Getting Started

StressCheck
GETTING STARTED GUIDE

Release 9.2
March, 2011
For Windows Operating Systems

Copyright 2011
Engineering Software Research & Development, Inc.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Copyright 2011 by Engineering Software Research & Development, Inc. All rights
reserved, worldwide. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed,
stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any human or computer language, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or
otherwise, without the expressed written permission from Engineering Software Research
& Development, Inc., 111 Westport Plaza, Suite 825, St. Louis, MO 63146, U.S.A.
StressCheck includes portions of FLEXnet license manager version 11.5 Copyright
2009 Acresso Software Inc.
Tech Soft America (www.hoops3d.com) supplied the following core technology:
HOOPS 3D Application Framework 1998
HOOPS 3D Graphics System 1998
StressCheck incorporates Parasolid, a product of Siemens Product Lifecycle Manage-
ment Software Inc.
StressCheck incorporates MeshSim(TM) a product of Simmetrix Inc.
StressCheck incorporates PAM(TM) a product of Applied Design Analysis Corp. (ADA).
Copyright 2002. All Rights reserved.
StressCheck incorporates InterOp libraries that are a product of Dassault Systmes.
StressCheck includes Taucs Version 2.0, November 29, 2001. Copyright 2001, 2002,
2003 by Sivan Toledo, Tel-Aviv University, stoledo@tau.ac.il. All Rights reserved.
StressCheck includes CSparse: a Concise Sparse matrix package. Copyright 2006,
Timothy A. Davis. http://www.cise.ufl.edu/research/sparse/CSparse
StressCheck includes METIS. Copyright 1997, Regents of the University of Minnesota.
All rights reserved.
StressCheck incorporates the Intel(R) Math Kernel Library for Windows, 2008 Copyright
Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
DISCLAIMER
Engineering Software Research & Development, Inc. makes no representations or warran-

ties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties
of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, Engineering Software
Research & Development, Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and to make
changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of Engineering Soft-
ware Research & Development, Inc. to notify any person or organization of such revision
or change.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
What is StressCheck? 1
Why use StressCheck? 2
Who should use StressCheck? 3
StressCheck features 3
How to use this manual? 3
Frequently asked questions about the p-version and StressCheck 5
2 StressCheck Interface 9
Interface layout 9
Standard file extensions 17
File menu 17
Edit menu 19
Class menu 21
View menu 21
Getting Started Guide Table of Contents i

Table of Contents
Display menu 24
Tools menu 27
General interface conventions 27
3 The Handbook 31
Handbook framework 31
Handbook library 31
Handbook interface 32
Solving a handbook problem 36
Handbook results 44
Handbook library expansion 44
4 Tutorial 45
Planar elasticity problem 45
Extrusion problem 65
Three-dimensional problem 72
Index 83
ii Table of Contents Getting Started Guide

1
1 Introduction
What is StressCheck?
From the perspective of designers, StressCheck is a very advanced handbook that
provides reliable solutions quickly and conveniently.
From the perspective of analysts, StressCheck is a tool for advanced problem solv-
ing and a framework for communicating the results to designers.
From the perspective of managers, StressCheck is a tool for increased productivity

and better design in less time.
StressCheck is the first finite element analysis program to emphasize both

advanced technological features and ease of use for everyday design and analysis
problems. ESRD founders are pioneers in development of p-version FEA and have
built the most advanced features available into StressCheck: advanced representa-
tion of surfaces; hierarchic models for structural plates, including plates made of
laminated composites; advanced implementation of superconvergent extraction
procedures for the computation of stress intensity factors in two and three dimen-
sions; efficient and reliable treatment of material and geometric nonlinearities in
the context of the p- and hp- versions; multi-body contact including material non-
linearities; the option to employ either the trunk space or the product space in p-
Getting Started Guide Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Why use StressCheck?
1
extensions, and capabilities related to the analysis of fastened connections,
including cold working analysis.
StressCheck improves the reliability of computed information while increasing

the productivity of analysts. Recognizing that the analysts time is usefully
spent only if the computed information is sufficiently accurate and reliable to
serve the purposes of engineering decision-making, StressCheck was designed
so that the reliability of the data of interest can be readily ascertained. For most
analysis tasks the largest cost component, typically more than 90 percent, is the
cost of time spent on data preparation and interpretation of the results. Stress-
Check was designed so as to minimize this cost. The user interface was
designed to permit quick generation of finite element meshes, entry of material
properties and boundary conditions.
There is an immediate visual feedback confirming that the data is properly

entered. Modification and editing tasks can be performed quickly and conve-
niently. With StressCheck, the desired information, such as displacements,
stresses and stress maxima, stress intensity factors, and stress resultants can be
conveniently extracted from finite element solutions.
Why use StressCheck?

StressCheck delivers the most advanced p-version stress analysis technology in
a convenient, easy to use, handbook style interface. With StressCheck, you
overcome both the limitations of engineering handbooks and the complexity of
conventional FEA. StressCheck provides information that enables its users to
verify solution quality in a fraction of the time that would be required for con-
ventional FEA.
By incorporating your proprietary technology into an everyday handbook style

tool for both analysts and design engineers, routine problems can be set up and
solved in minutes. The handbook utility makes it possible for users to define
frequently occurring problems parametrically which can be recalled quickly
and conveniently for analysis, even by non-specialists. Therefore StressCheck
provides solutions which are much more representative of the parts that need to
be analyzed than handbook solutions. The amount of time required for analysis
is about the same as for computerized handbooks but the versatility and reli-
ability are much greater.
2 Chapter 1: Introduction Getting Started Guide

Who should use StressCheck?
1
StressChecks unique handbook capability is combined with an automated paramet-
ric analysis capability making it convenient to investigate the sensitivity of a solu-
tion to variations in critical design parameters.
StressChecks unique and advanced post-processing capability allows detailed

evaluation of engineering data anywhere in the model without expensive and time
consuming re-run of the problem.
Who should use StressCheck?

StressCheck has been developed to facilitate analysis throughout the design pro-
cess, making it a valuable tool for both analysts and design engineers. The hand-
book utility provides designers with easy access to advanced finite element
technology within an easy-to-use intuitive interface. The handbook library can be
expanded by FEA analysts to incorporate commonly encountered parts and
designs. The problems can then be executed quickly and easily by design engineers.
StressCheck features
StressCheck is based on the p-version of the finite element method: The errors of
approximation are controlled by increasing the polynomial degree of the elements.
The main features of the program are summarized in the table on page 4.
How to use this manual?

For persons experienced in using finite element analysis programs, StressCheck is
easy to learn. For persons who have no experience, or only very limited experience
with finite element analysis, detailed step-by-step procedures are provided in this
manual. The basic procedures are described and illustrated by examples so as to
make self-instruction possible. The Getting Started Guide was designed to explore
the basics of the user interface, the Handbook framework, model creation, solution
procedures and post-processing operations.

How to use this manual?
1
StressCheck features - Elasticity
Model Materials Boundary Solution Output
Conditions
Geometry: Linear: Loads: Reference: Standard:
Parasolid kernel Isotropic Tractions Plane-Stress Error Estimate
System Orthotropic Point Load Plane-Strain Equilibrium Check
Point Anisotropic Body Force Axisymm. Resultants
Line Fitted Fiber Spring Displ. Plate Bending Contour Plotting
Circle Temperature- Bearing Extrusion Deformed Shape
Fillet dependent Shear 3D-Solids Min/Max Extraction
Ellipse Moment Point/Line/Edge
Spline Imposed Displ. Extraction
Cylinder Nonlinear: Thermal Analyses: Averages
Cone Formula Animation
Elastic- Linear
Plane Running load Nonlinear
Plastic
Torus importation Material
Bilinear Advanced:
Formula TLAP Traction Nonlinear
Ramberg-
Composite Osgood TLAP Bearing Geometry 2D & 3D Fracture
more Modal Mechanics
Iso-Exponential
Prestress SIF
Constraints:
Modal T-Stress
Elements: Rigid Body Eigenvalue
Separated J-integral
Beam Laminated: Nodal Constr. Buckling
Fastener Boundary General Cold Working
Cartesian (flat)
Link Face Constr. Margin
Cylindrical Check
Quadrilateral Spring Coeff.
General Measurement
Triangular Built-In
Curvature
Hexahedral Soft-Simple Crack Path
Pentahedral Symmetry Contact
Tetrahedral Antisymmetry Global-Local
Fastener to Fastener
Meshing: Hinge
Manual Imported point con-
Automesh 2D & 3D straint
Boundary Layer Meshing Formula
Autolamination Point constraint
inportation
Automesh refinement

Frequently asked questions about the p-version and StressCheck
1
An overview of the user interface is presented in the second chapter. The third
chapter provides an introduction to the Handbook framework. The fourth chapter
was written for first time users who are encouraged to follow the example problems
in a step-by-step fashion. This will provide a sense of the look and feel of the pro-
gram. For specific analysis types and procedures refer to the Analysis Guide and
the Advanced Guide.
Frequently asked questions about the p-version and

StressCheck
In this section some frequently asked questions about the p-version of the finite ele-
ment method, which is the technological basis of StressCheck, are answered.
Why is the p-version important?

The finite element method provides an approximate solution. In engineering prac-
tice it is important to know not only the information one wishes to compute but also
to have an indication about the size of the error of approximation. The p-version
makes it convenient to obtain error estimates in terms of the data of interest very
efficiently. Since the analyst is responsible for the computed information, it is
important to have tools available which make it possible to exercise that responsi-
bility.
When was the p-version developed?

Research on the p-version dates back to the late 1960's. Many important advances
occurred in the 1970's. The theoretical basis was established in 1981 and optimal
meshing strategies appropriate for the p-version were developed in the period 1984-
1985. For details we refer to Szabo and Babuska, Finite Element Analysis, John
Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1991). Beginning in 1985, these developments were made
available for use in professional practice. The p-version is a more recent technology
than the h-version, the development of which began in the late 1950's.

1
Are error estimation procedures available in h-version codes as well?
Most h-version codes offer some form of adaptive capability. The theory of
adaptive mesh construction was developed in the 1970's by Babuska and Rhei-
nboldt. The objective of an h-adaptive process is to obtain a sequence of finite
element meshes in such a way that the error measured in energy norm is mini-
mal, or nearly minimal, for each mesh. Subsequently Zienkiewicz and Zhou
proposed an adaptive scheme, variants of which have been implemented in h-
version codes. In general, h-version codes do not provide convenient and reli-
able means for making an assessment of the quality of computed information,
however.
Does the p-version have clear advantages over the h-version?

