ANSYS Tutorials

	Tutorials
ANSYS Finite Element Analysis
University of Alberta Mechanical Engineering

Contributions by:	Ken Fyfe, Boyd McKay, Amir Muradali, Craig Sorensen, Karl J. Geisler, Thomas Olofsson, Paul Skoczylas, and Roger Toogood

Introduction

ANSYS is a general purpose finite element modeling package for numerically solving a wide variety of mechanical problems. These problems include: static/dynamic structural analysis (both linear and non-linear), heat transfer and fluid problems, as well as acoustic and electro-magnetic problems.

In general, a finite element solution may be broken into the following three stages. This is a general guideline that can be used for setting up any finite element analysis.

Preprocessing: defining the problem; the major steps in preprocessing are given below:
- Define keypoints/lines/areas/volumes
- Define element type and material/geometric properties
- Mesh lines/areas/volumes as required
The amount of detail required will depend on the dimensionality of the analysis (i.e. 1D, 2D, axi-symmetric, 3D).
Solution: assigning loads, constraints and solving; here we specify the loads (point or pressure), contraints (translational and rotational) and finally solve the resulting set of equations.
Postprocessing: further processing and viewing of the results; in this stage one may wish to see:
- Lists of nodal displacements
- Element forces and moments
- Deflection plots
- Stress contour diagrams

Using ANSYS

The following documents will lead you through some examples of using ANSYS. From the list below, note that there are two methods to use ANSYS. the first is by means of the graphical user interface or GUI. This method follows the conventions of popular Windows and X-Windows based programs.

The second is by means of command files. The command file approach has a little steeper learning curve for many, but it has the advantage that an entire analysis can be described in a small text file, typically in less than 50 lines of commands. This approach enables easy model modifications and minimal file space requirements.

Starting up ANSYS
Graphical User Interface Tutorials
- Solid Modeling
- Static Linear Stress Analysis
  - 1D Cantilever Beam
  - 2D Plane Stress Bracket
  - 3D Bicycle Space Frame
  - Corner Bracket (well illustrated)
- Springs and Joints
- Distributed Loading
- Dynamic Analysis: Modal, Harmonic, Transient and Spectral Analysis
- Thermal Analysis Examples
- Design Optimization
Command File Mode Examples
For information and details on the full ANSYS command language, consult
Help -> Table of Contents -> Commands Manual.
Convergence Testing
Saving and Restoring Jobs
ANSYS Files
Printing Text and Graphic Results
Working with Pro/Engineer

Please direct any questions, comments, errors and suggestions to Ken Fyfe.