................................................................................................ 36
Step 10: Running the Analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 38
Step 11: Post-Processing of the results ............................................................................................................................. 38
Chapter_III: Child Swing.............................................................................................................................................................. 40
Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem...................................................................................... 40
Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 40
Step 3: Model Geometry ................................................................................................................................................... 41
Step 4: Meshing Geometry ............................................................................................................................................... 42
Step 5,6,7,8 and 9: Creating command (.comm) file with Eficas ..................................................................................... 43
Step 10: Run the Analysis ................................................................................................................................................. 49
Step 11: Post Processing the results .................................................................................................................................. 50
Notes ................................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Chapter_IV: Beam System ............................................................................................................................................................ 52
Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem...................................................................................... 52
Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 52
Step 3: Model Geometry ................................................................................................................................................... 53
Step 4: Meshing Geometry ............................................................................................................................................... 55
Step 5,6,7,8 and 9: Creating the command (.comm) file .................................................................................................. 56
Step 10: Run the Analysis ................................................................................................................................................. 58
Step 11: Post Processing the results .................................................................................................................................. 58
5 CONTENTS FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

Chapter_V: Plate ........................................................................................................................................................................ 60

Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem...................................................................................... 61
Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 61
Step 3: Model Geometry ................................................................................................................................................... 62
Step 4: Meshing the Geometry.......................................................................................................................................... 64
Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Creating the command file, run the analysis ................................................................................... 65
Step 11: Post Processing the Results................................................................................................................................. 70
Modifying the Geometry ............................................................................................................................................... 71
Step I: Model Geometry ............................................................................................................................................ 71
Step II: Meshing Geometry ....................................................................................................................................... 73
Step III: Creating the command file, run the Analysis .............................................................................................. 74
Step IV: Post Processing the results .......................................................................................................................... 75
Finite Element Convergence ............................................................................................................................................. 76
Plate Bar: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 76
Results ........................................................................................................................................................................... 77
Filleted_Plate_Bar:........................................................................................................................................................ 79
Results ........................................................................................................................................................................... 80
Chapter_VI: Shaft ....................................................................................................................................................................... 81
Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem...................................................................................... 81
Examples before starting our model ............................................................................................................................. 82
Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 83
Step 3: Model Geometry ................................................................................................................................................... 84
Step 4: Meshing of Geometry ........................................................................................................................................... 86
Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Salome_Meca Linear Static Analysis Wizard, Running the Analysis ............................................ 87
Step 11: Post Processing of the Results ............................................................................................................................ 88
Stress Concentration Factor .............................................................................................................................................. 89
Hand Calculations VS Computational Calculations of Stress Concentration ............................................................... 90
Hand Calculations ..................................................................................................................................................... 90
Computational Calculations ...................................................................................................................................... 90
Solving the Equation ................................................................................................................................................. 90
Redefining Mesh ........................................................................................................................................................... 91
Chapter_VI: Level of Geometry ...................................................................................................................................................... 92
Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the Problem ..................................................................................... 93
Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 94
i. Beam_Elements ................................................................................................................................................................. 95
Step 3: Model Geometry ................................................................................................................................................... 95
Step 4: Meshing Geometry ............................................................................................................................................... 96
Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Creating the command file, run the analysis ................................................................................... 97
Step $: Creating a Macro Command ............................................................................................................................. 99
Step 11: Post Processing the Results ............................................................................................................................... 104
ii. Solid_Elements ............................................................................................................................................................... 105
Step 3: Model Geometry ................................................................................................................................................. 105
Step 4: Meshing Geometry ............................................................................................................................................. 107
Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Creating the command file, run the analysis ................................................................................. 108
Step 11: Post Processing the Results ............................................................................................................................... 110
iii. Surface_Elements .......................................................................................................................................................... 111
Step 3: Model Geometry ................................................................................................................................................. 111
Step 4: Meshing Geometry ............................................................................................................................................. 113
6 CONTENTS FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Creating the command file, run the analysis ................................................................................. 114
Step 11: Post Processing the Results ............................................................................................................................... 116
Chapter_VIII: Tunning Fork........................................................................................................................................................ 117
Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the Problem ................................................................................... 118
Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 118
Step 3: Model Geometry ................................................................................................................................................. 119
Step 4: Meshing Geometry ............................................................................................................................................. 123
Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Salome_Meca Modal Analysis Wizard......................................................................................... 124
Step 11: Post Processing of the Results .......................................................................................................................... 127
Step $: Modify Model ................................................................................................................................................. 128
i. Changing the Material.......................................................................................................................................... 128
ii. Changing the Dimensions. .................................................................................................................................. 129
4
5 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

Introductory Reference --> EDF, Code_Aster and

Salome_Meca course material.
General Principles of Code and Platform

# General Principles of Code and Platform:

o Code_Aster is a “stand-alone” thermos-mechanical solver.
 No integrated GUI to create geometries and meshes.
 No colorful post-processing.
 With study data prepared in a text file.
 Input: Mesh and data setting.
 Output: Physical fields (displacement, stress-strain, temperature).

# Salome is a generic framework for pre- and post-processing.

6 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

# Code_Aster is a thermo-mechanical solver.

# Salome is a generic platform for physical simulations.
o Salome_Meca = Salome + Code_Aster (Software integration).

# Advantages:
o Easy installation of a complete framework (Linux).
o A consistent and continuous graphical environment.
 Access from different modules to main Salome study elements: meshes, results.
 Graphical selection of topological entities for data setting of Code_Aster.
o Possibility of using different pre- and post-processing tools.
 Importation of meshes and geometries prepared by GEOM and SMESH Salome modules.
 Importation of different input mesh formats and output result formats.
o Possibility for a “stand-alone” use of Code_Aster solver.
# Salome_Meca is the integration of Code_Aster solver in the Salome Platform.

Geometry Module. Mesh Module.

Post-Pro Module. YACS Module.
ParaVis Module. JobManager.
OpenTurns. Eficas Module.
Aster Module. Homard.
Europlexus. MED.

Presentation of Code_Aster

# Code_Aster is an acronym for analysis of structured and thermos mechanics for studies and research, is a general
Finite Element Analysis software coming from EDF (Electricite De France) R&D Department.
# It can handle mechanical thermal and associated phenome in all sort of analysis: Linear Statics, Non-Linear
Statics, Dynamics, Thermics and more.
# Due to its numerous capabilities, Code_Aster is a very complex affair and its somewhat unfriendly user interface
makes the learning curve quite steep at the beginning.
# An all-purpose code for thermos-mechanical study of structures.
o With a wide variety of models:
 More than 400 finite elements: 3D, 2D, Shells, Beams, Pipes.
 More than 100 constitutive laws.
 A wide range of solvers: Mechanical Statics and Dynamics, Vibrations, Modal and Harmonic
Analysis, Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupled Problems, Thermic, Acoustics, etc.
o A computational software used by engineers, experts and researchers.
 Studies: A need of robust, reliable, tested and qualified industrial simulation code at EDF.
 Researches: Continuous integration of new models in the development versions.
# Solving three types of non-linear problems.
o Material Behavior: About a hundred nonlinear constitutive laws.
o Kinematics: Large displacements, large strains, large rotations.
o Contact and/ or friction.
# Advanced features in mechanics.
o Porous media, fracture mechanics, fatigue, damage, metallurgy, seismic analysis, rotating systems.
7 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

# Code_Aster Definitions.
o FONCTIONS [FR]: Tabulated (discrete) function depending on one parameter.
o NAPPE [FR]: Tabulated (discrete) function depending on two parameters.
o FORMULE [FR]: Continuum formula depending on several parameters.
# Code_Aster Parameters:
o ABSC_CURV  Curvilinear abscissa.
o DX, DY, DZ  Displacements along X, Y, Z.
o DRX, DRY, DRZ  Rotation along X, Y, Z.
o X, Y, Z  Coordinates X, Y, Z.
o EPSI  Strain.
o SIGM  Stress.
o INST  Time.
o TEMP  Temperature.
# File Extensions:
o .comm  Command File.
o .mmed  MED file containing mesh.
o .mess  Text file containing output of the solver (message, errors, warnings, etc.).
o .resu  Text file containing results of the simulation in a table format.
o .rmed  MED file containing results of the simulation.
o .base  Folder containing the output database of the solver.
o .bhdf  File containing the base of calculations in HDF format.
o .btc  Launch script generated by the service.
# Eficas standard concepts:
o DEBUT [Start].
o Material definition.
o What type of Mesh to read.
o Type of modeling [1D, 2D, 3D, mechanical, thermal].
o Assign previously defined material to the model.
o Add geometric boundary conditions.
o Add load boundary conditions.
o Define the type of analysis [static, linear, non-linear, dynamic, etc.].
o Results to be calculated at the elements and nodes.
o Save the results to a MED file.
o FIN [Finish].

Wide Range of Finite Elements

# Continuous mechanics.
o 3D --> Linear, quadratic, reduced or full integration.
o 2D --> Plane strain, plane stress, axi-symmetry.
--> Integration of non-linear behavior in plane stress.
# Structural elements.
o 2D elements: Shells, plates…
o 1D elements: Beams, bars, cables, pipes…
# Connections and assemblies.
o Linear relationships between degrees of freedom, transmission of torques effort.
# Discontinuous media (cracks and joints).
o XFEM level-sets.
o Joint elements and CZM (Cohesive Zone Model).
8 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

Algorithms and Analysis Methods

# Mechanical solvers.
o Linear or non-linear static: MECA_STATIQUE, STAT_NON_LINE…
o Dynamic on physical basis: DYNA_LINE_TRAN, DYNA_NON_LINE…
o Modal analysis: CALC_MODAL, MODE_ITER_*…
o Dynamic on modal basis: DYNA_TRAN_MODAL, DYNA_VIBRA…
# Other physics.
o Thermic: THER_LINEAIRE, THER_NON_LINE…
o Acoustics: PHENOMENE ACOUSTIQUE…
o Metallurgy (for welding applications).
o FSI: Fluid structure interaction.
o Thermos-hydro-mechanical coupling.
# Tools for resolution.
o Sub structuring, control of the nonlinear algorithms.
o Several algebraic solvers, sequential or parallel, direct or iterative.
o Post-processing tools: CALC_CHAMP, POST_CHAMP, POST_DYNA_*…
Sketching Geometry  Arranging Mesh Inputs  Visualizing Mesh Outcome  Adjusting Code_Aster  C_Aster Solver  Post-Processing Visual.

CAD Modeler/ Salome (GEOM)  Mesh tool/ Salome (SMESH)  Data setting/ Eficas, Wizard  Computation / ASTK  Visualization App/ PARAVIS

Creation of a Command File

# With a Wizard.
o Available in Salome_Meca only.
o 4 different wizards in Salome_Meca 2013.1.
 Linear Elastic Analysis.
 Modal Analysis.
 Linear Thermal Analysis.
 Crack Analysis.
# With the graphical command file editor (Eficas App).
o Provided with Salome_Meca.
o Provided with Code_Aster standalone.
o Cannot handle python control flow instructions (if, while,
for).
9 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

# With your favorite text editor (ex. Gedit,..).

Data Setting and Command Language

# Command file is also a Python script.

o However, we should only focus on the Code_Aster
commands.
# Command file composes of a sequence of Code_Aster
specific commands.
o Each specific command composes of keywords and
defines, assigns or uses data as input.
# Most of the commands produce “concepts”.
o On the left side of the equal sign ( = ).
o The concepts generated by one command can be used
as an input to the following command.
# Command file contains no geometry description.

# Examples:
o steel = DEFI_MATERIAU (ELAS=_F(E=210000, NU=0.3, RHO=0.007850,) ,);

Command Argument of the Simple Keyword

Factor Keyword
Name of the concept, User choice Simple Keyword

o IMPR_RESU (RESU=_F (RESULTAT = RESU), );

Factor Keyword
Command Argument of the Simple Keyword
No Concept is Produced Simple Keyword

o “reuse” keyword is used to extend an existing concept.

mesh = LIRE_MAILLAGE (FORMAT=’MED’)
mesh = DEFI_GROUP ( reuse = mesh,
MAILLAGE = mesh,
CREA_GROUP_NO = _F (GROUP_MA = ‘upper’, ) ,);

Reuse of the MA Concept Defined by LIRE_MAILLAGE

Indicator of a Factor Keyword

o Since commands are sequential, a concept must be created before being used.
MESH = LIRE_MAILLAGE ();
STEEL = DEFI_MATERIAU (ELAS = _F (E=20500e06, NU=0.3,) ,);
CHAMT = AFFE_MATERIAU (MAILLAGE=MESH,
AFFE = _F (TOUT=’OUI’,
MATER=STEEL,) ,);
10 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

Salome’s Possibilities Reference --> EDF, Code_Aster and

Salome_Meca course material.

# What can we do with Salome:

o Import and export, repair and clean, create and modify geometries (CAD).
o Mesh, quality control, import/ export meshes.
o Manipulate the physical and numerical properties of a geometry.
o Manage the various stages of a computation: receive data, setting up a calculation, return results.
o Run the computation sequences and coupling between solvers.
o View and post-process the results.
# Salome, GEOM Module:
o Design of geometric objects.
o Import/ export of objects of different CAD formats.
o Repairs and correction of CAD models.
o Adaptation of CAD models for computer simulation.
o Based on the Open Cascade technology.
# Salome, GEOM Module: Import & Viewers
o Various import/ export formats: STEP, IGES, BREP, STL, ACIS.
o Graphic functionalities: Transparency, coloring, shading/ wireframe, rotation, zoom, pan.
# Salome, GEOM Module: GUI

1
3 4 5 2
6
7
8
9
①  Salome Components. ②  Basic Primitives. ③  3D Primitives.
④  Advanced Primitives. ⑤  Boolean Operations. ⑥  Generations.
⑦  Transformations. ⑧  Constructions. ⑨  Measures.

# Salome, GEOM Module: Terminology

o Vertex.
o Edge.
o Wire (set of edges).
o Face (constructed from a closed
wire).
o Shell (set of faces).
o Solid (constructed with a second
shell).
o Compound (set of any types).
# Salome, GEOM Module: Conception
o Geometric Primitives
 1D: Line, circle, ellipse, arc, curve, vector.
 2D: Plan, working plan.
 3D: Parallelepiped, cylinder, sphere, torus, cone.
 Sketch 2D/3D: Construction of complex lines or surfaces.
 Construction of elementary objects: Vertex, edge, wire, shell, solid, compound.
 Advanced Primitives: Tee pipe.
11 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

o Operations
 Boolean: Merge, join, cut, intersect.
 Fillet, chamfer, partition.
 Explode: decomposition into basic objects.
o Generations
 Extrusion, revolution, filling, pipes.
o Transformations
 Translate, rotate, mirror, scale, offset.
 Multi-translation, multi-rotation.
# Salome, GEOM Module: Partitions and Objects
o Define the relevant topological entities to ease mesh creation, calculation setup and post-processing
result.
o Geometric Groups: Manage geometric objects from which can be created element/ node groups required
when assigning boundary conditions or material properties.
o Geometric Operations to Define Partitions in a Mesh: Non-manifold geometry, for hexahedral meshing
splitting non-hexahedral shape into hexahedral ones, define different refinements, merge.
# Salome, MESH Module
o The geometric model is imported from GEOM Module.
o Information and quality control of meshes.
o Groups of nodes or elements and operations on these groups.
o Various import/ export formats: MED, UNV, STL, CHNS.
o Modifications of meshes
o Principles:
 One algorithm for each dimension [1D: Wire Discretization].
 One hypothesis for each algorithm [Nb. Segments].
o The mesh calculation starts from the smallest to the largest dimension:
 0D  1D  2D  3D.
# Salome, SMESH Module: Algorithms
o For each dimension, several algorithms are available:
 1D: Wire Discretization, Projection 1D…
 2D: Quadrangle (mapping), NETGEN 1D-2D, BLSurf…
 3D: Tetrahedrons (NETGEN), Tetrahedrons (GHS3D), Hexahedrons (i, j, k)…
o Some algorithms are multidimensional:
 1D-2D: BLSurf, NETGEN 1D-2D…
 1D-2D-3D: NETGEN 1D-2D-3D…
# Salome, SMESH Module: Hypothesis
o The parameters of a meshing algorithm are set through a Hypothesis.
o Ex. for 1D mesh:
 Algorithm 1D: Wire Discretization.
 Associated Hypothesis: Nb. Segments = 4, Equidistant Distribution.
o Ex. for 2D mesh:
 Algorithm 1D: Wire Discretization.
 Associated Hypothesis: Nb. Segments = 4, Equidistant Distribution
 Algorithm 2D: Quadrangle (mapping).
# Salome, PARAVIS Module: Terminology
o The Salome post-processing module based on ParaView.
 With functionalities added by EDF.
 MED interface.
 Integration points.
 Modal animation.
12 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

o Filters.
 In ParaViS, the data is managed by means of filters.
 Ex. Deformed Shape, cutting plane …
 The filters depend on the type of data. They can be chained.
 Initial data  Filters 1  Filter 2  …
o Views.
 A surface on which you can see the data.
 Ex. 3D, 2D, histogram, plot…
o Displays.
 The data can be seen in different ways in different views.
 Ex. Surface, Wireframe, PointSprite…

Code_Aster Possibilities

# Special commands: DEBUT, FIN, POURSUITE

o The DEBUT command:
 Begins execution, ignoring the previous lines.
 Sets the logical units to be used for messages and files results.
 Basic usage: DEBUT ( )
o The POURSUITE command:
 Restarts execution from a base provided as an input.
 Useful to continue a calculation initiated with the same version of Code_Aster.
 Recommended to decouple the calculation of post-treatment.
 Basic usage: Calculation: DEBUT ( ) … FIN ( )
Post: POURSUITE ( ) … FIN ( )
o The FIN command:
 Ends the command file and ends the run, ignoring the following lines.
 Closes the base at the end of execution: folder containing all the concepts generated during the
calculation (mesh data, intermediate structures, results).
 Specifies the format used for the produced base: .hdf or Aster.
# What is a Mesh?
o Coordinates of nodes.
o Cells defined by their connectivity.
o Groups of cells (GROUP_MA) and groups of nodes (GROUP_NO).
13 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

