Training

2.
FEA and ANSYS

FEA and ANSYS
Overview
• In this chapter, we will define Finite Element Analysis and
also give you an idea of ANSYS capabilities.
• Topics covered:
A. What is FEA?
B. About ANSYS
FEA and ANSYS
A. What is FEA?
• Finite Element Analysis is a way to simulate loading
conditions on a design and determine the design’s response
to those conditions.
• The design is modeled using discrete building blocks called
elements.
– Each element has exact

Historical Note
equations that describe how it
responds to a certain load. • The finite element method of
structural analysis was created by
– The “sum” of the response of all academic and industrial researchers
elements in the model gives the during the 1950s and 1960s.
• The underlying theory is over 100
total response of the design. years old, and was the basis for
– The elements have a finite pen-and-paper calculations in the
evaluation of suspension bridges
number of unknowns, hence the and steam boilers.
name finite elements.
FEA and ANSYS
...What is FEA?
• The finite element model, which has a finite number of
unknowns, can only approximate the response of the
physical system, which has infinite unknowns.
– So the question arises: How good is the approximation?
– Unfortunately, there is no easy
answer to this question. It
depends entirely on what you are
simulating and the tools you use
for the simulation. We will,
however, attempt to give you
guidelines throughout this
training course.
Physical System F.E. Model

FEA and ANSYS
...What is FEA?
Why is FEA needed?
• To reduce the amount of prototype testing
– Computer simulation allows multiple “what-if” scenarios to be
tested quickly and effectively.
• To simulate designs that are not suitable for prototype testing

– Example: Surgical implants, such as an artificial knee
• The bottom line:

– Cost savings
– Time savings… reduce time to market!
– Create more reliable, better-quality designs
FEA and ANSYS
B. About ANSYS
• ANSYS is a complete FEA software package used by
engineers worldwide in virtually all fields of engineering:
– Structural
– Thermal
– Fluid, including CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
– Electrical / Electrostatics
– Electromagnetics
• A partial list of industries in which ANSYS is used:

– Aerospace – Electronics & Appliances
– Automotive – Heavy Equipment & Machinery
– Biomedical – MEMS - Micro Electromechanical
– Bridges & Buildings Systems
– Sporting Goods
FEA and ANSYS
…About ANSYS
• ANSYS/Multiphysics is the flagship ANSYS product which
includes all capabilities in all engineering disciplines.
• There are three main component products derived from
ANSYS/Multiphysics:
– ANSYS/Mechanical - structural & thermal capabilities
– ANSYS/Emag - electromagnetics
– ANSYS/FLOTRAN - CFD capabilities
• Other product lines:

– ANSYS/LS-DYNA - for highly nonlinear structural problems
– DesignSpace - an easy-to-use design and analysis tool meant for
quick analysis within the CAD environment
– ANSYS/ProFEA - for ANSYS analysis & design optimization
within Pro/ENGINEER
FEA and ANSYS
…About ANSYS
ANSYS/ ANSYS/ ANSYS/

Professional Mechanical ANSYS/ Emag
Multiphysics
ANSYS/ ANSYS/
Structural ProFEA
ANSYS/
ED
ANSYS/
FLOTRAN
ANSYS/ DesignSpace
LS-DYNA ANSYS/ ANSYS/
PrepPost University
FEA and ANSYS - About ANSYS
Structural Analysis
• Structural analysis is used to determine deformations,
strains, stresses, and reaction forces.
• Static analysis
– Used for static loading conditions.
– Nonlinear behavior such as large deflections, large strain,
contact, plasticity, hyperelasticity, and creep can be simulated.
Hyperelastic Seal
…Structural Analysis
• Dynamic analysis
– Includes mass and damping effects.
– Modal analysis calculates natural frequencies and mode shapes.
– Harmonic analysis determines a structure’s response to
sinusoidal loads of known amplitude and frequency.
– Transient Dynamic analysis determines a structure’s response
to time-varying loads and can include nonlinear behavior.
• Other structural capabilities

– Spectrum analysis
– Random vibrations
– Eigenvalue buckling
– Substructuring, submodeling
…Structural Analysis
• Explicit Dynamics with ANSYS/LS-DYNA
– Intended for very large deformation simulations where inertia
forces are dominant.
– Used to simulate impact, crushing, rapid forming, etc.
Thermal Analysis
• Thermal analysis is used to determine the temperature
distribution in an object. Other quantities of interest include
amount of heat lost or gained, thermal gradients, and thermal
flux.
• All three primary heat transfer modes can be simulated:
conduction, convection, radiation.
• Steady-State
– Time-dependent effects are
ignored.
• Transient
– To determine temperatures,
etc. as a function of time.
– Allows phase change (melting
or freezing) to be simulated.
Electromagnetics
• Electromagnetic analysis is used to calculate magnetic fields
in electromagnetic devices.
• Static and low-frequency electromagnetics
– To simulate devices operating with DC power sources, low-
frequency AC, or low-frequency transient signals.
– Example: solenoid actuators,
motors, transformers
– Quantities of interest include
magnetic flux density, field
intensity, magnetic forces and
torques, impedance,
inductance, eddy currents,
power loss, and flux leakage.
...Electromagnetics
• High-frequency electromagnetics
– To simulate devices with propagating electromagnetic waves.
– Example: microwave and RF passive components, waveguides,
coaxial connectors
– Quantities of interest include S-parameters, Q-factor, Return
loss, dielectric and conducting losses, and electric and magnetic
fields.
Electric field (EFSUM) in a coaxial cable

...Electromagnetics
• Electrostatics
– To calculate the electric field from voltage or charge excitation.
– Example: High voltage devices, micro-electromechanical
systems (MEMS), transmission lines
– Typical quantities of interest are electric field strength and
capacitance.
• Current Conduction
– To calculate current in a conductor from an applied voltage
• Circuit Coupling
– To couple electric circuits with electromagnetic devices
...Electromagnetics
• Types of electromagnetic analysis:
– Static analysis calculates magnetic fields due to direct current
(DC) or permanent magnets.
– Harmonic analysis calculates magnetic fields due to alternating
current (AC).
– Transient analysis is used for time-varying magnetic fields.
Fluid Analysis
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
– To determine the flow distributions and temperatures in a fluid.
– ANSYS/FLOTRAN can simulate laminar and turbulent flow,
compressible and incompressible flow, and multiple species.
– Applications: aerospace, electronic packaging, automotive
design
– Typical quantities of interest are velocities, pressures,
temperatures, and film coefficients.
…Fluid Analysis
• Acoustics
– To simulate the interaction between a fluid medium and the
surrounding solid.
– Example: speakers, automobile interiors, sonars
– Typical quantities of interest are pressure distribution,
displacements, and natural frequencies.
• Contained-Fluid Analysis
– To simulate the effects of a contained, non-flowing fluid and
calculate hydrostatic pressures due to sloshing.
– Example: oil tankers, other liquid containers
• Heat and Mass Transport
– A one-dimensional element is used to calculate the heat
generated by mass transport between two points, such as in a
pipe.
Coupled-Field Analysis
• Coupled-Field Analysis considers the mutual interaction
between two or more fields. The fact that each field depends
upon another makes it impossible to solve each separately,
therefore you need a program that can solve both physics
problems by combining them.
• Examples:
– Thermal-stress analysis
– Piezoelectrics (electric & structural )
– Acoustics (fluid & structural)
– Thermal-electric analysis
– Induction heating (magnetic and thermal)
Deflection of a bi-metal
– Electrostatic-structural analysis
bar due to heating
2. ANSYS Basics
3. ANSYS Basics
• In this chapter, we will discuss the basics of how to enter and

exit ANSYS, how to use the GUI and on-line help, and the
database and files created by ANSYS.
• Topics Covered:
A. Starting ANSYS
B. The GUI
C. Graphics & Picking
D. On-Line Help
E. The Database and Files
F. Exiting ANSYS
ANSYS Basics
A. Starting ANSYS
• There are two ways to start ANSYS:
– By Launcher
– By Command Line
Unix
launcher
Launcher
• Allows you to start ANSYS and other
ANSYS utilities by pressing buttons on a
menu.
• On Unix systems, issue xansys56 & to Windows
bring up the launcher. launcher
• On Windows systems, press Start >
Programs > ANSYS 5.6.
ANSYS Basics
...Starting ANSYS
Launcher (cont’d)
• Automatically brings up the GUI (Graphical User
Interface) when ANSYS is started in interactive
mode.
• A note on Interactive vs. Batch mode:
– Interactive mode allows you to interact “live” with
ANSYS, reviewing each operation as you go.
– Batch mode works on an input file of commands and allows you

