Lifetime Calculation of a Metal Fastener Using ANSYS and Python
The objective of this project is to determine the lifetime of a metal fastener subjected to vibrations, modeled by a series of repetitive loadings applied at a given frequency.
Modeling in ANSYS APDL
- Importing the geometry
- Creating surfaces and mesh
- Defining boundary conditions and loading cases
- Running a Python script to automate the calculations for all load cases
- Retrieving results for post-processing
Data Processing
- Applying the Rainflow method to count loading/unloading cycles
- Correcting alternating stresses using the Goodman criterion
- Evaluating the damage generated by each cycle based on the material’s Wöhler curve
- Calculating the lifetime based on the cumulative damage over a complete vibration period
Visualization of Critical Zones
The maximum damage is observed:
- At the fastening hole of the fastener
- At the edge of one of the bent sections of the part