Yes. For typical design problems in mechanical and civil engineering practice
the errors of approximation are reduced at an exponential rate when the num-
ber of degrees of freedom are increased, provided that the finite element mesh
is properly constructed. The h-version can provide algebraic convergence rates
only. This makes error control much more effective in the p-version. Further-
more, a converging sequence of solutions is much more naturally and conve-
niently obtained with the p-version than with the h-version. This makes it
feasible to employ quality control procedures in the setting of practical engi-
neering decision-making processes.
Are there significant differences in p-version FEA programs?

Yes. There are several important differences. For example, proper implementa-
tion of the p-version requires that the mappings from the standard elements to
the "real" elements must be sufficiently accurate so that the error of approxi-
mation is controlled by the mesh and the polynomial degree of elements, not
by the mapping procedures. This is because, unlike in the h-version, the mesh
is not refined as the number of degrees of freedom is increased. Quadratic and
cubic polynomial mappings (also known as isoparametric mappings) should
not be used in connection with the p-version unless the maximum polynomial
order is restricted to 4 or 5. StressCheck has advanced mapping procedures
implemented. Many other important differences exist in such areas as enforce-
ment of constraints, specification of loading conditions, the availability of non-
linear analyses, graphic user interfaces, post-processing operations, etc.

1
Are there areas of application which can be handled by the p-version but not by the h-
version or vice versa?
In principle, any problem which can be solved by the h-version can be solved by
the p-version and, conversely, any problem which can be solved by the p-version
can be solved by the h-version. There are large differences in convergence rates,
however. For example, it was demonstrated in one well-documented plane elastic
model problem that to achieve one percent relative error in energy norm (which is
similar to the root-mean-square measure of error in stress), approximately 1000
degrees of freedom were needed with the p-version and properly designed mesh,
whereas 10 million degrees of freedom would have been required with the h-ver-
sion, utilizing 8-noded quadrilaterals and uniform mesh refinement. For details we
refer to p.190 in Szabo and Babuska, Finite Element Analysis (1991). There are
other important areas where the p-version has clear and substantial advantages:
adhesively bonded joints (where very large aspect ratios are required), structural
plates and shells, fracture mechanics, etc.
What are the advantages of StressCheck over other FEA programs?

There are several important advantages. The most important advantage is that
StressCheck is the only FEA program in existence today which was designed for
controlling both the errors of discretization and idealization. The errors of discreti-
zation are the errors controllable by the finite element mesh and the polynomial
degree (h- or p-extensions). The errors of idealization are the errors associated with
the restrictions incorporated in mathematical model. For example, the basic
assumptions of the linear theory of elasticity are that the strains are much smaller
than unity; the stress is proportional to the strain independently of the magnitude of
strain; the deformed and undeformed configuration of the elastic body are virtually
identical, hence the equilibrium equations can be written for the undeformed con-
figuration. Inasmuch as these assumptions may not be applicable in particular
cases, errors of idealization are incurred. StressCheck was designed so that the lin-
ear solution is a potential starting solution for a geometric and/or material nonlinear
problem.
There are many other advantages as well: StressCheck incorporates advanced pro-
cedures for the computation of stress intensity factors in linear elastic fracture
mechanics; it can compute the natural straining modes and the corresponding gen-
eralized stress intensity factors in homogeneous and heterogeneous bodies. Stress-
Check is the first FEA program to provide hierarchic models for homogeneous and

1
laminated plates. StressCheck provides a number of unique post-processing
procedures as well.
What are the recommended quality control procedures in FEA?

The main idea in quality control procedures is that the exact solution is inde-
pendent of the mesh or the polynomial degree. Therefore the data of interest
cannot depend on the choice of mesh or polynomial degree. Furthermore, the
data of interest should not be sensitive to the restrictive assumptions incorpo-
rated in the mathematical model. The recommended quality control procedures
consist of the following steps:
a) Linear analysis: Control of the errors of discretization.

Verify that the error in energy norm (which is related to the RMS mea-
sure of error in stress) is reasonably small (under 5 percent).
Knowing that the data of interest are finite, show that the data of inter-
est are substantially independent of the polynomial degree of elements.
Show that equilibrium is satisfied.
Show that there are no significant jumps in the stress contours.
b) Nonlinear analysis: Control of the errors of idealization.

Show that the data of interest are independent of the restrictive
assumptions incorporated in the linear model. This requires that geo-
metric and/or material nonlinear analysis be performed.

2 StressCheck Interface
This chapter covers the most relevant features of the user interface. For a complete overview of the user
interface refer to the Users Guide. The interface layout, standard file extensions, file menu options,
interface conventions, and display manipulation sections provide enough information to create the finite
element model, to compute the solution and to perform an analysis of a model problem.
Interface layout
The StressCheck user interface is designed to simplify data entry and to standardize
program operation. As shown in Figure 1, this interface consists of a Main Menu
Bar and four Toolbars (Main, Attributes, Reference/Theory/Units, and Part/Assem-
bly) at the top of the screen, a graphic Model Window in the center, and four Tool-
bars (Views, Edit, Display Options, and Display Objects) at the bottom of the
screen. Tabbed dialog windows provide for data entry. When a tabbed dialog win-
dow has more tabs than can fit on the screen, a convenient pop-up menu can be
activated by a right mouse button click.
The Main Menu Bar provides access to program options which are used on a rela-
tively infrequent basis; such as opening and closing files, changing display
attributes, selecting an input class, etc. The Views and Main Toolbars provide a
shortcut to the most frequently used menu options, such as display manipulation,
Getting Started Guide Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface 9

Interface layout
Main Toolbar Reference/Theory/Units Selectors

Attributes Toolbar
Main Menu Bar
Model Window
Status Line
Views Toolbar Tabbed Input Dialog Window
FIGURE 1 StressCheck screen layout.
and access to the dialog windows. The Reference selector should be used to
choose whether to model a problem as a membrane, as an axisymmetric solid,
as a plate in bending, or as a fully three-dimensional solid. The Theory selector
should be used to indicate whether the problem to be solved is an elasticity or a
heat transfer problem. It is now necessary to consider the choice of units of
measurement before creating any geometry in StressCheck. In the Units selec-
tor combo box, the options are: Other, in/lbf/sec/F, and mm/N/sec/C. The
Model Window is where the finite element model will appear for both pre- and
post-processing. A dialog window is where most text based user interaction
10 Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface Getting Started Guide

Interface layout
will occur. There are five primary dialog windows: one for model information, one
for model input, one for solver options, one for model results, and one for interact-
ing with the handbook framework.
Most of the tabbed dialog windows are divided into three sections (FIGURE 3). At
the bottom are 2 or more tabs, which allow the user to select a category of input. In
the center are the input fields and combo-boxes which relate to the specific cate-
gory of input chosen with the tab. At the bottom of each dialog window is a set of
push-buttons which are used to invoke a command. 2
Of particular importance is the additional interface control found in the input dialog
window which contains a summary of the data records corresponding to a particular
class. This listbox gives the user access to data previously entered so that it may be
altered and replaced. For geometry and mesh classes, this listbox can be viewed by
selecting the Index tab.
Model Info The Model Information window can be displayed on the screen by selecting
Model Info from the Main Menu Edit pulldown menu. The model window
(FIGURE 2) can also be activated by selecting the icon from the Main Toolbar. The
Model Info Icon
Browser icon
FIGURE 2 Model Info dialog box.

Interface layout
three tabs at the top of the window give the user access to model descriptions,
design variable definitions, and design variable rules. The model browser can
be activated from this window by selecting the Browser icon.
Input The Input window can be displayed on the screen by selecting Input from
the Main Menu Edit pulldown menu, or by selecting an input class such as
Geometry, Mesh, Thickness, etc. from the Main Menu Class pulldown
menu. Alternatively, the Input dialog window (FIGURE 3) may be activated by
2 selecting the Create Model icon from the Main Toolbar.
Create Model Icon
Class Tabs
Curve/Surface Selector
Surface/Solid Option
Input Fields
Command Buttons
FIGURE 3 Geometry input dialog window.

Interface layout
Solution The Solution window can be displayed by selecting Solution from the Main
Menu Edit pulldown menu, or by selecting the Compute Solution icon in the
Main Toolbar. The Solution dialog window is shown in FIGURE 4 for 3D Elastic-
ity. The solution interface contains several tabs, one for each type of solution sup-
ported by StressCheck, i.e. Linear, Nonlinear, Modal, Buckling, Measurement, and
Margin Check. Once a specific solution type is selected, and the pertinent options
are chosen, the solution may be performed by choosing the SOLVE! tab. This tab
contains the various options that are common to all solution types.
2
Compute Solution Icon
Solver Option Interface Solver Execution Interface
FIGURE 4 Solver interface.
Results The Results window can be displayed by selecting Results from the Main
Menu Edit pulldown menu, or by selecting the View Results icon in the Main
Toolbar. The Results dialog window is shown in FIGURE 5. The results interface
contains several tabs, one for each type of post-processing option supported by
StressCheck, i.e. Error Estimation, Points Extraction, Resultant Extraction, etc.

Interface layout
View Results Icon
Class Tabs
2
Solution ID Selection
Computation Options
Command Buttons
FIGURE 5 Results interface.
StressCheck provides convenient means for displaying and printing computed

information in graphical form. For example, to obtain a contour plot or
deformed configuration, you select the Plot tab from the Results window. By
selecting any other tab, a graph window appears. This window will contain the
results of the post-processing computations in both graphical and tabular form.
NOTE: The Graph window is not applicable for the Plot tab.

Interface layout
Handbook The Handbook Library window can be displayed by selecting Handbook from
the Main Menu Edit pulldown menu, or by selecting the Handbook Library
icon in the Main Toolbar. The Handbook Library dialog window is shown in FIG-
URE 6.
The Handbook Library interface provides access to, and interaction with, pre-
defined models of frequently occurring mechanical design components. Its tabs
provide access to different functions of the handbook framework. The Model
Info tab through its Browser Icon gives access to the Model Browser. The Model 2
Browser provides a list of the available handbook models from which to choose.
Click on the Browser Icon and the Model Browser will be displayed on the screen.
The three buttons to the right of the Browser Icon provide access to the Icon win-
dow and a capability to capture, edit and save an image of the model. The Icon win-
dow provides an illustration for each handbook problem which is useful for
associating the design parameters with the model. The Keywords help to identify
the model during browsing. The Comments are intended to provide specific
instructions to assist in the execution of a handbook model or in the interpretation
of results.
The Analysis tab gives the user control of model dimensions and other design
properties, and provides a set of command buttons which automatically perform a
solution, plot results, and compute engineering data specific to each handbook
model. The Analysis tab also contains a Design Study feature which makes it possi-
ble to evaluate design variations by selecting design variables which will be sys-
tematically changed during a series of solution computations.
The Results tab provides a variety of post processing procedures that may be per-
formed very conveniently within the handbook framework. Computing an estimate
of the error in energy norm, plotting standard engineering quantities, computing
minimum and maximum engineering quantities, computing engineering data at
selected locations in the model, computing resultants, computing fracture mechan-
ics quantities, or computing various engineering properties such as deformed area/
volume or distortion, are possible options when using this interface.
The Material tab provides access to linear isotropic material property definitions.
The user may modify existing material properties only.
The Constraint tab gives the user the possibility of changing the existing type of
constraint. It applies to Built-In, Symmetry, Antisymmetry, Soft Simple and Free
types.
For further details refer to the Users Guide.