to run ANSYS in the background.
• No live interaction, therefore any errors in input will cause the
batch run to stop.
• Best suited for operations that don’t need user interaction,
such as a solve.
– We will mainly cover interactive mode in this course.
ANSYS Basics
...Starting ANSYS
Launcher (cont’d)
• Pressing the Interactive button on the
launcher brings up a dialog box
containing start-up options, e.g:
– ANSYS product
– Working directory - the directory in
which all files will be stored.
– Graphics device - set to 3-D if you
have a 3-D graphics device card.
Otherwise, set to X11 on Unix, win32
on Windows.
– Jobname - file name prefix, up to 32
characters, assigned to all files
produced by this session. Defaults to
“file” or last specified name.
– Amount of memory - default values
should suffice in most cases.
ANSYS Basics
...Starting ANSYS
Launcher (cont’d)
• After choosing the desired start-up options, press the Run
button to start ANSYS.
Command Line
• ANSYS is started by typing a command at the system level.
For example:
– ansys56
– ansys56 -g
– ansys56 -g -j plate
– ansys56 -g -p ANE3FL -d 3d -j proj1 -m 128
ANSYS Basics
...Starting ANSYS
Command Line (cont’d)
• Typical start-up options, commonly known as command line
options, are:
-g (to automatically bring up the GUI upon start-up)
-p product_code
-d graphics_device
-j jobname
-mmemory
• The working directory is the directory in which the command

is issued.
• Refer to your ANSYS Installation and Configuration Guide for
details on the command line options.
ANSYS Basics
B. The GUI
• Entering ANSYS brings up the following GUI windows:
Input Utility Menu
Displays program Contains functions
prompt messages which are available
and a text field for throughout the
typing commands. ANSYS session, such
All previously typed as file controls,
commands appear for selecting, graphics
easy reference and controls, parameters,
access. and exiting.
Main Menu Toolbar

Contains the primary Contains push
ANSYS functions, buttons for executing
organized by commonly used
processors ANSYS commands
(preprocessor, and functions.
solution, general Customized buttons
postprocessor, etc.) can be created.
Output Graphics
Displays text output Displays graphics
from the program. It created in ANSYS or
is usually positioned imported into ANSYS.
behind the other
windows and can be
raised to the front
when necessary.
ANSYS Basics
...The GUI
Main Menu
• Contains the main functions required for an
analysis.
• Independent, “sticky” windows allow you to
complete all necessary steps before moving on to
the next function.
• Conventions:
“…” indicates a dialog box
“ +” indicates graphical picking
“ >” indicates a submenu
“ ” (blank) indicates an action
ANSYS Basics
...The GUI
Utility Menu
• Contains utilities that are generally available throughout the
ANSYS session: graphics, on-line help, select logic, file
controls, etc.
• Same conventions as Main Menu:
– “…” indicates a dialog box
– “ +” indicates graphical picking
– “ >” indicates a submenu
– “ ” (blank) indicates an action
ANSYS Basics
...The GUI
Input Window
• Allows you to enter commands. (Most GUI functions actually
“send” commands to ANSYS. If you know these commands,
you can type them in the Input Window.)
• Also used for prompts during graphical picking.
ANSYS Basics
...The GUI
Toolbar
• Contains abbreviations -- short-cuts to commonly used
commands and functions.
• A few predefined abbreviations are available, but you can add
your own. Requires knowledge of ANSYS commands.
• A powerful feature which you can use to create your own
“button menu” system!
ANSYS Basics
...The GUI
Layout
Input
• Three predefined menu layouts are available
(Launcher > Interactive > GUI Configuration):
– Input window on left (default)
– Input window on right
– Input window on bottom Input
• You can also create your own layout and then

save it using Utility Menu > MenuCtrls > Save
Menu Layout.
– Unix systems store the layout in an ASCII
resource file called ANSYS56, located in $HOME.
– Windows systems store the layout in the system
registry.
Input
ANSYS Basics
...The GUI
Preferences
• The Preferences dialog (Main Menu >
Preferences) allows you to filter out
menu choices that are not applicable
to the current analysis.
• For example, if you are doing a
thermal analysis, you can choose to
filter out other disciplines, thereby
reducing the number of menu items
available in the GUI:
– Only thermal element types will be
shown in the element type selection
dialog.
– Only thermal loads will be shown.
– Etc.
ANSYS Basics
...The GUI
Other GUI Notes
• Some dialog boxes have both Apply and OK buttons.
– Apply applies the dialog settings, but retains (does not close) the
dialog box for repeated use.
– OK applies the dialog settings and closes the dialog box.
• The Output Window is independent of the ANSYS menus.

Caution: Closing the output window closes the entire ANSYS
session!
• Remember that you are not restricted to using the menus. If
you know the command, feel free to enter it in the Input
Window!
ANSYS Basics
C. Graphics & Picking
• The most heavily used interactive
capabilities are graphics and graphical
picking.
– Graphics is used to visualize the model,
loading, results, and other input and /replot
output data. kplot
lplot
– Picking is used for model creation,
aplot
meshing, loading, etc. vplot
nplot
• Use Plot in the Utility menu to produce eplot
plots, or issue the commands shown. gplot
ANSYS Basics
...Graphics & Picking
• The PlotCtrls menu is used to control
how the plot is displayed:
– plot orientation
– zoom
– colors
– symbols
– annotation
– animation
– etc.
• Among these, changing the plot

orientation (view) and zooming are the
most commonly used functions.
ANSYS Basics
• The default view for a model is the front
view: looking down the +Z axis of the
model.
• To change it, use dynamic mode — a way
to orient the plot dynamically using the
Control key and mouse buttons.
– Ctrl + Left mouse button pans the model.
– Ctrl + Middle mouse button:
↕ zooms the model
↔ spins the model (about screen Z)
– Ctrl + Right mouse button rotates the model:
↕ about screen X P Z R
↔ about screen Y
Ctrl
ANSYS Basics
• If you don’t want to hold down the
Control key, you can use the Dynamic
Mode setting in the Pan-Zoom-Rotate
dialog box.
– The same mouse button assignments
apply.
– On 3-D graphics devices, you can also
dynamically orient the light source.
Useful for different light source
shading effects.
ANSYS Basics
• Other functions in the Pan- Front +Z view, from (0,0,1)
Zoom-Rotate dialog box: Back -Z view (0,0,-1)
Top +Y view (0,1,0)
– Preset views Bot -Y view (0,-1,0)
Right +X view (1,0,0)
– Zoom-in on specific regions Left -X view (-1,0,0)
of the model Iso Isometric (1,1,1)
Obliq Oblique (1,2,3)
– Pan, zoom, or rotate in WP Working plane view
discrete increments (as
specified by the Rate slider)
Zoom By picking center of a
• Rotation is about the square
screen X, Y, Z Box Zoom By picking two
corners of a box
coordinates. Win Zoom Same as Box Zoom,
but box is proportional
– Fit the plot to the window to window.
Back Up “Unzoom” to previous
– Reset everything to default zoom.
ANSYS Basics
Picking
• Picking allows you to identify model
entities or locations by clicking in the
Graphics Window.
• A picking operation typically involves the
use of the mouse and a picker menu. It is
indicated by a + sign on the menu.
• For example, you can create keypoints by
picking locations in the Graphics Window
and then pressing OK in the picker.
ANSYS Basics
Two types of picking:
Example of
• Retrieval picking Retrieval Picker
– Picking existing entities for a
subsequent operation.
– Allows you to enter entity
numbers in the Input Window.
– Use the Pick All button to
indicate all entities.
• Locational picking
– Locating coordinates of a point,
such as a keypoint or node.
– Allows you to enter coordinates Example of
in the Input Window. Locational Picker
ANSYS Basics
Mouse button assignments for picking:
• Left mouse button picks (or unpicks)
the entity or location closest to the
mouse pointer. Pressing and dragging Apply
allows you to “preview” the item being Toggle
picked (or unpicked). Pick
Pick / Unpick
• Middle mouse button does an Apply.

Saves the time required to move the
mouse over to the Picker and press the
Apply button. Use Shift-Right button on
a two-button mouse.
• Right mouse button toggles between
pick and unpick mode.
ANSYS Basics
D. On-Line Help
• ANSYS uses an HTML-based documentation system to
provide extensive on-line help.
• You can get help on:
– ANSYS commands
– element types
– analysis procedures
– special GUI “widgets” such as Pan-Zoom-Rotate
ANSYS Basics
...On-Line Help
• There are several ways to start the help system:
– Launcher > Help System
– Utility Menu > Help > Help Topics
– Any dialog box > Help
– Type HELP,name in the Input Window. Name is a command or
element name.
ANSYS Basics
...On-Line Help
• Pressing the Help System buttton on the launcher brings up two
browser windows:
– a navigational window containing Table of Contents and Index
– a document window containing the help information.
ANSYS Basics
...On-Line Help
• Use the navigational window to choose the desired chapter
or section within a particular document.
ANSYS Basics
...On-Line Help
• In the document window, use the standard Back and Forward
buttons on your browser, or the navigational buttons that
appear at the top and bottom of each topic.
ANSYS Basics
...On-Line Help
• The Search button in the document window allows you to
search for words or phrases.
• Click on Using the Search Window in the start-up help page
(file:/ansys56/docu/catalog/english/ansyshelp/toc.html) for details
on how to use the search facility.
ANSYS Basics
...On-Line Help
• ANSYS also provides an HTML-based on-line tutorial.
• The tutorial consists of detailed instructions for a set of
problems solved in ANSYS.
• To access the tutorial, click on Utility Menu > Help > ANSYS
Tutorials.
ANSYS Basics
E. The Database & Files
• The term ANSYS database refers to the data ANSYS
maintains in memory as you build, solve, and postprocess
your model.
• The database stores both your input data and ANSYS results
data:
– Input data -- information you must enter, such as model
dimensions, material properties, and load data.
– Results data -- quantities that ANSYS calculates, such as
displacements, stresses, strains, and reaction forces.
ANSYS Basics
...The Database & Files
Save and Resume
• Since the database is stored in the computer’s memory
(RAM), it is good practice to save it to disk frequently so that
you can restore the information in the event of a computer
crash or power failure.
• The SAVE operation copies the database from memory to a
file called the database file (or db file for short).
– The easiest way to do a save is to click on Toolbar > SAVE_DB
– Or use:
• Utility Menu > File > Save as Jobname.db
• Utility Menu > File > Save as…
• SAVE command
ANSYS Basics
• To restore the database from the db file back into memory,
use the RESUME operation.
– Toolbar > RESUME_DB
– Or use:
• Utility Menu > File > Resume Jobname.db
• Utility Menu > File > Resume from…
• RESUME command
• The default file name for SAVE and RESUME is jobname.db,

