I have a model of a conferance table with a frame made from aluminum tubing. I'm trying to figure out if the table is pushed if it will buckle. Would I have to run a static test or buckle test? Do I have to call out all the welds? Also the bottom of the legs will not be fixed so do I have to model a floor and add some kind of friction between the floor and the table? I've done simple simulations before but this is more advanced for me.
Thanks!
Apply rollers on two adjacent legs and fixed end supports on the other two legs. apply horizonatal load at one end of the table. Iterate the load until you see yeild for aluminum at the joints. Divide that by 2 for a factor of saftey of 2. I say it's done at this point. Remember your fea simulation will capture the peak stresses with beam elements at your joints. Obviously, the peak stresses are going to happen at the joint where the surface meets the legs. The picture attached shows the setup. This is the worst case static scenario (impact will be different). It's as if you are sliding the table and it snags something at the end of the leg. Once again do a static analysis. The table I drew is stupidly simple, but it gives you the idea. I assume you guys probably have some 90's reinforcing the legs?