Outline

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

References
[ANSYS] ANSYS 5.7 Documentation (installed with ANSYS): Basic Analysis Procedures Advanced Analysis Techniques Modeling and Meshing Guide Structural Analysis Guide Thermal Analysis 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

Introduction to Finite Element Analysis What is Finite Element Analysis? Advantages Disadvantages How to avoid pitfalls

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]

What is Finite Element Analysis?

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)

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

It is assumed that displacements within an element can be interpolated from known nodal values

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

What is Finite Element Analysis?

The element stiffness matrix for a beam element with 2 nodes and 2 dof at each node [Cook]:

What is Finite Element Analysis?

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

F ma M I M I M I
x x x x y y z z
Undeformed

x y

F ma F I I
y y y z y z

maz

I z I x z x I z I y x y
Deformed Compatible Uncompatible

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

Disadvantages
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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