but you can choose a different name by using the “Save as”
or “Resume from” functions.
ANSYS Basics
• Notes on SAVE and RESUME:
– Choosing the Save as or Resume from function does NOT
change the current jobname.
– If you save to the default file name and a jobname.db already
exists, ANSYS will first copy the “old” file to jobname.dbb as a
back-up.
– The db file is simply a “snapshot” of what is in memory at the
time the save is done.
ANSYS Basics
• Tips on SAVE and RESUME:
– Periodically save the database as you progress through an
analysis. ANSYS does NOT do automatic saves.
– You should definitely SAVE the database before attempting an
unfamiliar operation (such as a Boolean or meshing) or an
operation that may cause major changes (such as a delete).
• RESUME can then be used as an “undo” if you don’t like the
results of that operation.
– SAVE is also recommended before doing a solve.
ANSYS Basics
Clearing the Database
• The Clear Database operation allows
you to “zero out” the database and
start fresh. It is similar to exiting
and re-entering ANSYS.
– Utility Menu > File > Clear & Start New
– Or use the /CLEAR command.
ANSYS Basics
Files
• ANSYS writes and reads several files during an analysis. File
names are of the format jobname.ext.
• Jobname
– A name you choose while starting ANSYS, up to 32 characters.
Defaults to file.
– Can be changed within ANSYS with the /FILNAME command
(Utility Menu > File > Change Jobname).
• Extension
– Identifies the contents of the file, such as .db for database.
– Usually assigned by ANSYS.
ANSYS Basics
• Typical files:
jobname.log: Log file, ASCII.
• Contains a log of every command issued during the session.
• If you start a second session with the same jobname in the same
working directory, ANSYS will append to the previous log file (with a
time stamp).
jobname.err: Error file, ASCII.
• Contains all errors and warnings encountered during the session.
jobname.db, .dbb: Database file, binary.
• Compatible across all platforms.
jobname.rst, .rth, .rmg, .rfl: Results files, binary.
• Contains results data calculated by ANSYS during solution.
• Compatible across all platforms.
ANSYS Basics
File Management Tips
• Run each analysis project in a separate working directory.
• Use different jobnames to differentiate various analysis runs.
• You should keep the following files after any ANSYS
analysis:
– log file ( .log), database file ( .db), results files, load step files, if
any (.s01, .s02, ...), physics files (.ph1, .ph2, ...).
• Use /DELETE or Utility Menu > File > ANSYS File Options to
automatically delete files no longer needed by ANSYS during
that session.
ANSYS Basics
F. Exiting ANSYS
• Three ways to exit ANSYS:
– Toolbar > QUIT
– Utility Menu > File > Exit
– Use the /EXIT command in the Input Window
ANSYS Basics
G. Workshop
• Refer to your Workshop Supplement for instructions on:
W1. Introductory Workshop
3. Stress Analysis
Stress Analysis
Overview
• Stress analysis is a general term used to describe analyses
where the results quantities include stresses and strains. It
is also known as structural analysis.
• As described in Chapter 2, ANSYS allows several types of
stress analyses:
Static Transient Dynamic
Modal Spectrum
Harmonic Explicit Dynamics
• In this chapter, we will use a linear static analysis to describe

the steps involved in an analysis. By mastering these steps,
you can quickly learn how to do other analyses.
Stress Analysis
...Overview
• Topics covered:
A. Analysis Steps
B. Geometry
C. Meshing
D. Loading
E. Solve
F. Reviewing Results
G. Checking Validity of Solution
H. Workshop
Stress Analysis
A. Analysis Steps
Every analysis involves three main steps:
• Preprocessing
– Create or import the model geometry
Preprocessing
– Mesh the geometry
• Solution
– Apply loads
Solution
– Solve
• Postprocessing
– Review results
– Check the validity of the solution Postprocessing
Stress Analysis
...Analysis Steps
• Notice that the ANSYS Main Menu is also organized in terms
of preprocessing, solution, and postprocessing.
Stress Analysis
...Analysis Steps
• The preprocessor (called PREP7 in ANSYS) is where you
provide the majority of the input to the program.
• Its main purpose is to generate the finite element model,
which consists mainly of nodes, elements, and material
property definitions. You can also use PREP7 to apply loads.
• Usually begins with definition of the model geometry.
• A solid model model is typically used to represent model
geometry.
– A CAD-type mathematical representation that defines the
geometry of the structure.
– May consist of solids or just surfaces, depending on what is
being modeled.
Stress Analysis - Preprocessing
B. Geometry
• A typical solid model is defined by volumes, areas, lines, and
keypoints.
– Volumes are bounded by areas. They represent solid objects.
– Areas are bounded by lines. They represent faces of solid
objects, or planar or shell objects.
– Lines are bounded by keypoints. They represent edges of
objects.
– Keypoints are locations in 3-D space. They represent vertices of
objects.
Volumes Areas Lines & Keypoints

...Geometry
• There is a built-in hierarchy among solid model
entities. Keypoints are the “foundation” entities. Volumes
Lines are “built” from the keypoints, areas from Areas
lines, and volumes from areas.
Lines
• This hierarchy holds true regardless of how the Keypoints
solid model is created.
• ANSYS will not allow you to delete or modify a lower-order

entity if it is attached to a higher-order entity. (Certain types
of modifications are allowed… discussed later.)
Volumes
I’ll just
change Areas OOPs! Vo
this line
Areas
Lines
l
Lines
um
es
Keypoints Keypoints
...Geometry
• You can either create a solid model in ANSYS or import it
from another software package.
• Details of both methods will be presented later. For now, we
will briefly discuss how to import an IGES file and scale the
geometry if needed.
• IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) is a way to
transfer solid model geometry from one software package to
another.
– An IGES file is ASCII, allowing it to be easily transported
between computer systems.
– Most packages, including ANSYS, allow you to write as well as
read an IGES file.
...Geometry
• To import an IGES file into ANSYS:
– Utility Menu > File > Import > IGES...
• In the resulting dialog box, choose the
alternate method* (Alte no defeatur) and
press OK (defaults for everything else).
• In the second dialog box, choose the
desired file and press OK.
– OR use the IGESIN command:
• /aux15
• ioptn,iges,alte
• igesin,filename,extension,directory
• finish
* Details about the default vs. alternate method and the other options will be presented later.
...Geometry
• When the import is completed, ANSYS will automatically plot
the geometry.
• You may then modify the

geometry as needed.
– ANSYS allows many
operations on the solid
model, which we will
describe later.
– For now, we will discuss
how to scale the model to a
different set of units. (Note:
Scaling is NOT available for
a default IGES import.)
...Geometry
• Scaling is typically needed when you want to convert the geometry
to a different set of units, say from inches to millimeters.
• To scale a model in ANSYS:
– First save the database -- Toolbar >
SAVE_DB or SAVE command.
– Then Main Menu > Preprocessor >
Operate > Scale > Volumes (choose the
highest-level entity available in the
model)
• [Pick All] to pick all volumes
• Then enter desired scale factors
for RX, RY, RZ and set IMOVE to
“Moved” instead of “Copied”
– Or use the VLSCALE command:
• vlscale,all,,,25.4,25.4,25.4,,,1
...Geometry
• Preprocessing
! Geometry
– Meshing
• Solution
– Loading
– Solve
• Postprocessing
– Review results
– Check validity of solution
C. Meshing
• Meshing is the process used to “fill” the solid model with
nodes and elements, i.e, to create the FEA model.
– Remember, you need nodes and elements for the finite element
solution, not just the solid model. The solid model does NOT
participate in the finite element solution.
meshing
Solid model FEA model

