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Step 8: Postprocess the Results

Plot Deformed Shape

Main Menu > General Postproc > Plot Results > Deformed Shape

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This plots the deformed and undeformed shapes in the Graphics window. The maximum deformation DMX is .026188in as reported in the Graphics window. We should check that our results make sense. It appears that the boundary counditions have been satisfied as the tip of the shaft moves downward and the other end of the crank is undeformed.

Animate the deformation

Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Animate > Deformed Shape...

Select Def + undeformed and click OK. Select Forward Only in the Animation Controller.

Plot Nodal Solution of von Mises Stress

Main Menu > General Postproc > Plot results > Contour Plot > Nodal Solu

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To see the whole model again, go to the Select Entities window and click Sele All and Replot. (If for some reason select all fails, you can always go to Utility Menu > Select > Everything)

Comparing the Sigma_xx Stress with von Mises Stress

To verify that the bending stress in the crank is relatively insignificant, we can compare the element sigma_xx solution with the elemental von Mises solution.

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Compare the stress values with the von Mises stress. (Click on von Mises stress, then OK)

Investigate the Stress Concentration

Let's zoom in on the red area. Use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out in the view area. Some other viewing functions: Holding down the Ctrl key and the left mouse button allows you to pan the view, while holding the Ctrl key and the right mouse button allows you to rotate the view. Hold down the right mouse button and draw a rectangle to zoom in on a specific region.

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