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Finite Element Analysis in Ansys PDF
Finite Element Analysis in Ansys PDF
ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
LINK8 - This element can be used to model trusses, sagging cables, links, springs, etc. The 3-D spar
element is a uniaxial tension-compression element with three degrees of freedom at each node:
translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions. As in a pin-jointed structure, no bending of the element is
considered. Plasticity, creep, swelling, stress stiffening, and large deflection capabilities are included.
The spar element assumes a straight bar, axially loaded at its ends and of uniform properties from
end to end.
The length of the spar must be greater than zero, so nodes I and J must not be coincident.
The area must be greater than zero.
In 2d the spar must lie in an X-Y plane and must have an area greater than zero.
The temperature is assumed to vary linearly along the length of the spar.
The displacement shape function implies a uniform stress in the spar.
The initial strain is also used in calculating the stress stiffness matrix, if any, for the first cumulative
iteration.
SUGGESTED EXERCISE STEPS
Specify material properties for the bar (MP command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models
Specify the number of divisions on the line (LESIZE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Lines > Picked Lines
Create the mesh (LMESH command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > lines
Apply force boundary conditions (F command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Force/Moment > On Nodes
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > Current LS
Review element stress values (ETABLE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > General Postproc > Element Table > Define Table
PROBLEMS
ANALYSIS OF BEAMS
Beams are said to be designed on the basis of strength so that they can resist the internal
shear and moment developed along their length. In most cases, the loads are perpendicular to the
axis of the beam. Such a transverse loading causes only bending and shear in the beam. When
the loads are not at a right angle to the beam, they also produce axial forces in the beam.
BEAM188 is a uniaxial element with tension, compression, and bending capabilities. The element
has three degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the nodal x and y directions and
rotation about the nodal z-axis.
Nodes-I, J
Degrees of Freedom-UX, UY, ROTZ
Real Constants
AREA - Cross-sectional area
IZZ - Area moment of inertia
HEIGHT - Total beam height
SHEARZ - Shear deflection constant
ISTRN - Initial strain
ADDMAS - Added mass per unit length
Material Properties
EX, ALPX (or CTEX or THSX), DENS, GXY, DAMP
PLANE STRESS
In a structural problem, if one of the dimensions is much
smaller than the inplane dimensions, and if the structure is
subjected to only in-plane loads along the boundary, then the
plane stress idealization is valid. It reduces the computational
cost significantly without a loss of accuracy in the quantities of
interest.
PLANE STRAIN
In a structural problem, if one of the dimensions is significantly
longer than the other dimensions defining a uniform cross-
sectional area, and if the structure is subjected to only uniform
lateral loads, then plane strain idealization is valid. Similar to
plane stress idealization, because the number of nodes and
elements in the model is reduced drastically, utilization of plane
strain idealization leads to significant savings in computational
cost without loss of accuracy in the quantities of interest.
AXISYMMETRIC
In a solid of revolution, location of a point in the body can
conveniently be identified by cylindrical coordinates, r, 0
and z, with z being the axis of rotation. When a solid of
revolution is subjected to loading that can also be
obtained by revolution about the z-axis, then the results
become independent of 0, This is called an Axisymmetric
Condition.
PLANE STRESS
A plate loaded in its midplane is said to be in a state of plane stress, or a membrane state, if
the following assumptions hold:
1. All loads applied to the plate act in the midplane direction, and are symmetric with respect to the
midplane.
2. All support conditions are symmetric about the midplane.
3. In-plane displacements, strains and stresses can be taken to be uniform through the thickness.
4. The normal and shear stress components in the z direction are zero or negligible.
Plane Strain
The 2D simplification option models the problem using a plane strain
assumption. The displacement in one of the directions is negligible
compared to the other two. The plane strain condition is valid when:
The figure shows a thick solid under uniform loads. The dimension
in Y is much larger than the X and Z dimensions. To model the
problem, you create a section plane parallel to the XZ plane, specify
the thickness, and apply the loads and fixtures to the edges.
AXISYMMETRIC
Introduction
This tutorial was created using ANSYS 13.0 The purpose of this tutorial is to outline the steps
required to do a simple nonlinear analysis of the beam shown below.
