Study of Submodeling of a Small Component in a Structure

A study was performed to evaluate the accuracy achievable in the use of submodeling in finite-element modeling of the mechanical response of a structural system that includes components embedded in a larger structure that is subjected to a large transient load. The specific system studied was a simplified model of a “smart” projectile containing a substructure that supported an electronic-circuit board on which were mounted two capacitors and an eight-lead integrated circuit (see figure). The main body or shell of the projectile was represented as a cylindrical ring supporting the substructure. The dimensions of the various components were chosen to be typical of “smart” munitions. The transient load condition was represented by a velocity-versus-time boundary condition, typical of the velocity versus time of a projectile at launch, imposed at the lower surface of the cylindrical ring.