Use case for potential perturbation in static steps

[FEAnalyst]

@t5s_blanco

Is this a path now using Keywords I could take? the first delving into that has been this project with hyperelasticity definitions, so admittedly, I am really new to that.

Check this thread, it explains how multistep analyses work in Abaqus and CalculiX: Understanding multistep analyses

I would start from multiple nonlinear steps and amplitudes, then maybe try with *MODEL CHANGE. You can find more about it on the CalculiX forum, but the main source is, of course, CalculiX’s manual: https://www.dhondt.de/ccx_2.23.pdf#subsection.7.89

Of course, it might be best to try it all out on a highly simplified model first.

@t5s_blanco

I have made force control work at times with small displacements, which is where I was coming from thinking about it as a 3rd step since the bulk of the displacement would be “baked in” already in the first two steps. But if not, I would resolve to hold down the two split surfaces, which is where the washer would contact the top face, and let it move elsewhere. I would have to forego the ability to look specifically at the screw however within the same analysis.

This is where the import feature could be really helpful, as you could even analyze parts independently and then assemble them, taking into account their existing deformation state. But without this feature, you have to keep everything in the same analysis and only deactivate/reactivate stuff as needed using keywords.