Analysis |
 
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Analysis |
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The various analysis types in Flexcom are described in detail in various sections of this manual, but a brief overview of the different types is appropriate at this juncture in order to place time domain analysis into perspective.
•A Static Analysis considers time invariant loading and structure response, and is specified for most analyses that do not contain wave loading.
•The presence of waves, whether regular or random, with or without current and/or vessel motions, requires you to specify a dynamic analysis. As Flexcom has traditionally been a time domain analysis tool, existing users may instinctively associate “‘dynamic analysis” with Time Domain Analysis.
•Frequency Domain Analysis is far more efficient than time domain, but its use is restricted to systems whose behaviour is (largely) linear. Where the technique can be applied, the computational effort is only a fraction of that required for a corresponding time domain simulation, resulting in huge savings in terms of run time.
•A Quasi-Static Analysis is a (typically highly damped) time domain dynamic analysis in which the applied loads and displacements are constant after an initial ramping on period. The damping increasingly dissipates inertia effects and the final solution achieved approaches that of a static one. A quasi-static analysis is required in a small number of highly sensitive cases when a genuine static analysis cannot be successfully performed.
Further information is contained in the following sections:
•Static Analysis discusses time invariant loading and associated structure response.
•Restart Analyses describes the program's restart facility, used for example to starting a dynamic analysis from a preceding static configuration.
•Time Domain Analysis discusses loading and associated structure response, and includes sections on Time Variables and Time Integration Algorithms.
•Frequency Domain Analysis summarises the theory underpinning the operation of the frequency domain analysis capability.
•Modal Analysis summarises the theory underpinning the operation of the modal domain analysis capability.
•Time Domain Fatigue Analysis summarises the operation of the time domain fatigue analysis capability in Flexcom.
•Frequency Domain Fatigue Analysis summarises the operation of the frequency domain fatigue analysis capability in Flexcom.
•Specialised Solution Topics discusses some advanced topics in relation to finite element analysis, and includes sections on Solution Convergence, Bandwidth Optimisation and Gaussian Quadrature.
•Troubleshooting Simulation Failures presents some general guidelines regarding the use of Flexcom, and also gives some advice on what to do if an analysis fails to complete successfully.