Interface layout
Handbook Library Icon
Handbook Tabs
Browser
2 Icon
Icon Window
FIGURE 6 Handbook library interface.

Standard file extensions
Standard file extensions

During a typical modeling session, StressCheck produces several files, each having
a unique file extension. These files are all kept in a single file folder with the name
of the database. The most important files are the StressCheck input file (.sci) which
contains an ASCII representation of all model input data, the Parasolid transmit file
(.x_t) which contains the current state of the geometric model as produced by the
Parasolid modeling kernel, and the model icon file (.bmp or jpg). All other files are 2
usually referred to as the StressCheck database (.scm, .sol, .wrk, etc.) and can be
reconstructed from the input files. During a modeling session it is recommended
that you periodically save a copy of your model input with a unique name different
from the current database name, to preserve your model changes. This is accom-
plished by selecting the "Save Input" icon. The Save icon will save model
changes in memory that have not yet been recorded in the database file, and pro-
duce a backup version of the input data in files with the extensions ".sci", .x_t,
and .jpg. When reporting problems to technical support, it is usually much more
helpful to provide a copy of the .sci and .x_t files than to provide the complete set
of database files. The description of the file extensions used by StressCheck is
given in the Users Guide, Chapter 2.
File menu
The following sections provide a brief summary of the options found in the Main
Menu Bar, FILE pulldown menu. If an icon exists for a specific operation, it will be
shown to the right of the command name.
New When starting StressCheck, a database will be created with a primary filename
already provided by StressCheck. The program will attach special filename exten-
sions to this name for each file it creates. If you click on the icon at any tine, a new
database will be opened.
Open If you have created a StressCheck database in a previous session, then you may re-
open the database using the Open menu option.
Close Use this option to close the current database, but keep StressCheck active.

File menu
Save Use this option if you wish to save the current state of your StressCheck model
to the database.
SaveAs Use this option to create a copy of the current database with a new name, and
to make this new database active.
2 Read Input Use this option to read a StressCheck input file (.sci) into your current data-
base. The current contents of your database will be erased automatically before
the new data is read in.
Save Input Use this option to save only the input data of your model to a StressCheck
input file (.sci). It is recommended to use a different name than that of the data-
base name to save the input file.
Erase Database Use this option to delete all information from the currently open database. The
database will be in the same condition as if you had opened a new database.
Exit When you exit from StressCheck, if your current preference setting (see Tools
menu) is set to not save a backup copy of your database files, StressCheck will
simply ask you whether you want to save the dataset before exiting.
If your current preference setting is to save a backup copy of your database

files, then a dialog window will appear giving you the opportunity to decide
whether or not to save the changes you have made to the current database and
input file. StressCheck actually maintains two complete copies of your data-

Edit menu
base files. One is the active database where all operations that you perform during
the session are applied. The second database is a shadow database which is pre-
served in the original state that existed at the start of the current session. If you
choose to save your changes, the shadow database will be deleted, and the current
database will be preserved as the permanent version of your model database. If you
choose not to save your changes, the current database will be deleted, and the
shadow database will be preserved as the permanent version of the model database.
NOTE: if you perform a SAVE operation during a modeling session, the currently
active database is copied to the shadow database, and the original state of the data- 2
base will be lost.
A complete description of the SaveAs, Append Input, Recover Database, Delete

Database Files, Import CAD, Export CAD, Graphic File Output, View Session
Log, and View Error Log options is given in the Users Guide.
Edit menu
The following sections provide a brief summary of the options found in the Main
Menu Bar, EDIT pulldown menu.
Undo Use this option to reverse the effect of the previous data transaction. The Undo
applies only to creation, deletion, and modification of geometric objects, and other
input records. It does not apply to selection, blanking, rotation, or other display
related operations. The Undo operation may be repeated indefinitely until the entire
sequence of input operations is reversed. Note: Solution data is not preserved after
an Undo operation.
Redo Use this option to re-apply a data transaction which has been reversed with the
Undo operation. Like the Undo, Redo applies only to creation, deletion, and modi-
fication of geometric objects and other similar input records. The Redo may be
repeated until all Undo operations have been reapplied.
Model Info This option provides access to the Model Information window. The creation of the
icon for the model, the problem title and comments, and the entering and editing of

Edit menu
parameter definitions is done through the corresponding dialog window. A

complete description is given in the Users Guide.
Input The Input option provides access to the various input classes, including Geom-
etry, Mesh, Section Properties, Thickness, Materials, Loads, Constraints, and
Solution IDs. When selected, the StressCheck Input dialog window will
appear in which you will find a tab for each available input class.
2
Solution The Solution option provides access to the various StressCheck solver options,
including Linear, Nonlinear, Modal, Buckling, Measurement, Margin Check
and Crack Path analysis. When selected, the StressCheck Solution dialog win-
dow will appear, and there will be a tab for each solver option. Once you have
entered the required information for the desired solver, select the SOLVE! tab
to activate the corresponding solution procedure.
Results The Results option provides access to the various output classes, including
Error Estimation, Plot, Min/Max, Points, Resultant, Properties, and Fracture
Mechanics. When selected, the StressCheck Results dialog window will
appear, and there will be a tab for each results option.
Handbook The Handbook option provides access to the StressCheck Handbook Library
interface, including the handbook Model Info, Analysis, Results, Material and
Constraint options. When selected, the StressCheck Handbook dialog window
will appear, and there will be a tab for each option.
Formulae The Formulae option provides access to the dialog window for entering and
editing formula record definitions.
For more details and the description of other menu options, refer to the Users
Guide, Chapter 2.

Class menu
Class menu
The class menu provides quick access to the various Input and Results class inter-
faces. Simply select the Input or Results class of interest and a dialog window will
appear, containing a set of property sheet tabs, with the appropriate tab automati-
cally selected.
Classes provide the basic organizational structure for input and results interaction 2
in StressCheck. Input classes include Geometry, Mesh, Thickness, Section Proper-
ties, Material, Load, Constraint, etc. Each Input class provides access to model
objects and input data records which define the finite element model.
Results classes include Error Estimation, Plot, Points, etc. The Results classes pro-
vide access to the various post-processing features of StressCheck. Post-processing
requires selection of the desired results class, followed by selection of the solu-
tion(s) of interest and various options related to the chosen results class.
View menu
The View pulldown menu provides quick access to the various StressCheck dock-
able tool bars. You may remove a tool bar from the display, or replace it again by
selecting the corresponding menu option from the View Menu.
Views Toolbar Choose View > Views Toolbar to obtain the icons for all the available view perspec-
tives and other display manipulation operations.
You may select a predefined view of your model from the Views Toolbar; for exam-
ple, to get a 3-dimensional view of your model click on the Isometric view. The Iso-
metric view is a 3D view with a 45 degree rotation about the x-axis and a -35
degree rotation about the y-axis. You may store a particular view of your model,
and then restore the model to this precise orientation at a later time using the Save
and Restore options in the Views Toolbar. You may fit the current orientation of the
model into the screen by selecting Center Model.

View menu
Pre-defined views
Capture Graphics
Center Model Capture Window Content
To Report
Rotate
Display Report
Center of Rotation
Bring Error Window To Front
Translate Restore Saved View
Zoom Save View
Box Zoom View Controls
Edit Toolbar The View > Edit Toolbar contains icons for quick access to object editing fea-
tures which may be used to cancel selected objects, blank selected objects,
unblank blanked objects, and to undo or redo previous operations.
Display Reset
Undo Reveal Blanked
Redo Unblank Objects
Cancel Highlighted Objects Blank Objects
Cancel Specific Object Type Select Any Object
Select Unobscured Objects
Invert Selection

View menu
Attributes The View > Attributes Toolbar contains icons for quick access to the model
attributes (loads, constraints, etc.) in the graphic display area. To control scaling of
the attribute symbols, you must interact directly with the corresponding section
property class tab of the Input dialog window.
Display Thickness Display Constraints/Temperature

Display Section Properties Display Loads/Flux
Display Materials Display p-Level
Display Objects The View > Display Objects Toolbar contains icons for controlling the objects
being displayed in the display window.
Display Objects
Display Points Display Mesh Layers
Display Nodes Display Text
Display Systems Display Fasteners
Display Curves Display Elements
Display Surfaces

Display menu
Display Options The View > Display Options Toolbar contains icons for better visualization of
your model.
Surface Grid
2 Axis/Legend Surface Shade
Perspective Wetted Faces
Toggle Light Source Element Handles
Wireframe Element Edges
Hidden Lines Shrink Elements
Shade Cutting Plane
Display menu
There are several ways to manipulate the contents and appearance of the
graphic display information. These options are contained in the DISPLAY
pulldown menu in the Main Menu Bar and in the View Controls dialog box
(Display > View Controls).
Reset Reconstruct the main window display.
Move You may change the orientation of the model on the screen by translating,
zooming, or rotating. Model orientation may be manipulated dynamically
using the mouse cursor. First you must choose the type of orientation operation
you wish to perform by selecting Display > Move in the main menu or clicking
the appropriate icon in the Views Toolbar. Translation, Rotation, and Zoom are
self explanatory. Just press the right mouse button and drag the mouse while
you hold down the button. The Box Zoom option is provided so that you may
draw a rectangle around the area of interest and it will be expanded to fill the
display window.

Display menu
Objects The Display > Objects dialog window shown in FIGURE 7 provides a mechanism
for controlling the display and labelling of each type of object. The label check box
FIGURE 7 Display Objects.
will turn the object labels on or off. The display check box will enable or disable
the display of each object type. If you wish to view a specific range of objects, or a
specific set of objects, select the corresponding tab labeled Ranges or Sets.
Each object is assigned an object number, which may be used to display a range of
objects. Sets may be created using the input Sets class, and may be referenced in the
Sets tab to display only the objects belonging to the selected set.
View Controls Model orientation may also be controlled by bringing the Display Controls dialog
box shown in FIGURE 8 to the screen by activating Display > View Controls. This
box also contains input fields for controlling the size of each rotation step, transla-
tion step, and zoom step. In addition, you may control the shrink option for the ele-
ments. The resolution of geometric boundary objects and element edges may be
increased to improve display precision, or decreased to improve display speed. The
Display Format controls the precision of the data values displayed in the Geometry
Input box and the Input Check reports. This is a C language format specification.
Attributes The Display > Attributes menu contains options for displaying various model
attributes in the graphic display area such as loads or constraints, etc. To control
scaling of the attribute symbols, you must interact directly with the corresponding

Display menu
FIGURE 8 View Controls.
property sheet class tab of the Input dialog window. Attribute display may also
be controlled using the View > Attributes Toolbar discussed earlier.
Selection The Display > Selection menu provides a mechanism for controlling the dis-
play of blanked objects.
Model Icon Display > Model Icon displays the Icon Window associated with your current
model.

