Finite Element Analysis Lab

BHARATI VIDYAPEETH’S COLLEGE

OF ENGINEERING, KOLHAPUR

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Finite Element Analysis Lab Manual

Final Year Engineering

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Term Work:

1. One assignment on past, present and future of FEA.

2. One assignment on Meshing – types of elements, choice of element, type of meshing –

automatic, mapped, meshing in critical areas.

3. Finite Element Analysis of Stepped bar (Two or Three Steps only)

using a) Finite Element Approach (Theory)
b) Finite Element Software (ANSYS / ABACUS / NISA / NASTRAN etc.)
c) Computer Program using C or C++
Compare the results by above three methods in tabular form.

4. Use of any ONE Standard software packages like ANSYS, NISA, NASTRAN,
HYPERWORKS for solving following types of problems with snap shots of
software ( Any FIVE)
• Static Analysis of Truss
• Static Analysis of Beam
• Static Analysis of Plate with a circular hole
• Static Analysis of Wall Bracket
• Buckling Analysis of Column
• Analysis of 1D or 2D Fin

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SL. Page No.

NO Title

1. Performing a Typical ANSYS Analysis

2. General Steps

3. Past, Present and Future of FEA

4. Discretization of the problem

5. Static Analysis of Stepped Bar

5. Static Analysis of Truss

6. Static Analysis of Beam

7. Static Analysis of Plate with a circular hole

8. Static Analysis of Book Shelf Bracket

9. Analysis of 1D or 2D Fin

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Getting Started with ANSYS

Performing a Typical ANSYS Analysis

The ANSYS program has many finite element analysis capabilities, ranging from a
simple, linear, static analysis to a complex, nonlinear, transient dynamic analysis. The
analysis guide manuals in the ANSYS documentation set describe specific procedures for
performing analyses for different engineering disciplines.

A typical ANSYS analysis has three distinct

steps:

Build the model.

Apply loads and obtain the
solution. Review the results.

Building a Model

Building a finite element model requires more of an ANSYS user's time than any other
part of the analysis. First, you specify a jobname and analysis title. Then, you use the PREP7
preprocessor to define the element types, element real constants, material properties, and the
model geometry.

Specifying a Jobname and Analysis Title

This task is not required for an analysis, but is recommended.

Defining the Jobname

The jobname is a name that identifies the ANSYS job. When you define a jobname for an
analysis, the jobname becomes the first part of the name of all files the analysis creates. (The
extension or suffix for these files' names is a file identifier such as .DB.) By using a jobname
for each analysis, you insure that no files are overwritten.

If you do not specify a jobname, all files receive the name FILE or file, depending on the
operating system.

Command(s):/FILENAME
GUI: Utility Menu>File>Change Jobname

Defining Element Types

The ANSYS element library contains more than 100 different element types. Each element
type has a unique number and a prefix that identifies the element category: BEAM4,
PLANE77, SOLID96, etc. The following element categories are available:

The element type determines, among other things:

The degree-of-freedom set (which in turn implies the discipline-structural,

thermal, magnetic, electric, quadrilateral, brick, etc.)
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Whether the element lies in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space.

For example, BEAM4, has six structural degrees of freedom (UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY,
ROTZ), is a line element, and can be modeled in 3-D space. PLANE77 has a thermal degree
of freedom (TEMP), is an eight-node quadrilateral element, and can be modeled only in 2-D
space.

Defining Element Real Constants

Element real constants are properties that depend on the element type, such as cross-sectional
properties of a beam element. For example, real constants for BEAM3, the 2-D beam
element, are area (AREA), moment of inertia (IZZ), height (HEIGHT), shear deflection
constant (SHEARZ), initial strain (ISTRN), and added mass per unit length (ADDMAS). Not
all element types require real constants, and different elements of the same type may have
different real constant values.

As with element types, each set of real constants has a reference number, and the table of
reference number versus real constant set is called the real constant table. While defining the
elements, you point to the appropriate real constant reference number using the REAL
command (Main Menu> Preprocessor>Create>Elements>Elem Attributes).