...Meshing
• There are three steps to meshing:
– Define element attributes
– Specify mesh controls
– Generate the mesh
• Element attributes are characteristics of the finite element

model that you must establish prior to meshing. They
include:
– Element types
– Real constants
– Material properties
...Meshing
Element Type
• The element type is an important choice that determines the
following element characteristics:
– DOF set. A thermal element type, for example, has one dof:
TEMP, whereas a structural element type may have up to six dof:
UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ.
– Element shape -- brick, tetrahedron, quadrilateral, triangle, etc.
– Dimensionality -- 2-D (X-Y plane only), or 3-D.
– Assumed displacement shape -- linear vs. quadratic.
• ANSYS has a “library” of over 150 element types from which

you can choose. Details on how to choose the “correct”
element type will be presented later. For now, let’s see how
to define an element type.
...Meshing
• To define an element type:
– Preprocessor > Element Type >
Add/Edit/Delete
• [Add] to add new element
type
• Choose the desired type
(such as SOLID92) and
press OK
• [Options] to specify
additional element options
– Or use the ET command:
• et,1,solid92
...Meshing
• Notes:
– Setting preferences to the desired discipline (Main Menu >
Preferences) will show only the element types valid for that
discipline.
– You should define the element type early in the preprocessing
phase because many of the menu choices in the GUI are filtered
out based on the current DOF set. For example, if you choose a
structural element type, thermal load choices will be “grayed
out” or not shown at all.
...Meshing
Real Constants
• Real constants are used for geometric properties that cannot
be completely defined by the element’s geometry. For
example:
– A beam element is defined by a line joining two nodes. This
defines only the length of the beam. To specify the beam’s
cross-sectional properties, such as the area and moment of
inertia, you need to use real constants.
– A shell element is defined by a quadrilateral or triangular area.
This defines only the surface area of the shell. To specify the
shell thickness, you need to use real constants.
– Most 3-D solid elements do not require a real constant since the
element geometry is fully defined by its nodes.
...Meshing
• To define real constants:
– Preprocessor > Real Constants
• [Add] to add a new real constant set.
• If multiple element types have been defined, choose the
element type for which you are specifying real constants.
• Then enter the real constant values.
– Or use the R family of commands.
• Different element types require different real constants, and

some don’t require any real constants. Check the Elements
Manual, available on-line, for details.
...Meshing
Material Properties
• Every analysis requires some material property input:
Young’s modulus EX for structural elements, thermal
conductivity KXX for thermal elements, etc.
• There are two ways to define material properties:
– Material library
– Individual properties
...Meshing
Using the Material Library
• This method allows you to choose a predefined set of properties for
a given material.
• ANSYS supplies typical structural and thermal properties (linear
only) for some common materials, but we strongly recommend that
you create your own material library.
• To choose a material from the library:
– First define the library path.
• Preprocessor > Material Props >
Material Library > Library Path
– Enter the location from which
to READ material data, e.g,
/ansys56/matlib.
• Or use the /MPLIB command.
...Meshing
– Then “import” a material from the library.
• Preprocessor > Material Library > Import
Library
– Choose the units system. This is
used only to filter the list of files
shown in the subsequent dialog.
ANSYS has no knowledge of units
and does NOT do unit conversion.
– Choose the desired material file,
such as steel AISI C1020.
• Or use the MPREAD command with
the LIB option.
...Meshing
Specifying Individual Material Properties
• Instead of choosing a material name, this method involves
directly specifying the required properties.
• To specify individual properties:

– Preprocessor > Material Props >
Isotropic
• Specify material number,
usually 1.
• Then enter the individual
property values.
– Or use the MP command.
...Meshing
A Note on Units
• You do not need to tell ANSYS the system of units you are
using. Simply decide what units you will use, then make sure
all of your input is consistent.
– For example, if the model geometry is in inches, make sure that
all other input data — material properties, real constants, loads,
etc. — are in terms of inches.
• ANSYS does NOT do units conversion! It simply accepts all

numbers you input without questioning their validity.
• The command /UNITS allows you to specify a units system,
but it is simply a recording device to let other users of your
model know what units you used.
...Meshing
Specifying Mesh Controls is the second step in meshing.
• Many mesh controls are available in ANSYS. For now, we will
present a simple method of specifying mesh density, called
SmartSizing.
• SmartSizing is an algorithm that assigns element divisions to
all lines in the model based on line length, curvature, and
proximity to holes, etc.
• You simply specify a “size level” ranging from 1 (very fine
mesh) to 10 (very coarse mesh), and ANSYS takes care of the
rest.
...Meshing
• The MeshTool is the best way to specify mesh
controls:
– Preprocessor > MeshTool.
– Activate SmartSizing. Size level defaults to 6.
Generating the mesh is the final step in meshing.

• First save the database.
• Then press [Mesh] in the MeshTool.
– This brings up a picker. Press [Pick All] in the picker to
indicate all entities.
...Meshing
• When the meshing is complete, ANSYS will automatically plot
the elements.
– The default element plot shows all element edges as straight
lines even for a quadratic element type.
– To show curved element edges, issue /EFACET,2 (or Utility Menu
> PlotCtrls > Size and Shape…).
…Meshing
• Preprocessing
! Geometry
! Meshing
• Solution
– Loading
– Solve
• Postprocessing
– Review results
Stress Analysis - Solution
D. Loading
• The solution step is where we apply loads on the object and
let the solver calculate the finite element solution.
• Loads are available both in the Solution and Preprocessor
menus.
...Loading
• There are five categories of loads:
DOF Constraints Specified DOF values, such as
displacements in a stress analysis or
temperatures in a thermal analysis.
Concentrated Loads Point loads, such as forces or heat flow
rates.
Surface Loads Loads distributed over a surface, such as
pressures or convections.
Body Loads Volumetric or field loads, such as
temperatures (causing thermal expansion)
or internal heat generation.
Inertia Loads Loads due to structural mass or inertia,
such as gravity and rotational velocity.
...Loading
• You can apply loads either on the solid model or directly on
the FEA model (nodes and elements).
– Solid model loads are easier to apply because there are fewer
entities to pick.
– Moreover, solid model loads are independent of the mesh. You
don’t need to reapply the loads if you change the mesh.
Pressure on line Pressures on element faces
Constraint Constraints
on line at nodes
Solid model FEA model
Force at keypoint Force at node

...Loading
• Regardless of how you apply the loads, the solver expects all
loads to be in terms of the finite element model. Therefore,
solid model loads are automatically transferred to the
underlying nodes and elements during solution.
• We will now discuss how to apply the following types of
structural loads:
– Displacement constraints
– Pressures
– Gravity
...Loading
Displacement Constraints
• Used to specify where the model is fixed (zero displacement
locations).
• Can also be non-zero, to simulate a known deflection.
• To apply displacement constraints :
– Solution > -Loads- Apply > Displacement
• Choose where you want to apply
the constraint.
• Pick the desired entities in the
graphics window.
• Then choose the constraint
direction. Value defaults to zero.
– Or use the D family of commands:
DK, DL, DA, D.
...Loading
• Displacement constraints are also used to enforce symmetry
or antisymmetry boundary conditions.
– Symmetry BC: Out-of-plane displacements and in-plane
rotations are fixed.
– Antisymmetry BC: In-plane displacements and out-of-plane
rotations are fixed.
Symmetry Boundary Antisymmetry Boundary

UX=0 UY=UZ=0
ROTY=ROTZ=0 ROTX=0
...Loading
Pressures
• To apply a pressure:
– Solution > -Loads- Apply > Pressure
• Choose where you want to apply the
pressure -- usually on lines for 2-D
models, on areas for 3-D models.
• Pick the desired entities in the
graphics window.
• Then enter the pressure value. A
positive value indicates a
compressive pressure (acting
towards the centroid of the
element).
– Or use the SF family of commands:
SFL, SFA, SFE, SF.
...Loading
• For a 2-D model, where
pressures are usually applied 500 500
on a line, you can specify a L3
tapered pressure by entering a VALI = 500
value for both the I and J ends
of the line. 1000
• I and J are determined by the 500
L3
line direction. If you see the VALI = 500
taper going in the wrong VALJ = 1000
direction, simply reapply the
pressure with the values 1000
reversed. 500
L3
VALI = 1000
VALJ = 500
...Loading
Gravity
• To apply gravitational acceleration:
– Solution > -Loads- Apply > Gravity
– Or use the ACEL command.
• Notes:
– A positive acceleration value causes deflection in the negative
direction. If Y is pointing upwards, for example, a positive
ACELY value will cause the structure to move downwards.
– Density (or mass in some form) must be defined for gravity and
other inertia loads.
...Loading
Verifying applied loads
• Plot them by activating load symbols:
– Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Symbols
– Commands -- /PBC, /PSF, /PBF
• Or list them:
– Utility Menu > List > Loads >
...Loading
Modifying and Deleting Loads
• To modify a load value, simply reapply the load
with the new value.
• To delete loads:
– Solution > -Loads- Delete >
– When you delete solid model loads, ANSYS also
automatically deletes all corresponding finite
element loads.
...Loading
• Preprocessing
! Geometry
! Meshing
• Solution
! Loading
– Solve
• Postprocessing
– Review results
E. Solve
• The solve step is where you let the solver calculate the finite
element solution.
• First, it is a good idea to review and check your analysis data,
e.g:
– Consistent units
– Element types, options, and real constants
• Density if inertia loading
• Coefficient of thermal expansion if thermal stress
– Mesh density, especially in stress concentration regions
– Load values and directions
– Reference temperature for thermal expansions
…Solve
• To initiate the solve:
– First save the database!
– Then:
• Solution > -Solve- Current LS
• Or issue the SOLVE command.
• The solver writes results data to the in-memory

