Introduction to LS-DYNA

Basics (Days 1 and 2)

The introductory seminar gives a quick, comprehensive introduction to the application of LS-DYNA and is recommended for simulation engineers who want to use LS-DYNA as an FE code to simulate general nonlinear problems. Prior knowledge is not required.

The main application areas of LS-DYNA are crash simulations, metalforming simulations and the simulation of impact problems and other strongly non-linear tasks. LS-DYNA can also be used to successfully solve complex nonlinear static problems in cases where implicit solution methods cannot be applied due to convergence problems. The seminar participant works on exercise examples independently to help him/her understand the application of LS-DYNA.

Contents:

• Which problems can be solved using LS-DYNA?
• What is the difference between implicit and explicit time integration and how are both methods carried out in LS-DYNA?
• How is a simulation started in LS-DYNA?
• What element types are available?
• How are the various contact definitions implemented?
• How are crash simulations and other dynamic calculations executed?
• How can quasi-static problems be handled?
• What input/ output data is there and what does it contain?
• How can results be analyzed and compared?

We strongly recommend LS-DYNA novices to attend this seminar.

Advanced Topics (Day 3)

To carry out realistic FE simulations, appropriate constitutive models need to be selected with the requirement of an identification of the involved material parameters to reproduce the properties of the materials used. In this regard, there is often a possibility to simplify the overall model if certain areas can be modeled either as rigid bodies or with the aid of discrete elements. Moreover, several components are often joined with connectors which also need to be modeled appropriately, to accurately predict the behavior of the overall system.

The aim of this seminar is to facilitate the novice’s first steps in material modeling. Following this, the most common constitutive models for typical applications are presented, such as crash, drop or impact simulations. A wide range of the material properties of simulation models are explained in detail using simple examples, and thus enabling associated engineering problems to be dealt with competently and quickly. If required, basic material theory can also be discussed. Additionally, the course participants learn how to define rigid bodies and discrete elements in LS-DYNA and what they need to bear in mind when doing so.

Finally, modeling techniques for the most common types of joins such as spot-welds and bolt connections are shown to demonstrate how they can be represented in an FE model using LS-DYNA.

Contents:

• Presentation of the most common material models for metals, foams, elastomers and polymers
• Composition of a material card for a steel material on the basis of test data
• Modeling rigid bodies with LS-DYNA
• Definition of discrete elements and discussion of corresponding material models
• Modeling techniques for  common connectors such as spot-welds, adhesive joins, bolt connections, etc.
• Consolidation of learned knowledge using simple exercise examples
• Tips and guidelines regarding the definition of material cards

To attend the module “Advanced Topics”, we recommend prior attendance at the module “Basics”.