Analysis Result Types for Structures

Inspire provides several types of linear static analysis results, as well as normal modes and buckling modes analysis.

Linear Static Analysis

Linear static analysis is the process of understanding the stresses and displacements of a model. When you run an analysis in Inspire, it automatically runs a variety of linear static analyses for each load case.

Types of analysis include displacement, factor of safety, percent of yield, tension and compression, maximum shear stress, von Mises stress, plus major and minor principal stress.

In addition, a contact analysis is run automatically if contacting contacts are present in the model and Sliding with Separation is selected in the Run Analysis window.

Normal Modes Analysis

All physical objects have frequencies at which they vibrate that are called normal modes. You can analyze a part's normal modes by selecting Normal Modes in the Run Analysis window.

Normal modes appear as a load case in the Analysis Explorer, with the modes listed under Modes. Click on a mode to view the displacement or strain energy density for that mode.

When analyzing normal modes, it is important to check that the natural frequencies for each mode are reasonable. For a free vibration analysis (with no supports), all parts of the model should move together in a coherent way. No parts should move independently of other parts. If supports are used, then each area of the model should move in a way that makes sense given the constraints.

Buckling Modes Analysis

Buckling modes are used to predict when a part will bend or collapse under load. Buckling modes analysis is only available when using the OptiStruct solver.

You can determine whether the part will buckle for a selected mode based on the value shown under Buckling Load Factor in the Analysis Explorer. This value can be multiplied by the load applied to determine the load value that will cause the part to buckle for each load case. The load case will automatically be written if Buckling Modes is selected.

1 < Load Factor

The part will not buckle with the given value.

0 < Load Factor < 1

The part will buckle with the given value.

-1 < Load Factor < 0

The part will buckle if the load is reversed.

Load Factor < -1

The part will not buckle if the load is reversed.