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Objective:

Learn how to use ramps and implicit bodies to define a field of engineering data that can be used as inputs into a simulation analysis.

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Procedure:

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Constant Field:

Traditionally, material properties are defined with constant values. nTop defines scalar engineering values as Scalar Fields. In the figure below, you can see that the Thermal Conductivity is set at 152 W/(m*K) and results in a field that does not change. An example Isotropic Material that has a constant field value. The field is defined by the constant Conductivity value.

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Transforming Distance Fields to Engineering Scalar Fields using the Ramp Block:

The Ramp Block allows you to use an input field to spatially transform field data into engineering units. This functionality bridges the divide between field and engineering data and allows complex analysis.
Using this functionality, you can now see that the Thermal Conductivity varies from 152-200 W/(m*K) at a distance from 0-100 mm from the Axis Location. Instead of a constant conductivity value, this isotropic material has a varying conductivity value. This is created by applying the ramp block and defining how the conductivity will change from the center of the body moving outward.

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Varying Field using Multiple Objects:

Similarly, you can use multiple implicit bodies with the ramp block to produce more complex field patterns. In this case, an array of cylinders are used. The image shows how to use bodies to manipulate a field.

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Boundary Conditions:

Just like material properties, certain FEA boundary conditions can vary using scalar field inputs. Examples of these types are shown below.
Structural Boundary Conditions with Field InputsThermal Boundary Conditions with Field Inputs
In this instance, convection coefficients can easily be varied using the Ramp block, in the same manner, shown for spatially varying material properties. A lattice structure that has a varying convection coefficient field applied to it. The field contains smaller values at the center and gradually increases as it spreads towards the edges of the lattice. And that’s it! You’ve successfully defined varying structural and thermal material properties using fields. Are you still having issues? Contact the support team, and we’ll be happy to help!

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Download the Example file:

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