# Read the Mesh

o Meshes at Aster format or MED formats:
 Code_Aster format:
 mymesh = LIRE_MAILLAGE ( )
 MED format:
 mymesh = LIRE_MAILLAGE (FORMAT = ‘MED’ )
o Meshes of other formats:
 Commands PRE_***: PRE_GIBI, PRE_IDEAS, PRE_GMSH.
 Ex. PRE_*** ( )
mymesh = LIRE_MAILLAGE ( )
o Results:
 Command IMPR_RESU
 For instance in MED format: IMPR_RESU ( FORMAT = ‘MED’,
RESU = _F (RESULTAT = myresult,) ,);

# The Choice of Finite Elements

o A finite element is:
 A geometric description, provided by the mesh.
 Shape functions.
 Degrees of freedom.
o Its choice determines:
 The equations that are solved.
But also many other mechanical
 Discretization and integration hypothesis. 3D, 2D, 1D elements like:
 The output fields. Sub-integrated, incompressible,
o 3D elements examples: non-local, fluid-structure coupled
 MODELISATION = ‘3D’ THM….
‘3D_SI’
‘3D_INCO’
o 2D element examples (plane strain, plane stress, axi-symmetry):
 MODELISATION = ‘D_PLAN’
‘C_PLAN’
‘AXIS’
o 1D element examples (beams, pipes, cables):
 MODELISATION = ‘POU_D_T’
‘TUYAU’
o Shell elements examples (plane strain, plane stress, axi-symmetry):
 MODELISATION = ‘DKT’
‘DST’
‘COQUE_3D’
14 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

# The Definition and Assignment of Materials:

o A material is the definition of numerical parameters
 Units of measurement are not managed by Code_Aster, the user must use a consistent system of
units between materials, unit length of the mesh, loading data, like:
 Coordinates of the mesh nodes: mm  m.
 Young’s modulus: MPa  Pa.
 Applied force: N  N.
 Stress obtained as a result: MPa  Pa.
o The material must be assigned.
 Assignment to a geometrical area: Groups of finite elements designated by the name of groups of
cells.
o The material must be consistent with the assumptions of resolution (constitutive law).
o Be careful to assign what has been defined, then use what has been assigned.
# The Characteristics of Structural Elements:
o Shells, plates, beam, pipes, discrete elements…
o Geometric information not provided by the mesh:
 Shells: Thickness, reference direction in the tangent plane.
 Beams: Cross-section, orientation of the principal axes of inertia around the neutral axis,
curvature of the curved elements.
 Discrete Elements (spring, mass/ inertia, damping): Values of the stiffness, mass or damping
matrices.
 Bars or Cables: Area of Cross-section.
 3D or 2D Continuous Media Elements: Local axes defined with respect to the anisotropy
directions.
# Loadings:
o Commands AFFE_CHAR_***
o Loadings inside the continuous media: PESANTEUR, ROTATION, FORCE_NODALE…
o Edge loadings: FORCE_FACE, FORCE_ARETE, PRES_REP…
o Loadings specific to structural elements: FORCE_POUTRE, FORCE_COQUE, FORCE_TUYAU…
o Pre-established relationships on the degrees of freedom:
 DDL_IMPO: DoF imposed on a node or group.
 FACE_IMPO: DoF imposed on the nodes of a cell or a group of cells.
 LIAISON_SOLIDE: Regasification of a set of nodes or cells.
o Be careful to the constistency with the degrees of freedom allowed by the chosen finite element.
# Solving the Problem:
o There are about fifteen resolution operators to solve the physical problems:
 Thermic: THER_LINEAIRE, THER_NON_LINE
 Mechanics: MECA_STATIQUE, STAT_NON_LINE
 Dynamics: DYNA_VIBRA, DYNA_NON_LINE
 Modal Calculation: MODE_ITER_SIMULT, MODE_ITER_INV
o One must give the description of the problem set prior solving.
 The model: MODELE
 Materials: CHAM_MATER
 Geometrical Characteristics: CARA_ELEM
 Loading: EXCIT
 A time list if necessary: LIST_INST
o One can also change settings on the resolution algorithm.
 In most cases, the default values are suitable.
15 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

# Choosing the Linear Solver.

o The solver can be chosen via the keyword SOLVEUR/ METHODE.
o Relevant depending on the problem to be solved.
o Direct solvers:
 MULT_FRONT (multi-frontal): Default method. Universal solver, very robust. Not
recommended for mixed models of X-FEM, incompressible…
 MUMPS (multi-frontal massively parallel sparse direct solver): External solver. Same scope as
MULT_FRONT. Provides access to parallelism.
o Iterative solvers:
 GCPC (preconditioned conjugate gradient): Recommended method for thermic. Useful for well-
conditioned, large problems.
 PETSC: External multi-method solver. Very robust when associated with pre-conditioner.
# Fields of Quantity.
o Location of the values:
 Fields on nodes: NOEU;
 On the elements:
 Field by element on Gauss Points: ELGA;
 Field by element on Nodes: ELNO;
 Constant field on element: ELEM;
o Naming rules XXXX_YYYY:
 4 first letters: name of the quantity, SIGM, EPSI, ERRE;
 4 middle letters: location, NOEU, ELGA, ELNO, ELEM;
o Location of the values:
 Three locations:

# Concept Resultat.
o Resolution operators produce typed data structures: resultat.
o The type depends on the operator: EVOL_ELAS, EVOL_NOLI, EVOL_THER, MODE_MECA…
o At each computation step, one or more fields are stored in the data structure: resultat.
o Fields are identified by access variables: INST, NUME_ORDRE, FREQ, NUME_MODE…
16 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

# Calculate Physical Fields or Perform Mathematical Operation: CALC_CHAMP /POST_ELEM.

o Produce fields and tables.
o CALC_CHAMP
 Create or complete a DS resultat.
 Calculation of stresses, strains, energies, criteria, error indicators…
o POST_ELEM
 Create a table.
 Calculation of energies (potential, elastic, kinetic, dissipated..).
 Calculation of integrals or averages.
# Handling Fields and Tables: CREA_CHAMP/ CREA_RESU/ CREA_TABLE/ CALC_TABLE.
o CREA_CHAMP: Create fields of quantitates champ_gd.
o CREA_RESU: Create a DS resultat from fields.
o CREA_TABLE: Create a table from a function or a list of real.
o CALC_TABLE: Manipulate data’s from tables like a spreadsheet.
# Print a Result or Fields: IMPR_RESU.
o Print:
 Meshes.
 Fields of quantities.
 Data contained in a DS.
o Different formats:
 Listing: FORMAT = ‘RESULTAT’ and ‘ASTER’
 MED: FORMAT = ‘MED’
 GMSH FORMAT = ‘GMSH’
 CASTEM FORMAT = ‘CASTEM’
 IDEAS FORMAT = ‘IDEAS’
# Print a Table.
o Print the contents of a table in a listing or an Excel file.
o Also plot curves.
o Selection:
 NOM_PARA: Choice of columns to print.
 FILTRE: Choice of lines to print (some lines checking criteria).
 TRI: Choice of the order of rows to print (ascending or descending).
 FORMAT: Choice of print format.

Where to Find Information

# Access to all documentations of Code_Aster.

o U documents: Usage.
 Using the commands.
 Methodological documents.
 Documents for starting:
 [U1.00.00] Getting started with Code_Aster
 [U2.02.00] Introduction to Code_Aster
o V documents: Validation.
 One test-case = one V document.
 Description of the problem and the reference solution.
o R documents: Reference.
 Theory related to methods and algorithms of the code.
17 INTRODUCTION FINITE ELEMENT A NALYSIS METHOD

# Tools for the community.

o The forum is:
 A place of exchange and mutual assistance for Code_Aster users.
 Exchange of best practices, tips. Sharing of experience.

Useful Links

# www.code-aster.org  Official Code_Aster WebSite.

# www.salome-platform.org  Official Salome Platform WebSite.
# http://code-aster.org/forum2/  Official Code_Aster, Salome Meca Forums.
# http://www.code-aster.org/spip.php?rubrique19  Code_Aster, Salome_Meca Documentation.
# http://www.code-aster.org/spip.php?rubrique68  Code_Aster, Salome_Meca Training.
# http://www.code-aster.org/spip.php?rubrique22  Code_Aster, Salome_Meca Support.

# http://caelinux.com/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55:caelinux-
2013&catid=69&Itemid=41  Download CAELinux, Salome_Meca WebSite.
# https://www.virtualbox.org/  VirtualBox Download WebSite.
# http://caelinux.org/wiki/index.php/Doc:CAETutorials  Code_Aster, Salome_Meca Tutorials.

Personal Difficulties During Salome_Meca, Code_Aster Study

# The first problem I faced concerns Salome_Meca Post-Processing Module. I noticed that even though my mesh
and my command file where absolutely correct, the platform was running the analysis BUT Post-Pro branch
didn’t appear after the analysis. I figured later on, that this was a problem concerning the names I was giving to
the folder, files, command files, aster study. That’s why you should avoid giving difficult names or even adding a
space between letters, stay simple and also avoid symbols.
# Secondly, Geometry Viewer mode will in most cases get stuck. You will need to reset it everytime that happens, I
found a way by closing the Geometry viewer, activating Mesh Module and then re-activate Geometry Module
without making any changes.
# Lines beginning with “#” are comments. Also, many things are explained directly in the code with commented
lines at the right place. A line with [U4.81.03] for example, means that the following command or operator is
described in the U4.81.03 document in Code_Aster documentation available at the links given above.
# Another important note, is that within the command file we must not use concept names more than 8 characters.
18 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

Chapter_I: Cube
In the first chapter we will get familiar with the software concepts
and in general with the idea of Finite Element Analysis Method.
We will work on a Cube geometry to easy our prelusion.

Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem

The purpose of this Finite Element Analysis is to make an outset of the Finite Element Analysis Method, and also
getting to know the concepts of our Open_Source software, Salome_Meca.

Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis

Cube Dimension: 100mm x 100mm x 100mm;

Young’s Modulus: 2.1e5 MPa;
Poisson’s Ratio: 0.3;
Pressure Applied on the “Top” face: i) 5 MPa;
ii) 50 MPa; Two different load cases.
19 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

Step 3: Model Geometry

# Description Figure
1. After installing Salome_Meca in your Ubuntu system we are ready to run the application. There are two different
ways to start Salome_Meca.
First one is to open up a terminal and go to the folder where Salome_Meca is installed and type ./runAppi
Or double-click on Salome_Meca icon on desktop.
When Salome_Meca loads, it will look like the figure below.
2.

3. The figure below shows the shape of Salome_Meca toolbar.

The first line has a pretty common menu bar: File, Edit, View, Tools, Window, Help.
The second line, except the New, Open, Save, Close, Copy and Paste tools, consists of ⑴ Geometry, ⑵ Mesh, ⑶
Post-Pro, ⑷ YACS, ⑸ ParaViS, ⑹ Jobmanager, ⑺ Openturns, ⑻ Eficas, ⑼ Aster, ⑽ Homard, ⑾ Europleax,
⑿ MED, and a drop-down list which contains all of the above.
4.

5. Let’s start drawing our model.

Select Geometry either from the drop-down list
or by clicking on the icon.
Select “New” from the pop-up window that
appears.

See figure on the right

20 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

# Description Figure
6. Click on New Entity  Primitives  Box from the toolbar.

Fill in the gaps like the figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

7. Now in the viewer tab we got a new menu bar, if you move your mouse to each one of these icons it will show the
name of each button.
Most of those options are used to change your geometry’s view, either by zooming in and out, rotating the model or
even more.
8.

9. Easy as it may seem, you have

created your geometry and it is
time to proceed to the analysis.

First we need to create groups

which will be a huge help to us
as we continue through the FE
Analysis.
21 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

# Description Figure
10. Select Box_1 from the Object Browser.

Got to New Entity  Group  Create from the toolbar

and fill the gaps as shown in the figure.

Choose the 3rd option to select faces.

Name the group with a proper name (we used Fix

because we are targeting the fixed support face).

Click on the bottom face to choose it and then press

“Add”.

Once you select it, it will get highlighted with white

edges.

Finish with “Apply”.

Do the same procedure but now for the face that we

want to apply the load (top face), you can name it Load.

11. After successfully completing all the previous steps, you should
have the same Object Browser as shown on the figure on the right.

The “eye” icons allow you to choose which part of our geometry
will be shown on the Viewer tab. They are also used in every other
Module (mesh, post-pro, ... )

12. Always save your work before

moving to the next step/ module.

Remember if you use meaningful

names it is going to be really
helpful later on.

Note: Be extra careful when you

name your work. Do not include
space in your file names.

# Taking in consideration that you have completed all the previous steps correctly, we will continue to the Mesh part.
22 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

Step 4: Meshing Geometry

# Description Figure
1. From the drop down list choose Mesh module.

Select Box_1, go to the menu bar Mesh  Create

Mesh.

Keep the default name, Mesh_1.

Make sure Box_1 is on the geometry option and

choose Netgen 1D-2D-3D Algorithm.

This algorithm option will automatically fill the 3D,

2D, 1D, 0D tabs.

2. We need to specify a hypothesis also.

A hypothesis is a parameter that modulates the Algorithm. In this

case we will adjust the Max. and Min. Size of the elements used
by the NETGEN 1D-2D-3D Algorithm.

Click on the gear and select Netgen 3D parameters.

In the pop-up window leave everything as default (you will be
explained in next chapters about those options).

Click “Ok” to get back to the previous pop-up window.

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

3. Now your Object Browser should look like the figure on the right.

If you noticed, Mesh_1 icon has an exclamation mark, which means

that we may have set the mesh options but we still need to compute
it.

To do so, right-click on the Mesh_1 and select Compute.

23 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

# Description Figure
4. If everything is well
placed, after some
seconds you will get
a pop-up window
which contains all of
the Mesh
information. Like
number of Nodes,
Edges, Faces, etc.

In the figure on the

right you can also see
how our model will
look after we
compute the mesh.

# That was the end of our meshing step. Remember to always save your work before going to the next step. In the
next steps we will see how to build information for a Linear Static FE Analysis with the help of Salome_Meca
Wizard.
24 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

Step 5,6,7,8 and 9: Salome_Meca Linear Static Analysis Wizard

# After completing our geometry, arranging the correct groups, using the most suitable algorithm and hypothesis for
the mesh, now is time to make some more modification for out linear static analysis.

# Description Figure
1. Select Aster Module from the drop down list or by
clicking on the icon from the toolbar.

Go to Aster  Wizards  Linear Elastic.

Step 5: Define the type of model, select 3D like in

the figure on the right.

Proceed with “Next”

2. Step 6: Select the mesh that will be used for this
specific analysis.

If for some reason Mesh_1 is not automatically

chosen, press the blue arrow button and then select
Mesh_1 from the Object Browser.

“Use geometrical groups”, the ones that we defined

in Geometry Module.

Proceed with “Next”

3. Step 7: Define the material properties that we will
use in our analysis.

Add Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio as

shown in the figure on the right.

Our dimensions are in millimeters so our Young’s

modulus should be in MPa.

Proceed with “Next”

25 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

# Description Figure
4. Step 8: Input Geometric Boundary Conditions.

This is where the geometry groups we created

before will come in handy.

We want fixed support in the Fix group.

Fixed support has zero degrees of freedom for the

selected group (in case of volumetric geometry-
this leads to discretization by solid elements), so
fill in the gaps according to the figure on the right.

Proceed with “Next”

5. Step 9: Input Load Boundary Condition.

Select Load and input 5 MPa if it is not already

selected.

Load is the top face group we created in the

Geometry Module.

Proceed with “Next”

6. We have defined all the information
needed for the FE Analysis.

We also have created our command file

(.comm), that passes on the information we
just input in the wizard, to Code_Aster.

Click on the icon to save the (.comm) file

in the same folder that the .hdf file is and,
for your comfort, name it with a
meaningful name.

Click “Save”

End with “Finish”

7. A new branch has been created to the Object Browser.
Open “Aster” and you will see the “linear-static” underneath.

# Summarizing our work so far, we have created our geometry, separated the boundary groups, computed the mesh and
we created the command file containing all the necessary information about our analysis. Only thing left to do is ….
26 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

Step 10: Running the Analysis

# Salome_Meca makes it easy for beginners to create and run an analysis (always depending on the kind of the
analysis). The end results (output) can be changed based on the results we are after, by editing the command file.
But for this introductory analysis we will use defaults.

# Description Figure
1. Right-click on “linear-static” in the Object Browser and select “Run”

A new window will pop-up displaying lots of different things.

The graphic environment is the software’s way to show procedures, steps

of solution by text output.

The software now calculates all the information we entered before.

2. If everything goes well, a new branch named “Post-Pro” will

appear in the Object Browser.

If Post-Pro branch doesn’t appear, it means that something went

wrong with the analysis.

When that happens, the information about the error is written in

text file with suffix .mess in the directory, where the task was
saved. If you are not sure about the mistake, it would be better to
re-do all the steps from scratch.

There is another way of correcting those errors but we will see it in

the next chapters.

# Post-Pro branch is now on the Object Browser which means that the results are ready to be evaluated. Depending
on the type of the analysis the calculation could take from a few minutes to several hours. Next step is to visualize
the results.
27 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

Step 11: Post Processing the results

# Description Figure
1. Select Post-Pro from the drop down list to enter Post-Pro Module.

In the Object Browser we can now see three branches in the parent
branch of field.