Display menu
Model Summary Display > Model Summary allows you to obtain a summary of model information
such as the number of elements and number of nodes. The Model Summary win-
dow is illustrated in FIGURE 9.
FIGURE 9 Model Summary window.
Material Summary Display > Material Summary allows you to obtain a summary of standard materials
currently used in your model. This summary carries useful information about the
material including its type (isotropic, orthotropic, anisotropic) its nonlinear behav-
ior law (Ramberg-Osgood, Elastoplastic, Bilinear, etc.) and so on. For more infor-
mation refer to the Users Guide.
Assign Colors Display > Assign Colors provides options for displaying in grayscale, default col-
ors, or a user defined color scheme.

Tools menu
Tools menu
The Tools menu provides access to a few additional features of StressCheck
that are used relatively infrequently. For the description of the Mode, Convert
Element Mapping, Set Browser, Table Reset, Set Font, and User Preferences
options refer to the Users Guide.
2
General interface conventions
Since StressCheck is based on Windows graphic user interface development
tools, there are several standard conventions for interacting with the program.
For a description of the on-line Help, Tab navigation, Input evaluation, Win-
dow sizing, Abort process, Input autosave, Reserved parameters, Graphic and
Text input, and some important guidelines for navigating through the Stress-
Check interface refer to the Users Guide.
C/A/O/M The user interface frequently makes use of a Class > Action > Object >
Method convention for command interpretation. This can be roughly com-
pared with declarative sentence construction. The Class tells the program what
type of data you wish to work with: Geometry, Mesh, Material, etc. The
Action is the verb of the command telling the program what action you wish to
perform: Create, Select, Edit, etc. The Object will be acted upon when the
command is performed, as when we create a point, select a circle, move a
node. The Method is how the Action will be performed on the Object. For
example, we might create a node as an intersection of two boundaries. This
approach is also used when specifying boundary conditions and loads. You
might Select (action) a Curve (object) to apply a load by Traction (method).
Note that the program constructs a message at the bottom of the display area
based on the current action, object and method. This is how the program keeps
you informed of what input is expected from you in the graphic display area.
Graphic feedback StressCheck provides several types of feedback to assist in the interpretation of
graphic display information. This is accomplished by varying the cursor icon,
the color of individual object types, and by varying the type of lines used to
display objects.

Cursors: Each time you change the action in StressCheck, the cursor will change
to reflect the current action. Once you learn the different icons used by Stress-
Check, you will be able to determine quickly what action the program is waiting
for. For example, the select action uses the hand icon. As long as the hand icon
appears on the screen, the program is ready to mark the next object selected. No
matter what icon is displayed, you are free to make menu selections or to manipu-
late any buttons or text fields available to you in the user interface. The only infor-
mation the cursor icon conveys is the currently selected action, which will be
invoked by a graphic cursor pick (left mouse button click in the graphic display 2
area).
Colors: Each type of object is displayed in a different color. For example, bound-
aries are displayed in one particular color, elements in another color, etc. When an
object is selected or blanked, it is displayed in yet another color. This makes it easy
to interpret the status of each object displayed.
Line Types: Line type is another way to distinguish objects. Boundaries are usu-
ally displayed with dashed lines and elements with solid lines when both elements
and boundaries are selected for display. This is so that when you select a boundary,
it is still possible to see the underlying element edge between the dashes of the
selected boundary. When elements are not selected for display, boundaries are dis-
played with solid lines.
Selection Object selection is accomplished by clicking the left mouse button while the mouse
cursor is pointing to the desired object. To select more than one object you may
click the left mouse button while dragging the mouse across the display area and
drawing a box around them. Only objects which match the specified object type
will be selected. Since you are selecting many objects at once, no information is
deposited in the geometry input fields. To cancel a single selected object while
retaining the selection status of other selected objects, depress the Ctrl key while
clicking the left mouse button.
It is important to remember that the mouse cursor is always ready to perform the
current Action > Object > Method command when you press the left mouse button.
Dynamic operations All dynamic display operations can be performed by dragging the mouse across the
display area with the right mouse button depressed. This technique is used for rota-
tion, translation, dynamic zoom and box zoom.
The right mouse button is also used to select a point or node as the center of rota-
tion.

Clicking the right mouse button in the model window without dragging will
indicate that a multistep operation should be aborted.
Clicking the right mouse button over a dialog control will activate online help
for the selected control.
For a complete description about the user interface refer to the Users Guide,
Chapter 2.
2

3 The Handbook
Handbook framework
The Handbook Framework in StressCheck is a simple yet powerful environment
for solving analysis problems encountered in routine and variant design. The hand-
book framework consists of: a Model Information interface which provides a
browser to explore handbooks and handbook models; an Analysis interface for
solving and analyzing a user selected model with user specified design dimensions,
using pre-defined solution methods and post-processing procedures; a Results
interface for performing basic post-processing operations such as error estimation,
contour plotting, and point function extraction in a simplified setting; a Material
and a Constraint interfaces.
Handbook library
StressCheck provides several default handbooks which contain a variety of model
problems which are intended to serve as a sampling of the kind of problems that can
be constructed and placed in a handbook to be solved by a typical design engineer.
Most problems found in the Handbook Library have been defined in parametric
form, though this is not a requirement. Handbook models may be used in a produc-
Getting Started Guide Chapter 3: The Handbook 31

Handbook interface
tion environment where dimensions will be modified, load magnitudes

adjusted, or material coefficients changed in order to evaluate the engineering
characteristics of a particular design. Also, models may be entered into a hand-
book simply to capture a static component design. In this way, the handbook
library serves as a repository of design knowledge for future reference.
Handbook interface
Upon selecting the Handbook Library icon from the Main toolbar, the Hand-
book interface shown in FIGURE 10 will appear. The Handbook interface rep-
resents the starting point for handbook analysis and post-processing activities.
The Model Browser is activated by clicking on the Browser icon in the Model
Info tab of the Handbook interface. It serves to select the directory folder of
interest and then the specific model from the chosen folder. Once a handbook
3 model has been selected, you may use the operation tabs to perform an analy-
sis, and post process the solution.
Library Icon (main toolbar)
Operation Tabs
Browser Icon
(Model Info tab)
FIGURE 10 Handbook interface.
32 Chapter 3: The Handbook Getting Started Guide

Handbook interface
Model Browser
FIGURE 11 shows one of the forms that the handbook browser interface may take,
when the model view option is selected. A handbook is just a collection of related
StressCheck models which have been grouped together for the convenience of the
user. StressCheck currently provides the following handbooks: Basic, Beam, Frac-
ture, Parts, Training and Tutorial.
View Menu
FIGURE 11 Handbook model browser:
The Basic Handbook focuses on simple design details that might be found in a tra-
ditional engineering handbook such as a filleted corner, or a plate with a hole.
The Beam Handbook focuses exclusively on beam models of simple frames and
trusses.
The Fracture Handbook contains models used specifically for performing fracture
mechanics computations, including multi-site damage calculations and problems
involving a multi-material interface.

Handbook interface
The Parts Handbook contains models which represent parts such as latches,
torque arms, crankshaft sections, bathtub fittings, etc. These models frequently
come from benchmark problems posed by StressCheck customers.
The Training Handbook contains problems of particular interest to a new user

of StressCheck who might like to see what sorts of problems StressCheck has
been used to solve, and to find out how certain capabilities can be used in the
context of a particular problem. For example, the handbook contains models
that demonstrate the use of StressCheck in unique fastened connection analy-
sis, cold-working analysis, fiber wound composite material modeling, etc.
The Tutorial Handbook contains example problems from the Analysis and
Advanced guides.
Model Icon
Once you have selected a handbook model and loaded it into StressCheck, a
3 pictorial representation of the model can be obtained by clicking on the Show
Icon button in the Handbook interface (FIGURE 12).
FIGURE 12 Handbook model icon.
Model Viewer You may choose to have a visual summary of handbook icons (View Menu >
Thumbnails) or a list of the model file names (View Menu > List) in the Model
Browser window. You may scroll the viewer using the browser scrollbar.

Solving a handbook problem
To load the model into StressCheck point to the icon in the viewer and double-click
the left mouse button.
Comments
The Handbook interface also displays textual information describing characteristics
of the model that the author thought would be important to a user such as a descrip-
tion of the material used, a reference to the original source of the model, or com-
ments about limiting values of stress data.
Opening a database 3
To run StressCheck double-click on the StressCheck icon on your desktop or select
Start > Programs > ESRD > StressCheck 9.2. The StressCheck Main Window and
the Input Dialog Box shown in FIGURE 13 will appear.
A database name will be assigned automatically and a set of files will be created in
the current directory using the name dataset1 and extensions assigned by the
database manager as described in the Users Guide.
You can exit from the program any time you wish by selecting the Exit option from
the File menu. Dont be afraid to browse through the menus and dialog boxes, there
are no hierarchic menus to get lost in.
Selecting a problem
After opening the database, switch to the Handbook Interface. Click on the Browser
Icon to access the Model Browser. Choose the Parts Handbook and double click on
the bolt.sci file. The problem entitled Bolt head in tension (washer support) will be
loaded into StressCheck.
Once a problem is loaded into StressCheck, the finite element mesh appears in the
Model Window with the load and constraint attributes. The finite element mesh for
each problem is designed to provide good convergence properties for a wide range

FIGURE 13 Starting Stress Check.
of parameter values, consistent with the goal of the analysis. Whenever possi-
ble, symmetry conditions are used.
FIGURE 14 shows a sketch of the problem. The bolt is loaded in tension and is
supported by a washer. The objective of the analysis is to compute the magni-
tude and location of maximum first principal stress for the following value of
the parameters: a=0.5, di=0.75, Do=1.5, F=5000, hw=0.125, L=1.5, rf=0.075.
The bolt is made of steel ASTM A-36 (E=29x106 psi, v=0.295), and the
washer material is an aluminum alloy with Ew=10x106 psi.
Parameters You have to update default values of the parameters to suit the dimensions
requirement. To update the value of the parameters select the Analysis tab at
the top of the Handbook interface and then the All tab at the left; type the new
numbers in the corresponding fields. Once a new Value has been typed, you
can use the Return key to jump to the next parameter value. You may use the
= key to enter an expression that will be evaluated immediately and the

F=5000 lb
di
L
r
f washer
hw
a 3
Do
FIGURE 14 Bolt with washer support. All dimensions in inches.
result deposited in the field. After you have modified all parameters, click on the
Update button (FIGURE 15).