Defining Material Properties

Most element types require material properties. Depending on the application, material
properties may be:

Linear or nonlinear
Isotropic, orthotropic, or anisotropic
Constant temperature or temperature-dependent.
As with element types and real constants, each set of material properties has a material
reference number. The table of material reference numbers versus material property sets is
called the material table. Within one analysis, you may have multiple material property sets
(to correspond with multiple materials used in the model). ANSYS identifies each set with a
unique reference number.

Main Menu> Preprocessor> Material Props> Material Models.

Creating the Model Geometry

Once you have defined material properties, the next step in an analysis is generating a finite
element model-nodes and elements-that adequately describes the model geometry.

There are two methods to create the finite element model: solid modeling and direct
generation. With solid modeling, you describe the geometric shape of your model, then
instruct the ANSYS program to automatically mesh the geometry with nodes and elements.
You can control the size and shape of the elements that the program creates. With direct
generation, you "manually" define the location of each node and the connectivity of each
element. Several convenience operations, such as copying patterns of existing nodes and
elements, symmetry reflection, etc. are available.

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Apply Loads and Obtain the Solution

In this step, you use the SOLUTION processor to define the analysis type and analysis
options, apply loads, specify load step options, and initiate the finite element solution. You
also can apply loads using the PREP7 preprocessor.

Applying Loads
The word loads as used in this manual includes boundary conditions (constraints, supports, or
boundary field specifications) as well as other externally and internally applied loads.
Loads in the ANSYS program are divided into six categories:
DOF Constraints
Forces
Surface
Loads
Body
Loads
Inertia
Loads
Coupled-field Loads

You can apply most of these loads either on the solid model (keypoints, lines, and areas) or the
finite element model (nodes and elements).
Two important load-related terms you need to know are load step and substep. A load step is
simply a configuration of loads for which you obtain a solution. In a structural analysis, for
example, you may apply wind loads in one load step and gravity in a second load step.
Load steps are also useful in dividing a transient load history curve into several segments.
Substeps are incremental steps taken within a load step. You use them mainly for accuracy and
convergence purposes in transient and nonlinear analyses. Substeps are also known as time
steps- steps taken over a period of time.

Initiating the Solution

To initiate solution calculations, use either of the following:

Command(s): SOLVE

GUI: Main Menu>Solution>Current LS

When you issue this command, the ANSYS program takes model and loading information
from the database and calculates the results. Results are written to the results file
(Jobname.RST, Jobname.RTH, Jobname.RMG, or Jobname.RFL) and also to the database.
The only difference is that only one set of results can reside in the database at one time,
while you can write all sets of results (for all substeps) to the results file.

Review the Results

Once the solution has been calculated, you can use the ANSYS postprocessors to review the
result.

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General Steps
Step 1: Ansys Utility Menu

File – clear and start new – do not read file – ok

File – change job name – enter new job name – xxxx – ok
File – change title – enter new title – yyy – ok

Step 2: Ansys Main Menu – Preferences select – STRUCTURAL - ok

Step 3: Preprocessor
Element type – select type of element from the table and the required
options Real constants – give the details such as thickness, areas, moment
of inertia, etc. required depending on the nature of the problem.
Material Properties – give the details such as Young‟s modulus, Poisson‟s
ratio etc. depending on the nature of the problem.

Step 4: Modeling – create the required geometry such as nodes elements, area, volume
by using the appropriate options.

Step 5: Generate – Elements/ nodes using Mesh Tool if necessary (in 2D and 3D
problems)

Step 6: Apply boundary conditions/loads such as DOF constraints,

Force/Momentum, Pressure etc.

Step 7: Solution – Solve the problem

Step 8: General Post Processor – plot / list the required results.

Step 9: Plot ctrls – animate – deformed shape – def+undeformed-ok

Step 10: to save the solution

ansys tool bar- save,,,,model

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Past, Present and Future of FEA

Past of Finite Element Analysis-

To trace the development of ideas which the method of analysis in which the field equations
of mathematical physics are approximated over a simple region & then assembled together so that
equilibrium or continuity is satisfied at the interconnecting nodal points at the domains. The technique
thus realized is now referred to as Finite Element Analysis (FEA). It is natural to assume that if the
size of the approximating domains becomes infinitely small, the solutions so obtained tending to this
limit by successive mesh refinement coverage forward the analytical solution. It is noted that the
subdivision should in addition reproduce the constant function space.

