CSiPlant offers linear and nonlinear time history dynamic analysis using using modaland direct-integration methods. There is no practical limit on the number of time history cases which can be analyzed or the size of the time history functions. Time history cases can be load sequenced to continue from the end state of a nonlinear load case for more realistic analysis results, and nonlinear time history analysis cases can account for gaps, multi-linear support behavior, friction, and P-delta effects in the dynamic analysis. If gaps, friction, one-way supports and other nonlinear boundary conditions are important to consider in nonlinear static analysis, then this nonlinear behavior is also important to consider in dynamic analysis cases.
Applications where time history dynamic analysis can be beneficial are analysis of waterhammer or steamhammer fluid transient loads, analysis of piping pulsations loads from reciprocating equipment (sinusoidal time history loading), seismic loads, unbalanced vibrating machinery loads (sinusoidal time history), and relief valve openings. Use of approximate static load factors to account for dynamic loading effects may be a questionable approach that needs to be investigated.
Modal time history cases typically run faster than direct integration load cases and are not as sensitive to time step size. Although nonlinear modal time history cases can account for nonlinear boundary conditions (gaps, friction, one-way supports, etc.), nonlinear modal time history cases do not account for nonlinear P-delta effects. Modal time history cases can only be load sequenced after another nonlinear modal time history case.
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