There are several causes for nonlinear behaviour such as Changing Status (ex. contact
elements), Material Nonlinearities and Geometric Nonlinearities (change in response due to
large deformations). This tutorial will deal specifically with Geometric Nonlinearities .
To solve this problem, the load will added incrementally. After each increment, the
stiffness matrix will be adjusted before increasing the load.
The solution will be compared to the equivalent solution using a linear response.
Specify material properties for the bar (MP command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models
Define Mesh Size:
Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Lines > All Lines
Create the mesh (LMESH command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > lines
Apply Constraints
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Displacement > On Keypoints
Apply Load
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Force/Moment > On Keypoints
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > Current LS
Buckling loads are critical loads where certain types of structures become unstable. Each load
has an associated buckled mode shape; this is the shape that the structure assumes in a buckled
condition. There are two primary means to perform a buckling analysis:
1. Eigenvalue
Eigenvalue buckling analysis predicts the theoretical buckling strength of an ideal elastic
structure. It computes the structural eigenvalues for the given system loading and
constraints. This is known as classical Euler buckling analysis. Buckling loads for several
configurations are readily available from tabulated solutions. However, in real-life,
structural imperfections and nonlinearities prevent most real- world structures from
reaching their eigenvalue predicted buckling strength; ie. it over-predicts the expected
buckling loads. This method is not recommended for accurate, real-world buckling
prediction analysis.
2. Nonlinear
Nonlinear buckling analysis is more accurate than eigenvalue analysis because it employs
non-linear, large-deflection, static analysis to predict buckling loads. Its mode of operation
is very simple: it gradually increases the applied load until a load level is found whereby
the structure becomes unstable (ie. suddenly a very small increase in the load will cause
very large deflections). The true non-linear nature of this analysis thus permits the
modeling of geometric imperfections, load perterbations, material nonlinearities and
gaps. For this type of analysis, note that small off-axis loads are necessary to initiate the
desired buckling mode.
This tutorial will use a steel beam with a 10 mm X 10 mm cross section, rigidly constrained at the
bottom. The required load to cause buckling, applied at the top-center of the beam, will be
calculated.
Specify material properties for the bar (MP command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models
Create the mesh (LMESH command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > lines
Apply Constraints
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Displacement > On Keypoints
Apply Load
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Force/Moment > On Keypoints
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > Current LS
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > Current LS
Specify material properties for the bar (MP command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models
Create the mesh (LMESH command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > lines
Apply Constraints
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Displacement > On Keypoints
Apply Load
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Force/Moment > On Keypoints
(Give some offset load in the desired buckling direction)
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > Current LS
For this analysis, a simple tension speciment 100 mm X 5 mm X 5 mm is constrained at the bottom
and has a load pulling on the top. This specimen is made out of a experimental substance called
"WhoKilledKenium". The stress-strain curve for the substance is shown above. Note the linear
section up to approximately 225 MPa where the Young's Modulus is constant (75 GPa). The
material then begins to yield and the relationship becomes plastic and nonlinear.
Specify material properties for the bar (MP command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models> Structural > Nonlinear> Elastic>
Multilinear Elastic
Curve Points Strain Stress
1 0 0
2 0.001 75
3 0.002 150
4 0.003 225
5 0.004 240
6 0.005 250
7 0.025 300
8 0.060 355
9 0.100 390
10 0.150 420
11 0.200 435
12 0.250 449
13 0.275 450
Create the mesh (LMESH command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > lines
Apply Constraints
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Displacement > On Keypoints
Apply Load
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Force/Moment > On Keypoints
(Give some offset load in the desired buckling direction)
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > Current LS
Viewing option
Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Style> Size and Shape – Display of Element ON
Specify material properties for the bar (MP command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models
Specify the number of divisions on the line (LESIZE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Lines > Picked Lines
Create the mesh (LMESH command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > lines
Apply displacement constraints (D command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Displacement > On Nodes
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > Current LS
Introduction
This tutorial was created using ANSYS 13.0 The purpose of this tutorial is to explain the
steps required to perform Harmonic analysis the cantilever beam shown below.
We will now conduct a harmonic forced response test by applying a cyclic load (harmonic) at the
end of the beam. The frequency of the load will be varied from 1 - 100 Hz. The figure below
depicts the beam with the application of the load.