database and to the results file, jobname.rst (or
.rth, .rmg, .rfl).
Input
Data
Database Solver
Results Results
Data Results File
…Solve
• During solution, ANSYS provides a lot of useful information in the
Output Window, such as:
– Mass properties of the model
• The mass calculation is quite accurate; centroid and mass moment
calculations are rough approximations
– Range of element matrix coefficients
• May indicate a problem with material properties or real constants if
maximum/minimum ratio > 1.0E8
– Model size and solver statistics
– Summary of files written and their sizes:
• jobname.emat - element matrix file
• jobname.esav - element saved data file
• jobname.tri - triangularized matrix file
• jobname.rst - results file
…Solve
• Preprocessing
! Geometry
! Meshing
• Solution
! Loading
! Solve
• Postprocessing
– Review results
Stress Analysis - Postprocessing
F. Reviewing Results
• Postprocessing is without doubt the most important step in
an analysis. You may be required to make design decisions
based on the results, so it is a good idea not only to review
the results carefully, but also to check the validity of the
solution.
• ANSYS has two postprocessors:
– POST1, the General Postprocessor, to review a single set of
results over the entire model.
– POST26, the Time-History Postprocessor, to review results at
selected points in the model over time. Mainly used for transient
and nonlinear analyses. (Not discussed in this course.)
...Reviewing Results
• Reviewing results of a stress analysis generally involves:
– Deformed shape
– Stresses
– Reaction forces
Deformed Shape
• Gives a quick indication of whether the loads were applied in
the correct direction.
• Legend column shows the maximum displacement, DMX.
• You can also animate the deformation.
• To plot the deformed
shape:
– General Postproc > Plot
Results > Deformed Shape
– Or use the PLDISP
command.
• For animation:
– Utility Menu > PlotCtrls >
Animate > Deformed Shape
– Or use the ANDISP
command.
Stresses
• The following stresses are typically available for a 3-D solid
model:
– Component stresses — SX, SY, SZ, SXY, SYZ, SXZ (global
Cartesian directions by default)
– Principal stresses — S1, S2, S3, SEQV (von Mises), SINT (stress
intensity)
• Best viewed as contour plots, which allow you to quickly

locate “hot spots” or trouble regions.
– Nodal solution: Stresses are averaged at the nodes, showing
smooth, continuous contours.
– Element solution: No averaging, resulting in discontinuous
contours.
• To plot stress contours:
– General Postproc > Plot Results > Nodal Solu… or PLNSOL command
– General Postproc > Plot Results > Element Solu… or PLESOL command
• You can also animate stress contours:

– Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Animate > Deformed Results... or ANCNTR
command
A Note on PowerGraphics
• It is the default graphics setting (/GRAPH,POWER).
• Plots only the visible surfaces and ignores
everything “underneath.”
• Advantages:
– Faster replot, crisp graphics.
– Smooth, almost photo-realistic displays.
– Prevents stress averaging across material and real
constant boundaries.
• To deactivate PowerGraphics (or activate “full

graphics”):
– Toolbar > POWERGRPH
– Or issue /GRAPH,FULL.
Reaction Forces
• The sum of the reaction forces in each direction must equal
the sum of applied loads in that direction.
• Best viewed as a listing:
– General Postprocessor > List Results > Reaction Solution… or
PRRSOL command
• Preprocessing
! Geometry
! Meshing
• Solution
! Loading
! Solve
• Postprocessing
! Review results
G. Checking Validity of Solution
• It is always a good idea to do a “sanity check” and make sure
that the solution is acceptable.
• What you need to check depends on the type of problem you
are solving, but here are some typical questions to ask:
Do the reaction forces balance the applied loads?
Where is the maximum stress located?
– If it is at a singularity, such as a point load or a re-entrant corner,
the value is generally meaningless. (We will discuss more about
this in Chapter 5.)
Are the stress values beyond the elastic limit?

– If so, the load magnitudes may be wrong, or you may need to do
a nonlinear analysis.
...Checking Validity of Solution
Is the mesh adequate?
– This is always debatable, but you can gain confidence in the
mesh by using error estimation data (discussed in Chapter 14).
– Other ways to check mesh adequacy:
• Plot the element solution (unaveraged stresses) and look for
elements with high stress gradients. These regions are
candidates for mesh refinement.
• If there is a significant difference between the nodal
(averaged) and element (unaveraged) stress contours, the
mesh may be too coarse.
• Similarly, if there is a significant difference between
PowerGraphics and full graphics stresses, the mesh may be
too coarse.
• Re-mesh with twice as many elements, re-solve, and compare
the results. (But this may not always be practical.)
Stress Analysis
• Preprocessing
! Geometry
! Meshing
• Solution
! Loading
! Solve
• Postprocessing
! Review results
! Check validity of solution
Stress Analysis
H. Workshop
• This workshop consists of two problems:
2A. Lathe Cutter
2B. 2-D Corner Bracket Tutorial
Refer to your Workshop Supplement for instructions.

4. Preliminary Decisions
Preliminary Decisions
Overview
• Before starting an analysis in ANSYS, you need to make a
few decisions, such as the analysis type needed and the type
of model you want to build.
• In this chapter, we will discuss some of the decision making
process. The purpose is to give you an idea of the amount of
planning generally needed before “jumping in” to do the
analysis.
• Topics covered:
– A. Which analysis type?
– B. What to model?
– C. Which element type?
A. Which analysis type?
• The analysis type usually belongs to one of the following
disciplines:
Structural Motion of solid bodies, pressure on solid bodies,
or contact of solid bodies
Thermal Applied heat, high temperatures, or changes in
temperature
Electromagnetic Devices subjected to electric currents (AC or
DC), electromagnetic waves, and voltage or
charge excitation
Fluid Motion of gases/fluids, or contained gases/fluids
Coupled-Field Combinations of any of the above
• We will focus on structural analyses in this discussion.

...Which analysis type?
• Once you choose a structural analysis, the next questions
are:
– Static or dynamic analysis?
– Linear or nonlinear analysis?
• To answer these, remember that whenever a body is

subjected to some excitation (loading), it responds with three
types of forces:
– static forces (due to stiffness)
– inertia forces (due to mass)
– damping forces
Static vs. Dynamic Analysis
• A static analysis assumes that only the stiffness forces are
significant.
• A dynamic analysis takes into account all three types of
forces.
• For example, consider the analysis of a diving

board.
– If the diver is standing still, it might be sufficient to
do a static analysis.
– But if the diver is jumping up and down, you will
need to do a dynamic analysis.
• Inertia and damping forces are usually significant if the
applied loads vary rapidly with time.
• Therefore you can use time-dependency of loads as a way to
choose between static and dynamic analysis.
– If the loading is constant over a relatively long period of time,
choose a static analysis.
– Otherwise, choose a dynamic analysis.
• In general, if the excitation frequency is less than 1/3 of the

structure’s lowest natural frequency, a static analysis may be
acceptable.
Linear vs. Nonlinear Analysis
• A linear analysis assumes that the loading causes negligible
changes to the stiffness of the structure. Typical
characteristics are:
– Small deflections
– Strains and stresses within the elastic limit
– No abrupt changes in stiffness such as two bodies coming into
and out of contact
Stress
Elastic modulus
(EX)
Strain
• A nonlinear analysis is needed if the loading causes
significant changes in the structure’s stiffness. Typical
reasons for stiffness to change significantly are:
– Strains beyond the elastic limit (plasticity)
– Large deflections, such as with a loaded fishing rod
– Contact between two bodies
Stress
Strain
B. What to Model?
• Many modeling decisions must be made before building an
analysis model:
– How much detail should be included?
– Does symmetry apply?
– Will the model contain stress singularities?
...What to Model?
Details
• Small details that are unimportant to the analysis should not be
included in the analysis model. You can suppress such features
before sending a model to ANSYS from a CAD system.
• For some structures, however, "small" details such as fillets or
holes can be locations of maximum stress and might be quite
important, depending on your analysis objectives.
...What to Model?
Symmetry
• Many structures are symmetric in some form and allow only a
representative portion or cross-section to be modeled.
• The main advantages of using a symmetric model are:
– It is generally easier to create the model.
– It allows you to make a finer, more detailed model and thereby
obtain better results than would have been possible with the full
model.
...What to Model?
• To take advantage of symmetry, all of the following must be
symmetric:
– Geometry
– Loading conditions
• There are different types of symmetry:

– Axisymmetry
– Rotational
– Planar or reflective
– Repetitive or translational
...What to Model?
Axisymmetry
• Symmetry about a central axis, such as in light bulbs, straight
pipes, cones, circular plates, and domes.
• Plane of symmetry is the cross-section anywhere around the
structure. Thus you are using a single 2-D “slice” to
represent 360° — a real savings in model size!
• Loading is also assumed to be

axisymmetric in most cases.
However, if it is not, and if the
analysis is linear, the loads can be
separated into harmonic
components for independent
solutions that can be superposed.
...What to Model?
Rotational symmetry
• Repeated segments arranged about a central axis, such as in
turbine rotors.
• Only one segment of the structure needs to be modeled.
• Loading is also assumed to be symmetric about the axis.
...What to Model?
Planar or reflective symmetry
• One half of the structure is a mirror image of the other half.
The mirror is the plane of symmetry.
• Loading may be symmetric or anti-symmetric about the plane
of symmetry.
This model illustrates

both reflective and
rotational symmetry
...What to Model?
Repetitive or translational symmetry
• Repeated segments arranged along a straight line, such as a
long pipe with evenly spaced cooling fins.
• Loading is also assumed to be “repeated” along the length of
the model.
This model illustrates both repetitive and reflective symmetry.

