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LS-DYNA

GSA to LS-DYNA​

While GSA provides a powerful tool for structural modelling there are times when more powerful analysis is required. In such cases it can be useful to run the analysis on LS-DYNA. LS-DYNA is widely used for problems in mechanical engineering but has powerful features that are suitable for advanced structural analysis.

Creating a new LS-DYNA model from the GSA model sometimes means that data is missed, and leads to the GSA and LS-DYNA models becoming out of sync. The idea behind the GSA to LS-DYNA link is to allow the engineer to carry out the definition in a GSA reference model and to create a lightweight LS-DYNA model (keyword file) for analysis. If this model is ready to run in LS-DYNA, then when changes are made to the GSA model it is easy to discard an LS-DYNA model and create a new model.

LS-DYNA model in GSA​

The GSA model is seen as the primary model however this can lead to problems where an LS-DYNA analysis required features or materials that are not used in a GSA analysis. Several features in GSA allow the engineer to define this extra data. The three key features are:

  1. LS-DYNA analysis task
  2. LS-DYNA materials
  3. Composite 2D elements

GSA to LS-DYNA workflow​

The link is intended to:

  • Set up a model in GSA
  • Add extra modules such as DYNA materials
  • Create an analysis stage to map the GSA sections and materials to DYNA sections and material
  • Create an LS-DYNA analysis task specifying the relevant DYNA control parameters
  • Create a ready to run DYNA keyword file.

Data transferred to LS-DYNA​

The link should be able to transfer:

  • Control information
  • Nodes
  • Elements: beams, shells, 3D, springs, dampers, masses
  • Axis sets
  • Properties: sections, 2D properties (including composite), 3D properties, springs, dampers
  • Rigid constraints (diaphragms)
  • Joints
  • Loads: nodes, beams, shells
  • Load curves
  • Sets: nodes, beams, shells

Creating an LS-DYNA model​

There are several features that make it easier to define the model for an LS-DYNA analysis.

Materials​

To create LS-DYNA specific materials, use the Analysis material wizard and select the include LS-DYNA material models option.

ls-dyna-material

This leads to a page where the data to define the model can be entered. All parameters are defined as in the LS-DYNA keyword manual.

ls-dyna-material-2

Composite shells​

To define a composite shell: use the 2D property wizard and select the LS-DYNA composite button to define the lay-up of the composite.

ls-dyna-composite-shells

The link allows the engineer set up a DYNA analysis task and the Run option creates the keyword file.

Analysis stages​

The most convenient way to map between the GSA and LS-DYNA models is to used analysis stages, particularly analysis stage properties or analysis stage materials. This allows the LS-DYNA materials to replace the normal GSA materials for an LS-DYNA specific stage.

LS-DYNA preference​

The LS-DYNA preferences available from Preferences > Miscellaneous allows a default LS-DYNA environment to be specified. This can give the command line for running a LS-DYNA preprocessor such as LS-PrePost or Oasys PRIMER.

ls-dyna-preference

LS-DYNA analysis task​

The final stage is to create an LS-DYNA analysis task. From the Analysis wizard select the LS-DYNA task option and the appropriate analysis stage. This allows the definition of the LS-DYNA analysis, selecting the excitation type and output options for both plot and time history files.

ls-dyna-analysis-task

The subsequent page defines how the mass is to be assigned to the model. In GSA, loads can be considered as additional mass. If this is required for the LS-DYNA analysis the export of the keyword file will include nodal masses corresponding to those that GSA would generate.

Damping can include either damper elements, Rayleigh damping or both.

The final page prompts for the file name for the keyword file, and the command line to run on Finish. If no command line is supplied the keyword will be still be written but GSA will not try to run the file.

Supported Keywords​

General​

*TITLE

*CONTROL_TERMINATION

*DATABASE_BINARY_D3PLOT

*DATABASE_BINARY_D3THDT

*DATABASE_BINARY_INTFOR

*DATABASE_BINARY_D3DUMP

*DATABASE_BINARY_RUNRSF

*DATABASE_HISTORY_NODE

*DATABASE_HISTORY_BEAM

*DATABASE_HISTORY_DISCRETE

*DATABASE_HISTORY_SHELL

*DATABASE_HISTORY_SOLID

*DAMPING_GLOBAL

Model​

*DEFINE_COORDINATE_SYSTEM

*NODE

*DEFINE_COORDINATE_NODES

*BOUNDARY_SPC_NODE

*ELEMENT_BEAM

*ELEMENT_BEAM_OFFSET

*ELEMENT_DISCRETE

*ELEMENT_MASS

*ELEMENT_INERTIA

*ELEMENT_SHELL

*ELEMENT_SOLID

Materials​

*MAT_ELASTIC

*MAT_PLASTIC_KINEMATIC

*MAT_ORTHOTROPIC_ELASTIC

*MAT_FABRIC

*MAT_CONCRETE_EC2

*MAT_STEEL_EC3

*MAT_HYSTERETIC_BEAM

*MAT_HYSTERETIC_REINF

*MAT_PLASTIC_KINEMATIC

*MAT_PARK_ANG_BEAM

*MAT_GENERAL_NONLINEAR_6DOF_DISCRETE_BEAM

*MAT_SEISMIC_ISOLATOR

*MAT_RIGID

*MAT_LINEAR_ELASTIC_DISCRETE_BEAM

*MAT_NONLINEAR_ELASTIC_DISCRETE_BEAM

*MAT_SPRING_ELASTIC

*MAT_SPRING_INELASTIC

*MAT_DAMPER_VISCOUS

*MAT_CABLE_DISCRETE_BEAM

Properties​

*PART_COMPOSITE

*SECTION_BEAM

*SECTION_BEAM_TITLE

*SECTION_DISCRETE

*SECTION_SHELL

*SECTION_SOLID_TITLE

*INTEGRATION_BEAM

*DAMPING_PART_STIFFNESS

Constraints​

*CONSTRAINED_RIGID_BODIES

*CONSTRAINED_LINEAR_LOCAL

*CONSTRAINED_LINEAR_LOCAL

*CONSTRAINED_NODAL_RIGID_BODY

*CONTACT_TIED_SHELL_EDGE_TO_SURFACE_ID

Loading​

*BOUNDARY_PRESCRIBED_MOTION_NODE

*LOAD_NODE_POINT

*LOAD_BEAM_ELEMENT

*LOAD_SHELL_ELEMENT

*LOAD_BODY_X

*LOAD_BODY_Y

*LOAD_BODY_Z

Miscellaneous​

*DATABASE_CROSS_SECTION_PLANE_ID

*DEFINE_CURVE

*PART

*SET_PART_LIST

*SET_NODE

*SET_NODE_LIST

*SET_BEAM

*SET_SHELL

*SET_SHELL_LIST

*END