SOLIDWORKS Simulation - Nonlinear Problems

Every analysis problem that an engineer or design undertakes can be performed as a Nonlinear study. However, when compared to a static study, the nonlinear study takes more steps to setup the problem and will take a much longer time to solve. In this blog, we will mainly illustrate the types of nonlinearities in SOLIDWORKS to give you a clear view of the most common nonlinear problems faced by engineers.

Types of Nonlinearities

The three different types of nonlinearities that can occur in our models are:
• Geometric nonlinearities
• Material nonlinearities
• Boundary nonlinearities
Where each type can be present separately, or in conjunction with the other types.

Geometric nonlinearities
In general, the generalized force is not proportional to the generalized displacement.
The large displacement is nonlinear problem which can cause the structure to respond in a stiffening or/and softening manner.

Material nonlinearities

In general, the stress is not proportional to strain.

Several factors can affect the stress- strain relationship, such as:

• Load history: Plasticity problems
• Load duration: Creep analysis, Viscoelasticity.
• Temperature: Thermo-plasticity

Boundary nonlinearities

This class of nonlinear behavior is a result of the changing nature of the boundary conditions of the structures involved in the analysis during motion. Typical examples include:

• Contact Problems
• Pounding of structures
• Fitting problems
• Gear-tooth contacts

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