...What to Model?
• In some cases, only a few minor details will disrupt a
structure's symmetry. You may be able to ignore such
details (or treat them as being symmetric) in order to gain the
benefits of using a smaller model. How much accuracy is
lost as the result of such a compromise might be difficult to
estimate.
...What to Model?
Stress singularities
• A stress singularity is a location in a finite element model
where the stress value is unbounded (infinite). Examples:
– A point load, such as an applied force or moment
– An isolated constraint point, where the reaction force behaves
like a point load
– A sharp re-entrant corner (with zero fillet radius)
• As the mesh density is refined at P σ = P/A

a stress singularity, the stress value As A ⇒ 0, σ ⇒ ∞
increases and never converges.
...What to Model?
• Real structures do not contain stress singularities. They are
a fiction created by the simplifying assumptions of the model.
• So how do you deal with stress singularities?
– If they are located far away from the region of interest, you can
simply ignore them by deactivating the affected zone while
reviewing results.
– If they are located in the region of interest, you will need to take
corrective action, such as:
• adding a fillet at re-entrant corners and redoing the analysis.
• replacing a point force with an equivalent pressure load.
• “spreading out” displacement constraints over a set of
nodes.
C. Which Element Type?
• This is an important decision you usually need to make
before beginning the analysis.
• Typical issues are:
– Which element category? Solid, shell, beam, etc.
– Element order. Linear or quadratic.
– Mesh density. Usually determined by the objectives of the
analysis.
...Which Element Type?
Element category
• ANSYS offers many different categories of elements. Some
of the commonly used ones are:
– Line elements
– Shells
– 2-D solids
– 3-D solids
• Line elements:
– Beam elements are used to model bolts, tubular members, C-
sections, angle irons, or any long, slender members where only
membrane and bending stresses are needed.
– Spar elements are used to model springs, bolts, preloaded bolts,
and truss members.
– Spring elements are used to model springs, bolts, or long
slender parts, or to replace complex parts by equivalent
stiffnesses.
• Shell elements:
– Used to model thin panels or curved surfaces.
– The definition of “thin” depends on the application, but as a
general guideline, the major dimensions of the shell structure
(panel) should be at least 10 times its thickness.
• 2-D Solid elements:
– Used to model a cross-section of solid objects.
– Must be modeled in the global Cartesian X-Y plane.
– All loads are in the X-Y plane, and the response (displacements)
are also in the X-Y plane.
– Element behaviour may be one of the following:
• plane stress
• plane strain
• axisymmetric
• axisymmetric harmonic Y
Z X
• Plane stress assumes zero stress
in the Z direction.
– Valid for components in which the Y
Z dimension is smaller than the X
and Y dimensions. Z X
– Z-strain is non-zero.
– Optional thickness (Z direction)
allowed.
– Used for structures such as flat
plates subjected to in-plane
loading, or thin disks under
pressure or centrifugal loading.
• Plane strain assumes zero strain in the Z
direction.
– Valid for components in which the Z
dimension is much larger than the X and Y
dimensions.
– Z-stress is non-zero. Z
– Used for long, constant-cross-section
structures such as structural beams. Y
X
• Axisymmetry assumes that the 3-D model
and its loading can be generated by revolving
a 2-D section 360° about the Y axis.
– Axis of symmetry must coincide with the
global Y axis.
– Negative X coordinates are not permitted.
– Y direction is axial, X direction is radial, and Z
direction is circumferential (hoop) direction.
– Hoop displacement is zero; hoop strains and
stresses are usually very significant.
– Used for pressure vessels, straight pipes,
shafts, etc.
• Axisymmetric harmonic is a special case of axisymmetry
where the loads can be non-axisymmetric.
– The non-axisymmetric loading decomposed into Fourier series
components, applied and solved separately, and then combined
later. No approximation is introduced by this simplification!
– Used for non-axisymmetric loads such as torque on a shaft.
• 3-D Solid elements:
– Used for structures which, because of geometry, materials,
loading, or detail of required results, cannot be modeled with
simpler elements.
– Also used when the model geometry is transferred from a 3-D
CAD system, and a large amount of time and effort is required to
convert it to a 2-D or shell form.
Element Order
• Element order refers to the polynomial order of the element’s
shape functions.
• What is a shape function?
– It is a mathematical function that gives the “shape” of the results
within the element. Since FEA solves for DOF values only at
nodes, we need the shape function to map the nodal DOF values
to points within the element.
– The shape function represents assumed behavior for a given
element.
– How well each assumed element shape function matches the
true behavior directly affects the accuracy of the solution, as
shown on the next slide.
Linear approximation
(Poor Results)
Quadratic distribution of
DOF values
Actual quadratic
curve
Linear approximation
with multiple elements Quadratic approximation
(Better Results) (Best Results)
• When you choose an element type, you are implicitly
choosing and accepting the element shape function assumed
for that element type. Therefore, check the shape function
information before you choose an element type.
• Typically, a linear element has only corner nodes, whereas a
quadratic element also has midside nodes.
Linear elements Quadratic elements
• Can support only a linear variation • Can support a quadratic variation
of displacement and therefore of displacement and therefore a
(mostly) only a constant state of linear variation of stress within a
stress within a single element. single element.
• Highly sensitive to element • Can represent curved edges and
distortion. surfaces more accurately than
linear elements. Not as sensitive
• Acceptable if you are only to element distortion.
interested in nominal stress
results. • Recommended if you are
interested in highly accurate
• Need to use a large number of stresses.
elements to resolve high stress
gradients. • Give better results than linear
elements, in many cases with
fewer number of elements and
total DOF.
• Notes:
– For shell models, the difference between linear and quadratic
elements is not as dramatic as for solid models. Linear shells
are therefore usually preferred.
– Besides linear and quadratic elements, a third kind is available,
known as p-elements. P-elements can support anywhere from a
quadratic to an 8th-order variation of displacement within a
single element and include automatic solution convergence
controls.
Mesh Density
• The fundamental premise of FEA is that as the number of
elements (mesh density) is increased, the solution gets
closer and closer to the true solution.
• However, solution time and computer resources required
also increase dramatically as you increase the number of
elements.
• The objectives of the analysis usually decide which way the
slider bar below should be moved.
• If you are interested in highly accurate stresses:
– A fine mesh will be needed, omitting no geometric details at any
location in the structure where such accuracy is needed.
– Stress convergence should be demonstrated.
– Any simplification anywhere in the model might introduce
significant error.
• If you are interested in deflections or nominal stresses:

– A relatively coarse mesh is sufficient.
– Small geometry details may be omitted.
• If you are interested in mode shapes (modal analysis):
– Small details can usually be omitted.
– Simple mode shapes can be captured using a relatively coarse
mesh.
– Complex mode shapes may require a uniform, moderately fine
mesh.
• Thermal Analyses:
– Small details can usually be omitted, but since many thermal
analyses are followed by a stress analysis, stress
considerations generally determine this.
– Mesh density is usually determined by expected thermal
gradients. A fine mesh is required for high thermal gradients,
whereas a coarse mesh may be sufficient for low gradients.
5. Thermal Analysis
Thermal Analysis
• In this chapter, we will briefly describe the procedure to do a

steady-state thermal analysis.
• The purpose is two-fold:
– To reiterate the typical analysis steps that were introduced in
Chapter 4.
– To introduce you to thermal loads and boundary conditions.
• Topics covered:
A. Overview
B. Procedure
C. Workshop
Thermal Analysis
A. Overview
• Thermal analyses are used to determine the temperature
distribution, thermal gradient, heat flow, and other such
thermal quantities in a structure.
• A thermal analysis can be steady-state or transient.
– Steady-state implies that the loading conditions have “settled
down” to a steady level, with little or no time dependency.
Example: An iron that has already reached the desired
temperature setting.
– Transient* implies conditions that are changing with time.
Example: A casting in the process of cooling down from molten
metal to solid.
* Not covered in this course

