A 1° sector of the full geometry is modeled. It is assumed that the thermal and structural solution are axisymmetric. This example uses the same geometry used in the first rocket nozzle example problem; however, 3D solid elements with the capability to model layers are used instead of 2D shell elements with the axisymmetric option.

A thermal analysis is performed using a homogeneous material option, followed by an analysis using the 4-layer material option. The solutions from these analyses serve as the loads for a structural analysis (both homogeneous and 4-layer material option). A total of four structural solutions will be obtained.

To ensure an axisymmetric solution for the thermal run, the TEMP is constrained to be the same along the theta direction (CE command). Axisymmetry DOF constraints are specified to ensure an axisymmetric solution for the structural run (DSYM). While there are many different ways to accomplish axisymmetry for a sector model, this method was selected for its ease of implementation.