Since the representation of this state must be independent of mesh size. There are five groups
of papers which may be considered in development of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Present of Finite Element Analysis-

The advance in computer graphics & computational power of processors which have
promoted a method of analysis, applicable to almost all fields of engineering. The advantages the
computer have been & judiciously used in the design of algorithms based on the principle of finite
difference finite element, boundary element etc, intended for the analysis of engineering components.

The concept of FE method which was has been generalized with the availability of
commercial software is also reviewed with a special emphasis on the future trends. The modeling &
visualization techniques have also been discussed with an inner perspective on the future of visual
display of multidimensional complex information.

Future scope of Finite Element Analysis-

A future research for development of new technique in composite construction such as sum,
slabs with semi continuous connection of column, new steel sheets of systems to minimize the time
errection and assembly is desirable. The idealization assumption of beam to column connection as
hinged or fully rigid due to lack of more realistic guidance in view of modeling advocate for further
research on non linear response of joints.

Preparation of specimen for testing may be thought of to avoid costly experimentation

generally carried out on full size models to know the exact behavior of steel concrete composite
material. Research in field of fire resistance of composite structures is desirable to maximize their

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potential use to clearly understand how steel & concrete progressively loose strength. The earthquake
response of steel & composite building structures is a subject of much interest; therefore there is
scope in research on the use of composite structure in seismic area.

Sr. Software Feature Developer

No.

1 Aqros Multiplatform open source application for the University of west

solution of physical problem based on the herms bohemia
library.

2 Abacus Advanced franco – USA software from Abacus Inc

SIMULA owned by Dassault system

3 Advance design BIM software for FEM structures analysis GRAITEC

including international design euro codes

4 Autodesk Finite element software of Autodesk Autodesk

stimulation

5 Altair A full CAE programme suite Altair Engineering

6 Ansys US based & developed full CAE software Ansys Inc

package

7 COMSOL COMSOL multiphysics finite element analysis COMSOL Inc

multiphysics software formerly FEM Lab

8 NASTRAN Originally developed for ‘NASA’. Now MSC NASTRAN

available commercially from several software
companies

9 COSMOS works Part of solid works Dassaultt systems solid

works corporation

10 RFEM 3D FEA software Dlubal software

11 DUNE Distributed & unified numerics environment Christoph Gruninger

written c++

12 OOFEM Object oriented finite element solve Borek Patzak

Discretization of the problem

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All structures in the real world are three dimensional however approximation are made to
facilitate simple stern analysis of a part by assuming plane stress or plane strain conditions.
Bodies which are long & whose geometry & loading don’t vary significantly in the
longitudinal direction can be modeled by using a plane strain representation for example, Analysis of
dams & spline shaft. Similarly, body is that have negligible direction in one direction can be assumed
to be in a plane stream condition e.g washer. Where a geometrical approximation is not possible then
full 3D model of the structure will need to be develop although it might still be possible to limit the
size of the model by taking advantage of any symmetry that the problem exhibit.
1. Simplification through symmetry-
a) Axial symmetry-
Since axial symmetry is encountered so frequently axis symmetry elements are included in
finite element packages. They take account of the constant variable distribution in the circumferential
direction.
b) Planar symmetry-
Consider a flat plate with a hole in it loaded uniformly as shown in fig. it is only necessary to
consider one quarter of the problem provide that correct constraints conditions are applied to model
c) Cyclic Symmetry-
Cyclic symmetry is present in spline fitting & propellers the problems are similar to those
structures model assuming plane strain system for repetitive symmetry problem the common
boundries of the repeated segment are constraints in a perpendicular direction.
2) Basic element shapes-

Shape Type Geometry

Point Mass

Line Spring, beam, spar, gap

Area 2D solid axis symmetry

Curved area Shell

Shell elements are of the special category because they do not refall for either area or volume
type. They are essentially 2D in nature but are developed so that can be used to model curve surfaces.
3) Choice of element type-
While selecting element type first step is to analyses the given problem for unknown variables
& boundary conditions (constraints) & secondly chosen dimensionally of model.
4) Size & no. of element are clearly inversely related. As no. of elements increases size of each
element decreases & consequently of the model increases.

