Learning Forum

[jonsys]

In a symmetric structure, what is the difference between using:

• "Insert Symmetry Region" in Model


• applying "Frictionless support - Static structural" at the face where the model is cut due to symmetry?

[Rohith Patchigolla]

Hi Jonsys, 

If the face (where the model is cut) is geometrically flat, then, Frictionless Support is equivalent to applying a Symmetric Region.

Best regards,

-Rohith

[jonsys]

Hi Rohith,

thank you for the answer.

What if it is not flat, which one should be used? (even though I can't think of any cutting that is not flat)

[Rohith Patchigolla]

Hi Jonsys, 

When the cut surface is not flat, Symmetry is not applicable.

In such cases, if a Frictionless Support is applied, this results in a constraint in the surface normal direction. For example, if the frictionless support is applied on a cylindrical surface, the nodes are constrained in the radial direction (similar to a Cylindrical Support in Mechanical, with radial fixed, but, Axial and Tangential directions free).

Best regards,

Rohith 

 

[jonsys]

Hi Rohith,

thank you for the explanation of the frictionless support.

So, since the surface is always flat (for the symmetry to be applicable), this means that "Symmetry Region" and "Frictionless support" will always be the same?

Regards,

[peteroznewman]

Hi Jon,

You are only thinking of flat surfaces. A good example where Frictionless Support is used is on the cylindrical surface of a hole to represent that hole being mounted to a rigid shaft, which is not in the model, and gives the body with the hole rotational and axial freedom about the hole axis.  I don't think you can do that with Symmetry Region.

Regards,

Peter

[Rohith Patchigolla]

Hi Jonsys, 

"So, since the surface is always flat (for the symmetry to be applicable), this means that "Symmetry Region" and "Frictionless support" will always be the same?"

-Yes, that is correct. 

Best regards,

Rohith

[Sandeep Medikonda]

Just to add to the discussion, here's a relevant thread from an older XANSYS forum.

[jonsys]

Peter, Rohith, Sandeep,

thank you very much

Regards,
Jon