Refer to the model icon provided for a visual indication of the meaning of each
parameter.
3
FIGURE 15 Saving new configuration for handbook problem.
Update When you are ready to update the model to reflect the new parameter values,
just click the Update button. If any parameter values violate their predefined
limits, an error message appears and the parameter values will be returned to
their previous valid settings.
Saving parameters If you want to save current parameter settings or retrieve previously saved
parameter settings for a model, use the Analysis tab together with the Settings
tab or the File tab at the bottom of the Handbook interface. FIGURE 16 illus-
trates how the Handbook interface will look if you wish to save this new con-
figuration of the bolt head in a file. Enter the name you want to assign to this
parameter setting in the Name: field, then use the Browser button to select
the location for the file and click on the Write button. The parameter values
will be stored in that place under the name bolt_new.par.

FIGURE 16 Save new configuration in a file. 3
Executing the analysis

Choose the Input tab in the Analysis interface if you wish to solve the currently
selected handbook model using the procedures defined by the author of the hand-
book model.
FIGURE 17 shows the Analysis and Input tabs of the Handbook interface, the icon
and parameters for the selected problem and the finite element mesh consisting of
11 quadrilateral elements, with the loading and constraint symbols. The support
provided by the washer is modeled as a spring constraint with the spring coefficient
given by the ratio between the modulus of elasticity and the thickness of the
washer. Once you have made the desired parametric changes, simply click on the
Solve button to invoke the solution procedures defined for this particular model.
The execution parameters for this model have been assigned so that a Downward-p
extension (from p=8 to p=1) is initiated in the automatic mode after clicking on the
Solve button.

FIGURE 17 Analysis tab, problem icon and mesh for handbook problem.
Post-processing
The post-processing procedures are performed while the code is solving the
selected model. StressCheck will automatically produce reports, graphs, and
plots specific to the current model (FIGURE 18). This particular report con-
tains a summary of the parametric values, an estimate of the global error of the
solution, and the location and value of the maximum equivalent stress (von
Mises) in the model. Also, the principal stress distribution (1) over the model
is reported. The 1 distribution is displayed for the maximum p-level (run #1
in this case).

FIGURE 18 Handbook Report: Bolt head example.

Design Study Tab

Choose the Design Study tab if you wish to perform a What If? type of anal-
ysis for the current handbook model. When performing a design study, you
control which parameters(s) will remain constant, and which parameters(s)
will vary during the analysis. You also control how many steps will be per-
formed during which the variable parameters will be varied from their initial to
their final values.
The Design Study interface (FIGURE 19) provides access to the definition of
each parameter defined for the model. Each parameter may be either Constant
or Variable. When a parameter is constant, its value remains constant for each
step of the design study. The value of each variable parameter will change dur-
ing the design study. To make a parameter variable, simply check the box at the
left of the parameter name. To make a parameter constant, un-check the box.
FIGURE 19 Design Study interface.
# Steps You may supply the number of steps to perform during the parametric analysis.
The number supplied will be used to determine the value of the scale which in
turn is used to compute the value of each variable parameter.
Scale The current value of each variable parameter is determined by the Scale value
(S) as shown below:
a = a min + (a max - a min)S

Handbook results
You may preview the parametric configurations of the model by activating the scale
(enable the Scale check box), and clicking the up or down arrows to increase or
decrease the scale value. The Scale value will vary from 0.0 to 1.0 in increments of
1/(Steps-1).
p-level During a design study, the assignment of p-levels to the elements is held constant.
The p-level you enter will be assigned to all elements which have been designated
as variable in the definition of the model. All elements designated as having fixed
p-level will retain their assigned value.
Solve When you are ready to begin the design study, simply click the Solve button. The
model will be updated automatically and the resulting configuration will appear in
the model window. The solution for each design configuration will be saved for
subsequent post-processing.
3
Handbook results
After solving a handbook model, you may simply produce the default report.
However, you may require more information than is provided by these default pro-
cedures. In this case you can use the Handbook Results interface to obtain addi-
tional engineering results. Refer to the Users Guide for additional information
about this feature.
Handbook library expansion

An important feature of the Handbook Framework is the capability to add new
models to the Handbook Library. This is discussed in the Users Guide.

Handbook library expansion

4 Tutorial
This chapter contains guidelines for the preparation of input data, obtaining a linear solution and per-
forming post solution operations for problems in Planar and 3D Elasticity. Working a simple example
problem in a lock-step fashion will allow you to develop an understanding of the program characteris-
tics and its capabilities.
Planar elasticity problem 4
Opening a database
To run StressCheck double-click on the StressCheck icon. Note the default analysis
type is 3D Elasticity. From the Reference and Theory Selectors select Planar Elas-
ticity. If you are working from an existing database, check the Reference and The-
ory Selectors and adjust them if necessary. Under each analysis mode, all the input
forms contain the appropriate fields and functionality supported for the reference
and theory.
Getting Started Guide Chapter 4: Tutorial 45

Planar elasticity problem
You can always exit from the program any time you wish by selecting the File
> Exit menu option. Dont be afraid to browse through the menus and dialog
boxes, there are not hierarchic menus to get lost in.
Problem description
A rectangular plate with a circular hole in the center (FIGURE 20) is loaded by
a constant traction Tx=0. It has unit thickness, a length to width ratio (L/W)
of 3. The material is ASTM-A36. Assuming plane stress conditions, the goal of
the computation is to determine the gross section (Kt) and net section (Kn)
stress concentration factors for a diameter to width ratio (a/W) of 0.45.
=100 2a a=4.5 W=10
L=30
4
FIGURE 20 Rectangular plate with a central hole.
By definition the gross section stress concentration factor is:
max
K t = -------------- (1)
0
and the net section stress concentration factor is
max ( W a )
K n = -------------- ------------------ (2)
0 W
46 Chapter 4: Tutorial Getting Started Guide

Making use of symmetry (geometry and loading), it is possible to work with only
one-fourth of the problem. This symmetry consideration will simplify model cre-
ation and reduce solution time.
We will formulate the mathematical problem as shown in FIGURE 21.
D C
AB: un = Tt = 0.0 (symmetry)
BC: Tn = 100, Tt = 0.0

E 5.0
CD: Tn = Tt = 0.0 (stress free)
2.25
DE: un = Tt = 0.0 (symmetry) y
x A B
15.0
FIGURE 21 The solution domain and boundary conditions.
Specification of units for is not important because the data of interest, Kt and
Kn are dimensionless.
4
Entering geometric data
From the Main Toolbar select the Create Model icon and then select the Geometry
tab in the Input dialog window (FIGURE 22). Geometry provides for the specifica-
tion of the solution domain using points, lines, circles, rectangles, etc. StressCheck
lets you separate the definition of boundaries from the definition of the finite ele-
ment mesh. You will find that this feature gives you a great deal of flexibility and
convenience. You will be able to change the mesh and the new elements will be
assigned the correct boundary conditions by StressCheck automatically. Refer to
the Users Guide for a detailed description of geometry construction in Stress-
Check.
To specify the domain, select the Geometry tab in the Input dialog box, and then
construct a rectangular domain using the following steps:

Create Model Icon
4
FIGURE 22 Geometry input.
Geometry tab > Action: Create > Curve Selector > Object: Rect-
angle > Method: Locate > Input: (Make sure the toggle switch is ON)
X: 0.0 > Y: 0.0 > Z: 0.0 > Width: 15 > Height: 5 > Rot-Z: 0.0 > Button:
Accept.
Note that the logical sequence was to select the Class: Geometry, an Action:
Create, an Object: Rectangle, and the method by which the object is to be cre-
ated (Method: Locate), that is, specify the data which define the rectangle (the
coordinates of a vertex point, the width and the height, measured from the ver-
tex point). The resulting rectangle consists of four lines and four points.

Define next the inner circle by the commands:

Geometry tab > Create > Circle > Locate > Input toggle switch ON > X: 0.0
> Y: 0.0 > Z: 0.0 > Radius: 2.25 > P1-Min: 0 > P1-Max: 90 > Rot-Z: 0.0 >
Click on the Accept button. Click on the Center Model icon in the Views
toolbar.
This completes the specification of the solution domain (FIGURE 23).
FIGURE 23 Solution domain for the problem.
Select the Mesh tab when you are ready to define nodes and elements. Nodes may
be associated with previously defined points, specified as intersections of two
boundary curves, assigned as offsets on boundaries, defined directly, etc. 4
Designing the mesh

A general rule is that finite element meshes should be constructed so that the vertex
angles of triangular elements are as close to 60 degrees as possible, and the vertex
angles of quadrilateral elements are as close to 90 degrees as possible. The p-ver-
sion is much more forgiving with respect to deviation from the optimal vertex
angles than the h-version, nevertheless vertex angles should not be less than 5
degrees or greater than 175 degrees.
To construct the mesh shown in FIGURE 24, the first step is to define the nodes.
Nodes 1 to 5 can be created by the method of intersection.

FIGURE 24 Finite element mesh.
Mesh tab > Action: Create > Object: Node > Method: Intersection.
Click on the boundary segments near the intersection points where a
node is to be located. StressCheck indicates the node by a small square.
Note: The numbering sequence for the nodes is unimportant.
Create node 6 as offset on the given circle, by selecting:

Mesh tab > Create > Node > Offset > Offset: 45. Then click on the cir-
cle.
At this point you could construct a finite element mesh by using 2 quadrilateral
elements. However, this wouldnt be a good decision. Both elements, though
acceptable, would have a deviation from the optimal 90 degrees vertex angles
4 that can be avoided easily using 3 quadrilateral elements. To construct a well
balanced 3 elements mesh, lets create two extra nodes.
Mesh tab > Create > Node > Locate > X: 5 > Y: 0 > Z: 0 > Accept.
(Node 7)
Mesh tab > Create > Node > Projection. Click on node 7 and, while
holding the Control and Shift keys, click on Line 3 then, click on
Accept. Node 8 will be created on the line.
Now you are ready to create the elements. To create a quadrilateral element
select:
Mesh tab > Create > Quadrilateral > Selection.
Then, click on the four nodes which define the element in any order. Three ele-
ments are defined by associating the appropriate nodes.

