SHD Sim FEA
Contact
Surface-to-surface, with friction
code_aster
In development.
This module is phase 2 — the next module after cfd. The solver behind it is chosen and its capability is known. SHD Sim is available today.
What it is
Two surfaces that may touch, separate and slide, with the contact area an output rather than an input. It is the first structural analysis where convergence is a real skill: the stiffness changes discontinuously the moment a node comes into contact, and a bonded assumption quietly makes every assembly stiffer than it is.
What this analysis needs from you
- Surfaces paired as contact and target, which is a modelling decision not an automatic one
- A friction coefficient, or an explicit decision to use frictionless
- Load stepping fine enough that contact establishes gradually
Typical uses
- Bolted flanges and gasket seating
- Bearing and shaft interference
- Gear tooth contact stress
- Press fits and retaining rings
- Any assembly where load path depends on what touches what
Industries
Sectors where this analysis is routinely asked for.
- Bearings & gears
- Seals & gaskets
- Fasteners & joints
- Rail
What comes out
- Contact pressure distribution
- Contact patch size and shape
- Slip and sticking zones
- Joint load transfer
Backend
code_aster
Chosen for this analysis type, with its capability verified against the module plan — not decided later.
Status
Phase 2 — the next module after CFD. Telling us you need this analysis moves it up the order — modules are sequenced by who is waiting for them.