These branches contain the results of the analysis, and the only
thing left to do is explain to the software the way to visualize those
results.

2. RESU___DEPL  Result of the Displacement of the Nodes.

Open this branch, right click on “0,-“ and select Deformed Shape.

Check the Magnitude coloring in the pop-up window and keep

the default scale factor.

You can go through the other 2 tabs Scalar Bar, Input, but right
now we won’t need to change something else in those tabs.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

28 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

# Description Figure
3. A new branch appears
inside RESU___DEPL.

With right-clicking on
the Def.Shape you get
plenty of options.

First of all select the

“Show Only” option and
then right-click 
Representation 
SurfaceFrame.

As you can see from the

figure at the bottom of
the window, a graph of
Deflection with
minimum and maximum
values is shown.

4. Now in this step, I will show you how to add more than one
different types of visualization in the study if required.

Right-click again on “0,-“ select Deformed Shape, check the

Magnitude Box with default Scale Factor.

Click on Scalar Bar tab, go to Scalar Mode and select DX from

the given option, as shown in the figure.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

29 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

# Description Figure
5. Follow the same steps
as before to make it
visible and with the use
of SurfaceFrame.

Here you are able to see

how the cube deforms
in X direction.

You can also see in Y,Z

direction by changing
the DX option from the
drop down list given in
the Scalar Bar tab.

6. We can see the stress results now, and the points where
those stresses reach maximum and minimum values.

RESU___SIEQ_NOEU is the results (RESU) of the

stress (SI..) Equivalent (..EQ) or equivalent stress at
nodes (NOEU).

Again right-click on “0,-“ choose Scalar Map and from

the pop-up window select VMIS (Von Mises), rest keep
default.

Finish with “Ok”

30 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

# Description Figure
7. A new branch has appeared
now at the Object Browser,
right-click  Show Only,
right-click  Representation
 SurfaceFrame to get an
understandable view.
Notice that at the bottom of
the window a graph with
minimum and maximum Von
Mises values is shown.
As in the deflection branch we
can also change the fashion of
showing (to other similar
stresses) like TRESCA or
VMIS_SG. All you have to do
is follow the same steps as
before and from the pp-up
window instead of choosing
VMIS, select any other of the
given options.
8. Following the same steps as
before for the
RESU___SIGM_NOEU
branch,
RESU___SIGM_NOEU is the
result of the stress or SIGMa
at Nodes.

Here we have 6 different

stresses, Sx, Sy, Sz, Sxy, Sxz,
Syz.

# We are finished with our first load case, now let’s see what changes we have to make to solve our second case
scenario.
31 CHAPTER_I: CUBE GETTING_TO_KNOW_SALOME_MECA

# Description Figure
1. We won’t have to start from scratch since we are
going to use the same geometry and mesh.

Choose Aster Module from the drop down window.

Make sure Mesh_1 is selected and follow the exact

same steps we did for the first load case.

BUT, as it is shown in the figure on the right, when it

comes to input the value of the load you will have to
input 50 MPa.

Continue with saving with different name and finish.

2. As we can see from the figure, a new analysis is added
to Aster branch.

Right-click  Run and if everything is correct there

will also be a new branch in Post-Pro branch.

Repeat the same steps as in the previous analysis to

visualize the results in this load case.

# This task was a complete FE Analysis which is very helpful to understand the steps we follow in Finite Element
Analysis.
32 CHAPTER_II: CYLINDER _ROD EDDITING_COMMAND_FILE

Chapter_II: Cylinder Rod

In this next chapter we are going to get familiar with Code_Aster and how
programming affects Salome_Meca software.
We will study a Cylinder Rod case and use command line to set the necessary
parameters.

Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem

The purpose of this Finite Element Analysis is to get one step close to understanding Finite Element Analysis
Method, and also getting to know the concepts of our Open_Source software, Salome_Meca and Code_Aster.

Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis

Cylinder Dimensions: l= 1000mm, r= 15mm;

Young’s Modulus: 2e5 MPa;
Poisson’s Ratio: 0.3;
Pressure Applied on the “right edge” face: 500 N;
33 CHAPTER_II: CYLINDER _ROD EDDITING_COMMAND_FILE

Step 3: Model Geometry

# Description Figure
1. Follow the same procedure you did in the previous chapter.
Starting from Step 3: Model Geometry #1 to #6.
2. Click on New Entity  Basic  Circle in Salome_Meca
toolbar.

Fill in the gaps according to the figure on the right to create our
Cylinder.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

3. Click again on New Entity  Build  Face and fill the blanks
according to the figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

*We made a face from our geometry, to be able to use the

Extrusion command.
4. Next step is creating our Solid Geometry model.
Click again on New Entity  Generation 
Extrusion.

In the construction by extrusion window, fill in the

gaps according to the figure on the right.

Your geometry also should have a look like in the

figure.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

34 CHAPTER_II: CYLINDER _ROD EDDITING_COMMAND_FILE

# Description Figure
5. We now have created our geometry and the following step
would be defining our groups that will help us make the
FE Analysis.
Make sure Extrusion_1 is selected in the Object Browser.
Click on New Entity  Group  Create
In the Create Group window that pops-up select the third
option for shape type and select the faces from the
geometry.
This first group will be used for support, so it will help if
you name your groups, and general all your options in the
Object Browser, with easy to remember names.
I used “Fix” as my fixed support group.
Fill in the gaps according to the figure on the right.
Rotate the model so you can find the face where we need
our fixed support. When you click on the face we are
interested in, it will get highlighted with white edges.
Clicking on the “Add” button, the face number will be
added as shown on the figure.
Repeat the same procedure for selecting the opposite face
and name it “Load”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

6. Now your Object Browser should look like in the figure on the
right.

The eyes on each option hide/show those options in the viewer

window.

7. Now that we are finished, save your work to a destination of your choise and name it accordingly.
35 CHAPTER_II: CYLINDER _ROD EDDITING_COMMAND_FILE

Step 4: Meshing Geometry

# Step by step example of how to mesh our geometry is shown below, taking in consideration that you have completed
our geometry and have saved it to a logical path with a meaningful name.

# Description Figure
1. Pull down the category box or click on the mesh icon to
enter to Mesh Module.

Select Extrusion_1 from the Object Browser and click

Mesh  Create Mesh and fill the pop-up window
likewise.

In the Hypothesis tab, you won’t have to change

anything, just keep the data default.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

2. Right-click on Mesh_1  Compute.

If everything goes well, you will have the same pop-up window which
includes the mesh information.

Click on “Close”
Your mesh should look like the figure below.
3.
36 CHAPTER_II: CYLINDER _ROD EDDITING_COMMAND_FILE

Step 5,6,7,8 and 9: Salome_Meca Linear Static Analysis Wizard

# In the previous chapter, in these steps we chose to use Salome_Meca Linear Static Wizard to create the command
(.comm) file which would hold information about the analysis we wanted to do. BUT Linear Static Wizard doesn’t
give us the option to set our force in an horizontal way. In this case scenario we will use the Linear Static Wizard
to create our command file and then we will modify it.

# Description Figure
1. Click on Aster Module and make sure Mesh_1 is selected in the Object Browser.
In Salome_Meca main toolbar, click Aster  Wizards  Linear Static and then a window will pop-up.
Select “3D” as a type of Analysis, continue with “Next”.
Select Mesh_1 and choose “Use of geometrical groups”, continue with “Next”.
Enter 2e05 (MPa) for Young’s Modulus and 0.3 for Poison’s Ratio, continue with “Next”.
For Geometric Boundary Conditions select “Fix” and give 0,0,0 values, continue with “Next”.
For Load Boundary Conditions, it doesn’t matter what value you input here because we are going to modify it in
the next steps, continue with “Next”.
Save the file by giving it an appropriate name.
“Finish”.

# Now we have completed the steps to generate a study and create the command (.comm) file as we did in the previous
chapter. Our next step is to edit the command file and adjust our force correctly.

Step 9: Manual editing of command (.comm) file

# Description Figure
1. Search and open the folder where you saved the command
file, it should be in the same folder where your .hdf file is
located.

If your Ubuntu installation is unchanged, this file loads

with “medit” text editor, by default.

2. When the text editor opens, it should look like the figure on the right.

You don’t have to worry or get scared what all those lines after lines
mean or how they interact with Salome_Meca or Code_Aster, yet.

The modification we need to make in this step are really simple.

37 CHAPTER_II: CYLINDER _ROD EDDITING_COMMAND_FILE

# Description Figure
3. Find the sentence with the words “PRES_REP” which is
the pressure term that we entered on face “Load” with a
value of “1” (default).

Select all the lines that relate to that command and delete
them by pressing Delete.

4. Replace the above sentence with the one shown in the

figure on the right.

“FORCE_NODALE” means Nodal Force in French.

Here we replaced PRES_REP which may also be a key

word to apply loads BUT it didn’t give us the option to
apply that force in the direction that we were interested in.

The amount of Load that we want to be applied is 500N

and it should have a direction of Negative Y (-Y).
FORCE_NODALE  Nodal Force.
GROUP_NO  In a specific group of Nodes (Load).
FY  Direction.

5. Save the file with our new modifications.

38 CHAPTER_II: CYLINDER _ROD EDDITING_COMMAND_FILE

Step 10: Running the Analysis

# Description Figure
1. Open Salome_Meca again and check that your .hdf file is open. Make sure that Aster Module is selected.
Right-click to the “linear-static” branch in the Object Browser and click “Run”.
The pop-up window where the white letters and numbers flow will appear.
If everything goes well, you will be able to see “Post-Pro” Module appear in the Object Browser.
2. Most of the times that you run an analysis the “Post-Pro” branch will not appear in the Object Browser. That
happens when there is a code error/mistake. To fix those mistakes you will have to go back to the command file,
make your changes and then switch back to Salome_Meca, right-click on “linear-static” again, choose “Edit” and
instantly click “Ok”, without changing anything inside that window. This way the analysis will get updated with
the changes you made in the command file. Right-click and “Run” to compute the new data.
There is a way that points out where exactly in your code appears to be the error, but we will address to that in the
next chapter.
3. Save your work.

Step 11: Post-Processing of the results

# Since you are familiar already with the way that Post-Pro Module visualizes the results, we will continue together
but without thorough explanation.

# Description Figure
1. Activate “Post-Pro” Module from the drop down list.

Open “RESU___DEPL” branch and add “Deformed Shape”.

To make the deformation more prominent, change the scale factor to

“0.3”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

For this Deformed Shape, enable “Show Only” and change the
Representation to “SurfaceFrame”.
39 CHAPTER_II: CYLINDER _ROD EDDITING_COMMAND_FILE

# Description Figure
2.

3. Open “RESU___SIEQ_NOEU” branch and add Scalar Map with the mode “VMIS”.
For the VonMises Stresses, also enable “Show Only” and change the representation to “Surface”.
Min. Equiv. Stress = 26 MPa, Max. Equiv. Stress = 2756.3 MPa.
4.

5. Don’t mind the results that are shown in the last two figures. The purpose of this analysis was to show you how to
manually edit the command (.comm) file.
40 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

Chapter_III: Child Swing

In this chapter we will examine the 1D_Analysis of a child
swing beam.
Emphasizing in Nominal Stress.

Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem

The purpose of this chapter is to find out the deformation of the beam, which consist the child swing, and the
displacement of its end point. Also, we will examine how the stress will look like, when a loading by a specific weight,
defined by the force.

Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis

Beam Dimensions: l= 1000mm;

Cross-Section: r=15mm;
Young’s Modulus: 2e5 MPa;
Poisson’s Ratio: 0.3;
Pressure Applied on the “right edge” face: FY= -500N;
41 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

Step 3: Model Geometry

# Open Salome_Meca, start a new study, enable Geometry Module and save your study with an appropriate name.

# Description Figure
1. Click New Entity  Basic  Point.

A pop-up window appears like the figure on the right.

Select the 1st Algorithm in Points.

Enter “P1” as a name.

Enter (1000,0,0) for X,Y,Z coordinates.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

2. Now we need to create a line with 2 points (0,0) and P1.

Click New Entity  Basic  Line.

Select 1st Algorithm for line by two points.

Click on the blue curved arrow near Point 1, to choose our first
point of the line and repeat the same for Point 2, as shown in the
figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

3. Next phase is to arrange our groups, like we did in the

previous chapter.

Click on New Entity  Group  Create.

In the pop-up window we will follow the same steps we did

before, BUT this time we will select the 1st Algorithm for
selecting the points, which is located at the beginning of our
line.
Continue with “Apply”

Do the same for the other end and name it “Load”.

Continue with “Apply”

Now to create a group for our main line, we will need to

select the 2nd Algorithm for Line, and name it “Guide”.

Select the line in the viewer tab and click “Add”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

4. Save the file and give it a proper name.
42 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

Step 4: Meshing Geometry

# After we are done with modeling our geometry it is time to move to Mesh Module. Enable Mesh Module in
Salome_Meca and start the procedure to generate the Mesh.

# Description Figure
1. Click Mesh  Generate Mesh.

Select Line_1 for Geometry.

Select “Wire Discretisation” for Algorithm from the drop

down list.

Click on the gear button next to Hypothesis.

2. In the list that will fall down, select “Nb.Segments”, keep

default name and change the number of segments to “10”.

Click “Ok”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

3. Right-click on “Mesh_1” from the Object Browser and click

“Compute”.

If everything goes well you should have the same pop-up window as
shown in the figure.
43 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

# Description Figure
4. Right-click on “Mesh_1” again and choose “Create Groups From
Geometry”.

Then you have to select the groups we created in Geometry Module

and place them in the same box as in the figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

# We are done meshing our geometry. Next step is creating the command file that will contain all the necessary
information and will give instructions to Aster about the analysis. This time we are going to use Eficas to conclude
our command file.

Step 5,6,7,8 and 9: Creating command (.comm) file with Eficas

# As we noticed from the previous chapter there is more than one way to create a valid command file. In the previous
chapter we used Salome_Meca Wizard and then we modified it in a text editor. In this chapter we will use Eficas
Application.
# Eficas is an application that generates syntactically correct command files, this does not mean that they will make
sense or that there will not be any errors while running the analysis. This applications only makes certain that you
won’t miss any commas or any closing brackets, all other features have to come from the user.

# Description Figure
1. In Salome_Meca select “Eficas” from the drop down list.
A huge discomfort will be that eficas has not yet been translated to English and everything, including the tool tips
are in French language.
2. In the main Toolbar, click on Eficas  Eficas
Multicatalogue.
Icons from left to right:
1] Create new file, 2] Open file, 3] Save file, 4]
Copy, 5] Paste, 6] Delete, 7] Cut.
Click on Create a new file.
44 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

# Description Figure
3. In the first pop-up window, you will be asked to
choose a code.

Select “ASTER”.

Continue with “Ok”

4. In the second pop-up window, you will be asked to
choose in which version of Code_Aster you want to
work on.

Select “STA11” which is the newest one (at my

system) and the most stable.

Continue with “Ok”

5. Before going any further, let’s save the file in the same folder we saved the study before. Click on Fishier  En
registrer sous (Save us) and click “Save”.
6. In the figure below you can see how Eficas application looks before we start working in it.
In the left column it shows the file name “ComI.comm” in red colour which means that the file is not yet
complete.
Eficas is waiting for us to input the data, when that happens correctly the red square will turn green, meaning that
our command file is correct.
In the second column there are all the commands that are available in Code_Aster and are sorted Alphabetically.
The data that needs to be added now, is called concepts, and for a fully functionable command file we need to add
the following concepts:
i. DEBUT [Start]
ii. Material Definition […]
iii. What type of Mesh to read […]
iv. Type of modelling [1D,2D,3D,Mechanical]
v. Assign previously defined Material to the model […]
vi. Add Geometric Boundary Conditions […]
vii. Add Load Boundary Conditions […]
viii. Define Type of Analysis […]
ix. Results to be calculated at the elements, nodes […]
x. Save the results to a MED file […]
xi. Fin [End]
45 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

# Description Figure
7. Ajouter Mot-Clef = Add Keyword Mots Clefs Permis = Permitted Keywords
Nommer Concept = Name of Concept Regles = Rules
Nouvelle Commande = New Command
Note: If you are having trouble with undestanding the meaning of some words/commands remember to use
translation from French.

8.

9. Find “DEBUT”command from the second column, double-click on it to begin our command file.
You can see that “DEBUT” square is green, which mean that this command is functionable and we can move to
the next command.
Clicking on the command that you just added, will get you back to the first screen where you can select your next
type of command/concept.
10. Second step will be defining the material that we
are interested in using.
Choose “Nouvelle Commande” tab, to select a new
concept, and find “DEFI_MATERIAU” which
means DEFINE_MATERIAL. Double-click or
select it and click “Valider”
Now you can see that DEFI_MATERIAU has been
added to our command list but the square is yellow,
which means that we need to add more information
to make this command functionable.
11. Find “ELAS” from “Mots Clefs Permis” and
double-click on it to add it to the command
file.
Two other branched will appear, fill them like
in the figure on the right. “E” stands for
Young’s Modulus and “NU” for Poison’s
Ratio.
After this step you will notice in the command
file list that every square is green except
DEFI_MATERIAU, and that happens because
we need to assign a name to the concept from
“Nommer Concept” tab.
12. In the next step we must define the type of the
mesh that will be read as input.

Go to “Nouvelle Command” again and choose

“LIRE_MAILLAGE”  FORMAT=MED and
lastly give the command a proper name.
46 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

# Description Figure
13. We came to the point where we will need to
apply Boundary Conditions on the nodes, but
we can’t do that unless the MED file has
information for the node group.