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For example, a thermal analysis of cooling fins where an exact solution shows that temp. varies in
quadratic manner. If simple 1D elements are used that assume a liner variation in temp. then finite
element method can be seen to reduce a procedure of approximating the curve distribution shell with
another of straight line. Fig. shows how the accuracy of analysis increases with increase element
number. As no. of elements approaches with exact solution as shown in graph.
5) Element shape & distortion-
 Finite element method works by approximating the distortion of unknown variable
in precise manner across the body to be analyze.
 However these distributions are only reliably produced if the shapes of elements
are not excessively distorted.
 As element distortion increases errors in formulation start to become increasingly
important.
 Hence the elements should be as regular as possible allowable limit of distortion
are difficult to quantified & depend very much on variable distortion. One measure
of element distortion is aspect ratio.
Longest side of element
Aspect ratio =
Shortest side of element

Aspect ratio for rectangle-

2 =5/2=2.5

5
Aspect ratio for square-

3 =3/3=1
3
Alternative method of assessing element distortion is to consider internal angles of elements.
Rectangular element angle as close to 90° as possible for triangular elements should be near to 60 °.

Some commercial finite element packages perform distortion checking for user typically by
calculating aspect ratio of the elements. If value are found to be distorted but within predetermining
limits. However if elements are grossly distorted the programme stops & proceed only with specific
authorization from user.
6) Location of nodes-

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When modeling a problem the user needs only on division of geometry into element so that
variable distribution is adequately represented. Therefore, of nodes any changes in material properties
geometry boundary condition & loads.
The stiffness matrix of each element depends on material properties of that region in model
therefore a line of nodes will always required at interface of different material.
If there is an abrupt change in cross sectional area or discontinuity in 2D or 3D models from a
crack possible would need of nodes defining gap in materials.
When a concentric load is applied then there must a node at corresponding position in finite
element model or if a distributed load is present then nodes must define start & finish position of load.
Corresponding case in stress analysis of toothed gear in which a force acting on surface of
body location of nodes are shown in fig.
Consider e.g of 2 plane stress model of a beam as shown in fig. the 2 models are same except node
numbering which label either horizontally or vertically. From models with horizontal labeling we can
see that the degree of freedom associated with nodes 1 & 9 will be related since they occur in same
element. However in model with vertical labeling node no. 1 related to node no.6. Now since models
are 2D each node will have 2 degrees of freedom. First 2 columns & 2 rows of matrix will correspond
to node 6. Similarly, in horizontal labeling node n.9 will correspond to 17 th & 18th row & column.
Hence size of matrix will increase. In general bandwidth is calculated by B=(D+1)f where D = largest
diff. between nodes of single element & f is degree of freedom. It is obvious from above example the
nodes should be numbered across shortest dimension to achieve smallest nodal difference in any one
element. The wave front method never constructs whole stiffness matrix instead it eliminates the
degree of freedom when it works through the model. When last occurrence of node is noted its
degrees of freedom are eliminated out of matrix for e.g. stiffness matrix of element no.1 is calculated
& placed into temp. Matrix. Since nodes 1 occurs in the first element it will not be referred by any
other element & it can be removed from matrix. Thus means that the degrees of freedom associated
with node 1 are written as function of degrees of freedom of nodes 2, 5, 6. Element 2 is considered
next its stiffness matrix is calculated & added into temporary matrix. Node no. 2 will not be referred
by any other element & can be removed hence at this point 3,5,6,7 is held in matrix. This process
continues through all elements until only node no. 28 is left & its degree of freedoms are solved. Then
backward substitution occurs & all other degree of freedom are evaluated numbering should be across
shortest dimension of model.

1. Stepped Bar Analysis

Consider the stepped bar shown in figure below. Determine the Nodal Displacement, Stress in
each element.

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Step 1: Ansys Utility Menu

File – clear and start new – do not read file – ok – yes.

