Course in ANSYS

Introduction

Introduction
• Presentation
– Anders Schmidt Kristensen
– M.Sc. in Mechanical Eng. from Aalborg
University in 1993
– Ph.D. in Mechanical Eng. from Aalborg
University in 1997
– Consultant for PTC Denmark 1997-1998 –
implementation of Pro/ENGINEER
– 1998 to pt. Associate Prof. at Aalborg
University Esbjerg
Introduction 2

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Introduction
• The course is conducted the following
way:
– 20-40 minutes lecture followed by 40-60
minutes exercise (including a break)
– Questions are allowed at any time

Introduction 3

Introduction
Outline for Course in ANSYS:
Day 1
Lesson 1. Introduction to ANSYS
Lesson 2. Basics
Lesson 3. Solution phases
Day 2
Lesson 4. Modeling
Day 3
Lesson 5. Material
Lesson 6. Loading
Lesson 7. Solution
Day 4
Lesson 8. Structural analysis
Lesson 9. Postprocessing
Lesson 10. Constraint equations
Lesson 11. Parameters
Lesson 12. Macros
Day 5
Lesson 13. Vibration/dynamic analysis
Lesson 14. Thermal

Introduction 4

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References
• [ANSYS] ANSYS 7.1 Documentation (installed with ANSYS):
– Basic Analysis Procedures
– Advanced Analysis Techniques
– Modeling and Meshing Guide
– Structural Analysis Guide
– Thermal Analysis Guide
– APDL Programmer’s Guide
– ANSYS Tutorials
• [Cook] Cook, R. D.; Concepts and applications of finite element
analysis, John Wiley & Sons
• [Burnett] Burnett, D. S.; Finite element analysis: From concepts to
application, Addison-Wesley
• [Kildegaard] Kildegaard, A.; Elasticitetsteori, Aalborg Universitet

Introduction 5

Introduction to Finite Element Analysis

• What is Finite Element Analysis?

• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• How to avoid pitfalls

Introduction 6

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What is Finite Element Analysis?
• The FEM is a computer-aided
mathematical technique for obtaining
approximate numerical solutions to the
abstract equations of calculus that predict
the response of physical systems
subjected to external influences – [Burnett]

Introduction 7

What is Finite Element Analysis?

Each point have an
infinite number of
deformation state
variables, i.e. degre-
es of freedom (dof)

Transformation

Each point have a

finite number of
deformation state
variables (u,v), i.e.
Real model degrees of freedom Analysis model
Continuum Discrete
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What is Finite Element Analysis?
• Divide a continuum with
infinitely degrees of
freedom in to finite
elements with a given
number of degrees of
freedom
• An element is geometrical
defined by a number of
nodes in which the
elements are connected.
The directions a node can
move in is termed
degrees of freedom (dof)
Introduction 9

What is Finite Element Analysis?

• Most FE systems are displacement based,
i.e. an approximate displacement field is
established
• Using a deformation based method yield
one unique kinematic determined system
to be determined

Introduction 10

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What is Finite Element Analysis?
• It is assumed that displacements within an
element can be interpolated from known
nodal values

ui=? u2 u ≈ N1 u1 + N2 u2 ui u2

u1 u1

x1 xi x2 N1 = (1 – x/L) x1 xi x2
N2 = x/L
Linear case
Introduction 11

What is Finite Element Analysis?

• The unknown displacements (can be any field
variable, e.g. temperature) {D} = {u1, v1, u2, v2
T
…} in the element nodes (nodal values) are
determined from v3
Unknown displacement vector
u3
[K]{D} = {R}
Stiffness matrix Load vector ndof = 6 v2
y v1
Displacement field variables: u2
In 2D: (u,v) u1
In 3D: (u,v,w) x
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What is Finite Element Analysis?
The element stiffness matrix for a beam element with 2 nodes and
2 dof at each node [Cook]:

ndof = 4

Found by the Direct Method Unknown displacement vector

ndof x 1

-1
[K]{D} = {R} → {D} = [K] {R}
Known stiffness matrix Known load vector
ndof x ndof ndof x 1
Introduction 13

What is Finite Element Analysis?

• Following conditions
must always be satisfied
– Equilibrium conditions
– Compatibility conditions
– Constitutive conditions
– Boundary conditions

Introduction 14

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Advantages
• Irregular Boundaries
• General Loads
• Different Materials
• Boundary Conditions
• Variable Element Size
• Easy Modification
• Dynamics
• Nonlinear Problems (Geometric and/or Material)

Introduction 15

Disadvantages
NB: Always document assumptions!
• An approximate solution
• An element dependent solution
– Shape quality of elements affect the solution,
e.g. poorly shaped elements (irregular
shapes) reduce accuracy of the FE solution
– Element density affect the solution, i.e. the
element size should be adjusted to capture
gradients
• Example: plate with a circular hole
• Errors in input data
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Disadvantages

[Cook]

Introduction 17

Disadvantages

[Cook]
Introduction 18

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How to avoid pitfalls
• Carry out:
– Hand calculations (Navier, Airy,
Timoshenko…)
– Norm based calculations (Euro-Code, EN,
API…)
– Experiments (strain-gauge, accelerometer…)
– Evaluate the kinematic behaviour
(deformations)

Introduction 19

Examples - content
• Example0100’s: Link and/or beam models
• Example0200’s: Plane 2D models
• Example0300’s: Solid 3D models
• Example0400’s: Vibration/dynamic models
• Example0600’s: Thermal models

Introduction 20

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