The DEFI_GROUP command will help us do

that.

Click on Nouvelle Commande 

DEFI_GROUP  MAILLAGE  mesh.
Click on DEFI_GROUP and double-click
CREA_GROUP_MA, click on NOM and
name it “TOUT” and click “Valider”.
Click on TOUT  OUI which means give the
name (NOM) TOUT (all) to all mesh elements.

Here we made a group of the entire mesh and

called it “TOUT”.
14. Now we need to convert this group of mesh to a group of
nodes.

Click DEFI_GROUP  CREA_GROUP_NO  b_option

 TOUT_GROUP_MA  OUI, which will convert all
mesh group to Node groups.

Name the concept and move to the next one.

15. For the next step we need to define the type of modelling.
“AFFE_MODELE” command is the most suitable
command for that task.
Choose AFFE_MODELE  MAILLAGE  mesh.
Select TOUT  OUI, to asign the modeling to the whole
mesh.
Select PHENOMENE  MECANIQUE
Select MODELISATION  POU_D_T
Close the command with naming it.
47 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

# Description Figure
16. Next step will be to Add Material Properties
which were defined previously to the model.
Choose AFFE_MATERIAU (Assign Material)
 MAILLAGE  mesh.
Click AFFE  TOUT  OUI
MATER  material (depends of the given
name).
Finish with naming the concept.
17. Next step is to define the Geometry of the
beam.

Choose AFFE_CARA_ELEM and fill the gaps

according to the figure on the right.

Here we defined a Circle Cross-Section to our

beam, with R=15mm.

Finish with naming the concept.

18. In the next step we will Add Geometric
Boundary Conditions.

Select AFFE_CHAR_MECA and fill in the

necessary information as shown in the figure
on the right.

According to our data, we want 0 value to all

degrees of freedom.

Finish with naming the concept.

19. In the next step we will Add Load Boundary
Conditions.
Select AFFE_CHAR_MECA again and give in
the necessary information as shown in the
figure on the right.
Here we added a load of 500N to the “Load”
group of nodes with negative FY direction.
Finish with naming the concept.
20. Next step is defining the type of analysis.
Add MECA_STATIQUE (Static Mechanical
Analysis) to the command file and then add
information to the branch as shown in the
figure on the right.

Note that we are adding two EXCIT command

to cater for two types of Boundary Conditions
(EXCIT = excitation of the calculation).

Finish with naming the concept.

48 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

# Description Figure
21. Next we define the types of result to be
calculated from the initial displacement
calculated.
Add CALC_CHAMP to the command file and
fill the information according to the figure on
the right.
Name it with the same name you used with the
previous concept.
Here we want results for 2 information
calculated.
SIPO_NOEU = Stress at Nodes.
REAC_NODA = Reaction at Nodes.
22. In this step we need to define the information
that will be written in the MED file.

Add IMPR_RESU and follow the way the

figure shows.

At this point our goal is to print and visualize

some results.

DEPL for deflection and the other 2 that we

explained in the previous step #21.

23. Last step will be adding the FIN command.

Once you add FIN, “comI.comm” square turns

green, meaning that our command file is
completed.

27. Save this file and return to Salome_Meca.

49 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

Step 10: Run the Analysis

# Description Figure
1. Now that we created our command file with the
help of Eficas Application, we need to define a
study case in Aster that will do the analysis and
point the location of our command file.

Choose Aster Module from the drop down list.

Click Aster  Add Study Case.

Chose a correct name.

Locate your command (.comm) file from your

system.

Set Mesh_1 to the Mesh.

And input the Solver Prameters as shown.

Finish with “Ok”.

2. When you click “Ok”, a new branch appears to the Object Browser
named Aster, which contains the study case that we just created.
Choose and right-click to “Run” the analysis.

If everything is correct, after the analysis is complete you should be

able to see “Post-Pro” branch added to the Object Browser, like in
the figure on the right.

3. Save the study and let’s have a look at the results.

50 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

Step 11: Post Processing the results

# Open Post-Pro Module from the drop down list and let’s see what the FE Analysis has to show.

# Description Figure
1. Follow the same steps we took in the previous chapter.
Result_DEPL  Deformed Shape  Show Only  Surface.
We can see that the deformation has a range from 2.32934e-21 mm to 20.9694 mm
2.

3. Next we will need to see the stress results.

Result_SIPO_NOEU  Scalar Map  Mode: SMFZ (Stress due to bending Moment MZ)  Show Only.
We can see that the direct stress has a range from -7.02694e-13 MPa to 188.628 MPa.
4.

5. Below you can see the figure which includes our command file with all of our concepts/parameters/data.
6.
51 CHAPTER_III: BEAM 1D_A NALYSIS, NOMINAL _STRESS

Notes

i. Code_Aster can read IDEAS, GMSH, MED Formats.

ii. If in Eficas you are having trouble understanding a word, use translation from French to English, it is really
helpful.
iii. In defining material step, we filled only 2 parameters (Young’s Modulus and Poison’s Ration) because the task
didn’t require extra ones like Density, Thermal Conductivity, etc.
iv. There will be cases where you will have two different material types. To do so you will just create another
DEFI_MATERIAU concept with different parameters and you will just give it another name.
v. This can happen to other commands also, like in AFFE_MODELE. But have in mind that you can separate groups
and give different parameters to each one of them only by changing their names.
vi. The reason why we define mesh group is that we can convert it to node group later.
vii. We need to be careful of which type of modelization we choose, because in most of the cases we pick the wrong
one and the command file is not working. To choose the best one in a certain case study, you will have to study
carefully the Code_Aster documentation, U4.41.01.
viii. Beams and Shells have 6 Degrees of Freedom, 3 in Translation and another 3 in Rotation.
ix. In Aster, regarding the default 128MB memory parameter, you could leave it like this but soon, for bigger
analysis, that amount of memory will be insufficient and it will stop running. The more memory you input the
safer it is. Have in mind that the most sufficient amount of memory is around quarter or half of the total memory
of your system.
x. There will be times that your analysis will not allow you to visualize Post-Pro Module, that is happening because
there is an error in your command file.
xi. When you Run an analysis, it does not matter if it is working or not, Salome_Meca creates some files in the
folders directory. [.hdf, .rmed, .resu, .mess, .mmed, .export, .comm file].
xii. In the .mess file as we mentioned before, there will be information regarding your analysis. At the end of the file
there will be a “box”, in which will be stated the area, the line where your code is mistaken. In the next chapters
you will see examples of that file.
52 CHAPTER_IV: BEAM_SYSTEM 1D_ANALYSIS, NOMINAL_STRESS, ALIGNMENT

Chapter_IV: Beam System

In this Chapter we will deepen more into

beams.
We will study a 1D beam system analysis,
emphasizing in Nominal Stress and Alignment.

Square Cross-Section

Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem

In this chapter we are asked to create a 3D Cube Beam System. The Cube Beam System has a square Cross-
Section which is given above.

Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis

Cube Dimension: 100mm x 100mm x 100mm;

Cross-Section: Rectangular, Length= 8mm x 8mm;
Young’s Modulus: 2e05 MPa;
Poisson’s Ratio: 0.3;
Pressure Applied: F1= 150 N;
F2= 200 N; Two different load cases.
53 CHAPTER_IV: BEAM_SYSTEM 1D_ANALYSIS, NOMINAL_STRESS, ALIGNMENT

Step 3: Model Geometry

# As we proceed forward and you learn more and more things, the explanation of the steps will be shorter.
# Start Salome_Meca and begin modelling.

# Description Figure
1. Starting with, we must add all cube parts in Geometry Module.
Start Geometry Module, click on New Entity  Basic 
Point.

Enter the following Points:

Name = Coordinates (x, y, z)
P1_0,0,0 = (0,0,0) P5_0,0,100 = (0,0,100)
P2_0,100,0 = (0,100,0) P6_0,100,100 = (0,100,100)
P3_100,100,0 = (100,100,0) P7_100,100,100 = (100,100,100)
P4_100,0,0 = (100,0,0) P8_100,0,100 = (100,0,100)

Finish with “Apply and Close”

2. After creating the Points we must make Lines out of those
Points.

Go to New Entity  Basic  Lines

Connect all Points according to the figure on the right and our
given data.
Line_1 = (P1,P2) Line_7 = (P6,P7) Line_13 = (P5,P7)
Line_2 = (P2,P3) Line_8 = (P7,P8) Line_14 = (P8,P3)
Line_3 = (P3,P4) Line_9 = (P8,P5) Line_15 = (P4,P2)
Line_4 = (P4,P1) Line_10 = (P2,P6) Line_16 = (P1,P6)
Line_5 = (P1,P5) Line_11 = (P4,P8) Line_17 = (P6,P3)
Line_6 = (P5,P6) Line_12 = (P3,P7)
3. After finishing with the Points, Lines you should be able to see
the geometry as shown in the figure on the right.
54 CHAPTER_IV: BEAM_SYSTEM 1D_ANALYSIS, NOMINAL_STRESS, ALIGNMENT

# Description Figure
4. Next we need to create a container that will store all these
individual lines.

Click New Entity  Build  Compound.

Keep default name.

Select all our Lines and Points for Objects.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

5. Next we need to create Groups of Nodes for our Geometric and
Load Boundary Conditions.

Click New Entity  Groups  Create.

In the window that pops-up, select the 1st algorithm for Shape
Type of Nodes.

Enter “Fix” as a name (or any name that suits you) and select
the Points where we want our fixed support to be placed, from
the Object Browser. Then click on “Add” and the Points will be
added likewise the figure on the right.

Click “Apply”

Similarly create Node group of our loads, for Load_F1 and

Load_F2.

Click “Apply”
nd
6. Select now the 2 Algorithm for Shape Type to select Edges.

Name it “Guide” (or any name that suits you), click “Select
All” and then on “Add”.

All Lines/Edges will be added now on the list like the figure on
the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

7. This concludes our Geometry creation session. Save in a proper location with a proper name.
55 CHAPTER_IV: BEAM_SYSTEM 1D_ANALYSIS, NOMINAL_STRESS, ALIGNMENT

Step 4: Meshing Geometry

# Description Figure
1. Select and open Mesh Module from the drop down list.
Click Mesh  Create Mesh (with Compound_1 selected).

Select “Wire Discretisation” for 1D Algorithm.

Select Nb. Segments_1 with number of Segments “10” as

Hypothesis.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

2. Right-click on Mesh_1  Compute.

If everything is correct you will have the same results as in the

figure on the right.

We know that we have 17 edges/lines with 10 Nb.Segments,

so there should be 170 total edges.

Click “Close”
3. Right-click on Mesh_1  Create Groups From Geometry.

Select “Fix”, “Load_F1”, “Load_F2”, “Guide” from

Geometry’s Object Browser and the groups will be added
likewise the figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

56 CHAPTER_IV: BEAM_SYSTEM 1D_ANALYSIS, NOMINAL_STRESS, ALIGNMENT

Step 5,6,7,8 and 9: Creating the command (.comm) file

# Up until now we have seen a couple of ways to create the command file. At the beginning we used Linear Elastic
Wizard from Salome_Meca, later we used the help of Eficas Application. Now we will edit by hand in a text editor
an existing command file (the one from the previous chapter), and we will modify it to fit our new demands.
# First thing you need to do is Copy the command file from the previous chapter and Paste it to the folder of this case.
# Rename it with an appropriate name and open it with a text editor.
# Red letters are the new modifications and
# Are commentary to help you understand what we are doing.

1. DEBUT ();
2.
3. material = DEFI_MATERIAU ( ELAS= _F ( E = 2e05,
4. NU = 0.3, ), );
5. mesh = LIRE_MAILLAGE ( FORMAT = 'MED', );
6.
7. mesh = DEFI_GROUP ( reuse = mesh,
8. MAILLAGE = mesh,
9. CREA_GROUP_MA = _F ( NOM = 'TOUT',
10. TOUT = 'OUI', ),
11. CREA_GROUP_NO= _F ( TOUT_GROUP_MA = 'OUI', ), );
12.
13. model = AFFE_MODELE ( MAILLAGE = mesh,
14. AFFE = _F ( TOUT = 'OUI',
15. PHENOMENE = 'MECHANIQUE',
16. MODELISATION = 'POU_D_T', ), );
17.
18. mater = AFFE_MATERIAU ( MAILLAGE = mesh,
19. AFFE = _F ( TOUT = 'OUI',
20. MATER = material, ), );
21. #We now want rectangular Cross-Section, so we need to change CERCLE --> RECTANGULAR and define our new
22. dimensions.
23.
24. Guide = AFFE_CARA_ELEM ( MODEL = model,
25. POUTRE = _F ( GROUP_MA = 'TOUT',
26. SECTION = 'RECTANGLE',
27. CARA = ( 'HY', 'HZ', ),
28. VALE = ( 8, 8, ), ), ); # VALE = Values
39.
30. Fixed = AFFE_CHAR_MECA ( MODEL = model,
31. DDL_IMPO = _F ( GROUP_NO = 'Fix',
32. DX = 0,
33. DY = 0,
34. DZ = 0,
35. DRX = 0,
36. DRY = 0,
37. DRZ = 0, ), );
38.
57 CHAPTER_IV: BEAM_SYSTEM 1D_ANALYSIS, NOMINAL_STRESS, ALIGNMENT

39. #In this case study we have different load cases. We got 2 different forces now F1 and F2 (Load_F1/F2).
40. #Keep FORCE_NODALE concept but edit the parameters. Load_F1 in -X direction and Load_F2 in Y direction.
41. #Magnitude F1=150 N, F2=200 N.
42.
43. Load = AFFE_CHAR_MECA ( MODEL = model,
44. FORCE_NODALE = ( _F ( GROUP_NO = 'Load_F1',
45. FX = -150, ),
46. _F ( GROUP_NO = 'Load_F2',
47. FY = 200, ), ), );
48.
49. result = MECA_STATIQUE ( MODEL = model,
50. CHAM_MATER = mater,
51. CARA_ELEM = Guide,
52. EXCIT = ( _F ( CHARGE = Fixed, ),
53. _F ( CHARGE = Load, ), ), );
54.
55. result = CALC_CHAMP ( reuse = result,
56. RESULTAT = result,
57. CONTRAINTE = ’SIPO_NOEU’,
58. FORCE = ’REAC_NODA’, );
59.
60. IMPR_RESU = ( FORMAT = ’MED’,
61. RESU = _F ( MAILLAGE = mesh,
62. RESULTAT = result,
63. NOM_CHAM = ( ‘DEPL’, ’REAC_NODA’, ’SIPO_NOEU’, ), ), );
64.
65. FIN ();

# Save this file and run the FE Analysis now that we have input all the required data.
58 CHAPTER_IV: BEAM_SYSTEM 1D_ANALYSIS, NOMINAL_STRESS, ALIGNMENT

Step 10: Run the Analysis

# At this point in order to run the FE Analysis we need a Mesh file, and a command file. Since we have both of those
files let’s start the analysis and then proceed to the visualization mode.

# Description Figure
1. Activate Aster Module, go to Aster  Add Study Case
Fill in the gaps according to the figure on the right.

Give it a considerate name, choose the command file

from its folder location, choose the mesh file from the
Object Browser.

Change to STA11 of Aster Version, and lastly increase

the Total Memory (MB) and Time (s).

Finish with “Ok”

2. A new branch named “BeamSystem” (the choosen name) will be created in the Object Browser.
Right-click on it  Run, to start the Analysis. When the analysis is done and everything has been done correctly
a new branch named “Post-Pro” may appear.

Step 11: Post Processing the results

# Now that the FE Analysis is complete let’s have a look at the visualized results Post-Pro Module is offering us.

# Description Figure
1. We will not do anything new in this step, that we haven’t already done.
Activate Post-Pro Module from the drop down list, open result__DEPL branch, right-click on 0,-  Deformed
Shape  tick Magnitude coloring  “Apply and Close”  right-click on Defor.Shape  Show Only 
Representation  Surface.
2.
59 CHAPTER_IV: BEAM_SYSTEM 1D_ANALYSIS, NOMINAL_STRESS, ALIGNMENT

# Description Figure
3. Same process for the Stresses also.
Open result__SIPO_NOEU  Right-click on 0,-  Scalar Map.
In this case we will use “SN” as Scalar Mode.
Right-click  Show Only.
4.
60 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Chapter_V: Plate
In this Chapter we are interested in a Plane Stress 2D Analysis,
with a notch in the geometry and Singularity.
61 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem

In this chapter we are interested to know the concepts of Finite Element Simulation, like “Stress Discontinuity”,
“Structural Error”, “Stress Singularity”, “Finite Element Convergence”. To demonstrate this concepts we are going to use
a Plate geometry with notch, which is made out of steel and has the given dimensions. The bar has Fixed Support on the
left side and is subject to a tension of 50MPa on the right side.

Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis

Dimension: Length = 100 mm [l]; Length = 25 mm [b];

Length = 50 mm [a]; Thickness = 10 mm [t];
Radius = 15 mm [R];

Young’s Modulus: 200 GPa;

Poisson’s Ratio: 0.3;
Force Applied: 50 N [F];
62 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Step 3: Model Geometry

# Open up Salome_Meca and start the input for Bar Shell Model.

# Description Figure
1. To generate a Shell model you just need to create a planar face.

Click New Entity  Basic  2D_Sketch.

In the window that pops-up keep “Global coordinate system”,

“Element Type” and “Point” default.

Enter for first value, P1  X=0 _ Y=0

Click “Apply”

Your next points should be: P2  X=0 _ Y=50

P3  X=100 _ Y=50
P4  X=100 _ Y=25
P5  X=200 _ Y=25
P6  X=200 _ Y=0

Click “Sketch Closure”

2. We need to create a mirror image.

Go to Operations  Transformation  Mirror Image.

