Introduction


The Finite Element Method


ANSYS instruction conventions


Sample problems

    # Problem 1

1. Specify Geometry

2. Specify Element Type and Material Properties

3. Mesh the Object

4. Apply Boundary Conditions and External Loads

5. Generate a Solution

6. Postprocessing

7. Refine the Mesh

8. Interpreting Results

9. Exit the Program

    # Problem 2

2. Specify Element Type and Material Properties



PREPROCESSOR -> Element Type

      ELEMENT TYPE -> Add/Edit/Delete...

            ELEMENT TYPES -> Add

The type of element chosen is important because it determines what type of engineering problem is going to be modeled. In the LIBRARY OF ELEMENT TYPES box there are element types for structural, thermal, electrical, magnetic, and fluids problems. You can consult the ANSYS element types manual which is available via the help menu for more information on which element will best suit your particular problem.

LIBRARY OF ELEMENT TYPES -> Choose structural Solid Quad 4node 42 and type in 1 for Element type reference number. Then click OK. PLANE42 is now defined and being assigned to reference 1. Your Element Types window should look like the figure below.




Alternative commands for executing the above precedure are:

ANSYS INPUT -> /prep7<CR>

ANSYS INPUT -> et,1,42 <CR>


The next step is to specify the material properties of the beam. There are 2 ways of doing this.


Method 1

PREPROCESSOR -> Material Props

      MATERIAL PROPS -> Constant- Isotropic

On the "Isotropic Material Properties" window, put in material number 1. Click OK.

On the "Isotropic material Properties" window, enter values for the "Young's modulus" and "Piosson's ratio<minor>"

Click OK

Note: In the case that there are more than one material used, you can specify the properties and assign them to other material numbers (2, 3, 4, etc.)


Method 2

PREPROCESSOR -> Material Props

      MATERIAL PROPS -> Material Library

            MATERIAL LIBRARY -> Library Path

In the "Path for Reading" box, type: c:\ansys56 Then click OK.

            MATERIAL LIBRARY -> Import Library

Select units... -> choose "BIN", then click OK.

Double-click "MATLIB" in the directories box.

Then type: stl_aisi_304.bin_mpl Then click OK.

Close the ansuitmp window.

GO TO STEP 3