Step 2: Ansys Main Menu – Preferences

select – STRUCTURAL – ok

Step 3: Element

Element type – Add/Edit/Delete – Add – Link – 3D finite strain 180 – ok – close.

Real constants – Add – ok – real constant set no – 1 – c/s area – 300 – apply – real constant set

no – 2 – c/s area – 200 – ok – close.

Step 4: Material property

Material Properties – material models – Structural – Linear – Elastic – Isotropic – EX – 2e5 –PRXY-
0.30 ok – Material – New model – Define material ID – 2 – ok – Structural – Linear – Elastic –

Isotropic – EX – 0.7e5 – PRXY-0.30 ok – close.

Step 5: Modelling

Modeling – Create – Nodes – In Active CS – Apply (first node is created) – x,y,z location in CS

– 600 (x value w.r.t first node) – apply (second node is created) – x,y,z location in CS – 1100 (x

value w.r.t first node) – ok (third node is created).

Create – Elements – Elem Attributes – Material number – 1 – Real constant set number – 1 – ok

Auto numbered – Thru Nodes – pick 1 & 2 – ok (elements are created through nodes).

Create – Elements – Elem Attributes – Material number – 2 – Real constant set number – 2 – ok

Auto numbered – Thru Nodes – pick 2 & 3 – ok (elements are created through nodes).

Step 6: Boundary conditions

Loads – Define loads – apply – Structural – Displacement – on Nodes- pick node 1 – apply –

DOFs to be constrained – All DOF – ok.

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Loads – Define loads – apply – Structural – Force/Moment – on Nodes- pick node 3 – apply –

direction of For/Mom – FX – Force/Moment value – 500 (+ve value) – ok.

Step 7: Solution

Solve – current LS – ok (Solution is done is displayed) – close.

Step 8: General Post Processor

List results– Nodal solution – DOF solution – displacement vector sum – ok.

List results– Element solution – stress –von mises stress – ok.

Plot results – contour plot – Nodal solution – DOF solution – displacement vector sum – ok.

Plot results – Element solution – stress –von mises stress – ok

Plot Control –style –size & shape –display of element (ON) –ok

Step 9: PlotCtrls – Animate – Deformed shape – def+undeformed-ok

Ansys results:

Ansys Theoretical

Deformation

Stress

----- XXXXX -----

2. Analysis of Truss
Consider the bar truss shown in figure. For the given data, find Stress in each element,

and nodal displacement. E = 1.9*105 N/mm2, γ = 0.30.

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250 mm

150 mm 2500N

2500N
150 mm

1000N
150 mm

Step 1: Ansys Utility Menu

File – clear and start new – do not read file – ok – yes.

Step 2: Ansys Main Menu – Preferences

select – STRUCTURAL - ok

Step 3: Element

Element type – Add/Edit/Delete – Add – Link –3D finite strain 180 – ok – close.

Real constants – Add – ok – real constant set no – 1 – c/s area – 40 – apply – real constant set

no – 2 – c/s area – 60 –– apply – real constant set no – 3 – c/s area – 50 ok – close.

Step 4: Material Property

Material Properties – material models – Structural – Linear – Elastic – Isotropic – EX – 1.9e 5

– PRXY-0.30 ok – close.

Step 5: Modelling

Modeling – Create – Nodes – In Active CS –Node Number 1(0,0,0) Apply (first node is created) –

– Node Number 2(250,0,0) (x value w.r.t first node) – apply (second node is created)

Node Number 3(0,150,0) (x, y value w.r.t first node) – apply (third node is created) –

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Node Number 4(250,150,0) (x, y value w.r.t first node) – apply (forth node is created).

Node Number 5(0,300,0) (x, y value w.r.t first node) – apply (fifth node is created).

Node Number 6(150,300,0) (x, y value w.r.t first node) – apply (sixth node is created).

Node Number 7(0,450,0) (x, y value w.r.t first node) – apply (seventh node is created).

Node Number 8(150,300,0) (x, y value w.r.t first node) – apply (eighth node is created).