Select 2nd Algorithm for Mirror.

Objects: Sketch_1.

Axe Mirror: OX Plane.

Select “Create a copy”.

Click “Apply and Close”

3. Next you need to convert this Wires into a Face.

Go to New Entity  Build  Face.

Keep default name, and in the Object Browser, select Sketch_1.

Click “Apply”
Do the same for Face_2 with Mirror_1 for “Objects”.

Select “Try to create a planar face”.

Click “Apply and Close”

63 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

# Description Figure
4. Next part is to create a shape out of the two faces we assigned.

Operations  Boolean  Fuse will do the trick.

Leave default name, and assign the Arguments accordingly.

Face_1 for “Object 1”.

Face_2 for “Object 2”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

5. Next part will be, creating our Geometry groups, which
will help us to assign supports, load cases, forces, etc.

Go to New Entity  Group  Create.

In the Create Group window that pops-up, select 2nd

Algorithm for lines.

Enter Fix as Group Name, and then select and add each
one of the two left lines where we want our Fix Support
to be. We got two lines here and not only one because
we used Mirror Image to create our Geometry.

Click “Apply”.

Likewise select the opposite lines and name them Load.

Change the Shape Type algorithm to the 3rd option, the

Face selection.

Name your group Guide and Add the two face available
to you.
Finish with “Apply and Close”
64 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Step 4: Meshing the Geometry

# In this step, we are going to use all of our resources to set up the mesh and then create our command file (.comm).
Let’s get started by opening Mesh module from the drop down list.

# Description Figure
1. Go to Mesh  Create Mesh.

Fill in the gaps like the figure on the right.

But this time when it is time to input Max. Element Area_1,

change the default value of Max. Area=20.

For 1D tab, choose Wire Discretisation for Algorithm and

Hypothesis would be Max. Size=10.

Click “Ok”

Finish with “Apply and Close”

2. Now right-click on Mesh_1  Compute. Mesh information
window will pop-up.

Right-click on Mesh_1 and select “Convert from/to quadratic”.

Click “Apply and Close”

Compute Mesh_1 again, and you will have results according to

the figure on the right.
3. Last thing we need to do, is to create groups from our Geometry.

Right-click on Mesh_1  Create Groups From Geometry.

Select “Fix”, “Load”, “Guide” from the Object Browser and add
them to the window as shown in the figure on the right.

Unselect the blue curved arrow next to “Geometry”, to be able to

select Fix for the Nodes.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

4. Save your work, and continue to the next step.
65 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Creating the command file, run the analysis

# Although we gained some experience in creating the command file with a couple of different tools, opening a text
editor and start coding, is still a long way down the road. Eficas Application will do the trick again, and we will
also use a text editor to edit some points, to get more familiar with coding.

# Description Figure
1. Activate Eficas module from the drop down list. Go to Eficas  Eficas MultiCatalogue. In the pop-up window,
click on Create New or Nouveau.
Choose ASTER  “Ok”, STA11  “Ok” and you have set up Eficas and it is ready for modification.
Before starting editing, save the command file in the same location where the geometry/mesh/.hdf files are
currently located, with an appropriate name.
Fishier  Enregistrer sous.
2. The figure on the right shows the first commands that
we need to conclude in the command file.

DEBUT  Begin.

DEFI_MATERIAU  Define the material. Structural

Steel is the material we will use in this case study.

LIRE_MAILLAGE  Read the mesh, with MED

Format.

MODI_MAILAGE  Modify the mesh.

ORIE_PEAU_2D  Reorientation of mesh, to be able
to apply pressure on a “Skin”.
3. AFFE_MODELE  Apply/ Assign to the model, the mesh,
phenomenon and type of modelization. In our case we are dealing
with 2D plane elements that is why we use C_PLAN. Also we
want Mechanical phenomenon.

AFFE_MATERIAU  Apply/ Assign material.

AFFE_CHAR_MECA  Apply/ Assign Characteristics, starting

with Degrees of Freedom. In this case we want Fixed Support on
the “Fix” group.

AFFE_CHAR_MECA  Apply/ Assign Characteristics, Load

cases. Pressure of 50 MPa to group “Load”.
66 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

# Description Figure
4. MECA_STATIQUE  Linear static mechanic with
superposition on loads.

CALC_CHAMP  Create a result by calculating fields by

elements or nodes. The “b_lineaire” branch is the command
that allows Code_Aster to calculate specific results. In this
case we are interested in Averaged (_NOEU) Normal Stress
(SIGM_) and Unaveraged (_ELNO).

POST_RELEVE_T  This commands summarizes

assigned results and puts them to the .resu file, in a tabular
or a conventional format. In this case we are interested in
summarizing the reaction forces. The first abstract of code,
puts the sum of the individual reaction on the group “Fix”,
in a table named “reakce”, with
OPERATION=’EXTRACTION’ keyword.

5. IMPR_TABLE  Prints the table of summarized reactions.

IMPR_RESU  Stores down and prints the final results.

The “b_extrac” branch creates the branches in Post-Pro
module.

FIN  Finish.

6. Save the command file.

In the next parts, we will check if the command file we created is functional, otherwise we are going to locate our
mistakes and try to fix them.
67 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

# Description Figure
7. Close Eficas Application and get back to
Salome_Meca.

Activate Aster Module from the drop down list, go to

Aster  Add a Study Case and fill in the gaps
according to the figure on your right.

Click “Ok”

A new branch appears in the Object Browser with the

same name you indicated before.

Right-click on it and select “Run”.

8. As you noticed, the analysis is done but Post-Pro branch did not appear like it was supposed to. This is because
there is a mistake or let’s say a wrong input in our command file that needs fixing. To do so we will have to find
a file with the extension .mess, which contains all the analysis information including the errors.
This file is located to the same folder with your .comm and .hdf file.
After locating the .mess file, open it with a text editor and scroll your way down. At the bottom of the text, you
can see a “box” created with exclamation marks. Inside that box lays the information about what went wrong
during the analysis.
One of the most disturbing issues you will face with Salome_Meca and Code_Aster is that everything is in
French, including the analysis information text file (.mess).
9. According to my .mess file, there is an error in the
DDL_IMP command, regarding DRY orientation.
It is fair error if we take into consideration that we
are dealing with 2D Plane Elements, meaning that
DRY,DRX,DRZ and DZ orientations are
redudrant.

10. Open your command file with a text editor, and

locate the part where your fixed support is.

Delete manually the hightlighted orientation as we

will not need them in this Analysis.

11. Save the changes in the text editor and get back to Salome_Meca. Now we need to run the new Analysis again.
In order to update the stream data, right-click to your study case  Edit, leave everything as they are, right-click
again  Run.
What we did now, is update the study case with the new modification we made.
68 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

# Description Figure
12. Apparently we got more than one code
mistakes. This time, if you translate the
message on the right, it says that 6 mesh
points do not belong to the assigned mesh but
they were assigned to the key factor
PRESS_REP.
To fix that we will need to get back to Eficas
Application, locate AFFE_MODELE, delete
GROUP_MA and assign the mesh to
all(TOUT=OUI).
13. After running the Analysis, we will see that everything is going as they are
supposed to.
Post-Pro branch appears and your Object Browser should look like in the
figure on your right.

If you notice, there is one branch missing from the Fields group.
In the IMPR_RESU command we assigned 4 different results that we want
Code_Aster to present in Post-Pro module (DEPL, REAC_NODA,
SIGM_NOEU and SIGM_ELNO).
We are missing REAC_NODA, and that is why we did not ask
CALC_CHAMP to calculate it, and IMPR_RESU to print it.
Locate CALC_CHAMP and IMPR_RESU with the help of Eficas
Application. Find and add FORCE from the “Mots Clefs Permis” list, and
assign REAC_NODA. And do the same in RESU, IMPR_RESU concept.

Update and re-run the Analysis.

14. The reason I am showing you all these errors is to give you a hint on how to locate your mistake, translate it,
study it, find a solution, correct it, update the stream data on Salome_Meca and re-run the Analysis.
Unfortunatelly you will spent most of your time finding and correcting your code mistakes. In this case we were
lucky because we only made one error and it was an easy to handle, one.
Below you can see how our command file was in the beginning, after we finished with Eficas Application, and
how it looked after our modifications.
69 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

# Description Figure
15.
70 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Step 11: Post Processing the Results

# Enable Post-Pro module and start interrogating the results of our Finite Element Analysis.

# Description Figure
1. To acquire the deformation visualization, do the same steps as usual.
Right-click on 0,-  Deformed Shape  Tick Magnitude Coloring and leave the rest default.
Right-click on Def.Shape  Show Only  Representation  Surfaceframe.
And you should have something similar to the figure below.

Min. Deformation = 0 mm, Max. Deformation = 0.040 mm

2.

3. To check the Normal Averaged and Unaveraged Stress results, we have to open both result_SIGM_ELNO and
result_SIGM_NOEU.
Right-click on 0,-  Scalar Map  Scalar Mode = Modulus. (default)
Right-click on Scalar Map  Show Only  Representation  Surfaceframe.
And you should have something similar to the figures below.
4.

5.

6. SIGM_NOEU  Averaged Stress.

Min. Stress = 0.08 MPa, Max. Stress = 78.3 MPa.
SIGM_ELNO  Unaveraged Stress.
Min. Stress = 0.11 MPa, Max. Stress = 110.7 MPa.
71 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Modifying the Geometry

# At this point we are going to modify our geometry. We will use fillet on the sharp edges and create a radius. In
order to do that, we will need to create a whole new study. Feel free to create a new folder in whatever location
you want, and name it Filleted_Bar.
# We will use the same geometry, bar, and we are going to modify it, copy the .hdf and the .comm file and paste
them into your newly created folder.

Step I: Model Geometry

# Description Figure
1. Open Salome_Meca and load your .hdf file containing the previous task (Bar).
In order to modify our geometry and then follow the steps for the FE Analysis, it would be easier for you if you
delete all parameters below Geometry, such us Mesh, Aster Study case.
2. Start-up Geometry Module.

Go to Operations  Fillet_1D.

In the pop-up window that appears, select Sketch_1 for “Wire

with Planar Edges”.

Select the vertex that connects the two lines (Sharp Corner),
for “Vertexes”.

Input 15mm for “Radius”.

Click “Apply and Close”

3. Now go to Operations  Transformations  Mirror Image.

In the pop-up window that appears, select the 2nd Algorithm for
“Mirror”.

Leave default name.

Choose Fillet 1D_1 for “Objects”.

Choose OX Plane for “Axe Mirror”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

72 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

# Description Figure
4. Time to create the faces out of the two drawings.

Go to New Entity  Build  Face.

For Face_3 choose Fillet 1D_1 for “Objects” and for Face_4
select Mirror_2 for “Objects”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

5. Next part is to create a shape out of the two faces we assigned.

Go to Operations  Boolean  Fuse as we did before.

Leave default name, and assign the Arguments accordingly.

Face_3 for “Object 1”.

Face_4 for “Object 2”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

6. Now you have created the two fillets needed for our Analysis.

Save your work, be careful not to overwrite with the previous

task, and let’s continue to assign our groups.

You don’t need to delete the old groups which we assigned for
Fuse_1.

We will create the same groups for Fuse_2 now.

Your Object Browser should look like the figure on the right.

7. Save again, and open Mesh Module from the drop down list.
73 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Step II: Meshing Geometry

# Description Figure
1. As soon as Mesh Module loads, go to Mesh  Create Mesh,
and fill in the blanks like the picture on the right.

The Algorithms and the Hypothesis for both 2D and 1D tabs

are the same like in the non-filleted geometry.

Furthermore, Salome_Meca has stored the Hypothesis

Parameters so you won’t have to assign them again.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

2. Right-click on Mesh_2  Create Groups from Geometry.

Right-click on Mesh_2  Convert to/from quadratic.

Right-click on Mesh_2  Compute.

In the figure on the right, there is my mesh information.

We did not do anything different than the previous Mesh_1.

3. That would be all the necessary information to modify for both Geometry and Mesh Module. Let’s continue now
to create our command file. In this case we will not have to change anything at all to our command file, because
the changes we did in the Geometry are not affecting the commands. Also we have the same groups from
Geometry who also got the same names.
74 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Step III: Creating the command file, run the Analysis

# Description Figure
1. Open up Aster Module from the drop down list.

Go to Aster  Add Study Case.

Fill in the gaps according to the figure on the

right.

Notice that from Mesh, I chose Mesh_2. Which

means that even though we got the same group
names in Fuse_1 and Fuse_2, the Analysis will
take into consideration only the geometry which
we assigned to the Mesh_2, that would be
Fuse_2.

Finish with “Ok”

2. Now it is time to run the Analysis.
Right-click to “Firstry” (or the name you assigned for the study), select Run. Everything should work out fine,
without facing any problems or errors, and Post-Pro branch should appear.
75 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Step IV: Post Processing the results

# Description Figure
1. To acquire the deformation visualization, do the same steps as usual.
Right-click on 0,-  Deformed Shape  Tick Magnitude Coloring and leave the rest default.
Right-click on Def.Shape  Show Only  Representation  Surfaceframe.
And you should have something similar to the figure below.

Min. Deformation = 5.56e-22 mm, Max. Deformation = 0.039 mm

2.

3. To check the Normal Averaged and Unaveraged Stress results, we have to open both result_SIGM_ELNO and
result_SIGM_NOEU.
Right-click on 0,-  Scalar Map  Scalar Mode = Modulus. (default)
Right-click on Scalar Map  Show Only  Representation  Surfaceframe.
And you should have something similar to the figures below.
4.

5.

6. SIGM_NOEU  Averaged Stress.

Min. Stress = 0.10 MPa, Max. Stress = 72.74 MPa.
SIGM_ELNO  Unaveraged Stress.
Min. Stress = 0.28 MPa, Max. Stress = 74.96 MPa.
76 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

Finite Element Convergence

Plate Bar:
One of the core concepts of the finite element method is that, as mentioned, the finer the mesh, the more accurate
the solution. Ultimately, the solution will reach the analytical solution. But how fast does it approach that solution? This is
what we want to answer in this part of the chapter.
The answer depends on what kind of element we are using. In this step we will add a Sub-Mesh to our model, to
make the mesh finer in a certain point of interest, and try to compare different kinds of Sub-Mesh. The comparison will of
course be in the same part of the Geometry so that the results are comparable.
# To do so, we must go back to the original Plate Bar and make some modifications, after that we will modify also
the Filleted Bar.

# Description Figure
1. Open Salome_Meca and load the Plate Bar case study.

Activate Geometry Module, in order to create some more

groups to help us create the Sub-Mesh.

Select Fuse_1, and go to New Entity  Group  Create.

We will make two different groups, one will contain the two
vertical lines, and the other one will contain the horizontal
lines connected to those vertical ones.

2. After creating the groups, activate Mesh Module from the drop
down list.
Go to Mesh  Create Sub-mesh, and fill the gaps according to
the picture on the right. I have named VertMesh_1 and
HorMesh_1 the four Vertical and Horizontal lines we are
interested in making a finer mesh.

3. This figure shows the Hypothesis Argument/settings.

The aim of this section is to calculate different results by
messing with the mesh.
More specific, we will divide our Vertical lines to 5 (Number
of Segments) elements.
But we will use Scale Factor of 0.05 to distribute the elements
differently between the lines length, making them finer and
smaller as we reach the connection point.
77 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

# Description Figure
4. For the Horizontal lines, my Hypothesis
Arguments are similar to the figure on the
right.
Number of Segments = 10, with Scale Factor
of 5.

5.

# We know now how to create a Sub-mesh. I will summarize one more time, Sub-mesh gives us the ability to point
out a specific area in our geometry and input different Mesh options like the ones we got in the original Mesh.
# Finite Element Convergence is all about figuring the right Mesh and Sub-mesh, to get results as closer to reality
as possible.
# To achieve that, Mesh needs to get finer. So we will adjust the Number of Segments and the Scale Factor of the
Sub-Meshes in order to analyze the results.

Results

I am using  Mesh: 2D 1D
Algorithm  Triangle (Mefisto) Algorithm  Wire Discretisation
Hypothesis  Max. Element Area_1 = 20. Hypothesis  Max. Size_1 = 10

[VertMesh] SubMesh_1: 1D
Algorithm  Composite Side Discretisation
Hypothesis  Nb. Segments_1
Arguments  Number of Segments = 15
Scale Distribution
Scale Factor = 1

[HorMesh] SubMesh_1: 1D
Algorithm  Composite Side Discretisation
Hypothesis  Nb. Segments_2
Arguments  Number of Segments = 25
Scale Distribution
Scale Factor = 20
78 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

# These are my starting configurations for the Mesh, Sub-meshes.

# After you have input all the Algorithms/Hypothesis/Arguments, you must now get started to calculate the given
data.
# The procedure that you will follow to manually change the Arguments is actually very simple, but time
consuming.

1. Activate Mesh Module.

2. Right-click one SubMesh_1 and choose Edit Mesh/Submesh.
3. Get to Hypothesis Construction, when the pop-up window appears.
4. Change the values and finish with “Apply and Close”
5. Do the same for SubMesh_2.
6. Right-click on Mesh_1 and choose Compute.
7. Right-click on Mesh_1 and choose Convert to/from quadratic.
8. Right-click on Mesh_1 and choose Compute.
9. Activate Aster Module.
10. Right-click on “assignedname” study and choose Update Mesh.
11. Right-click on “assignedname” study and choose Run.
12. Activate Post-Pro Module after the Analysis is done.
13. Get to the Averaged Stress tab, that would be result_SIGM_NOEU.
14. Assign Scalar Map with default options to 0,- .
15. Right-click on Scalar Map and choose Representation  Surfaceframe.
16. Right-click on Scalar Map and choose Show Only.