ANSYS provides 3 methods for conducting a harmonic analysis. These 3 methods are the Full,
Reduced and Modal Superposition methods. This example demonstrates the Full method
because it is simple and easy to use as compared to the other two methods. However, this
method makes use of the full stiffness and mass matrices and thus is the slower and costlier
option.
Specify material properties for the bar (MP command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models
Specify the number of divisions on the line (LESIZE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Lines > Picked Lines
Create the mesh (LMESH command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > lines
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > Current LS
This tutorial was created using ANSYS 13.0 The purpose of this tutorial is to show the steps
involved to perform a simple transient analysis.
Transient dynamic analysis is a technique used to determine the dynamic response of a structure
under a time-varying load.
The time frame for this type of analysis is such that inertia or damping effects of the structure are
considered to be important. Cases where such effects play a major role are under step or impulse
loading conditions, for example, where there is a sharp load change in a fraction of time.
If inertia effects are negligible for the loading conditions being considered, a static analysis may be
used instead.
For our case, we will impact the end of the beam with an impulse force and view the response at
the location of impact.
Since an ideal impulse force excites all modes of a structure, the response of the beam should
contain all mode frequencies. However, we cannot produce an ideal impulse force numerically.
We have to apply a load over a discrete amount of time dt.
After the application of the load, we track the response of the beam at discrete time points for as
long as we like (depending on what it is that we are looking for in the response).
The size of the time step is governed by the maximum mode frequency of the structure we wish to
capture. The smaller the time step, the higher the mode frequency we will capture. The rule of
thumb in ANSYS is
time_step = 1 / 20f
where f is the highest mode frequency we wish to capture. In other words, we must resolve our
step size such that we will have 20 discrete points per period of the highest mode frequency.
It should be noted that a transient analysis is more involved than a static or harmonic analysis. It
requires a good understanding of the dynamic behavior of a structure. Therefore, a modal
analysis of the structure should be initially performed to provide information about the
structure's dynamic behavior.
2. The Reduced Method: This method reduces the system matrices to only consider the
Master Degrees of Freedom (MDOFs). Because of the reduced size of the matrices, the
calculations are much quicker. However, this method handles only linear problems (such
as our cantilever case).
3. The Mode Superposition Method: This method requires a preliminary modal analysis, as
factored mode shapes are summed to calculate the structure's response. It is the quickest
of the three methods, but it requires a good deal of understanding of the problem at
hand.
We will use the Reduced Method for conducting our transient analysis. Usually one need not go
further than reviewing the Reduced Results. However, if stresses and forces are of interest than,
we would have to Expand the Reduced Solution.
Specify material properties for the bar (MP command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models
Specify the number of divisions on the line (LESIZE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Lines > Picked Lines
Create the mesh (LMESH command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > lines
Apply Loads:
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > From LS Files
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > From LS Files
Review the results using either General Postprocessing or TimeHist Postprocessing. For this case,
we can view the deformed shape at each of the 10 solutions we expanded.
Obtain the solution (SOLVE command) using the following menu path:
Main Menu > Solution > Solve > From LS Files
Introduction
The Simple Conduction Example is constrained as shown in the following figure. Thermal
conductivity (k) of the material is 10 W/m*C and the block is assumed to be infinitely long.
Create geometry
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Areas > Rectangle > By 2 Corners > X=0, Y=0, Width=1,
Height=1
Mesh Size
Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Areas > All Areas > 0.05
AESIZE,ALL,0.05
Mesh
Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > Areas > Free > Pick All
AMESH,ALL
Define Analysis Type
Solution > Analysis Type > New Analysis > Steady-State
ANTYPE,0
Apply Constraints
Solution > Define Loads > Apply
Thermal > Temperature > On Nodes
Results Using
ANSYS
Plot Temperature
General Postproc > Plot Results > Contour Plot > Nodal Solu ... > DOF solution,
Temperature
Thermal - Mixed Boundary Example
(Conduction/Convection/Insulated)
Introduction
Analysis of a simple conduction as well a mixed conduction/convection/insulation problem will be
demonstrated. The Mixed Convection/Conduction/Insulated Boundary Conditions Example is
constrained as shown in the following figure (Note that the section is assumed to be infinitely
long).
