Virtual Strain correlation with measured strain test data over Frame using nCode Design Life

Physical tests serve as a benchmark to validate and improve the accuracy of CAE models. If the CAE results correlate well with physical test data, it confirms that the simulation is reliable and can be used for predictive analysis. Earlier for correlation, we use stress output from generic load-cases and single max value of measured strain data which was inappropriate to get exact correlation. Since output of virtual strain gauge is strain history, so entire characteristics can be compared i.e. magnitude and phase. In this paper, we have used nCode Design Life’s virtual strain gauge approach to correlate an FE Model’s (Frame) result with measured strain gauge data of RLDA test. If the model has been properly meshed, loaded, and constrained, the predicted virtual strain from Design Life will correlate with the measured strain. In this problem, model (Frame) is loaded with unit force and moment in all three directions at 31 locations (Hardpoints). Virtual Strain gauge calculates the strain by using combinations of load cases and multi-channel load inputs of RLDA time series data. In this paper, we have correlated the full characteristics i.e. magnitude and phase of the time series strain data. Virtual Strain gauge can be installed over FE Model at the same location with similar alignment where it’s placed during actual test measurement. This way we can recover strains in the exact orientation of the gauge during the real strain measurement. We can choose to export combinations of stresses and strains, and even strain gauge rosettes, to correlate with strain gauges installed during testing.