# Here are my own results.

Nb.Seg/Scal. Fac. Nb.Seg/Scal. Fac. Nb.Seg/Scal. Fac. Nb.Seg/Scal. Fac. Nb.Seg/Scal. Fac.
a/a1 1 2 3 4 5
Sub-mesh_1 15/1 15/0.8 15/0.6 15/0.4 15/0.2
Sub-mesh_2 25/20 30/20 35/20 35/30 35/33
Averaged Stress 189.628 197.76 212.436 289.679 304.92

350
304.92
289.679
300
Averaged Stress [MPa]

250 212.436
189.628 197.76
200

150

100

50

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
a/a

1
1 = Starting Mesh, 2 = Good Mesh, 3 = Very Good Mesh, 4 = Excellent Mesh, 5 = Ultimate Mesh.
79 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

# You can see from the results of Max. Averaged Normal Stress, that from #1 to #5 (the mesh is getting finer) the
difference between Stresses increases.
# For example: First Difference [ 197.8 - 189.6 = ~8 MPa]
Second Difference [ 212.4 – 197.8 = ~15 MPa]
Third Difference [ 289.7 – 212.4 = ~77 MPa]
Forth Difference [ 304.9 – 289.7 = 15 MPa]
# We can understand from those results that, the finer the mesh gets, the difference between the two results is
getting bigger, theoretically touching infinite.

Filleted_Plate_Bar:

# After finishing up the simple Plate Bar, it is time to do the same to the Filleted_Plate_Bar.

# Description Figure
1. Open up Salome_Meca and load the Filleted_Bar study.

Activate Geometry Module.

Create a group of the fillets this time, as shown in the figure on

the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

2. After creating the groups, activate Mesh Module from the drop
down list.

Go to Mesh  Create Sub-mesh, and fill the gaps according to

the picture on the right.

This time we will use Arithmetic 1D_1 for “Hypothesis”.

After assigning the Hypothesis don’t forget to input the data

for the Arguments.

After that, Finish with “Apply and Close”

3. This figure shows the Hypothesis Argument/settings.
Start Length is the length of our first element.
End Length is the length of the last element.
The length from one element to the other is increasing
automatically, starting from 0.2 up to 3.
80 CHAPTER_V: PLATE 2D_ANALYSIS, PLANE_STRESS , NOTCH, SINGULARITY

# Following the same procedure like we did in the Plate_Bar, you should have your results in a couple of minutes.

Results

I am using  Mesh: 2D 1D
Algorithm  Triangle (Mefisto) Algorithm  Wire Discretisation
Hypothesis  Max. Element Area_1 = 20. Hypothesis  Max. Size_1 = 10

[Fillets] SubMesh_1: 1D
Algorithm  Composite Side Discretisation
Hypothesis  Arithmetic 1D_1
Arguments  Start Length = 0.2
End Length = 3

# Here are my own results:

Nb.Seg/Scal. Fac. Nb.Seg/Scal. Fac. Nb.Seg/Scal. Fac. Nb.Seg/Scal. Fac.

2
a/a 1 2 3 4
Sub-mesh_1 0.2 – 3 0.2 – 2 0.2 – 1 0.2 – 0.5
Averaged Stress 79.842 82.738 84.155 84.417

85 84.417
84.155
Averaged Stress [MPa]

84
82.738
83

82

81
79.842
80

79
0 1 2 3 4 5
a/a

# Here, we can observe a different phenomenon than the one we saw before. In this case elements of the Sub-mesh
are getting finer throughout the fillets length the Averaged Stress result difference is getting smaller, therefore
convergent to some precise value.

2
1 = Starting Mesh, 2 = Good Mesh, 3 = Very Good Mesh, 4 = Excellent Mesh, 5 = Ultimate Mesh.
81 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

Chapter_VI: Shaft

In this Chapter we are interested in a 2D Axisymmetric

Analysis with a notched geometry.
82 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the problem

# Axisymmetric Analysis - The axisymmetric problem deals with the analysis of structures of revolution under
axisymmetric loading. A structure of revolution is generated by a generating cross section that rotates 360◦ about
an axis of revolution. Such structures are said to be rotationally symmetric.
# A structure of revolution by itself does not necessarily define an axisymmetric problem. It is also necessary that
the loading, as well as the support boundary conditions, be rotationally symmetric.
# Axisymmetric elements are 2D elements that can be used to model axisymmetric geometries with axisymmetric
load. In simpler words, we are converting a 3D Geometry to a 2D Geometry making the model smaller, therefore
faster execution and faster post processing.
# We only model the cross section, and Salome_Meca accounts for the fact that it is really a 3D, axisymmetric
structure.
# The axisymmetric problem deals with the analysis of structures of revolution under axisymmetric loading. A
structure of revolution is generated by a generating cross section that rotates 360◦ about an axis of revolution.
# In this Chapter we consider the finite element discretization of axisymmetric solids. We were given a Steel Shaft
with dimensions which are given below. Purpose of this chapter is to fully understand the concept of Axi-
symmetry and its possibilities.
Reference --> University of Wisconsin-
Madison, Department of Engineering Physics.

Examples before starting our model

 Surfaces Needed.

Models 
# In Salome_Meca,
axisymmetric models must
be drawn in OY Plane.

# The OX direction is the

radial direction.

# The 2D model will be rotated

about the Y axis (always
about x=0).

# Nothing in your model

should be in the region X<0.

# In post processing σχ will be

the radial stress, σy will be
the axial stress, and σz will be
the “hoop” stress.
83 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis

Shaft Dimensions: Length = 150 mm [h]; Length = 15 mm [d];

Length = 75 mm [l];
Radius = 5 mm [R];

Young’s Modulus: 200 GPa;

Poisson’s Ratio: 0.3;
Pressure Applied: 50 MPa [P];
84 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

Step 3: Model Geometry

# Start Salome_Meca, create a new document, save as “Shaft”, activate Geometry Module from the drop down list
and start sketching.
# For generating an Axi-symmetric model, we just need to create a planar face of the meridian cross section of the
shaft.

# Description Figure
1. In the Geometry Module, go to New Entity  Basics  2D
Sketch.

These are the points we are going to use to create our 2D

geometry.

Point_1: (15,0) Point_4: (20,75)

Point_2: (15,150) Point_5: (25,75)
Point_3: (20,150) Point_6: (25,0)

Finish with “Sketch Closure”

2. After creating our 2D sketch, it is time to create the radius.

Go to Operations  Fillet 1D.

Select with the mouse the correct Vertex and input 5mm for
Radius, according to the figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

85 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

# Description Figure
3. Next step is creating a face out of the sketch, in which we will
assign the groups later on.

Go to New Entity  Build  Face.

Select Fillet 1D_1 for Object.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

4. After creating a face, we are going to assign the groups that we
are going to need later on.

Go to New Entity  Group  Create.

Select 2nd Algorithm for Lines, name the first group “Fix”, and
choose for Main Shape “Face_1”.
Select the Line where we want our Fixed Support to be, and
press “Add”.

Do the same for the load. Create a group named “Load” with
the same Line Algorithm and “Add” the Line where our loads
is.

Also you can create one more group for the fillet, if you want
to make the mesh in that part finer.

Now for the “Guide” group, select 3rd Algorithm for faces.
“Add” the only face available to you.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

5. Off-Topic.

Another cool ability of Salome_Meca is the Revolution option.

In this task we were asked to create a face which if you revolve

it 360o it would turn into a shaft.

That is what the Revolution command does.

Go to New Entity  Generation  Revolution.

Input the data like the figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

And you can see now in the Viewer tab, your half-Shaft.
86 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

Step 4: Meshing of Geometry

# After saving your geometry study, activate Mesh Module from the drop down list and start meshing your model.

# Description Figure
1. Highlight Face_1, and go to Mesh  Create Mesh.

Leave default name “Mesh_1” and fill in the blanks according

to the figure on the right.

For Hypothesis parameters I applies for Max. Element Size= 3,

and Min. Element Size= 2.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

2. Next part is creating a Sub-Mesh in the filleted area.

Go to Mesh  Create Sub-Mesh.

Fill in the gaps according to the figure on the right. BUT be

careful for Geometry input you have to choose the group we
made before that includes the fillet edge.

Max. Element Size = 0.5

Finish with “Apply and Close”

3. After computing the Mesh_1 which includes SubMesh_1, right
click on Mesh_1 and choose “Convert to/from Quadratic”.

Right-click on Mesh_1 again and choose compute.

The figure on the right shows my Mesh Information.

87 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Salome_Meca Linear Static Analysis Wizard, Running the Analysis

# After Meshing your Geometry, it’s time to create the command file. Activate Aster Module from the drop down
list and click on Aster  Wizards  Linear Elastic.

# Description Figure
1. In the model definition window that pops up select “Axis symmetric” and click “Next”.

Select “Mesh_1” in the next step if not already selected and click “Next”.

Enter 2e5 for Young’s Modulus and 0.3 for Poisson’s Ratio and click “Next”.
2. For the Geometric Boundary Conditions, select “Fix”
for the Group tab.

Delete “0” from “DX” as we do not want to constrain

the Shaft in X direction.

For “DY” leave it default as we want it to not move in

Y direction.

Proceed with “Next”

3. For the Load Boundary Conditions, select “Load” for
the Group tab.

Enter “-50” as “Pressure”.

Proceed with “Next”

Enter a file name, and save the command file to the

same folder you saved your geometry study.

Finish with “Finish” option in the wizard window.

4. Check that a new branch of “Aster” has been added in the Object Browser. This concludes setting up the study
for Finite Element Analysis with Salome_Meca Wizard.

Right-click on “linear-static” branch in Aster and select “Run”.

If everything goes well a new branch of “Post-Pro” will be added to the Object Browser.
88 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

Step 11: Post Processing of the Results

# After running the analysis and Post-Pro branch appears, it’s time to analyze the results. Activate Post-Pro Module
from the drop down list and

# Description Figure
1. Open branch “RESU___DEPL” and right click on “0,-“. From the pop up window select “Deformed Shape” and
visualize it.

To view how much it has deformed, right-click on “Mesh_1” in the Mesh Module without activating it and select
“Show”.

Do the same for branch “RESU___SIGM_NOEU” and “RESU___SIEQ_NOEU”.

For the Normal stress (SIGM) in the pop up window change Scalar Mode to “SIYY”. (Y axis direction for axi-
symmetry)
For the Equivalent stress (SIEQ) in the pop up window change Scalar Mode to “VMIS”

I have placed my own results in the figures below.

2.
89 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

Stress Concentration Factor

# A stress concentration is a location in an object where stress is concentrated. An object is strongest when force is
evenly distributed over its area, so a reduction in area, e.g. caused by a crack, results in a localized increase in
stress. A material fail, via a propagating crack, when a concentrated stress exceeds the material’s theoretical
cohesive strength. The real fracture strength of a material is always lower than the theoretical value because most
materials contain small cracks or contaminants that concentrate stress.
# The stress concentrators are geometrical irregularities that cause an increase in the average effort that should be
present in regions near these discontinuities, the relationship between the maximum stress that occurs and the
average effort that should occur is defined as stress concentration factor; which is determined by experimental or
analytical methods and presented in graphical form for ease interpretation.
# The stress concentration factor for a tube in tension with fillet, our case, can be determined as the relation of the
maximum normal stress in the discontinuity and the nominal stress, and is obtained through the equation:

Reference --> Pickey W.: Peterson’s

Stress Concentration Factors.
① ③

②
90 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

Hand Calculations VS Computational Calculations of Stress Concentration

Hand Calculations

As we can see in the graph, there are 2 parameters that are taken into consideration to acquire stress concentration
factor. First parameter would be to determine which line do we need to choose, to accomplish that we have to solve the
equation 𝒕⁄𝒉 with our given values. Second parameter would be to acquire the correct output for the X axis, solving the
equation 𝒕⁄𝒓 .

According to the graph, my results are: • t / r = 5/5 = 1 • Kt ≈ 1.52

• t / h = 5/5 = 1
Computational Calculations

To acquire the Stress Concentration Factor for the computational calculations we are going to need Max. Normal
Stress (SIGM_NOEU  SIYY) and Nominal Stress, which in our case equals to Pressure = 50MPa.
We don’t need to calculate the Max. Normal Stress since Salome_Meca has an option of showing it to us.
# Description Figure
1. This is a good opportunity to check another aspect of
Salome_Meca’s Post-Pro Module, an easy way to pick points
throughout a geometry.

Activate Post-Pro Module from the drop down list, open Selection Panel
RESU___SIGM_NOEU branch and highlight “Scalar Map:1”. Actor Selection
Cell Selection
In the top right corner, there is a group of 5 icons, identical Point Selection
with the ones shown in the figure on the right. Gauss Point Selection
Activate “Selection Panel”.
2. When you activate “Selection Panel”, it will open up a new
window on the right side of Salome Platform.

That window has 4 main tabs.

[Actor, Cell, Point, Gauss Point].

The tab that we are interested in this

case is the “Point” tab.
By choosing “Point” tab and by
pointing out that we are interested
for the point where the Scalar Value
is “Maximum”, the software will
give you all the information
regarding the Maximum Scalar
Value Point which in our case is also
the Maximum Normal Stress Point.
3. According to the computational results: 𝑲𝒕 = 𝟖𝟒. 𝟑𝟕𝟖𝟐⁄𝟓𝟎 => 𝑲𝒕 ≈ 𝟏. 𝟔𝟗

Solving the Equation

 (𝑑𝑖 ⁄ℎ + 𝑑𝑖 ⁄𝑡 ) > 28 => (30⁄5 + 30⁄5) > 28 => 12 > 28 ③

Conclusion: As we can see the results between Hand and Computational Calculations are almost the same. The
difference of 11% is probably because of the geometry. Geometry proportion does not meet the criterion for the
experimental data in the Stress Concentration Factor diagram, [Eq. ③ ]. The Geometry proportion coefficient should be
greater than 28.
91 CHAPTER_VI: S HAFT 2D_ANALYSIS, AXI_SYMMETRY, NOTCH

Redefining Mesh

# We can see from the Post-Pro Module information results, that our mesh is a little irregular at some points, that is
a very good reason to refine Mesh to almost half of its current size, and see what happens to our results.

# Description Figure
1. In order to do so, we need to activate Mesh Module again.

After activating Mesh Module, open Mesh branch, open Hypotheses branch
and right click to NETGEN 2D Parameters and reduce Max. and Min. Size to
half of the current value.

Do the same for Max Size_1 Hypothesis, and reduce to half the Length value.

Right click on Mesh and Re-Compute it.

Right click on Mesh and Convert to/from quadratic.
Right click on Mesh and Re-Compute it.

2. Next step is activating the Aster Module, in order to re-calculate the new adjustments.

Right click to “linear-static” and choose Update Mesh.

Right click to “linear-static” and choose Run.
3. Post-Pro branch is now visible. Activate Post-Pro Module from the drop down list.

Open the branches until u reach RESU___SIGM_NOEU’s “0,-“ and right click on it.

Choose Scalar Map with Scalar Mode = SIYY.

Right click on it and choose Show Only.
4. The figure on the right, indicates my own results.

We can see that the difference between these results and the previous ones is really small, but it is
obvious that when we you change Mesh Parameters the results are changing also.

In this case the difference is a decrease of 0.05%.

A decrease like that, can hardly change the Stress Concentration Factor.

𝑲𝒕 = 𝟖𝟒. 𝟑𝟒𝟐𝟖⁄𝟓𝟎 => 𝑲𝒕 ≈ 𝟏. 𝟔𝟗

92 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Chapter_VI: Level of Geometry

In this Chapter we are interested in comparing 1D, 2D, 3D

Analysis methods.
Beams, Solids and Shell Element Method.
93 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the Problem Reference --> Autodesk Network Article.

# Beam Element - A beam element is a slender structural member that offers resistance to forces and bending
under applied loads. A beam element differs from a truss element in that a beam resists moments (twisting and
bending) at the connections.
# These three node elements are formulated in three-dimensional space. The first two nodes (I-node and J-node) are
specified by the element geometry. The third node (K-node) is used to orient each beam element in 3-D space
(see Figure 1). A maximum of three translational degrees-of-freedom and three rotational degrees-of-freedom are
defined for beam elements (see Figure 2). Three orthogonal forces (one axial and two shear) and three orthogonal
moments (one torsion and two bending) are calculated at each end of each element. Optionally, the maximum
normal stresses produced by combined axial and bending loads are calculated. Uniform inertia loads in three
directions, fixed-end forces, and intermediate loads are the basic element based loadings.
# The basic guidelines for when to use a beam element are:
o The length of the element is much greater than the width or depth.
o The element has constant cross-sectional properties.
o The element must be able to transfer moments.
o The element must be able to handle a load distributed across its length.

# Solid Element – Solid elements are three-dimensional finite elements that can
model solid bodies and structures without any a priori geometric simplification.
# Finite element models of this type have the advantage of directness. Geometric,
constitutive and loading assumptions required to effect dimensionality reduction,
for example to planar or axisymmetric behavior, are avoided. Boundary
conditions on both forces and displacements can be more realistically treated.
Another attractive feature is that the finite element mesh visually looks like the
physical system.
# Summarizing, use of solid elements should be restricted to problem and analysis
stages, such as verification, where the generality and flexibility of full 3D models
is warranted. They should be avoided during design stages. Furthermore they should also be avoided in thin-wall
structures such as aerospace shells, since solid elements tend to perform poorly because of locking problems.

