The Stress Module adds a finite element structural analysis capability to CFD-ACE+. It can be used in a "stand-alone" mode for pure structural analyses, or may be coupled with the other modules of CFD-ACE+ for multidisciplinary analyses. In many cases it is used in conjunction with the Grid Deformation Module, which allows grid deformation feedback to other modules. When coupled with other modules (e.g. flow and electrostatics), the loads on the structure from those modules are calculated and automatically applied to the specified boundaries.

The following analysis types are supported by the Stress Module:

• Static and Transient Analysis
• Geometric and Material Non-Linearity
• Thermoelastic Analysis
• Anisotropic Material Properties
• Piezoelectric Analysis
• Modal Analysis
• Elastic/Rigid and Elastic/Elastic Contact Analysis

The level of multidisciplinary coupling is controlled by the user. For example, in a fluid-solid interaction problem the structural solver may be called every 5 iterations of the flow solver, which will give the flow solver time to adjust to the grid deformation calculated by the stress module.

The CFD-ACE+ Structural Mechanics and Dynamics module has been validated and successfully used for a wide range of applications. Example applications and sample results are shown on the right of this page.