User Manual

Introduction

This section outlines the input file structure, including conventions for command descriptions, style guidelines, and naming conventions for files referencing the ExodusII database. An example illustrating the general structure of an input file with scope is also provided.

General Commands

This section covers commands common to applications within the SIERRA Framework, defining scopes, functions, and coordinate systems. It allows setting key time control parameters (begin time, end time, and time blocks) for analysis, with further details in Explicit Dynamic Time Step Control and Implicit Solver and Time Step Control. It also addresses element distortion calculations and functionality management during analysis.

Explicit Dynamic Time Step Control

This section explains how to set the start time, end time, and time blocks for explicit dynamic analysis, along with options for controlling the critical time step in transient dynamics.

Implicit Solver and Time Step Control

This section describes the multilevel, nonlinear iterative solver for implicit calculations and how to set the start time, end time, and time blocks for implicit analysis.

Material Models

This section discusses material models for elements, noting that most are suitable for both explicit and implicit analyses, with some better suited for one type. It also covers temperature application to a mesh and the computation of thermal strains.

Elements

This section lists available elements and describes commands for accessing options. Most elements work for both explicit and implicit analyses, with exceptions noted. It includes commands for mass property calculations, element death, and mesh rebalancing.

Boundary Conditions and Initial Conditions

This section documents the use of kinematic and force boundary conditions, initial conditions, and specialized boundary conditions, providing guidance for their implementation.

Contact

This section explains how to define interactions between contact surfaces, detailing necessary commands for accurate modeling.

Output

This section outlines options for obtaining output from simulations, including formats and customization.

User Extensions

This section provides an overview of user subroutine functionality, detailing how users can extend framework capabilities.

Transfers

This section documents procedures for performing transfers between processes, ensuring smooth data integration.

Appendix

This section helps locate information about command blocks and command lines, with single-level entries indicating the page for command syntax and multi-level entries providing context. One section includes a sample input file for an explicit dynamic analysis of 16 lead spheres crushed inside a steel box, along with a reference to Appendix B for an implicit quasistatic analysis of an eraser being pulled across a surface. Both examples emphasize large deformation and contact phenomena.

Release Notes

This section highlights key features added in specific releases, offering insights into new functionalities and improvements.

Abstract

Sierra/SolidMechanics (Sierra/SM) is a Lagrangian, three-dimensional finite element analysis code for solids and structures. It supports explicit dynamic, implicit quasistatic, and dynamic analyses. The explicit dynamics capabilities enable efficient and robust solutions for models with extensive contact under large, suddenly applied loads. For implicit problems, Sierra/SM employs a multi-level iterative solver, effectively addressing challenges related to large deformations, nonlinear material behavior, and contact. The code features a versatile library of continuum and structural elements, along with an extensive collection of material models. Designed for parallel computing environments, Sierra/SM provides scalable solutions for extremely large problems in both implicit and explicit analyses. Built on the SIERRA Framework, it facilitates coupling with other SIERRA mechanics codes. This document outlines the functionality and input syntax for Sierra/SM.