# Shell Element – Shell elements are 4-8 node isoparametric quadrilaterals or 3-6 node
triangular elements in any 3D orientation. The 4 node elements require a much finer
mesh than the 8 node elements to give convergent displacements and stresses in
models involving out-of-plane bending. Figure 1 shows some typical shell elements.
# The general and co-rotational shell element is formulated based on works by Ahmad,
Iron and Zienkiewicz and later refined by Bathe and Balourchi. It can be applied to
model both thick and thin shell problems. Also, the geometry of a doubly curved shell
with variable thickness can be accurately described using the shell element.
# The thin shell element is based on thin plate theory. The bending behavior of the
element is based on a discrete Kirchhoff approach to plate bending using Batoz’s
interpolation functions. This formulation satisfies Kirchhoff constraints along the
boundary and provides linear variation of curvature through the element. The
membrane behavior of the element is based on the Allman triangle which is derived
from the Linear Strain Triangular (LST) element. A general curved surface is
approximated by this element as a set of facets formed by the planes defined by the
three nodes of each element. For these reason a well-refined mesh is necessary.
# The element geometry is described by the nodal point coordinates. Each shell element
node has 5 degrees of freedom (DOF), three translations and two rotations. The
translational DOF are in the global Cartesian coordinate system. The rotations are about two orthogonal axes on
the shell surface defined at each node. The rotational boundary condition restraints and applied moments also
refer to this nodal rotational system. The two rotational axes (V1 and V2) are usually automatically determined by
the processor and you do not have to specifically orient them.
94 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis

Chassis Dimensions: Length = 115 mm [h]; Length = 12.5 mm [a];

Length = 100 mm [l]; Length = 1200 mm [m];
Length = 20 mm [d];

Young’s Modulus: 200 GPa;

Poisson’s Ratio: 0.3;
Pressure Applied: 10 MPa [P]; In case of Symmetry in “O”.

Supports: Fixed Support at “A” and “B” point.

95 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

i. Beam_Elements

Step 3: Model Geometry

# Open up Salome_Meca, activate Geometry Module from the drop down list, save your study to a desired location
and get ready to start modeling.

# Description Figure
1. Creating our Beam should be an easy task.

Go to New Entity  Basic  Point.

Create two points in order to generate the line later.

Point_1 = (0,0,0)
Point_2 = (600,0,0) *Symmetric Model*

Finish with “Apply and Close”

2. Next step, is creating our Line.

Go to New Entity  Basic  Line.

Insert P1_0,0,0 for the starting point.

P2_600,0,0 for the end point.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

3. Final step to create our Geometry, would be adjusting our

groups.

Go to New Entity  Groups  Create.

In the pop up window, select 1st Algorithm for Shape Type of

Nodes.

Enter Fix as a name, for the Fixed Support point, and “Add”
the Point_1.
Click “Apply”
Do the same for the other end point, where we want our
Displacement Support to be, and name it “Disp”.
Click “Apply”
Lastly, select the 2nd Algorithm for Shape Type of Lines, name
the group “Load” and “Add” the only line we got available.
Finish with “Apply and Close”

4. These steps conclude out Geometry creation session. Save your project and continue to Mesh creation.
96 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 4: Meshing Geometry

# Description Figure
1. Activate Mesh Module from the drop down list.

Go to Mesh  Create Mesh.

Select Line_1 for Geometry.

Select Wire Discretisation for Algorithm.
Select Nb. Segments_1 for Hypothesis, with number of
Segments “9” (it might seem strange, but we will explain why
we chose 9).

Finish with “Apply and Close”

2. Right-click on Mesh_1  Compute.

If everything is done correctly, you will have the same results

as the figure on the right.

*Hypothesis: Nb. Segments  The ability of this hypothesis is

to separate your geometry to as many parts (in our case Edges)
as you define.
We set the number of segments to 9, which means that our
mesh is going to consist of 9 Edges and 10 Nodes.

Click “Close”
97 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Creating the command file, run the analysis

# In order to create our command file, this time we will use Eficas MultiCatalogue, which can prevent us from
making grammatical mistakes in Code_Aster.

# Description Figure
1. Go to Eficas  Eficas MultiCatalogue.
In the pop-up window, click on Create New or Nouveau.
Choose ASTER  “Ok”, STA11  “Ok” and you have set up Eficas and it is ready for modification.
Before starting editing, save the command file in the same location where the geometry/mesh/.hdf files are
currently located, with an appropriate name.
Fishier  Enregistrer sous.
We will explain step by step the commands we are going to use to complete our command file, because it is
going to be a little complicated.
2. Beam.comm  Command file name.
DEBUT  Start.
DEFI_MATERIAU  Define Material.
ELAS  Elastic (Constitutive law).
E  Young’s Modulus.
NU  Poisson’s Ratio.
LIRE_MAILLAGE  Reading the mesh.
MAILLAGE  Mesh.
CREA_GROUP_NO  Create Nodal group.
GROUP_MA  Group of elements.

3. AFFE_MODELE  Assign to the model.

PHENOMENE  Phenomenon.
MODELISATION  Modelization.
AFFE_MATERIAU  Assign the material.
TOUT  All.

4. Expanations: After starting the command file with the DEBUT command, we defined the material giving the
material characteristics (Young’s modulus and Poisson’s Ratio). Then we specified the format of the mesh
(MED). Next command defines where the mesh is going to be applied (in the group of elements named “Load”).
Next figure starts with AFFE_MODELE, in this command we assign to the model, the kind of phenomenon we
want to use, which will be mechanical and the type of modelization, POU_D_T (which is used for the
Timoshenko beam theory). AFFE_MATERIAU assigns the mesh to the whole (keyword TOUT) material.
# Point of Reference: In the previous Beam System cases, after AFFE_MATERIAU, we used to assign the Cross
Section to the Beam.
# In this case, we are asked to use I Cross-Section.
# Unfortunately, Code_Aster does not have a command that will give us the possibility to automatically adjust the I
Section to the beam (C_A has Rectangular and Circular Cross Sections only).
# Code_Aster has Rectangular, Circular Cross Section options.
# But it also has an option called GENERALE, which gives you the ability to manually create whatever type of
cross section you need.
98 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

# Description Figure
1. AFFE_CARA_ELEM is the command we use to assign our Cross
Section to the Beam.
SECTION: GENERALE, is the demanded point.
GENERALE option though, needs some parameters in order to
assign the correct cross section.
The parameters that are needed for our Timoshenko beam
(therefore “POU_D_T”) are the following:
A  Area.
IY  Principal Geometrical Moment of Inertia compared to GZ.
IZ  Principal Geometrical Moment of Inertia compared to GY.
JX  Torsion Constant.
RY  Distance from furthest left point of beam section to the
centroid.
RZ  Distance from bottom of beam section to the centroid.
AY  Shear Coefficient of GY.
AZ  Shear Coefficient of GZ.
2. I will show you now, how to add Parameters in Eficas
MultiCatalogue, and afterwards we will see how what we have to
do, to acquire those values.
If you right click on the last command you used,
AFFE_MATERIAU in this case, you will see a pop up window
like the one shown in the figure on the right.
Go to Parametre  apres (=after).
This means that Eficas will add a parameter, right after the
AFFE_MATERIAU command.
3. These are all the values for each one of the parameters that the I
Cross Section requires.

# Point: In order to acquire these values with Code_Aster, we will need to use a Macro command. In the next step
we will show you how to do that.
99 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step $: Creating a Macro Command

# In order to acquire the parameters for the I Cross Section, we will need to create a macro command, as mentioned
before.
# The way this macro command works is the following:
o We will make a sketch of a face for our I Section.
o We will mesh that face.
o We will create a command file, which after running the analysis will provide us (in the .resu file) all the
necessary parameters.
# Let’s see that in action, open another Salome_Meca study case, save the case in another folder, activate Geometry
Module from the drop down list and sketch the I Section.

# Description Figure
1. We need to create the face in XY Plane.

Go to New Entity  Basic  2D Sketch.

Leave everything Default, Coordinate system, Element Type,

Destination, Point.

Input the following Values:

P_1 = (0,0) P_2 = (100,0) P_3 = (100,12.5)

P_4 = (60,12.5) P_5 = (60,102.5) P_6 = (100,102.5)
P_7 = (100,115) P_8 = (0,115) P_9 = (0,102.5)
P_10 = (40,102.5) P_11 = (40,12.5) P_12 = (0,12.5)

Finish with “Sketch Closure”.

2. Creating a Face out of our Sketch.

Go to New Entity  Build  Face.

Input Sketch_1 for “Objects”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

100 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

# Description Figure
3. Next and final step, will be to create our groups.
For this macro, we are going to need only one group, which will
include the lines of the perimeter.

Go to New Entity  Groups  Create.

Select the 3rd Algorithm for Shape Type of Lines and click on
“Select All”, since we don’t have any other lines.

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

4. These steps conclude our Geometry, save in a proper location and move to Mesh Module.
5. Open Mesh Module from the drop down list.

Go to Mesh  Create Mesh.

Select Face_1 for Geometry.

Input Netgen 1D-2D for Algorithm.

Input NETGEN 2D Parameters for Hypothesis.
Max. Size = 10.
Min. Size = 9.

Finish with “Apply and

Close”.
6. Right click on Mesh_1 from the Object Browser 
Compute.

Your Mesh information should be the same as shown

in the figure on the right.

Click “Close”.
101 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

# Description Figure
7. The figure on the right shows the commands that
conclude the macro command file.

Starting with DEBUT, assigning MED format to the

mesh, defining mesh to the whole geometry.

MACR_CARA_POUTRE  Macro command file.

This will create a table in the .resu file with our

parameters.

ORIG_INER  Original axis orientation.

GROUP_MA_BORD  Define the borders of the
geometry with a group.

In the part “NOEUD” you must assign a node from

your mesh model, it does not matter which node you
will chose.
8. Activate Aster Module from the drop down list.

Go to Aster  Add Study Case.

Input the following data, and run the analysis.

9. After running the analysis you will see that nothing happens to Salome_Meca Object Browser. Don’t get
frustrated, go to the folder where the .hdf, .comm, .mess files are located, and track down .resu file.
Open it, and you should be able to see the following results, as shown in the figure below.
These are all the parameters Code_Aster produced for us regarding the I Cross Section.
Apparently, you can see by yourself that we do not need to use all of them (depends on our MODELISATION
type).
10.

# This was the procedure we use to acquire the necessary parameters for the I Cross Section.
# Save this Macro Study and head back to our Beam Element case.
102 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

# Description Figure
4. Now that we assigned the Parameters and also assigned the
GENERALE Cross Section to our Beam, it is time for the Degress
of Freedom and the Loads.

AFFE_CHAR_MECA  Assigns characteristics to our model.

Fixed Support to the group of Nodes named “Fix”.

Displacement Support to the group of Nodes named “Disp”.
Load of 1000 N/mm to the group of Elements named “Load”.

# Why 1.000 N/mm and not 10MPa [given data] ?

The equation for the Pressure equals with P = 𝑭⁄𝑺 ,

where F = Force and S = Area of the surface where the Force is
applied. [F = P*S]
The equation for the Linear Pressure equals with 𝒒 = 𝑭⁄𝒍 , where
F = Force and 𝐥 = Length of the Beam. [F = q*l]

In this study case we want the same Forces,

consequently P*S = q* l => q = 𝑷 ∗ 𝑺⁄𝒍 ①

S = h*w [h=height, w=width]

①  q = 𝟏𝟎 ∗ 𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎⁄𝟔𝟎𝟎 => q = 1000 N/mm

5. Next commands will be the followings:

MECA_STATIQUE  Linear Static Mechanics with

superposition of loads.

CALC_CHAMP  Calculating the elements/nodes results.

IMPR_RESU  Printing the results which we got from the

CALC_CHAMP command.

6. We are now done with the command file.

Go to Fishier  Enregistrer, to save the configuration we made, and close Eficas MultiCatalogue.
103 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

# Description Figure
Activate Aster Module from the drop down list.

Go to Aster  Add Study Case.

Fill the gaps similar with the figure on your right.

Locate your command file from your computer disk.

Choose Mesh_1 as your Mesh.

Change to STA11 for Aster Version

Modify the Solver parameters.

Finish with “Ok”.

Your Object Browser should have the same looks as the figure
on the right.

Right click on Solids  Run.

Your analysis will start running and when it finishes Post-Pro

Branch should be visible.

The analysis may take a while, since we used small size of

elements and our solid model is a little bit bigger than the
analysis we did so far.
104 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 11: Post Processing the Results

# Description Figure
1. The steps to acquire the deformation and the stress result visualization are always the same, and you should be
familiar with them until now.

Right-click on 0,-  Deformed Shape  Tick Magnitude Coloring and change the Scale Factor to a bigger
number, so you will be able to see the deformation more clear.
Right-click on Def.Shape  Show Only  Representation  Surface.
And you should have something similar to the figure below.

Min. Deformation = 3.6e-21 mm, Max. Deformation = 4.65 mm

2.

3. For the stress results:

Result_SIPO_NOEU  Scalar Map  Mode: SMFZ (Stress due to bending Moment MZ)  Show Only.

We can see that the direct stress has a range from -3.84 MPa to 767.9 MPa.
4.
105 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

ii. Solid_Elements

Step 3: Model Geometry

# Open up Salome_Meca, activate Geometry Module from the drop down list, save your study to a desired location
and get ready to start modeling.

# Description Figure
1. To create our Solid model, we will first create a face of our I Section
and then we are going to Extrude it.

Go to New Entity  Basic  2D Sketch.

Leave everything Default, Coordinate system, Element Type,

Destination, Point.

Input the following Values:

P_1 = (0,0) P_2 = (100,0) P_3 = (100,12.5)

P_4 = (60,12.5) P_5 = (60,102.5) P_6 = (100,102.5)
P_7 = (100,115) P_8 = (0,115) P_9 = (0,102.5)
P_10 = (40,102.5) P_11 = (40,12.5) P_12 = (0,12.5)

Finish with “Sketch Closure”

2. Creating a Face out of our Sketch.

Go to New Entity  Build  Face.

Input Sketch_1 for “Objects”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

3. Extruding our Face.

Go to New Entity  Generation  Extrusion.

Input the values according to the figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

106 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

# Description Figure
4. Final step, will be to create our groups.

Go to New Entity  Groups  Create.

Select the 3rd Algorithm for Shape Type of Faces and “Add”
Fixed Support, Displacement Support, Loading and Guide
group for the whole Solid Model (Select All).

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

5. These steps conclude our Geometry, save in a proper location and move to Mesh Module.
107 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 4: Meshing Geometry

# Description Figure
1. Open Mesh Module from the drop down list.

Go to Mesh  Create Mesh.

Select Extrusion_1 for Geometry.

Input Netgen 1D-2D-3D for Algorithm.

Input NETGEN 3D Parameters for Hypothesis.
Max. Size = 10.
Min. Size = 9.

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

2. Right click on Mesh_1 from the Object Browser  Compute.

Right click again on Mesh_1  Convert to/from quadratic, to

change our elements from Linear to Quadratic form.

Right click again on Mesh_1  Compute.

Your Mesh information should be the same as shown in the

figure on the right.

Click “Close”.
108 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Creating the command file, run the analysis

# Activate Eficas Module from the drop down list and start programming.

# Description Figure
1. Go to Eficas  Eficas MultiCatalogue.
In the pop-up window, click on Create New or Nouveau.
Choose ASTER  “Ok”, STA11  “Ok” and you have set up Eficas and it is ready for modification.
Before starting editing, save the command file in the same location where the geometry/mesh/.hdf files are
currently located, with an appropriate name.
Fishier  Enregistrer sous.
In the figure below, you can see the completed command file, explanations will follow.
2.
①

③
⑨

⑤ ⑩

⑥ ⑪

3. Starting with DEBUT command. 6. AFFE_CHAR_MECA  Applying mechanical

1. DEFI_MATERIAU  Defining the material, Supports, Fixed Support.
Structural Steel in this case. 7. AFFE_CHAR_MECA  Applying mechanical
2. LIRE_MAILLAGE  Reading the mesh, MED Supports, Displacement Support.
format. 8. AFFE_CHAR_MECA  Applying mechanical
3. MODI_MAILLAGE  Modifying the mesh, Loads, Pressure of 10 MPa.
orientation of the normals of the skin of 3D elements. 9. MECA_STATIQUE  Linear Static Mechanics
4. AFFE_MODELE  Applying characteristics to the with superposition of supports and loads.
model, Mechanical phenomenon, and 3D modelization. 10. CALC_CHAMP  Calculating the elements/nodes
5. AFFE_MATERIAU  Applying the characteristics results.
of the material to the mesh model. 11. IMPR_RESU  Writing down, printing the
results.
Finish with FIN Command.
# You will notice that in the section where we applied the supports, we didn’t use rotation restrictions. That is
because when it comes to solid elements there is no rotation. In Salome_Meca when you apply supports or loads,
the modifications are applied to each node separately, so when you Fix a node in the top left part of the geometry
and one more node in the bottom left part with DX, DY, DZ = 0 the model would not be able to rotate. That is
why Rotation restrictions are redundant here.
109 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

# Description Figure
4. We are now done with the command file.
Go to Fishier  Enregistrer, to save the configuration we made, and close Eficas MultiCatalogue.
5. Activate Aster Module from the drop down list.

Go to Aster  Add Study Case.

Fill the gaps similar with the figure on your right.

Locate your command file from your computer disk.

Choose Mesh_1 as your Mesh.

Change to STA11 for Aster Version

Modify the Solver prameters.

Finish with “Ok”
6. Your Object Browser should have the same looks as
the figure on the right.

Right click on Solids  Run.

Your analysis will start running and when it finishes

Post-Pro Branch should be visible.