Create – Elements – Elem Attributes – Material number – 1 – Real constant set number – 1 – ok

Auto numbered – Thru Nodes – pick 3 & 4 – apply – pick 5 & 6 – apply – pick 7 & 8 – ok

Create – Elements – Elem Attributes – Material number – 1 – Real constant set number – 2 – ok

Auto numbered – Thru Nodes – pick 1 & 4 – apply – pick 4 & 5 – apply – pick 5 & 8 – apply– pick 2
& 3 – apply – pick 3 & 6 – apply – pick 6 & 7 – apply

Create – Elements – Elem Attributes – Material number – 1 – Real constant set number – 3– ok

Auto numbered – Thru Nodes – pick 1 & 3 – apply – pick 2 & 4 – apply – pick 3 & 5 – apply– pick
4& 6 – apply – pick 6 & 8 – apply – pick 5 & 7 – apply

Step 6: Bounadary conditions

Loads – Define loads – apply – Structural – Displacement – on Nodes – pick node 1 & 2 – apply

– DOFs to be constrained – All DOF –Disp. Value=0 – ok

Loads – Define loads – apply – Structural – Force/Moment – on Nodes- pick node 3 – apply –

direction of Force/Mom – FX – Force/Moment value – 1000 (-ve value) – apply– pick node 6 – apply
– direction of Force/Mom – FX – Force/Moment value – 2500 (-ve value) – apply– pick node 7 –
apply – direction of Force/Mom – FX – Force/Moment value – 2500 (-ve value)– ok.

Step 7: Solution

Solve – current LS – ok (Solution is done is displayed) – close.

Step 7: General Post Processor

List results– Nodal solution – DOF solution – displacement vector sum – ok.

List results– Element solution – stress –von mises stress – ok.

Plot results – contour plot – Nodal solution – DOF solution – displacement vector sum – ok.

Plot results – Element solution – stress –von mises stress – ok

Plot Control –style –size & shape –display of element (ON) –ok

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Step 8: PlotCtrls – Animate – Deformed shape – def+undeformed-ok

----- XXXXX -----

3. Cantilever Beam
A cantilever beam having c/s area 40*60 mm 2 E=2*105 N/mm2,γ=0.29, Length of beam=1200
mm. Determine deflection at free end when point load of 1200N is acting on free end.

1200N

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1200mm

Step 1: Ansys Utility Menu

File – clear and start new – do not read file – ok – yes.

Step 2: Ansys Main Menu – Preferences

select – STRUCTURAL - ok

Step 3: Element

Element type – Add/Edit/Delete – Add – BEAM – 2D elastic 3 – ok- close.

Step 4: Material Property

Material Properties – material models – Structural – Linear – Elastic – Isotropic – EX – 2e5

– PRXY – 0.29 –ok – close.

Section– beam – common section – rectangular – B=40 & H=60 –ok.

Step 5: Modelling

Modeling – Create –keypoints – In Active CS – keypoint no.1(0,0,0) Apply (first keypoint is created)
– keypoint no.2(1200,0,0) – ok

Create – Line – Lines – straight lines. – pick keypoint 1 & 2 – ok

Meshing – mesh attributes – picked lines – select line – ok

Size control – manual size – global – size – element edge length – 5 – ok

Meshing – mesh lines select line – ok

Step 6: Boundary condition

Loads – Define loads – apply – Structural – Displacement – on keypoint - pick keypoint 1 – apply –

DOFs to be constrained – ALL DOF – ok.

Loads – Define loads – apply – Structural – Force/Moment – on Nodes- pick node 2 – apply –

direction of For/Mom – FY – Force/Moment value - 1200 (-ve value) – ok.

Step 7: Solution

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Solve – current LS – ok (Solution is done is displayed) – close.

Step 8: General Post Processor

List results– Nodal solution – DOF solution – y component of displacement – ok.

Plot results – contour plot – Nodal solution – DOF solution – y component of displacement – ok.

Plot Control –style –size & shape –display of element (ON) –ok

Step 9: PlotCtrls – Animate – Deformed shape – def+undeformed-ok

----- XXXXX -----

Rectangular Plate with circular Hole

Problem: The rectangular plate made of steel as shown figure below is subjected to a tensile

load of 1500N. The material properties are E=2*105 N/mm2,γ=0.30. Thickness of the plate is

10 mm. Analyze for the von-mises stresses and maximum deflection of the plate using ANSYS.

