How to create a simulation model with multiple materials

Objective:

Learn how to create a Simulation Model that has more than one material.

Applies to:

  • Simulation
  • Topology Optimization

Procedure:

Material is applied to a Simulation Model by using Attributes. Each Attribute adds a new material. To add more than one material to a Simulation Model, you need a Region to define where that material is applied. If you only have two attributes, then one of them doesn't need a Region. Instead, that material will be applied everywhere the other material isn't. Check out the image below to see how you would set up two and three material attributes. 

fluids multiple materials.png

1. Set-Up: Download the example file and start with the FE Mesh already created.

2. Simulation Model:

    • Add a Simulation Model block. 
    • Add a Solid Domain.
    • Input the FE Mesh variable.
    • Click the + on the Attribute List to add another Attribute.
    • Input a Solid Attribute into each input in the Attribute List.

adding attributes.gif

3. Material:

    • In the first Solid Attribute, add the Al 6061-T6 Material to the Material input.
    • Add the Stainless Steel 316 material to the second Solid Attribute.
    • An error will pop up saying you need to set a Region for one of the Attributes.

4. Region: 

    • Add an FE Region by Body in the second Solid Attribute.
    • Set the Mesh to the FE Mesh variable.
    • Set Entity to Cells.
    • Set Body to the Grip Implicit Body variable.

This will set the Grip part to be Stainless Steel, and set the rest of the pen body to be Aluminum. 

adding materials.gif

And that’s it! You’ve successfully set up a Simulation Model with multiple materials. 

Are you still having issues? Contact the support team, and we’ll be happy to help!

Download the Example file:

More on this topic:

Keywords:

 mesh simulation create body fe model multiple regions solid attribute component region materials attributes domain aluminum steel stainless 
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