The analysis may take a while, since we used small

size of elements and our solid model is a little bit
bigger than the analysis we did so far.
110 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 11: Post Processing the Results

# Activate Post-Pro Module and start interrogating the results of our Finite Element Analysis.

# Description Figure
1. The steps to acquire the deformation and the stress result visualization are always the same, and you should be
familiar with them until now.

Right-click on 0,-  Deformed Shape  Tick Magnitude Coloring and change the Scale Factor to a bigger
number, so you will be able to see the deformation more clear.
Right-click on Def.Shape  Show Only  Representation  Surfaceframe.
And you should have something similar to the figure below.

Min. Deformation = 4.2e-20 mm, Max. Deformation = 4.79 mm

2.

3. Same steps for the Normal Stress results.

Right-click on 0,-  Scalar Map  Change Scalar Mode to SIXX.

Right-click on Scalar Map  Show Only  Representation  Surface.
And you should have something similar to the figure on the right.

Min. Normal Stress = -743.1 MPa

Max. Normal Stress = 767.6 MPa
111 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

iii. Surface_Elements

Step 3: Model Geometry

# Open up Salome_Meca, activate Geometry Module from the drop down list, save your study to a desired location
and get ready to start modeling.
# Unfortunately Salome_Meca does not have an automated option to acquire the mid-surfaces out of our solid
model, like ANSYS Workbench or other software. We will have to sketch down the Surface model by ourselves.

# Description Figure
1. In order to create our Shell model, first we will need to create the
middle lines of every face, and then Extrude the lines.

Go to New Entity  Basic  Point.

Input the following points:

P_1 = (0,6.25) P_2 = (50,6.25) P_3 = (100,6.25)

P_4 = (0,108.75) P_5 = (50,108.75) P_6 = (100,108.75)

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

2. Next step is to connect the Points with Lines.

Be careful here with the points because it can be a little complicated.

Go to New Entity  Basic  Line.

Connect the following Points:

P_1 with P_3. Click “Apply”
P_4 with P_6. Click “Apply”
P_2 with P_5.

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

4. Extruding the Lines.

Go to New Entity  Generation  Extrusion.

Fill in the gaps according to the figure on the right.

And do the same for Line_2 and Line_3.

Finish with “Apply and

Close”.
112 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

# Description Figure
5. After creating the 3 different extrusions from the lines, we
need to somehow connect them. Fuse command will help us
with that.

Go to Operation  Boolean  Fuse.

Here is the tricky part, Fuse commands gives allow us to use

only 2 arguments to Fuse, and we need 3 (3 lines, 3
extrusions). To make it work, first we will chose 2 out of 3
extrusions, like the figure on the right.
Finish with “Apply and Close”
Go to Operation  Boolean  Fuse again, but this time for
Object 1 input the “Fuse_1” we created before, and for
Object_2 input the extrusion you didn’t use before.
Finish with “Apply and Close”
6. Last step is creating our groups.

Go to New Entity  Group  Create.

Select the 2nd Algorithm for Shape Type Lines.

Fixed Support: Add the lines where we want our fixed support
to be located. You will notice that there are 5 lines instead of 3,
that would not be a problem.
Displacement Support: Add the lines where we want our
displacement support to be located, opposite side of fixed
support.

Select the 3rd Algorithm for Shape Type Faces.

Loads: Add the top faces where we need to apply our pressure.
Guide: Select All, to add everything in the Guide group.

7. In this study case, we are going to need two more groups,

which will be describing the different thicknesses we got.

Selecting the 3rd Algorithm again for Shape Type Faces.

Group Name: TpBtThic (Top and Bottom Thickness)
Add the top and bottom faces which have thickness of
12.5mm.

Group Name: MidThic (Middle Thickness)

Add the middle face which has thickness of 20mm.
113 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 4: Meshing Geometry

# Description Figure
1. Open Mesh Module from the drop down list.

Go to Mesh  Create Mesh.

Select Fuse_2 for Geometry.

Input Netgen 1D-2D-3D for Algorithm.

Input NETGEN 3D Parameters for Hypothesis.
Max. Size = 10.
Min. Size = 9.

Finish with “Apply and Close”.

2. Right click on Mesh_1 from the Object Browser  Compute.

114 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Creating the command file, run the analysis

# Activate Eficas Module from the drop down list and start programming.

# Description Figure
1. Go to Eficas  Eficas MultiCatalogue.
In the pop-up window, click on Create New or Nouveau.
Choose ASTER  “Ok”, STA11  “Ok” and you have set up Eficas and it is ready for modification.
Before starting editing, save the command file in the same location where the geometry/mesh/.hdf files are
currently located, with an appropriate name.
Fishier  Enregistrer sous.
In the figure below, you can see the completed command file, explanations will follow.
2.

3. Up until now you must have acquired enough knowledge to be able to understand the purpose of each command.
For that reason we will discuss only the newly added commands.
# ORIE_NORM_COQUE (MODI_MAILAGE)  Orientation of the normals for the Shell Element.
# COQUE_1/_2 (AFFE_CARA_ELEM)  Applying thickness to the given groups (we got two difference
thicknesses in our geometry).
# ANGLE_REP (AFFE_CARA_ELEM)  Nautic Angles, used to define a local coordinate in the tangent plane
of a 2D element.
# POST_CHAMP  In order to visualize Normal Stress results (SIGM_NOEU) in particular section of thickness
(moy - bottom, sup - top), we have to include this command, because DKT Modelization only allows us to prin
Equivalent Stress.
# In the Surface elements studies, like in Solid elements. That means it is not necessary to add rotational restrictions
because, by applying to all the elements, of the groups assigned, DX. DY. DZ =0, you automatically force the
rotations to be equal to 0.
115 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

# Description Figure
4. We are now done with the command file.
Go to Fishier  Enregistrer, to save the configuration we made, and close Eficas MultiCatalogue.
5. Activate Aster Module from the drop down list.

Go to Aster  Add Study Case.

Fill the gaps similar with the figure on your right.

Locate your command file from your computer disk.

Choose Mesh_1 as your Mesh.

Change to STA11 for Aster Version

Modify the Solver prameters.

Finish with “Ok”

6. Your Object Browser should have the same looks as the figure on the right.

Right click on Solids  Run.

Your analysis will start running and when it finishes Post-Pro Branch should be
visible.

The analysis may take a while, since we used small size of elements and our solid
model is a little bit bigger than the analysis we did so far.
116 CHAPTER_VII: LEVEL_OF_GEOMETRY 1D – 2D – 3D_ANALYSIS_COMPARISON

Step 11: Post Processing the Results

# Activate Post-Pro Module and start interrogating the results of our Finite Element Analysis.

# Description Figure
1. Right-click on 0,-  Deformed Shape  Tick Magnitude Coloring and change the Scale Factor to a bigger
number, so you will be able to see the deformation more clear.
Right-click on Def.Shape  Show Only  Representation  Surfaceframe.
And you should have something similar to the figure below.

Min. Deformation = 6.98e-21 mm, Max. Deformation = 4.76 mm

2.

3. Same steps for the Normal Stress results.

Right-click on 0,-  Scalar Map  Change Scalar Mode to SIXX.

Right-click on Scalar Map  Show Only  Representation  Surface.
And you should have something similar to the figure on the right.

Min. Normal Stress = -845.03 MPa

Max. Normal Stress = 784.7 MPa
4.
117 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

Chapter_VIII: Tunning Fork

In this next chapter we are going to get familiar with Modal Analysis.
We will study a Tuning Fork and try to acquire the most logical frequency output.
118 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

Step 1: Purpose of the FE Analysis/ Description of the Problem

In this chapter, we want to perform a Modal Analysis to investigate the natural frequencies of a Tuning Fork. The
specific tuning fork is designed to tune chamber A 440Hz. In the case that the tuner does not meet the stated requirements,
we will modify the geometry, material or mass of the tuner in order to get the correct frequency output.
For that reason, we will set from the start some parameters (Parametric Model) which will help us to modify the
geometry’s dimensions easier and without the need to sketch the tuning fork from scratch.

Step 2: Input Values for the FE Analysis

Initial Dimensions Material

a = 2.5 mm; d = 8 mm; Model Material: Homogeneous, isotropic and linear elastic continuum.
b = 20 mm; l = 100 mm; Structural Steel: Young’s Modulus = 200 GPa;
c = 5 mm; R2 = 2 mm; Poisson’s Ratio = 0.3
R7 = 7 mm; Copper Alloy: Young’s Modulus = 110 GPa;
Poisson’s Ratio = 0.34

Supports

Fixed Support to “b-dimension” line (drawing will help).

Symmetric model.
119 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

Step 3: Model Geometry

# Open up Salome_Meca and right after the GUI loads, activate Geometry Module from the drop down list.
# On this chapter we want our model to be parametric.
# There are a couple of ways to create a parametric model in Salome_Meca Platform, but because most of them are
really complicated, they include coding inside, here we are going to use the most simplest one.

# Description Figure
1. Having the Geometry Module activated, go to File 
Notebook.

Notebook is a very useful application, which allows us to input

as many parameters as we desire.

Notebook saves those parameters and we are able to use them

in any Module we want. (Geometry, Mesh)

Let’s see how it works.

2. On the left column, as obvious, we arrange the Parameters

Name, and on the right column we input the Parameter’s
Value.

For our geometry I needed the following parameters:

a = 2.5 d = 10.5 R_2 = 2

o=0 e = 20 R_7 = 7
b=5 h = 100
c=8

Finish with “Apply”

Leave Notebook open at all times, because we are going to add

more parameters as we move forward with this study case.
3. Salome_Meca Geometry Module, mostly uses coordinates to sketch/ draw the models. Using Notebook for
sketching is a little bit trickie because we are going to need lots of different parameters.

To avoid fulling up the study with a wide range of parameters, Notebook gives us the options to use Equations to
express some of the parameters.
120 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

# Description Figure
4. We have set our parameters. Have in mind that as we move
forward this study, we might need to add more parameters in
order to help us with the geometry/mesh.

Go to New Entity  Basic  2D Sketch.

As you already know for the construction of a 2D sketch, we

were pointing out each point’s coordinates (x, y).

Now instead of arranging numbers for Values, we will input

the parameters we set before.

For example: The first point, which originally would have

been (0, 0) now according to our parameters will be (o, o).

For this geometry we will need 3 more parameters that we

haven’t set it up before. f = a + d (13)
j = h + e (120)
g = b + e (25)

Next points: (o, o) (o, a) (e, a) (e, f)

(j, f) (j, c) (g, c) (g, o)

Finish with “Sketch Closure”

5. In order to create the whole model, first we need to create a
face of the 2D sketch.

Go to New Entity  Build  Face.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

6. Go to New Entity  Generation  Extrusion.

Fill in the gaps according to the figure on the right.

Height: c (c=8mm).

Finish with “Apply and Close”

121 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

# Description Figure
Now we need to create our fillets.

Go to Operations  Fillet 3D.

Choose the 2nd Algorithm which will allow us to select edges,

and input the same values as shown in the figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

Do the same for the 7mm fillet, but be careful to choose the
first fillet as “Main Object”.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

7. Now it is time to create the mirror image.

Go to Operations  Transformation  Mirror Image.

Input the following values as shown in the figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

8. Mirror image was created a little bit away from the location we
wanted it to be.

Go to Operations  Transformation  Translation.

We want our mirror image to move 8mm to the OZ direction.

Make sure you uncheck the “Create a Copy”

Finish with “Apply and Close”

122 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

9. Last step before arranging our groups, will be to couple the

extrusion with the mirror image.

Go to Operations  Boolean  Fuse.

And input the following values as shown in the figure on the

right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

123 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

# Description Figure
10. We are going to need only two different groups for this study
case.

Our Fixed Support which would be in the left top and bottom
faces.

And a Guide group which will contain all the faces we created.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

11. This concludes our Geometry creation session. Save in a proper location with a proper name.

Step 4: Meshing Geometry

# After finishing from the Geometry creation, go to the drop down list and activate Mesh Module.

# Description Figure
1. Meshing our model.

Go to Mesh  Create Mesh.

Input for Algorithm: NETGEN 1D-2D-3D

Input for Hypothesis: NETGEN 3D Parameters, with
maximum and minimum size of elements 3 and 2.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

124 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

2. Right-click on Mesh_1  Compute.

Right-click on Mesh_1  Convert to/from quadratic.

Right-click on Mesh_1  Compute.

Mesh information shown on the right figure.

Step 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Salome_Meca Modal Analysis Wizard

# After completing our geometry, arranging the correct groups, using the most suitable algorithm and hypothesis to
express our mesh, now its time to make some more modification for our modal analysis.

# Description Figure
1. Select Aster Module from the drop down list.

Go to Aster  Wizards  Modal Analysis.

First, define the type of model. Click “Next”.

Input Mesh_1 for mesh. Click “Next”.
In the next window insert Young’s Modulus = 2e+11,
Density = 7850 (structural steel) and Poisson’s Ratio = 0.3.
Click “Next”.
Fix Group (DX=0, DY=0, DZ=0). Click “Next”
Set Number of Modes (N) = 8.
Save to a proper location.

Finish with “Finish”

125 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

2. Our Modal analysis will appear in the Aster branch.

Right-click on it and choose “Run”.

After Code_Aster runs the modal analysis, and if everything

are set correctly, Post-Pro branch will appear, containing all
the information we need.

3. When Code_Aster finish running the modal analysis, Post-Pro

branch will appear.

In the “Fields” area, there are the 8 different modes (which we

selected before) showing the different frequencies.

You can easily notice that the frequency outputs are smaller
than expected.

That is because we used millimeters when we created the

geometry and the rest are in basic SI Units. There is a
consistency table of units that we have to take into
consideration every time we perform a complete Finite
Element Analysis, which is shown below.

All we need to do now is to change our geometry to meters.

4.
126 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

# Description Figure
5. To change our geometry units from milimeters to
meters, all we have to do is duplicate our mesh and use
a scale factor to adjust the units.

Activate Mesh Module.

Go to Modification  Transformation  Scale

Transform.

First click the “Select whole mesh, sub-mesh or group”

option.

Then fill in the gaps and choose the correct options as

shown in the figure on the right.

Finish with “Apply and Close”

6. Right click on the new mesh, “Mesh_1_scaled” and compute it.

You will notice the the mesh information is not like the others. The thing we did here was, to copy our previous
mesh with the previous Algorithms and Hypothesis. The only difference is that with the help of the Scale
Transformation of 0,001 we converted the milimeters to meters.
7. Activate Aster Module, right click on the modal analysis and choose “Edit”.

You just need to change the “Mesh_1” to the new scaled mesh, “Mesh_1_scaled”.

Click “Ok”, right click again and “Run” the analysis.

127 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

Step 11: Post Processing of the Results

# Description Figure
1. Now that we have the correct units and the frequency outputs seem normal, we can add deformed shape to each
one of the frequencies to see how much will the deformation be and also in what way the tuning fork is going to
be deformed.
2.

3.
128 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

Step $: Modify Model

i. Changing the Material

# The main purpose of this Modal Analysis, is to get familiar with this kind of analysis and also try to adjust our
model in order to give us a frequency output of 440 Hz.
# In order to do that we are going to make some adjustments to our model and see how it reacts.
# First we are going to change the material of our tuning fork.
# To do that we will need to change the Young’s Modulus, the Poison’s Ration and the Density inputs.
# We are interested in using Copper Alloy instead of Structural Steel.
# Copper Alloy’s material properties: Young’s Modulus = 1.1e11 Pa
Poison’s Ratio = 0.34
Density = 8300 kg/m3

# Description Figure
1. Open your “yourname”.comm file with your
favourite text editor.

Go to DEFI_MATERIAL lines and change the

inputs according to the new material’s
properties.

Save your changes and head back to

Salome_Meca.

Activate Aster Module, and re-run the Analysis.

# When the Post-Pro branch appears again, you will notice that the frequency outputs are changed, but instead of
getting closer to 440Hz, they went smaller.
129 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

ii. Changing the Dimensions.

# Since, changing the material did not help us get the required frequency results, we will try now and change some
dimensions from our tuner and see how it affects the frequency results. Changing all the dimension would not be
much of a help for us, we will modify the l=length dimension and possibly the thickness of the tuner.
# This is why we assigned the dimensions into Parameters (Notebook) in the beginning of our task.
# Now we just have to open up Notebook and change the parameter inputs and just re-run the analysis.
# Let’s see how we are going to achieve that.

# Description Figure
1. Go to File  Notebook

Change the “h” Parameter, which is the length of the fork,

from 100mm to 90mm.

Click on “Update Study”

Then the whole UI of Salome_Meca is going to change and in

the Object Browser there will only be Geometry and Mesh
branches.

2. Unfortunately we will need to re-compute the mesh, create a

new modal analysis wizard and run the analysis in order to see
the new frequency results.

The steps you need to do now are:

* Right click on Mesh_1 and choose compute, right click again
and convert to quadratic, compute again.
* Right click on Mesh_1_scaled and choose compute, right
click again and convert to quadratic, compute again.
* Activate Aster Module.
* Go to Aster  Wizards  Modal Analysis.
* Input the correct data and save to a proper location.
* Remember that we will use Copper Alloy as material here.
* Right click on the new modal-analysis and Run it.

The figure on the right shows my own results.

130 CHAPTER_VIII: TUNNING_FORK FREQUENCY , PARAMETRIC_MODEL

# You can see that the frequency outputs are a little bit bigger than the previous ones. Which means that as the
length of the fork gets smaller the frequency gets higher.
# In order to hit 440Hz, we will need to make the fork’s length a little smaller.
# Open Notebook again and change the length parameter from 90mm to 80mm.
# After re-computing everything with the length set to 80mm, my results are:

# We will give it one more try to 75mm and see if we get closer to 440Hz. Here are my final
results:
131
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