Simulate reaction forces and moments from a stationary engine on a skid

[abdullah_regal]

Hi everyone.

I am building a skid to mount a stationary application engine and alternator (generator) for power production.

I am trying to simulate all the forces that might be applied to the skid by the engine and alternator to run a stress analysis. I have applied a remote force for the engine and alternator weights at their respective CGs, however, I do not know how to simulate a reaction forces/moments for the engine torque or the unbalanced forces when the engine is running. Has anyone done something similar to this? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[kacper.suchomski]

Are you using environmental simulation or Nastran?

[abdullah_regal]

I am using the Inventor environmental simulation (Inventor 2023)

[kacper.suchomski]

As far as I know, Inventor only has reaction forces. Such an item is included in the selection list for the report.

[abdullah_regal]

Is there a way for me to simplify the engine to a point situated at the center of gravity, and then define the parameters of the engine such as the mass and moments of inertia?

[swalton]

Remote forces are available in both the basic Inventor FEA and Inventor Nastran.

https://help.autodesk.com/view/INVNTOR/2023/ENU/?guid=GUID-2D4EB62F-F20D-4A5B-B024-5BFAEA065026

You will have to define all the loads transmitted from the engine to the skid.  

If you don't include the relevant engine components, the skid FEA may not include all the stress paths and deformations that the real-world skid will endure.  Engineering judgement may be required to decide if the simulation is close enough to reality to be confident in the skid's performance.