Checking the mesh

In order to ensure that all elements are properly connected, that is, there are no
unintended free edges, select:
Mesh tab > Check > Edge > Free Edge.
If there are element boundaries which are not connected to other elements they will
be highlighted.
To check for distortion, select:

Mesh tab > Check > All Elements > Distortion > Accept. A report contain-
ing the smallest and largest vertex angles found in the elements will be pro-
duced in the edit window. The default range for the vertex angles is
between 5 and 175 degrees.
Assigning thickness
For problems of Planar Elasticity (plane stress) it is necessary to associate some
thickness with the elements. To assign thickness, click on the Thickness tab in the
StressCheck Input dialog box (FIGURE 25) and complete the following informa-
tion:
FIGURE 25 Thickness input.

Thickness tab > Action: Select > Object: All Elements > Method:
Selection > Thickness: 1.0 > System: Global > Click on the Accept
button and StressCheck will confirm your entry in the scrolling list.
Entering material properties

To enter the material properties you must provide two types of information:
definition of material properties and assignment of material properties. Both
activities are performed by selecting the Material tab in the StressCheck Input
box. FIGURE 26a shows the material interface displayed on the screen when
the Define tab is used for providing the material coefficients. FIGURE 26b
shows the interface when the Assign tab is used for assigning the defined prop-
erties to the elements in the mesh. After selecting the Material tab, complete
the following information:
(a) (b)
Define tab Assign tab
FIGURE 26 Material properties input.

Define tab > ID: STEEL > Material: Linear > Type: Isotropic > Units: US >
Case: Pl. Stress > E: 2.9e+7 > v: 0.295 > Accept. (Note that the input fields
for the density and coefficient of thermal expansion do not need to be spec-
ified for this problem.)
Assign tab > Action: Select > Object: All Elements > Method: Selection >
ID: STEEL > Accept.
Entering load data

To enter load data select the Load tab in the StressCheck Input box. The input area
will appear as shown in FIGURE 27. Specify a unique name which identifies the
loading case you are about to enter. In engineering practice often multiple load
cases must be investigated, each load case must be given an unique name in the ID
field.
FIGURE 27 Input area for load.

To create a load record select the Load tab and complete the following infor-
mation:
Load tab > Action: Select > Object: Any Curve > Method: Traction >
ID: LOAD > Direction: Norm/Tan > Normal: 100. Use the mouse cur-
sor to select the right side of the rectangle (Line2 in FIGURE 23).
Click on the Accept button. The load symbols will appear on the mesh
as shown in FIGURE 29.
Several types of loading such as traction, spring displacement, body forces or

point loads are available for Planar Elasticity. Traction loading means that a
distributed load (in force per unit area) is imposed on a boundary or edge.
Traction is a vector quantity. Thus, two vector components must be given.
These may be in the normal-tangent reference frame, in the global system, or
an arbitrary local system. Traction loads can be applied to geometric bound-
aries or element edges, including beam elements.
Check applied load StressCheck makes it very convenient to check the magnitude of the applied
mechanical loads. To check the load vector components Fx, Fy, and the
moment Mz at X=0, Y=0, select the following options:
Load tab > Check > All Elements > ID: LOAD > Moment-X: 0.0 >
Moment-Y: 0.0 > Accept.
The edit window will report:
Note that: Fx=o x W/2 x thickness=100 x 10/2 x 1=500.
Entering constraint data

To enter constraint data select the Constraint tab in the Input dialog box (FIG-
URE 28). Specify an unique name for the constraint data you are about to
enter. This is necessary because StressCheck allows more than one constraint
case to be entered. Each case must be identified by a unique name.

FIGURE 28 Input area for constraints.

4
Several types of constraints such as General, Symmetry, or Spring Coefficient are

available. When the Symmetry constraint is selected, the normal displacement
component is set to zero. Symmetry constraints are applicable only to straight
edges. To specify a symmetry constraint, the objects curve or edge must be selected
first.
Constraint tab > Action: Select > Object: Any Curve > Method: Symmetry
> ID: CONST. Use the mouse cursor to select the left side of the rectangle
and then, holding the Shift key, click on the lower side of it (Lines 1 and 4
in FIGURE 23). Click on the Accept button. The constraint symbols (cir-
cles) will appear on the mesh as shown in FIGURE 29.

FIGURE 29 Specified boundary conditions.
Defining the solution ID

Because StressCheck allows more than one load case and constraint case to be
defined, it is necessary to associate a unique solution name with each desired
constraint and load name pair. To do this, select the Solution ID tab from the
StressCheck Input box. The constraint name(s) and load name(s) previously
defined are displayed on this form (FIGURE 30).
FIGURE 30 Solution ID input.

To complete the solution record for this problem supply the following information:
Solution ID tab > Action: Define > Object: Name > Method: Selection >
Solutions tab > Solution ID: SOL > Constraint ID: CONST (or click on
item in listbox) > Load ID: LOAD (or click on item in listbox). Click on the
Accept button.
Executing a linear analysis

To execute a linear analysis click on the Compute Solution icon from the
Main Toolbar. When the Solver interface appears (FIGURE 31), select the Linear
tab and complete the requested information.
Linear tab > Extension: Upward-p > p-limits: 1 to 8.
Choosing Upward-p extension means that the solution will be computed from the
minimum to the maximum p-levels specified under p-limits. This option requires
more CPU time than the Downward-p but requires less disk space. The highest
possible p-level in StressCheck is 8.
Next, choose the SOLVE! tab to get the solution. Complete the requested informa-
tion as shown below:
SOLVE! tab > Execute: Initialize > Run Mode: Automatic > Method:
Direct > Converge: None > Button: Solve. The status window will display
the progress of the solution (FIGURE 31).
We run an Automatic sequence of solutions from the initial (Initialize) p-level

4
to the final. Method: Direct means that StressCheck uses a Direct solver for the
solution of linear systems of equations.
Quality assessment and extraction procedures

To perform post-processing operations you must select the View Results icon
from the Main Toolbar. (FIGURE 32)
Error Estimate To obtain the relative estimated error in energy norm, select the Error tab from the
Results dialog window and complete the following information:
Error interface > Input tab > Solution: SOL > Run: 1 to 8 > Click on the
Accept button.

Linear tab SOLVE! tab

FIGURE 31 Input area for linear analysis.
For the example problem, the error estimate shown in FIGURE 33 is obtained.
FIGURE 33 Relative error in energy norm for example problem.
The tabular results show the run number, the degrees of freedom (DOF), the
computed and extrapolated values of the potential energy, the rate of conver-
gence and the estimated relative error in energy norm. Note that the estimated
relative error in energy norm is only 0.25% at p=8 (220 DOF).

View Results Icon
4
FIGURE 32 Results interface.
StressCheck functions StressCheck computes a set of commonly used functions, such as stresses, strains,
etc. in the global or local reference frame. The available standard functions are
listed in Table 1. In addition, any combination of the standard StressCheck func-
tions can be computed through user-specified formulas or through the use of the
calculator. Refer to the Users Guide for additional details.

TABLE 1. Standard functions. Planar Elasticity.
Symbol Explanation and commonly used symbol

Ex Normal strain x
Ey Normal strain y
Ez Normal strain z
Gxy Shear strain xy
E1 Principal strain 1
E2 Principal strain 2
Eeq Equivalent strain eq
Ux Displacement component in the x-direction ux
Uy Displacement component in the y-direction uy
Sx Normal stress x
Sy Normal stress y
Sz Normal stress z
Txy Shear stress xy
S1 Principal stress 1
S2 Principal stress2
4 Seq Equivalent stress eq (von Mises)
Tmax Maximum shear stress max
Error Error indicator.
Fmla Formula. Using this option, any mathematical expression containing
the standard functions can be computed for a given solution.
Calc Calculator. Using this option, any mathematical expression containing
standard functions can be computed for any arbitrary combination of
solutions.
Plotting the data StressCheck provides convenient means for displaying and printing computed
information in graphical form. To obtain the deformed configuration plot over
the undeformed shape, select the Plot tab from the Results window and pro-
ceed as follow:

Plot tab > Select > All Elements > Selection > Solution: SOL > Run: 8 >
Plot: Solution > Shape: Deform > Overlay ON > Midsides: 10. Click on the
Plot button (FIGURE 34).
FIGURE 34 Deformed shape.
To plot the equivalent (von Mises) stress distribution, Seq, on the undeformed
shape, make the following selection:
Plot tab > Select > All Elements > Selection > Solution: SOL > Run: 8 >
Plot: Solution > Contour: Fringe > Shape: Undef. > Func.: Seq > Midsides: 4
10 > Range toggle switch ON, min: 0, max: 400 > Interval: 10. Click on
Plot and the contour fringes of the plotted function will appear in the dis-
play window (FIGURE 35).
Min/Max values To compute minimal and maximal values of displacement, stress and strain data, in
the Results window select the Min/Max tab.
To compute the maximum value of the stress component x (StressCheck name Sx,
refer to Table 1) for the eight available solutions, complete the entries in the Results
input area as follows:
Min/Max tab > Select > All Elements > Grid > Solution: SOL > Run: 1 to 8
> Function: Sx > Midsides: 10 > Maximum button ON. Click on Accept.

FIGURE 35 Equivalent stress fringes.
The convergence of the maximum Sx value will be displayed as a function of

the number of degrees of freedom as shown in FIGURE 36. The estimated lim-
its are also included.
FIGURE 36 Convergence of Sx maximum.

The number of midsides represents the size of the search grid to locate the maxi-
mum. Note that the maximum value of Sx is practically independent of the degrees
of freedom for p > 4.
Concentration factors
The gross and net section stress concentration factors for the p=8 solution are com-
puted by determining the maximum normal stress at the edge of the hole
max=x(0,2.25) and then using equations (1) and (2) with 0=100. Using the
value for p=8 (Sx=399):
a
----- = 0.45, K = 3.99, K = 2.19 (3)
W t n
The gross and net section stress concentration factors compare very well with the
published data. In Stress Concentration Factors by R. E. Peterson, John Willey &
Sons, 1974, the values of Kt and Kn extracted from the curves on page 150 are:
a
----- = 0.45, K = 4.01, K = 2.20 (4)
W t n
Ending the session

After the analysis is completed, or at any time after opening the database, it may be
useful to preserve a snapshot of your model input data. 4
To write the model input data into an input file, select File > Save Input from the
Main Menu Bar. The SaveAs Window appears overlapping the Model Window.
Using the mouse, move the cursor to the File name field in this new window and
type the name you want to give to the file (do not include an extension) and then
press the Return key or click on the Save button. In general, the name given to the
input file (.sci) should be different from that of the database. In that way, the data-
base can be deleted and the input data kept in a separate and compact file.
Write a StressCheck input file for the problem solved during this session with the
name: PlateWithHole, we will use it later (PlateWithHole.sci).
To exit the program select File > Exit from the Main Menu Bar.

