nTop 5.51 is here! This release introduces Static Analysis with Inertia Relief, a new beta block for analysing unconstrained structures such as aircraft in free-body equilibrium. We also have Saved Field View configurations. As with every release, nTop's dedicated support team is ready to answer your questions. Please visit support.ntop.com to gain access to helpful tutorials and support articles.
Static Analysis with Inertia Relief [Beta]
- The Static Analysis with Inertia Relief [Beta] block calculates displacements, strains, and stresses on an unconstrained or floating FE Model subject to applied external loads. It is useful for analyzing structures undergoing steady-state acceleration where the load-displacement relationship is assumed to be linear. The block actively calculates and applies counterbalancing inertial forces across the model's mass to achieve quasi-static equilibrium without requiring fixed boundary conditions.
- A common use case is aircraft structural analysis, where the airframe is in free-body equilibrium during flight with no fixed supports. Inertia relief balances the applied aerodynamic and thrust loads against the distributed inertia of the structure itself, allowing accurate stress and deformation analysis without artificial constraints.
- Location: Beta > Simulation
- Model: The finite element model.
- Load Case: The restraints and applied loads.
- Output: Static Structural Result
Usage Improvements
- Field viewer configurations can now be saved and accessed by name in the new Saved Configurations panel in the Field Viewer tool located in the Right Side Panel. Use the New button to save the current object and display settings as a named configuration, or use the Overwrite button to overwrite an existing one. Double-click any saved configuration to switch the field viewer to that object and its settings. You can right click to Rename or Delete a view.
Block Updates
- Adaptive Resolution has been moved out of beta.