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Length of Selected Edge Elements in Deformed and Undeformed Configuration

Posted Mar 27, 2012, 2:07 a.m. EDT MEMS & Nanotechnology, MEMS & Piezoelectric Devices, Geometry, Modeling Tools & Definitions, Parameters, Variables, & Functions, Structural Mechanics Version 4.0a 0 Replies

Darren Alvares
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Hi All,

I have a problem that could be actually quite trivial but I am a novice user so have struggled to solve it. I am using COMSOL 4.0 structural mechanics module. My geometry includes a 3D structure which I will mount a strain gauge. I have the dimensions of the strain gauge. I need to calculate the strain in the strain gauge given a particular load. I am not interested in the modelling the strain gauge at this stage and can just consider elements on my 3D structure where the gauge will be located to calculate by strain.

POINTS: In COMSOL I know its possible to define points. If I define two points and I can find the relative change in distance between those two points and calculate my strain in various directions (x,y,z).

LINES: If I define my strain gauge as a polygon (Line or a square)how do I calculate the change in length of that line before and after deformation (Only interested in line elements in one direction). Note the line deforms in 3D so I would need the x,y,z coordinates somehow.

I have a feeling I need to select my edge or line of interest and integrate this in both the reference and deformed coordinates. This will then allow me to calculate the strain. Problem is I can't figure out how to do this.

Thanks in advance for your help and comments

Darren
0 Replies Last Post Mar 27, 2012, 2:07 a.m. EDT
COMSOL Moderator

Hello Darren Alvares

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