1

Dynamics

1.1-1

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

BASIC ANALYSIS

1.1

1.1-2

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

1.1-3

Model Description:

The loading applied to the model is a single sine pulse of amplitude 50 lb and frequency 250 Hz
applied to a point at the top of the slot with the edge of the circular hole constrained. Critical damping of 5% is assumed.

BASIC ANALYSIS

In this example, the model previously used for normal modes analysis (bracket model) will be used,
with different constraints, for direct transient analysis. The steps below describe how to read, edit,
analyze and post-process the model.

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

1.1-4

Exercise Procedure:
1. Start MSC/NASTRAN for Windows 3.0.2 by double-clicking on the MSC/NASTRAN for Windows icon.
When the Open Model File dialog box appears; select bracket.mod in the examples directory. This
is a database containing the model to be analyzed in this example.

bracket.mod

File name:
Open

Since the model file in this example will be edited and changed, the database should be saved under
a different name and directory (a TEMP directory for example).

File/Save As...
bckt_trn

File name:
Save
2.

The basic modeling data is complete (nodes, elements, element properties,

material properties) except it is desired that alternate loading and constraints be
applied.
Delete all current loading and constraint sets.

Delete/Model/Load - Set...
Select All
OK
Yes
Delete/Model/Constraint - Set...
Select All
OK
Yes
View/Regenerate

(Ctrl+G)

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

3.

1.1-5

Now create a new constraint set.

Model/Constraint/Nodal...

OK
You will now constrain all the nodes around the circular hole in all degrees of freedom. Select all
the nodes that make up the circular hole (Nodes 45-52).

ID:

45

to:

52

OK
Fixed
OK
Cancel
Rotate the model for a better view.

View/Rotate...
Dimetric
OK
Your model should look similar to the following.

by:

BASIC ANALYSIS

Constraint_1

Title:

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

1.1-6
4.

Create the transient load.

A single sine pulse load, of magnitude 50 lb in the z-direction, at a frequency of 250 Hz will be
applied at Node 56 (at the top of the slot).
First the temporal aspects of the loading have to be defined as a time function.

Model/Function...
Title:

Sine Pulse 250 Hz

Type:

1..vs. Time

Data Entry:

Equation

Delta X:

(0.004/8)

X:

0.0

Y:

sin(360*250*!x)

To X:

0.004

More
Clicking on More creates 8 xy coordinates of a single sine curve (the minimum number recommended), of unit amplitude, between 0.0 and 0.004 seconds (which is 250Hz). Note that the
calculator function is used for both Delta X and Y, and the x variable (!x) is used to define the Y
coordinates.
Your screen should have the following dialog box.

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

1.1-7

It is important to remember that MSC/NASTRAN will interpolate and extrapolate between these
curve coordinates, so a further set of coordinates has to be added to "zero" the curve at the end of
the sine pulse.

Single Value

X:

0.005

Y:

0.0

OK
Cancel
This final set of coordinates will be added to the others.

5.

To verify that the defined function has been correctly entered, do the following:
View/Select...
XY Style:

XY of Function

Model Data...
Function/Select:

1..Sine Pulse 250 Hz

OK
OK
An xy-plot of the function will now appear showing the sine pulse leveling to Y=0.

BASIC ANALYSIS

Data Entry:

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

1.1-8

Return to the model view.

View/Select...
Draw Model

Model Style:
OK
6.

The next step is to create the nodal load itself.

Model/Load/Nodal...
ID:

Title:

Load at Node 56

OK
Pick Node 56 (top of slot) from the graphics screen.
OK
Highlight Force from the load type list.
Load:
Load/Function Dependence:

FZ

Value:

50.0

1..Sine Pulse 250 Hz

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

1.1-9

BASIC ANALYSIS

OK
Cancel
The above two steps have created a single sine pulse load of amplitude 50 lb in the z-direction
applied to Node 56.

7.

The final step is to set up the remaining transient analysis parameters.

Model/Load/Dynamic Analysis...
Solution Method:

Direct Transient

Overall Structural Damping Coeff (G):

0.1

Frequency for System Damping (W3):

255

Number of Steps:

99

Time per Step:

0.00025

Output Interval:

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

1.1-10

OK
With the overall structural damping coefficient set to 0.1, 5% equivalent viscous damping will be
calculated (G = 2*(critical damping ratio)). The equivalent viscous damping conversion is calculated at a frequency of 255 Hz (note that Hz are the required units here) - the fundamental bending
mode of this structure (this value would be obtained in a prior normal modes analysis). This is the
frequency at which the structure is likely to be excited by the transient applied loading and is also
the mode of vibration in which most of the mass is participating.
The time step is set to 0.00025 seconds allowing 16 time steps for the load period (0.004 seconds),
this is also close to the primary frequency of the structure. This allows adequate coverage for the
expected response of the structure. The total number of steps, set to 99, governs the total time span
of the analysis ((99+1)*0.00025=0.025 seconds). The output interval of 1 will create output sets for
every single time step for post processing - in other words, smooth xy plots will be obtained in the
post-processing phase!

8.

Analyze the model.

With all the required input created the model can now be analyzed.

File/Analyze...
Analysis Type:
Additional Info:
OK

3..Transient Dynamic/Time Response

Run Analysis

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

1.1-11

When asked if it is "OK to Save Model Now," select Yes.

Yes

Continue
9.

Post-process the results.

Upon successful completion of the analysis, the results are read into the database, and can be
viewed.

View/Select...
XY Style:

XY vs Set Value

XY Data...
Category:

0..Any Output

Type:

0..Value or Magnitude

Output Set:

1..MSC/NASTRAN Case 1

Output Vector:

4.. T3 Translation

Output Location/Node:

56

BASIC ANALYSIS

When the MSC/NASTRAN manager is through running, MSC/NASTRAN will be restored on

your screen, and the Message Review form will appear. To read the message(s), you could select
Show Details. Since the analysis ran smoothly, we will not bother with the details this time.

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

1.1-12

OK
OK
The z-displacement response of Node 56 will now appear as an xy-plot similar to the following:

View/Options...
Category:

PostProcessing

Options:

XY X Range/Grid

Bracket Model - Modal Frequency

2..Max Min

Minimum:

Maximum:

0.008

OK
The resulting plot should look similar to the following:

The maximum deflection from the resulting xy plot is -0.288 in at 0.004 seconds. Compare this to a
static deflection (due to a 50 lb load applied at the same point) of -0.12 is obtained from a prior
static analysis of this structure. This increase in the deflection is due to the dynamic amplification
effect of the applied load.

10. Finally, exit the program when you are done.

File/Exit
When asked of you wish to save the model, select Yes.

Yes

BASIC ANALYSIS

Axis Range:

1.1-13

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Bracket Model - Modal Frequency