Hello SimScale Support,
I am performing a static non-linear FEA simulation of an annular snap-fit joint. I have successfully measured the maximum mating (axial) force in the y-direction using the same workflow as shown in the cantilever snap-fit tutorial (displacement-driven simulation, reaction force from area calculation).
Now, I would like to additionally measure the maximum transverse force (X or Z axis) of the annular snap-fit joint. My analytical model predicts around 300 N, but when I attempt to extract this in the FEA, the reported values are extremely low (≈0.8 N).
Issue:
When I try to measure transverse force (X/Z) via area calculation (Sum) → Reaction force of mating surfaces (X/Z), the values are unrealistic. I suspect I am not defining the result controls correctly, or that my current method cannot capture transverse froces ?
Question:
What is the correct way to measure transverse forces in this type of setup?
Any guidance on setting up the result controls properly would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Tanguy