The Function Tool enables you to define a dependent variable as a function of one or more independent variables. Using the Function Tool, you can define complicated boundary conditions on a model, or the nonlinear material behavior for a joint element.
Example 1 — Suppose that the applied displacement at a node of the model is a function of temperature and velocity. The function is defined as follows:
u = (-0.007 * T + 0.50) Vr
where T is the temperature and Vr is the relative velocity.
You can input the function, thereby specifying the boundary condition at that node.
Example 2 — Suppose the nonlinear damping force characteristics in a joint element varies quadratically with temperature and linearly with velocity. The function is defined as follows:
F = f(T) Vr
or
F = (C1T2 + C2T + C3) Vr
where C1, C2, and C3 are constants, T is the temperature, and Vr is the relative velocity.
You can input the function along with the constant values, thereby incorporating the damping characteristics by specifying a nonlinear force that varies with relative velocity and temperature.
The following Function Tool topics are available:
For more information, see Specifying a Function Describing Nonlinear Stiffness Behavior in the Material Reference.