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100 mm

1500 N

50mm 50mm 50mm

Step 1: Ansys Utility Menu

File – clear and start new – do not read file – ok – yes.

Step 2: Ansys Main Menu – Preferences

select – STRUCTURAL – ok

Step 3: Element

Main menu – Preprocessor – element type – add – shell –3d node 181 – close

Step 4: Material property

Main menu – Preprocessor – material prop – material models – structural – linear –

elastic – isotropic – enter EX = 2e5 & PRXY = 0.30 – ok

Main menu – Preprocessor – sections – shell – layup – add/edit/delete –thickness=10 mm – ok

Step 5: Modelling

Modeling – Create –keypoints – In Active CS – keypoint no.1(0,0,0) Apply (first keypoint is created)
– keypoint no.2(150,0,0) – ok– keypoint no.3(150,100,0) – ok– keypoint no.2(0,100,0) – ok

Preprocessor – Modeling – create – areas – arbritary – through keypoints –

Select keypoints 1,2,3,4 – ok

Preprocessor – Modeling – create – areas – circle – solid circle – circle 1(50,50) & radius=15 mm –
circle 1(100,50) & radius=15 mm – ok

Preprocessor – Modeling – operate – booleans – subtract –areas – select rectangle – select two
circles– ok

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Meshing – mesh attributes – picked area – select rectangle – ok

Size control – manual size – global – size – element edge length – 2 – ok

Meshing – mesh – areas – free – select rectangle – ok

Step 6: Boundary condition

Utility menu – plot – nodes

Loads – Define loads – apply – Structural – Displacement – on nodes – select all nodes on left line by
making a box – select all DOF – ok

Loads – Define loads – apply – Structural – Force/Moment – select all nodes on right line by making
a box – select FX = 1500/n (divide force by no. of nodes) – ok –

7. Solution:

Main menu – Solution – solve – current LS

8. Post Processing:

List results– Nodal solution – DOF solution – displacement vector sum – ok.

List results– Element solution – stress –von mises stress – ok.

Plot results – contour plot – Nodal solution – DOF solution – displacement vector sum – ok.

Plot results – Element solution – stress –von mises stress – ok

Plot Control –style –size & shape –display of element (ON) –ok

Step 9: PlotCtrls – Animate – Deformed shape – def+undeformed-ok

----- XXXXX -----

Book Shelf Bracket

Problem: Consider a steel corner bracket (E = 29x106 Ib/in2, γ = 0.3) used to support book

shelves as shown in Figure below along with the dimensions. The bracket is loaded uniformly

along its top surface and it is fixed along its left edge. Under the given loading and the

constraints, plot the deformed shape; also determine the principal stresses and the von-mises

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stresses in the bracket. Thickness of the bracket is 0.125”.

Step 1: Ansys Utility Menu

File – clear and start new – do not read file – ok – yes.

Step 2: Ansys Main Menu – Preferences

select – STRUCTURAL – ok

Step 3: Element

Main menu – Preprocessor – element type – add – add – structural – solid – quad

8node – ok – options – select K3 – plane stress witk t/k – ok – close.

Main menu – Preprocessor – real constant – add – add – ok – enter the thickness as

0.125.

Step 4: Material Property

Main menu – Preprocessor – material prop – material models – structural – linear –

elastic – isotropic – enter EX = 2e5 & PRXY = 0.30 – ok

Step 5: Modelling

(a) Main menu – Preprocessor – Modeling – create – areas – rectangle – by 2 corners

– enter 0, 0,11,-2 – ok.

