Pre-tension section

This set of tests verifies that the proper prescribed assembly load is applied to a structure using a pre-tension section. Loading is done by enforcing either a concentrated force (pre-tension load) or a displacement (tightening) at the pre-tension node (see Prescribed Assembly Loads for a description of this option). The structure is preloaded in the first step. In most cases it is further loaded in the second step, ensuring that the tightening is maintained.

The majority of the models are two-element meshes with boundary conditions that allow for uniform stretching of the cross-section. Thus, results verification is straightforward. Some input files have several two-element meshes with different element types set up in parallel.

In the first input file the total force in the defined pre-tension sections is output (see Output to the Data and Results Files). The total force results in the direction perpendicular to the sections match the reaction forces at the reference nodes associated with the pre-tension sections exactly.

The analyses include a submodel run (with the pre-tension section fully enclosed by the submodel boundary) and a substructure run (where the substructure's retained degrees of freedom belong to the pre-tension section).