Issue with Bearing Load Analysis Using Spring Elements in Laminated Composite (CalculiX Keyword)

Hello everyone,

I’m currently working on a bearing load analysis for a laminated composite plate consisting of 20 layers. Below is a summary of the setup and the issue I’m facing:




I’m concerned that either the load transfer mechanism using spring elements or the way the model is constrained might be causing unrealistic results.

Could anyone please provide suggestions on:

  • Whether this is the correct approach for applying bearing loads in a composite laminate?
  • How to better simulate the bearing effect in this context?
  • Any typical checks or common mistakes to look out for while using SPRINGA elements in such analysis?

*** ATTACHED PREPOMAX FILE FOR REFERENCE ***
Ortho_bearing.pmx (6.6 MB)

Thank you in advance for your guidance!

Try using the approach with newly implemented equation-based distributions described here: Bearing load distribution

There’s also the compression-only constraint that can be used in such cases (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYuvUbu6Sw8) but I don’t think you can apply it to shell edge and you would likely need a solid model with all those layers which is doable with the Thicken Shell Mesh tool but quite tedious.