(b) Main menu – Preprocessor – Modeling – create – areas – circle – solid circle –

enter 11,-1,1 – ok

(c) Main menu – Preprocessor – Modeling – create – areas – circle – partial annulus

– enter 0,-2,2,0,2,-90 – ok

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(d) Main menu – Preprocessor – Modeling – operate – Boolean – add – areas – pick

all – ok

(e) Main menu – Preprocessor – Modeling – create – line fillet – select horizontal line

& circular line – ok – enter fillet radius as 0.5 – ok

(f) Main menu – Preprocessor – Modeling – create – area – arbitrary – by lines –

select three lines in the corner – ok

(g) Main menu – Preprocessor – Modeling – operate – Boolean – add – areas – pick

all – ok

(h) Main menu – Preprocessor – Modeling – create – areas – circle – solid circle –

enter 11,-1,0.25 – ok

(i) Main menu – Preprocessor – Modeling – operate – Boolean – subtract – areas –

pick base area – ok – pick subtracting area – ok

(j) Main menu – Preprocessor – Meshing – size cntrl – manual size – global – size

– enter SIZE as 0.25 – ok

(k) Main menu – Preprocessor – Meshing – mesh tool – mesh – areas – pick all –

ok.

Step 6: Boundary condition

(a) Utility menu – select – entities – nodes – by location – x-cord – enter min,max

as 0 – apply – ok

(b) Utility menu – plot – nodes

(c) Main menu – solution – define loads – apply – structural – displacement – on

nodes – pick all – select all DOF – ok

(d) Utility menu – select – everything

(e) Utility menu – plot – multiplot

(f) Main menu – solution – define loads – apply – structural – pressure – on lines –

select by cursor top horizontal line – ok – enter pressure = 10 – ok

7. Solution:

Main menu – Solution – solve – current LS

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8. Post Processing:

(a) Gen. post processor – plot results – contour plots – Nodal solu – stress – von

mises – ok

Similarly for principal stresses

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Thermal Analysis of Fin

Aluminum fins (K = 70 W/m, = 2800 kg/m3, C = 870 J/kgK) are commonly used to dissipate
heat from various devices. An example of a section of a fin is shown in figure below. The fin is
initially at a uniform temperature of 280C. Assume that shortly after the device is turned on, the
temperature of the base of the fin is suddenly increased to 900C. The temperature of the

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 Finite Element Analysis Lab

surrounding is 280C with a corresponding heat transfer coefficient of h = 30 W/m2K. Solve the
problem using ANSYS.

Step 1: Ansys Utility Menu

File – clear and start new – do not read file – ok – yes.

Step 2: Ansys Main Menu – Preferences

select – Thermal – ok

Step 3: Elements

Preprocessor  element type  add  add  thermal  solid  quad 4node

(plane55) ok
Step 4: Material Properties

Main menu  Preprocessor  material properties  material models  material

model 1 thermal conductivity isotropic enter KXX = 70 ok
Main menu  Preprocessor  material properties  material models  material
model 1 thermal specific heat enter C = 870 ok
Main menu  Preprocessor  material properties  material models  material
model 1 thermal density enter DENS = 2800 ok
Step 5: Modeling
Main menu Preprocessor Modeling create area rectangle by 2
corners enter 0,0,0.01,0.105 ok
Main menu Preprocessor Modeling create area rectangle by 2
corners enter 0.01,0.0125,0.03,0.01 ok
Main menu Preprocessor Modeling create area rectangle by 2
corners enter 0.01,0.0475,0.03,0.01 ok

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Main menu Preprocessor Modeling create area rectangle by 2

corners enter 0.01,0.0825,0.03,0.01 ok
Main menu  Preprocessor  Modeling  operate  boolean  add  area
 pick allok.
Main menu Preprocessor Meshing size cntrl smart size basic enter
LVL = 1ok
Main menu  Preprocessor  Meshing  mesh tool  mesh  areas  pick
brick areaok

Step 6: Boundary Conditions:

Main menu solution define loads apply thermal temperature uniform

tempenter TUNIF = 28 ok

Main menu  solution  define loads  apply  thermal  convection  on

lines select by cursor all right exterior lines ok enter VALI = 30 & VAL2I
= 28 ok.
Main menu  solution  define loads  apply  thermal  temperature  on
lines select by cursor left lines ok select TEMP enter VALUE = 90 ok

Step 7. Solution:

Main menu – Solution – solve – current LS

Step 8. Post Processing:

Gen. post processor plot results nodal solu DOF solu temperature ok

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