Thermal Analysis
...Overview
• Thermal loading conditions can be:
Temperatures Regions of the model where temperatures are known.
Convections Surfaces where heat is transferred to (or from)
surroundings by means of convection. Input consists
of film coefficient h and bulk temperature of the
surrounding fluid Tb.
Heat flux* Surfaces where the heat flow rate per unit area is
known.
Heat flow* Points where the heat flow rate is known.
Heat generation* Regions where the volumetric heat generation rate is
known.
Radiation* Surfaces where heat transfer occurs by means of
radiation. Input consists of emissivity, Stefan-
Boltzmann constant, and optionally, temperature at a
“space node.”
Adiabatic surfaces “Perfectly insulated” surfaces where no heat transfer
takes place.
* Not covered in this course

Thermal Analysis
B. Procedure
• The procedure to do a steady-state thermal analysis is similar
to that for a static stress analysis:
– Preprocessing
• Geometry
• Meshing
– Solution
• Loading
• Solve
– Postprocessing
• Review results
• Validate the solution
• Setting GUI preferences (Main Menu > Preferences) to thermal

may be helpful.
Thermal Analysis - Procedure
Preprocessing
Geometry
• Can either be created within ANSYS or imported.
• Details of both methods will be covered later.
...Preprocessing
Meshing
• First define element attributes: element type, real constants,
and material properties.
Element type
– The table below shows commonly used thermal element types.
– There is only one DOF per node: TEMP.
Commonly used thermal element types
2-D Solid 3-D Solid 3-D Shell Line Elements

Linear PLANE55 ■ SOLID70 ■ SHELL57 ■ LINK31,32,33,34
PLANE77 ■ SOLID90 ■
Quadratic
PLANE35 ▲ SOLID87 ▲
...Preprocessing
Material properties
– Minimum requirement is thermal conductivity, KXX.
– Specific heat (C) will be needed if internal heat generation is to
be applied.
– ANSYS-supplied material library (/ansys56/matlib) contains both
structural and thermal properties for a few common materials,
but we recommend that you create and use your own material
library.
Real constants
– Mainly needed for shell and line elements.
...Preprocessing
• Then mesh the geometry.
– Save the database.
– Use the MeshTool to create the mesh. The default smart-size
level of 6 produces a good initial mesh.
• This completes the preprocessing step. Solution is next.

Solution
Loading
• Prescribed Temperatures
– DOF constraints for a thermal analysis
– Solution > -Loads-Apply > Temperature
– Or the D family of commands (DA, DL, D)
• Convections
– These are surface loads
– Solution > -Loads-Apply > Convection
– Or the SF family of commands (SFA, SFL, SF, SFE)
...Solution
• Adiabatic Surfaces
– “Perfectly insulated” surfaces where no heat transfer takes
place.
– This is the default condition, i.e, any surface with no boundary
conditions specified is automatically treated as an adiabatic
surface.
• Other possible thermal loads:

– heat flux
– heat flow
– heat generation
– radiation
...Solution
Solve
• Then issue SOLVE or click on Solution > -Solve- Current LS.
– Results are written to the results file, jobname.rth, as well as to
the in-memory database.
• This completes the solution step. Postprocessing is next.

Postprocessing
Review Results
• Typically consists of contour plots of temperature, thermal
gradient, and thermal flux.
– General Postproc > Plot Results > Nodal Solu… (or Element Solu…)
– Or use PLNSOL (or PLESOL)
...Postprocessing
• A useful option for contour plots in 3-D solid models is
isosurfaces — surfaces of constant value. Use the /CTYPE
command or Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Style > Contours >
Contour Style.
...Postprocessing
Validate the Solution
Are temperatures within the expected range?
– You can generally guess the expected range based on
prescribed temperatures and convection boundaries.
Is the mesh adequate?

– Just as in the case of stresses, you can plot the unaveraged
thermal gradients (element solution) and look for elements with
high gradients. These regions are candidates for mesh
refinement.
– If there is a significant difference between the nodal (averaged)
and element (unaveraged) thermal gradients, the mesh may be
too coarse.
C. Workshop
W3. Axisymmetric Pipe with Fins
6. Thermal-Stress Analysis
Thermal-Stress Analysis
• In this chapter, we will briefly describe how to do a thermal-
stress analysis.
• The purpose is two-fold:
– To show you how to apply thermal loads in a stress analysis.
– To introduce you to a coupled-field analysis.
• Topics covered:
A. Overview
B. Procedure
C. Workshop
A. Overview
Thermally Induced Stress
• When a structure is heated or cooled, it
deforms by expanding or contracting.
Thermal stresses
• If the deformation is somehow restricted due to constraints
— by displacement constraints or an
opposing pressure, for example —
thermal stresses are induced in the
structure.
• Another cause of thermal stresses is
Thermal stresses
non-uniform deformation, due to different due to different
materials (i.e, different coefficients of materials
thermal expansion).
B. Procedure
• Thermal-stress analysis involves two sequential analyses:
1. First do a steady-state (or transient)
thermal analysis.
• Model with thermal elements. Thermal
Analysis
• Apply thermal loading.
• Solve and review results. jobname.rth
2. Then do a static structural analysis.
• Switch element types to structural. Temperatures
• Define structural material properties,
including thermal expansion Structural
coefficient. Analysis
• Apply structural loading, including
temperatures from thermal analysis. jobname.rst
• Solve and review results.
...Procedure
1. Thermal Analysis
– The procedure for this is described in Chapter 6.
2. Structural Analysis
a) Move to PREP7 and switch element types from thermal to
structural.
• Preprocessor > Element Type > Switch Elem Type
• Or ETCHG command
Caution: Switching element types will reset all element options
back to their default settings. For example, if you used 2-D
axisymmetric elements in the thermal analysis, you may need to
respecify the axisymmetric option after the switch. Therefore,
be sure to verify and set the proper element options:
• Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete > [Options]
• Or use ETLIST and KEYOPT commands
...Procedure
b) Define structural material properties (EX, etc.), including the
coefficient of thermal expansion (ALPX). (If you use the ANSYS-
supplied material library, both thermal and structural properties
will be defined, so this step may not be needed.)
Note: If ALPX is not defined or set to zero, no thermal strains
will be calculated. You can use this technique to “turn off”
temperature effects!
c) Specify static analysis type. This step is needed only if the
thermal analysis was a transient.
• Solution > -Analysis Type- New Analysis
• Or ANTYPE command
...Procedure
d) Apply structural loads and include temperatures as part of the
loading.
• Solution > -Loads- Apply > -Structural- Temperature > From
Therm Analy
• Or use the LDREAD command.
e) Solve.
f) Review stress results.
C. Workshop
W4. Axisymmetric Pipe with Fins
7. Importing Geometry
Importing Geometry
Overview
• If the geometry of the part you want to analyze has already
been created in a CAD package, it is generally more efficient
to import it into ANSYS than to re-create it.
• In this chapter, we will discuss the various import options
available in ANSYS:
A. IGES Imports — expands on IGES importing, which was covered
briefly in Chapter 4.
B. Connection Products — shows how to import parts directly from
certain CAD packages.
C. F.E. Model Imports — briefly explains how to import nodes and
elements.
D. Workshop — a hands-on exercise on importing.
Importing Geometry
A. IGES Imports
• The general procedure to import an IGES file has already
been discussed in Chapter 4. In this section, we will explore
some of the options available:
– the two methods, default and alternate
– the Merge, Solid, and Small options
Importing Geometry
...IGES Imports
• Default Method — Imports and stores geometry in a
special database that allows you to repair and
defeature the model. [ioptn,iges,defa]
+ Ability to defeature, i.e, to remove minor details such
as protrusions, cavities, and small holes.
– Because of the special database used to store
geometry, only a limited number of solid model
operations are available.
– Generally requires more memory and is somewhat
slower than alternate method.
Even though this method is currently the default, it is
NOT recommended because its disadvantages
outweigh the advantages.
Importing Geometry
...IGES Imports
• Alternate Method — Imports and stores geometry in the
standard ANSYS database. [ioptn,iges,alte]
+ Faster and more reliable than the default method.
+ Allows the full set of solid model operations.
– No defeaturing tools are available.
This is the recommended method.
Importing Geometry
...IGES Imports
• Merge Option
– ON by default, to merge coincident entities so that adjacent
areas meet at a common line, and adjacent lines meet at a
common keypoint.
– Turn it OFF only if you are using the default method and your
initial attempt runs out of memory.
– ioptn,merge,on/off
merge
Importing Geometry
...IGES Imports
• Solid Option
– ON by default, to automatically create a volume (solid) after
importing and merging.
– Turn it OFF if you want to import surfaces only and create a shell
or 2-D plane model.
– ioptn,solid,on/off
Importing Geometry
...IGES Imports
• Small Option
– ON by default, to automatically delete small, sliver-like areas that
might be troublesome for meshing.
– Available only for the "default" method.
– Turn it OFF if you find gaps or “holes” in the model.
– ioptn,small,on/off
Importing Geometry
B. Connection Products
• IGES importing works quite well, but because of the dual
translation process — CAD ⌫ IGES ⌫ ANSYS — there are
many cases where it does not work.
• ANSYS Connection products overcome this problem by
directly reading the “native” part files produced by the CAD
package:
– Connection for Pro/ENGINEER (“Pro/E” for short)
– Connection for Unigraphics (“UG” for short)
– Connection for CADDS
– Connection for SAT
– Connection for Parasolid
• To use a connection product, you need to purchase the
appropriate license.
Importing Geometry
...Connection Products
• Connection for Pro/E
– Reads .prt file produced by Pro/ENGINEER (from Parametric
Technology Corp.).
– Requires Pro/ENGINEER software.
– Utility Menu > File > Import > Pro/E...
– Or ~proein
Importing Geometry
• Connection for UG
– Reads .prt file produced by Unigraphics (from Electronic Data
Systems Corp.).
– Requires Unigraphics software.
– Utility Menu > File > Import > UG...
– Or ~ugin
Importing Geometry
• Connection for CADDS
– Reads _pd file produced by CADDS (from Parametric
Technology Corp.).
– Does not require CADDS software.
– Utility Menu > File > Import > CADDS...
– Or ~caddsin
Importing Geometry
• Connection for SAT
– Reads .sat file produced by CAD packages that use the ACIS
modeler.
– Does not require ACIS software.
– Utility Menu > File > Import > SAT...
– Or ~satin
Importing Geometry
• Connection for Parasolid
– Reads .x_t or .xmt_txt file produced by CAD packages that use
the Parasolid modeler.
– Does not require Parasolid software.
– Utility Menu > File > Import > PARA...
– Or ~parain
Importing Geometry
C. F.E. Model Imports
• In addition to solid model geometry, ANSYS can also import
finite element model data (nodes and elements) from certain
packages.
• The most common approach is for the software vendor to
“write out” the nodes and elements in a format that ANSYS
can read (using NREAD and EREAD). This format is
published in the ANSYS Programmer’s Manual.
• Some software packages, such as FEMAP from Enterprise
Software Products Inc., provide an interface that allows you
to transfer more than just nodes and elements.
Importing Geometry
D. Workshop
W5. Importing Geometry
8. Solid Modeling
Solid Modeling
Overview
• Importing geometry is convenient, but sometimes you may
need to create it in ANSYS. Some possible reasons:
– You may need to build a parametric model — one defined in
terms of variables for later use in design optimization or
sensitivity studies.
– The geometry may not be available in “importable” format.
– The Connection product you need may not be available on your
computer platform.
• ANSYS has an extensive set of geometry creation tools,

