TUTORIAL 1

- TRUSS Structure (Static Analysis and

Modal Analysis) -
 Steps in FE Analysis
Preprocessing stage - all the input data are introduced: geometry,
material, cross sections, boundary conditions, loads assignments
Processing stage the analyses are performed
Post processing stage the output of the analyses are offered

Remarks:
Boundary conditions must be specified in order to solve equations.
One must know the value of the unknown quantity at a few
(boundary) locations to get the solution of simultaneous equations
getting displacements or slopes, stresses, temperature, heat flow.

Pre-processing and post processing are essential steps providing in

most cases a friendly user support for data input, help and tutorials,
demos, in the first case.
 I.MODELLING
1.Initial steps
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Use the menu: {File New model} (or the shortcut Ctrl+N)
Choose the measurement units: N, m, C
Defining the grid:
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Remember: The default 2D co-ordinate system is Z-X with Z axis positive

direction facing upwards
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For 2D models, set the number of grid spaces along Y axis to 1.
Drawing the model
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FE MODEL In order to create a correct FE model
one has to create finite elements
between 2 joints(joints are created at
the intersection of at least 2 FE),
therefore one has to select all the
model and divide frames at the
intersection with other elements {Edit
Edit lines Divide Frame Break at
.}

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2

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Defining the material(s):
Use the menu: {Define Materials}
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Defining the cross-section(s) (1):
Use the menu: {Define Frame/Cable Sections}
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HINT: Import from file the EURO.PRO file for
sections according to the Eurocode 7
Defining the cross-section(s) (2):

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Defining the cross-section(s)(3):

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 Defining the cross-section(s)(4):

HINT: In the graphic

design window select the
rectangle shapes and
single click in the origin of
the XY axis and a
rectangle of 0.5 x 0.5 m
will be created. Right
mouse click on the cross-
section and modify the
material and dimensions.
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Defining the cross-section(s)(5):

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Assigning materials and cross-section(s):
One has to select all the model {Assign Frame Frame Sections }

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2

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Assigning TRUSS FE :
One has to select all the elements {Assign Frame Releases/Partial Fixity}

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Assigning supports:
One has to select the joint for support {Assign Joint Restraints }

hinge support simple support

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Defining the loads (load cases):
Use the menu: {Define Load Patterns}

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Defining the loads (load cases):
Use the menu: {Define Load Patterns}

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Defining concentrated (point) loads:
Use the menu: {Select the joint then go to Assign Joint Loads
Forces}

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Analysis options:
Use the menu: {Analyze Set Analysis options Select the DOFs}

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Analysis results:
Internal forces 2

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Analysis results:
Internal forces

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Analysis results:
Reactions

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Analysis results:
Modal analysis results

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Table Analysis results:
Modal analysis results

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Table Analysis results:
Modal analysis results

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Assigning masses to a joint:
Use the menu: Unlock the model for going back in the preprocessing stage
{Select the joint then go to Assign Joint Loads Forces Delete
Existing Forces}

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Assigning masses to a joint:
{Select the joint then go to Assign Joint Masses}

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