Create geometry
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Areas > Rectangle > By 2 Corners > X=0, Y=0,
Width=1, Height=1
BLC4,0,0,1,1
Mesh Size
Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Areas > All Areas > 0.05
AESIZE,ALL,0.05
Mesh
Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > Areas > Free > Pick All
AMESH,ALL
Introduction
This tutorial was completed using ANSYS 13.0 The purpose of this tutorial is to outline a simple
coupled thermal/structural analysis. A steel link, with no internal stresses, is pinned between
two solid structures at a reference temperature of 0 C (273 K). One of the solid structures is
heated to a temperature of 75 C (348 K). As heat is transferred from the solid structure into the
link, the link will attemp to expand. However, since it is pinned this cannot occur and as such,
stress is created in the link. A steady-state solution of the resulting stress will be found to
simplify the analysis.
Loads will not be applied to the link, only a temperature change of 75 degrees Celsius. The link
is steel with a modulus of elasticity of 200 GPa, a thermal conductivity of 60.5 W/m*K and a
thermal expansion coefficient of 12e-6 /K.
Define Keypoints
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Keypoints > In Active CS...
K,#,x,y,z
Create Lines
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Lines > Lines > In Active Coord
L,1,2
Define the Type of Element
Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete...
Write Environment
Preprocessor > Physics > Environment > Write
Clear Environment
Preprocessor > Physics > Environment > Clear > OK
Write Environment
Preprocessor > Physics > Environment > Write
Apply Constraints
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Thermal > Temperature > On Keypoints
Apply Constraints
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Displacement > On Keypoints
Postprocessing
Design Optimization
Introduction
This tutorial was completed using ANSYS 13.0 The purpose of this tutorial is to introduce a
method of solving design optimization problems using ANSYS. This will involve creating the
geometry utilizing parameters for all the variables, deciding which variables to use as design,
state and objective variables and setting the correct tolerances for the problem to obtain an
accurately converged solution in a minimal amount of time. The use of hardpoints to apply
forces/constraints in the middle of lines will also be covered in this tutorial.
A beam has a force of 1000N applied as shown below. The purpose of this optimization
problem is to minimize the weight of the beam without exceeding the allowable stress. It is
necessary to find the cross sectional dimensions of the beam in order to minimize the weight of
the beam. However, the width and height of the beam cannot be smaller than 10mm. The
maximum stress anywhere in the beam cannot exceed 200 MPa. The beam is to be made of
steel with a modulus of elasticity of 200 GPa.
SUGGESTED EXERCISE STEPS
Give example a Title
Utility Menu > File > Change Title ...
/title, Design Optimization
Define Keypoints
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Keypoints > In Active CS...
K,#,x,y
Create Lines
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Lines > Lines > In Active Coord
L,1,2
Apply Constraints
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Displacement > On Keypoints
Apply Loads
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Force/Moment > On Keypoints
Define the maximum stress at the i node of each element in the beam
General Postproc > Element Table > Define Table... > Add...
General Postproc > List Results > Sorted Listing > Sort Elems
Define maximum stress at the j node of each element for the beam
General Postproc > Element Table > Define Table... > Add...
General Postproc > List Results > Sorted Listing > Sort Elems
Design Optimization
Write the command file
Utility Menu > File > Write DB Log File...
Several small changes need to be made to this file prior to commencing the optimization. If
you created the geometry etc. using command line code, most of these changes will
already be made. However, if you used GUI to create this file there are several occasions
where you used the graphical picking device. Therefore, the actual items that were chosen
need to be entered. The code 'P51X' symbolizes the graphical selection. To modify the file
simply open it using notepad and make the required changes. Save and close the file once
you have made all of the required changes. The following is a list of the changes which need
to be made to this file (which was created using the GUI method)
Line 42 - FK,P51X,FY,-2000
Change to: FK,3,FY,-2000
This specifies the force applied on the beam
ANSYS needs to know which variables are critical to the optimization. To define variables,
we need to know which variables have an effect on the variable to be minimized. In this
example our objective is to minimize the volume of a beam which is directly related to
the weight of the beam. ANSYS categorizes three types of variables for design
optimization:
Design Variables (DVs)
Independent variables that directly effect the design objective. In this example, the
width and height of the beam are the DVs. Changing either variable has a direct effect on
the solution of the problem.