Extrusion problem
Extrusion problem
The Extrusion option in StressCheck provides a simple way to investigate the
effects of out-of-plane loads and constraints on bodies which are essentially
two-dimensional. Extrusion is applicable only for components that are
defined in the XY-plane (Planar reference) and have piecewise constant
thickness. The loads and constraints (symmetry, antisymmetry, built-in) are
automatically converted to their 3D equivalent when Extrusion is performed.
Once a model has been extruded all quadrilateral elements are converted into
hexahedrals, and triangular elements into pentahedrals. It is also possible to
add to or modify existing load and constraint records before executing the
analysis.
Extrusion constraints
When extruding a 2D model it is necessary to check if the constraints are suffi-
cient. The following cases illustrate additional model constraints required
when certain 2D models are extruded. The four cases below illustrate the rules
to convert 2D nodal constraints, and to specify constraints on the extrusion
side.
Double symmetry FIGURE 37 shows how double symmetry constraint applied in 2D should be
complemented with nodal constraints in 3D applications.
4
(b)
(a) 1 addition
symmetry Uz=0
(one node)
FIGURE 37 Double symmetry: (a) planar - (b) extrude.

Extrusion problem
Single symmetry FIGURE 38 shows how single symmetry plus a nodal constraint applied in 2D
should be complemented in 3D applications.
(b)
(a)
symmetry 2 additions
Uy=0
(two nodes)
node constraint
Uy=0
FIGURE 38 Single symmetry: (a) planar - (b) extrude.

Uz=0
(one node)
Symmetry-antisymmetry FIGURE 39 shows how symmetry, antisymmetry and nodal constraints applied
in 2D should be complemented in 3D applications.
(a)
(b)
symmetry
1 addition
Uy=0
4
nodal constraint (two nodes)
Uy=0
antisymmetry
FIGURE 39 Symmetry and antisymmetry: (a) planar - (b) extrude.
Double antisymmetry FIGURE 40 shows how double antisymmetry plus a nodal constraint applied in 2D
should be complemented in 3D applications.
Let us extrude the planar problem described in the previous section.

Extrusion problem
(a) (b)
antisymmetry
no change
nodal constraint
Uy=0
FIGURE 40 Double antisymmetry: (a) planar - (b) extrude.

Uy=0
(one node)
Updating the model

After opening a new database, load the Tension strip with a central hole
input file created before (PlateWithHole.sci) into the database.
File > Read Input > PlateWithHole.sci > Double-click on the file
name.
If you did not create the file, create the 2D problem as explained in the previ-
ous section before continuing. The input data will be loaded and the finite ele-
ment mesh will be displayed in the Model Window.
4
From the Reference and Theory Selectors select Extrude Elasticity. The pro-
gram will convert the 2D problem you just loaded into a 3D-solid problem, as
shown in FIGURE 41. Note that the original nodes that defined the 2D prob-
lem are the only ones visible. This is a reminder that we are dealing with a
solid created by extrusion.
When extruding a 2D problem it is a good practice to carefully consider

whether the boundary conditions defined in 2D are complete in 3D or not. In
some cases they will be complete, but in general they will not. In this example,
we need to impose a nodal constraint in the z-direction to prevent a rigid body
translation. This is equivalent to the double symmetry constraint shown in
FIGURE 37. To do this, select Class: Constraint from the Main Menu Bar or
select the Constraint tab from the Input window and complete the input area as
indicated in FIGURE 42:

Extrusion problem
FIGURE 41 Constraints for the extruded model problem.
Constraint tab > Select > Node > Node > ID: CONST (Same name as used
before in 2D) > Direction: XYZ > Data Type: Fixed (turn on the switch) >
System: Global > Turn ON the Z switch. Select node 1 (see FIGURE 24),
and then click on the Accept button to enter the constraint information into
the database. 4
A summary of the new constraint record is added to the scrolling list and the con-
straint symbol is displayed on the element.
Note that the original constraint information provided in 2D was automatically con-
verted to its 3D equivalent when the model was extruded. Note also that the traction
load specified along an element edge in 2D is now distributed over the element
face.
Also note the Extrude toggle switch shown in the Constraint dialog box of FIGURE
42. This switch is turned on when it is required to impose the nodal constraint at
both sides of the extrusion (see FIGURE 39).

Extrusion problem
FIGURE 42 Input box: Constraint tab.
Execution
You are now ready to start the computation. Select the Compute Solution icon
4 from the Main Toolbar. When the Solver dialog window appears select the Lin-
ear tab and complete the requested information as done before:
Linear tab > Extension: Upward-p > p-limits: 1 to: 8.
SOLVE! tab > Execute: Initialize > Run Mode: Automatic > Method:
Direct > Click on the Solve button. A sequence of solutions of increas-
ing polynomial order (from p=1 to p=8) will be obtained.
Extraction of results
After the execution is complete we can extract results from the finite element
solutions. The procedures for estimating the error in energy norm, plotting the
data of interest, etc., are the same as those described for the 2D analysis. Fol-
lowing the same steps, the results shown in FIGURE 43 will be obtained. Note

Extrusion problem
that the results are practically identical to those corresponding to the planar prob-
lem.
FIGURE 43 Results for the extrusion.
If the through-thickness distribution of the normal stress x is of interest, from the

Results window, select the following options: 4
Points tab > Input tab > Select > Edge > Selection > Solution: SOL > Run:
8 to 8 > Func(s): Sx > # of pts: 10 > Click on the Display points button >
Select the element edge shown in FIGURE 44 > Click on the Accept but-
ton. To make it easier to select the edge of interest, turn off the element
shading.
Note that there is a variation of the normal stress in the thickness direction, with the
maximum occurring at the center of the plate. The value of Sx obtained from the
2D model (FIGURE 36) should be close to the average of this distribution. Turning
on the Average button shown in FIGURE 44, the integral average of Sx along the
edge will be obtained. the average is computed as
1 l
x = --- x ds
l 0

Three-dimensional problem
Edge
FIGURE 44Sx along edge of

maximum stress.
and the value is 391, which practically is the same value obtained from the 2D
model (399).
As demonstrated by this very simple example problem, the Extrusion option

can be used for any problem defined in the Planar reference system. Once the
model is extruded, the loads and constraints can be edited before executing the
analysis. Care must be exercised to ensure that the three-dimensional body is
properly constrained. For example, if in this problem we did not enforce the
nodal constraint in the z-direction (any node can be constrained), then a rigid
body translation along the z-axis would have been possible.
4
We are interested now in creating a 3D description for the same rectangular
plate problem analyzed in 2D, but with the thickness given in parametric form.
An outline of the steps for creating the geometry and finite element mesh,
applying the load and enforcing the constraints is described in the following.
An alternative way of creating the geometric description using solids is

included at the end of the chapter.

Creating the model

After opening a new database, load the Tension strip with a central hole input file
created before (PlateWithHole.sci) into the database.
File > Read input > PlateWithHole.sci > Double-click on the file name.
If you did not create the file, create the 2D problem before continuing. The input
data will be loaded and the finite element mesh will be displayed in the Model Win-
dow.
From the Reference and Theory Selectors select 3D Elasticity.
To create the parameter for this problem, select the Model Info icon from
the Main Toolbar and when the interface appears select the Parameters tab. Com-
plete the following information (FIGURE 45):
Parameters tab > Input tab (its at the bottom of the dialog box) > Name: th
> Description: Panel thickness > Value: 1.0 > Accept button.
FIGURE 45 Parameter interface.
There are several ways to produce the geometric description for this problem. We
have chosen to update the model you already have from Planar Elasticity.
A useful feature of StressCheck is the Copy command. The Copy button at the bot-
tom of the Input interface may be used to create copies of objects currently selected
in the graphic display area. The selected objects defined in global coordinates will
be copied and attached to a new local system. All of their associative objects will be

copied and the associative relationship will be transferred to the new copies of
the related objects. Note that if the original group of objects contains elements,
the resulting copy will also have elements.
We want to copy the 2D profile to a different z-plane (z=th). Select the Geom-
etry tab from the Input dialog window and follow the steps indicated below:
Geometry tab > Select > Any Object > Locate. Select the desired group
of objects by drawing a box around the 2D model; this will cause the
objects to be highlighted. Make sure you have all object types active.
Next, enter the coordinates where the copy is to be located (Z=th), in
the corresponding input fields as shown in the FIGURE 46. Finally,
click the Copy button.
FIGURE 46 Copy operation.
Click on the Cancel button before continuing so no object remains highlighted.
Mesh The next step is to create the three hexahedral elements as shown in FIGURE
47. In the StressCheck Input window select:
Mesh tab > Create > Hexahedron > Face to Face.
In this case, there is a one to one correspondence between the elements in the
original model and the elements in the copy. Move the cursor to the display

area and click on an element in one section with a corresponding element in the
other section until the 3 hexahedrals have been created.
Note: When performing the face to face meshing, a StressCheck Error message will
appear on the screen after creating each hexahedral element. This is to inform the
user of the incompatibility between element types (Quadrilaterals and Hexahedrals)
and inconsistency of boundary conditions. Ignore these messages since they will go
away once the model is fully updated.
To delete the quadrilateral elements: Select > Quadrilateral > Selection, marquee
pick all the quadrilateral elements, and then click on the Delete button. Use the
Shrink Elements icon to improve visualization.
The mesh construction is now complete.
Loads To update the load record select the Load tab in the Input dialog window and click
on the Purge button. At this point a message will overlap the main window Do you
really wish to Purge all data records? Click on the Yes button.
Load tab > Select > Face > Traction > ID: LOAD > Direction: Norm./Tan.
> System: Global > Normal: 100. Move the cursor to the display area and
click on the rightmost face of the element, then click on the Accept button.
A distributed traction pointing in the direction of the outward normal will
be displayed on the element face.
Constraints To update the constraint record select the Constraint tab in the StressCheck Input
dialog window and click on the Purge button. At this point a message will overlap
the main window Do you really wish to Purge all data records? Click on the Yes 4
button.
Constraint tab > Select > Face > Symmetry > ID: CONST. Move the cursor
to the display area and click on the three faces which lie on the planes of
symmetry while holding the Shift key. Click on the Accept button.
As we did before with the extruded model we have to impose a nodal constraint in
the z-direction to prevent rigid body translation. To do this, complete the input area
as follows:
Constraint tab > Select > Node > Node > ID: CONST > Direction: XYZ >
Data Type: Fixed > System: Global > Turn ON the Z toggle switch. Select
node 1, and then click on the Accept button to enter the constraint informa-
tion into the database. A summary of the new constraint record is added to
the scrolling list and the constraint symbol is displayed on the node. The
mesh and boundary conditions for the 3D model are shown in FIGURE 47.

