Sign-up for free online course on ANSYS simulations!Step 8: Postprocess the Results
Enter the postprocessing module to analyze the solution.
Main Menu > General Postproc
Plot Nodal Solution of Von Mises Stress
Main Menu > General Postproc > Plot results > Contour Plot > Nodal Solu
...
The contour plot also shows the locations of the maximum and minimum values with the labels MX and MN, respectively. As you can see, the upper and lower disks have deformed and come into contact.
List Maximum Compressive Stress
To determine the max principal stress we'll list the principal stresses.
...
In addition, the max compressive stress is located at node 4 (Third principal stress S3) which belongs to the lower disk and is the node initially in contact with the upper disk. This is also consistent with what one would expect based on the geometry and loading conditions.
List Maximum Displacements
To determine the approach (i.e. total distance through which the two bodies move towards each other as a result of load P) we'll list the displacements of all nodes in the y direction.
...
Nodes 7 and 10 are attached to the upper area of the upper disk. From the list above we can see that the displacement of these nodes is the same and has a value of -0.2525e-01. Recall that the geometry was specified in mm. As a result, the displacement has units of mm. Therefore, the approach or total distance through which the two bodies move towards each other is 0.0252 mm.