Learning Forum

[Autonewbie]

Hi, I want to assess the contact in random vibration but random vibration is linear analysis...nIf the random vibration up to 500Hz, can we use nonlinear transient to do it?.Thanks!n

[peteroznewman]

nYes, you can use Transient Structural to simulate the time-history of a structure subjected to transient loads.nThe reason there are linear tools such a Random Vibration analysis is that they are very fast at giving useful information. By very fast, I mean that you might need to spend a factor of 100 in extra time and effort to obtain similar information from a Transient Structural analysis that you get from a Random Vibration analysis.nI recommend you perform a two linear analyses on your structure to evaluate two extremes: Bonded Contact and No Contact. There is a linear contact called No Separation that allows sliding, which is in between those two extremes. Run those two (or three) Random Vibration analyses to see how much the results change with contact status (bonded or not). If the difference is small, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort building a Transient Structural model. If the difference is large, at least you know that the effort is worthwhile.n