FIGURE 47 The 3D model.
Execution and extraction of results

You are now ready to start the computation. Select the Compute Solution icon
from the Main Toolbar. When the Solution dialog window appears select the
Linear tab and complete the requested information as done before.
4
After the execution is completed we can extract results from the finite element
solutions. The procedures for estimating the error in energy norm, plotting the
data of interest, etc., are the same as those described for the 2D analysis. Fol-
lowing the same steps, for instance, you will obtain the estimated relative error
in energy norm, the convergence of x maximum, the distribution of x along
the edge, and the equivalent stress contour plot shown in FIGURE 48. Note
that the results are practically identical to those corresponding to the extrusion
problem.
To assess the influence of the thickness in the results, change the thickness
from 1 to 3. To do that select the Model Info icon from the Main Toolbar and
select the Parameters tab. Click on the existing record in the Parameter dialog
window and then type the new value of the parameter in the Value field. Click
on the Accept button. The model will be automatically updated. Rerun the

FIGURE 48 Results for the 3D problem, th=1.
analysis from p=1 to 8 and perform the same post-processing operations as indi-
cated before. Note that the maximum value of the equivalent (von Mises) stress,
Seq, is practically the same as before, but the distribution of Sx along the edge of
the hole is quite different (FIGURE 49). The maximum value of Sx is now 410
instead of 403 for th=1 (3D-model) or 399 for th=1 (2D model).

FIGURE 49 Results for the 3D problem, th=3.
Steps for solid model construction

This section provides a step by step description on how to create the geometry
of the same model problem using solids. You may erase your database or start a
4 new session by opening a new database as described before.
Create the parameter th as described on page 72, then select the Geometry tab
in the StressCheck Input interface, and construct a solid block using the fol-
lowing steps:
Geometry tab > Create > Box > Locate > Data tab > Solid button on >
Input toggle switch on > X: 0.0, Y: 0.0, Z: 0.0, Width: 30, Height: 10,
Depth: th, Rot-X: 0.0, Rot-Y: 0.0, Rot-Z: 0.0 > Click on the Accept
button.
Next, define the hole by selecting:

Geometry tab > Create > Cylinder > Locate > Data tab > Solid button
on > Input toggle switch on > X: 0.0, Y: 0.0, Z: 0.0, Radius: 2.25,
Height: th, Rot-X: 0.0, Rot-Y: 0.0, Rot-Z: 0.0 > Click on the Accept
button.

Having created the block and cylinder, we now create a body by using a boolean
subtraction:
Create > Body > Bool-Subtract > Click on the Box and then on the cylinder
> Click on the Accept button. This operation creates a body consisting of a
plate with a hole as shown in FIGURE 50.
FIGURE 50 Geometry construction

after Boolean subtraction.
To take advantage of symmetry, you need to clip the plate with two planes as fol-
lows:
Create > Plane > Locate > Input toggle on > X: 0, Y: 0, Z: 0, Width: 10,
Height: 10, P1-Min: -0.5, P1-Max: 0.5, P2-Min: -0.5, P2-Max: 0.5, Rot-X:
0, Rot-Y: 90, Rot-Z: 0 > Click on the Accept button.
Create > Body > Clip-Back > Click on the solid body and then click on the
plane This operation removes half of the solid (FIGURE 51).
Clipping
plane
FIGURE 51 Geometry construction after first Boolean clipping.
Clip-Back and Clip-Front operations are relative to the positive normal to the clip-
ping plane as indicated by the displayed triad. In our case the plane was rotated 90

degrees about the Y-axis, therefore the positive normal is directed in the posi-
tive X-direction. Clip-Back removes the solid that is located in the negative X-
direction relative to the clipping plane.
Create > Plane > Locate > Input toggle on > X: 0, Y: 0, Z: 0, Width: 30,
Height: 10, P1-Min: -0.5, P1-Max: 0.5, P2-Min: -0.5, P2-Max: 0.5,
Rot-X: 90, Rot-Y: 0, Rot-Z: 0 > Click on the Accept button.
Create > Body > Clip-Front > Click on the solid body and then click on
the plane > Click on the Accept button. This operation leaves one
fourth of the domain we want to mesh (FIGURE 52).
FIGURE 52 Geometry construction after second Boolean clipping.
This completes the solution domain. To create the three hexahedral elements as
4 shown in FIGURE 47, we have to define the nodes first. Set the view to be iso-
metric. Make sure the Display Curves icon in the Display Objects Toolbar is on
and the Display Surfaces icon is off. In the StressCheck Input dialog window
select the Mesh tab and the following options:
Mesh tab > Create > Node > Point > Click on the Accept button. A node will
be created at every point in the model. A total of 10 nodes should be created
using this method. (FIGURE 53)
.
Create > Node > Mid-Offset. Move the cursor to the display area and
click on two nodes on one circle and then on the two nodes of the other
circle.

Display Surfaces Off
Display Curves On
FIGURE 53 Mesh construction: Nodes at points.
Create > Node > Locate > Input toggle on > X:5.0, Y: 0.0, Z: th > Click on
the Accept button. A node will be created at the front side of the model.
Create > Node > Projection. Move the cursor to the display area, click first
on the last node created and then, while holding the Control and Shift keys,
click on one of the lines closest to the node, then click on the Accept but-
ton. Repeat two more times for a total of 3 nodes.
After the last operation, 16 nodes have been defined as shown in FIGURE 54. Now,
3 hexahedral elements should be created.
Nodes by projection
Nodes by Mid-Offset
Node at (5,0,th)
FIGURE 54 Mesh construction: Additional nodes.

Create > Hexahedron > Selection. Move the cursor to the display area
and click on 8 nodes that define the element in any order or draw a box
around 8 nodes in a single operation as shown in FIGURE 56.
FIGURE 56 Mesh construction: Element creation by selection 8 nodes.
To enter material properties, load, and constraints follow the same steps indi-
cated above for the model created using the copy operation.

Index
A Display Menu
Action 28 attributes 25
Analysis colors 27
linear 57 material summary 27
Attributes 23 model summary 27
Average 69 move 24
objects 25
B selection 26
Batch file view controls 25
read 18 Display Object 23
write 18
Boolean operations E
clip-back 77 Edit 22
clip-front 78 Edit Menu
subtract 77 handbook 20
Browser 33 input 20
parameters 20
C redo 19
Center of Rotation 29 results 20
Class 28 solution 20
Class menu 21 undo 19
Colors 29 Element 49
Comments 35 Error
Constraints estimator 57
assign 54 Execute
display 25 linear analysis 57
extrusion 64 Exit 18, 63
symmetry 55 Extrusion 64
Cursors 29
F
D File
Database menu 17
close 18 File Menu
erase 18 erase database 18
new 17 open 17
open 35 read input 18
Design Study 42 save 18
Display save input 18
attributes 25 Functions 60
colors 26
controls 27 G
material summary 27 Geometry
model summary 27 create 28, 47, 71
objects 29 delete 29
options 26 edit 28
options toolbar 24 select 28
H N
Handbook New 17
browser 33
editor 43 O
framework 31 Object 28
index 32 Objects 26
interface 16 Open database 17, 45
library 15
P
I Parameters 36
Icon Planar elasticity 45
compute solution 13 Plot 60
create model 12 Plotting
handbook library 15 standard functions 61
view results 13 Post-processing 40
Input dialog window 12 Print 18
Interface conventions 28 P-version 3
L Q
Line Quality assessment 8, 57
types 29
Load R
assign 53 Redo 19
dialog box 53 Reset 24
display 25 Results dialog window 13
traction 54
types 54 S
Scale 42
M Session
Material properties ending 63
entry 52 Solution dialog window 13
summary 27 Solution IDs
Menu Bar 9 specification 56
Mesh
check 51 T
create 50 Thickness
design 49 assign 51
Method 28 display 25
Min/Max computation 61 Toolbar
Model Browser 33 attributes 23
Model Icon 26 display objects 23
Model Info 11 display options 24
Model Summary 27 edit 22
Move 24 main 9
view 9
Tutorial 45
U
Undo 19
Update 38
V
View Menu
attributes toolbar 23
display object toolbar 23
display options toolbar 24
edit toolbar 22
views toolbar 21
Views Toolbar 21
W
Window
dialog 10
input 12
model 10

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StressCheck

GETTING STARTED GUIDE

For Windows Operating Systems

Engineering Software Research & Development, Inc. makes no representations or warran-

Getting Started Guide Table of Contents i

ii Table of Contents Getting Started Guide

From the perspective of managers, StressCheck is a tool for increased productivity

StressCheck is the first finite element analysis program to emphasize both

Getting Started Guide Chapter 1: Introduction 1

StressCheck improves the reliability of computed information while increasing

There is an immediate visual feedback confirming that the data is properly

Why use StressCheck?

By incorporating your proprietary technology into an everyday handbook style

2 Chapter 1: Introduction Getting Started Guide

StressChecks unique and advanced post-processing capability allows detailed

Who should use StressCheck?

How to use this manual?

Getting Started Guide Chapter 1: Introduction 3

4 Chapter 1: Introduction Getting Started Guide

Frequently asked questions about the p-version and

Why is the p-version important?

When was the p-version developed?

Getting Started Guide Chapter 1: Introduction 5

Does the p-version have clear advantages over the h-version?

Are there significant differences in p-version FEA programs?

6 Chapter 1: Introduction Getting Started Guide

What are the advantages of StressCheck over other FEA programs?

Getting Started Guide Chapter 1: Introduction 7

What are the recommended quality control procedures in FEA?

a) Linear analysis: Control of the errors of discretization.

b) Nonlinear analysis: Control of the errors of idealization.

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Getting Started Guide Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface 9

Main Toolbar Reference/Theory/Units Selectors

10 Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface Getting Started Guide

Model Info Icon

FIGURE 2 Model Info dialog box.

Getting Started Guide Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface 11

Create Model Icon

FIGURE 3 Geometry input dialog window.

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Compute Solution Icon

Solver Option Interface Solver Execution Interface

FIGURE 4 Solver interface.

Getting Started Guide Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface 13

View Results Icon

FIGURE 5 Results interface.

StressCheck provides convenient means for displaying and printing computed

14 Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface Getting Started Guide

For further details refer to the Users Guide.

Getting Started Guide Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface 15

Handbook Library Icon

FIGURE 6 Handbook library interface.

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Standard file extensions

Getting Started Guide Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface 17

If your current preference setting is to save a backup copy of your database

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A complete description of the SaveAs, Append Input, Recover Database, Delete

Getting Started Guide Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface 19

parameter definitions is done through the corresponding dialog window. A

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Getting Started Guide Chapter 2: StressCheck Interface 21

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