ANSYS

Introduction:
ANSYS is an engineering package and support routine for general-purpose, finite-
element analysis: statics, mode frequency, stability analysis, heat transfer,
magnetostatics, coupled field analysis, and modeling. ANSYS was developed and
is supported by ANSYS, Inc.

The ANSYS program is a computer program for finite element

analysis and design. You use the program to find out how a given
design works under operating conditions. You can also use the
ANSYS program to calculate the proper design for given operating
conditions.
The ANSYS program is a general-purpose program, meaning that
you can use it for almost any type of finite element analysis in
virtually any industry-automobiles, aerospace, railways,
machinery, electronics, sporting goods, power generation, power
transmission, and biomechanics, to mention just a few.
General-purpose also refers to the fact that the program can be
used in all disciplines of engineering-structural, mechanical,
electrical, electromagnetic, electronic, thermal, fluid, and
biomedical. The ANSYS program is also used as
an educational tool in universities and other academic
institutions.
The ANSYS program is constantly updated with new features,
enhancements of existing features and other corrections.

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.
1. 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).
2. Solution: assigning loads, constraints and solving; here we specify the loads
(point or pressure), constraints (translational and rotational) and finally solve
the resulting set of equations.
 3. 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
What are Composite Materials?
A composite material can be defined as a mixture of two or
more mechanically separable materials that when combined give properties
superior to the properties of the individual components.
Composites have many advantages and if applied effectively, can provide
significant benefits over more common materials and processes such as metal
fabrication.