Thickness Mapping

The thickness mapping feature allows the user to map the thickness data from an external forming result file to the corresponding model in OptiStruct.

Consider a situation, when a component obtained from sheet metal forming needs to be analyzed further in an assembly model, after accounting for the thickness variation from forming.

Examples of such scenarios include stamping of an automotive door panel using HyperForm, followed by a full vehicle durability analysis using OptiStruct. In such cases, the thickness mapping featured in OptiStruct, can be used.


Figure 1. Thickness Mapping Feature Overview
Note:
  • In the OptiStruct model file, an initial thickness needs to be defined and the thickness mapping feature will overwrite a new thickness distribution for the elements specified in the thickness mapping definition.
  • The thickness mapping feature works even when the following attributes are different between the forming result file and the OptiStruct model file:
    • Mesh – Element types, Element ID, Node ID, Element order
    • Orientation of the components being mapped (in the presence of relocation)

Problem Setup Example

The following example of the thickness mapping process in an input file.
.
.
$ USING ASSIGN TO REFERENCE THE FORMING RESULT FILE
ASSIGN, MAP, 100,"forming_result.k"

$ REQUESTING THICKNESS OUTPUT FOR VISUALIZATION
THICKNESS(CORNER)=ALL

BEGIN BULK
$ DEFINITION OF MAP ENTRY
MAP, 1, THICK, 12, 100

$ SET OF ELEMENTS TO WHICH THE MAPPING MUST BE APPLIED
SET, 12, ELEM, LIST    
+, ALL  
.
.
Figure 2 shows mapping across dissimilar mesh types.


Figure 2. (a) Forming result file from which thickness data needs to be mapped; (b) OptiStruct model file to which the thickness data is mapped