Book Review: Hands on Applied Finite Element Analysis.

Applications with ANSYS, Mehmet Ali

Arslan, MMA – Self Published Book, 2015, 539 pp, $84.64

This book is targeted for undergraduate and graduate engineering students and practicing engineers. Its
purpose is to introduce the use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using the commercial FEA software,
Ansys, without the traditional coverage of the theory of FEA. To accomplish this goal the book presents
35 well documented examples solved using the Ansys software. The topics addressed are structural
mechanics, modal analysis, and heat transfer, solved with traditional elements, namely truss, beam, plate,
and solid elements. There is an introduction to the modeling of composite materials using a composite
element. The book emphasizes the use of Batch and Command Input Mode rather than the more current
use of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) in entering model parameters into the software.

The text begins with a brief introduction to the Ansys software and methods of input of model
parameters. Unfortunately, the book is written using version 12 of the software, whereas the current
version of the software at the date of book publishing is 16. This works for the author since if the Batch or
Command Input Mode is used, it is not significantly affected by the version of the software utilized. One
is basically writing the batch commands which are created by the GUI, so the software version used is not
significant. Unfortunately most users of the software would prefer a Graphical User Interface since
almost all current CAD packages utilize this interface which all engineering students are familiar as are
most practicing engineers.

The 35 examples presented are problems where most problems have analytical solutions are available.
The author begins by solving the problem analytically so the desired software simulation results are
known prior to starting the FEA formulation. The initial examples solve a cantilever beam and simply
supported beam with a concentrated load. The problem is completely solved using beams elements
(BEAM 188), plate or shell elements (SHELL 181), and brick or solid elements (SOLID 185). This is
followed by problems using truss elements (LINK 8). More complex problems follow using these
elements. This is followed by a series of two dimensional analysis problems using plane stress, plain
strain, and axisymmetric solutions using the PLANE42 and PLANE 182 elements. Also presented are
hydrostatic pressures problems using fluid elements (FLUID80) and shell elements (SHELL208). Finally
a simply supported composite beam of layered fiberglass with concentrated center load is solved with
SHELL 281 elements.

Dynamic analysis is considered initially by solving a simply supported shaft and a cantilever beam for
natural frequencies of vibration and corresponding mode shapes. These are solved using beam elements
(BEAM 188) and brick elements (SOLID 185). Also introduced are concentrated mass elements
(MASS21) and spring supports (COMBIN 14) elements. Finally rotating 3D problems are analyzed.

Steady state and transient heat transfer effects are introduced using SOLID 70 (later versions of Ansys
define this element as SOLID 278) elements and problems are solved with the results of these thermal
analysis as the loading for structural analysis problems.

A significant issue with the text is the lack of a theoretical development of the elements used and the FEA
method in general. The author addresses this concern by stating that in his teaching experience, these
issues discourage students from studying and mastering the FEA method. In my experience, I feel that
some theoretical development of the FEA method is necessary to create educated users of the software
and it is especially important to understand the basic assumptions and their effect on the performance of
the various elements. Another issue with the book is the lack of considering problems without exact
solutions available so that the importance of approximate by hand solutions are emphasized coupled with
convergence tests on meshes to give users the best chance of obtaining correct solutions in real world
problems which is the main use of FEA software in engineering today.

In conclusion this text is a good reference for the use of the ANSYS software. The text considers a wide
range of problems utilizing a large subset of the capabilities of the Ansys software and presents these
problems in a clear and concise way. Generally the author gives the by hand solution to a problem and
then shows how the software can be used to solve the problem. This is an excellent way to learn any
feature of any software package and it is done very well. The text is especially useful for users who are
comfortable with using a Batch and Command Input Mode for interfacing with the software rather than
the Graphical User Interface. This can be helpful in doing somewhat repetitive problems where input text
code from previous solutions can be modified for use in solving the related problem in a batch mode or if
the user works in an environment where archiving of the actual input text for a problem is required.
Another advantage of this technique is that Ansys does not make available all elements in the current
Graphical User Interface. If a user is comfortable with an older element, this method allows its use since
the core Ansys software has these elements still available.

Daniel Suchora, Youngstown State University