Finite Element Analysis MCEN 4173/5173 / Fall 2006

LABORATORY 1 2D TRUSS
The tutorials used in the reference book are based on an older version of ANSYS.
We will be using a more recent version but the basic behavior is the same. The step
numbers listed below coincide with the step numbers given in the reference, providing
additional information and hints as you progress with the analysis
1-4 Tutorial 1A Shelf Truss:
Step 1: When creating the input data file in notepad, it is not necessary to include the
comments. Also, there is a conceptual error in the code for listed. Though this does not
affect the results, it is advised to make the following change.
Delete the following line and save the code:
f, 1, fy, -300.
The problem with this line of code is that it specifies a load at node 1 where a vertical
displacement has already been specified. Theoretically, one cannot simultaneously
specify both a load and a displacement in the same direction at the same node.
Step 2: Start ANSYS by: Start


Programs


ANSYS
exist, use Start


Programs


ANSYS 9.0


Configure
working directory in D:\ or any directory you have write
(Note: ANSYS uses a lot of disk access while processing
flash drives should not be used for working directories.)

9.0


ANSYS. If this doesnt
ANSYS Classic. Setup your
access to and pick a jobname.
large simulations, and so slow

Step 3: Before reading the input file, click Preferences and check the Structural box to
limit the commands available to those for structural problems. One important point to be
noted here is that nodes are created directly in this tutorial and hence the need to mesh the
structure does not arise. But generally, the geometry is created using
keypoints/lines/areas/volumes and later meshed separately giving nodes. A keypoint is a
primitive entity from which simple geometry can be created. These models will later have
to be meshed for further analysis. But creating nodes directly obviates this need.
Step 4: The Pan-Zoom-Rotate panel provides for translation and rotation of the view.
At any point of time, use Fit to fit the entire geometry in the view window.
Step 9: The dotted geometry denotes the initial position of the model and the colored
portion represents the deformed geometry.
1-5 Tutorial 1B - Modified Truss
Step 1: As mention in the Tutorial 1A, there is a conceptual error in the code for listed. It
is advised to make the following change.
Delete the following line and save the code:
f, 1, fy, -300.

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Finite Element Analysis MCEN 4173/5173 / Fall 2006

1-6 Tutorial 1C Interactive Preprocessing

Step 2: The h-method and the p-method are two different approaches to the formulation
of FEA problems. The h-method uses more elements of a smaller size to capture
gradients whereas the p-method uses higher polynomial order elements. This will be dealt
with in detail in future exercises.
Step 4 & Step 5: We define two real constant sets and two different material models
because the links of the modified truss is made up of different materials and crosssectional areas.
Step 6: In this step, the nodes are created directly. One had to be careful in this step. If
the node numbers are not specified, ANSYS automatically assigns numbers as and when
these nodes are created. A better method, for simple geometries, is to provide the node
numbers. Once the numbers are given in the boxes, click on Apply and then enter the
new values in the same boxes for the next node. If you click on Apply and then OK
sometimes two nodes with the same coordinates are created at the same position. So use
Apply and when the coordinates for the last node have been entered, click on OK instead
of Apply.
Step 13: Pick only node 2 and not node 1 for the same reason as listed in Step 1 of 1-4
Tutorial 1A
After Step 17, follow the same steps: Step 8 to Step 12 as listed in the reference book 14 Tutorial 1A.

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