which we will discuss in this chapter.
Solid Modeling
...Overview
• Topics covered:
A. Definitions
B. Top-Down Modeling
• Primitives
• Working Plane
• Boolean Operations
C. Workshop
D. Bottom-Up Modeling
• Keypoints
• Coordinate Systems
• Lines, Areas, Volumes
• Operations
E. Workshop
Solid Modeling
Definitions
• Solid Modeling can be defined as the process of
creating solid models.
• Let’s review some earlier definitions: Volumes
– A solid model is defined by volumes, areas, lines,

and keypoints.
– Volumes are bounded by areas, areas by lines, Areas
and lines by keypoints.
– Hierarchy of entities from low to high: keypoints Lines &
⌫ lines ⌫ areas ⌫ volumes. You cannot delete Keypoints
an entity if a higher-order entity is attached to it.
Volumes
• Also, a model with just areas and below, such as
Areas
a shell or 2-D plane model, is still considered a
Lines
solid model in ANSYS terminology.
Keypoints
Solid Modeling
...Definitions
• There are two approaches to creating a solid model:
– Top-down
– Bottom-up
• Top-down modeling starts with a definition of volumes (or

areas), which are then combined in some fashion to create
the final shape.
add
Solid Modeling
...Definitions
• Bottom-up modeling starts with keypoints, from which you
“build up” lines, areas, etc.
• You may choose whichever approach best suits the shape of

the model, and also freely combine both methods.
• We will now discuss each modeling approach in detail.
Solid Modeling
B. Top-Down Modeling
• Top-down modeling starts with a definition of volumes (or
areas), which are then combined in some fashion to create
the final shape.
– The volumes or areas that you initially define are called
primitives.
– Primitives are located and oriented with the help of the working
plane.
– The combinations used to produce the final shape are called
Boolean operations.
Solid Modeling - Top-Down Modeling
Primitives
• Primitives are predefined geometric shapes such as circles,
polygons, and spheres.
• 2-D primitives include rectangles, circles, triangles, and other
polygons.
...Primitives
• 3-D primitives include blocks, cylinders, prisms, spheres, and
cones.
...Primitives
• When you create a 2-D primitive, ANSYS defines an area,
along with its underlying lines and keypoints.
• When you create a 3-D primitive, ANSYS defines a volume,
along with its underlying areas, lines and keypoints.
...Primitives
• You can create primitives by specifying their dimensions or
by picking locations in the graphics window.
– For example, to create a solid circle:
• Preprocessor > -Modeling- Create > -Areas- Circle >
Instructions
By picking
Picker
Pick the center and radius

in graphics window...
...Or enter values here
...Primitives
– To create a block:
• Preprocessor > -Modeling- Create > -Volumes- Block >
Instructions
By picking
Pick the desired locations
Picker in graphics window...
...Or enter values here
Working Plane
• The “WP” in the prompts and in the picker stands for
Working Plane — a movable, 2-D reference plane used to
locate and orient primitives.
– By default, the WP origin coincides with the global origin, but
you can move it and/or rotate it to any desired position.
– By displaying a grid, you can use the WP as a “drawing tablet.”
he
WY ig
ht
WY WX
th
id
X1
w
Y2
X2
Y1
WP (X,Y)
WX
...Working Plane
• All working plane controls are in Utility
Menu > WorkPlane.
• The WP Settings menu controls the
following:
– WP display - triad only (default), grid only,
or both.
– Snap - allows you to pick locations on the
WP easily by “snapping” the cursor to the
nearest grid point.
– Grid spacing - the distance between grid
lines.
– Grid size - how much of the (infinite)
working plane is displayed.
...Working Plane
• You can move the working
plane to any desired position
using the Offset and Align
menus.
– Offset WP by Increments…
• Use the push buttons (with
increment set by slider).
• Or type in the desired
increments.
• Or use dynamic mode
(similar to pan-zoom-
rotate).
...Working Plane
– Offset WP to >
This simply “translates” the WP,
maintaining its current orientation,
to the desired destination, which
can be:
• Existing keypoint(s). Picking
multiple keypoints moves WP to
their average location.
• Existing node(s).
• Coordinate location(s).
• Global origin.
• Origin of the active coordinate
system (discussed later).
...Working Plane
– Align WP with >
This reorients the WP.
• For example, Align WP with
Keypoints prompts you to pick 3
keypoints - one at the origin, one
to define the X-axis, and one to
define the X-Y plane.
• To return the WP to its default
position (at global origin, on
global X-Y plane), click on Align
WP with > Global Cartesian.
Boolean Operations
• Boolean operations are computations involving combinations
of geometric entities. ANSYS Boolean operations include
add, subtract, intersect, divide, glue, and overlap.
• The “input” to Boolean operations can be any geometric
entity, ranging from simple primitives to complicated
volumes imported from a CAD system.
add
Input entities Boolean operation Output entity(ies)

...Boolean Operations
• All Boolean operations are available in the GUI under
Preprocessor > -Modeling- Operate.
• By default, input entities of a Boolean operation are deleted
after the operation.
• Deleted entity numbers become “free” (i.e., they will be
assigned to a new entity created, starting with the lowest
available number).
• Add
– Combines two or more entities into one.
• Glue
– Attaches two or more entities by creating a common boundary
between them.
– Useful when you want to maintain the distinction between
entities (such as for different materials).
• Overlap
– Same as glue, except that the input entities overlap each other.
• Subtract
– Removes the overlapping portion of one or more entities from a
set of “base” entities.
– Useful for creating holes or trimming off portions of an entity.
• Divide
– Cuts an entity into two or more pieces that are still connected to
each other by common boundaries.
– The “cutting tool” may be the working plane, an area, a line, or
even a volume.
– Useful for “slicing and dicing” a complicated volume into
simpler volumes for brick meshing.
• Intersect
– Keeps only the overlapping portion of two or more entities.
– If there are more than two input entities, you have two choices:
common intersection and pairwise intersection
• Common intersection finds the common overlapping region
among all input entities.
• Pairwise intersection finds the overlapping region for each
pair of entities and may produce more than one output entity.
Common Pairwise
intersection intersection
• Partition
– Cuts two or more intersecting entities into multiple pieces that
are still connected to each other by common boundaries.
– Useful, for example, to find the intersection point of two lines
and still retain all four line segments, as shown below. (An
intersection operation would return the common keypoint and
delete both lines.)
L2 L6
L1 Partition L3
L4
L5
• Demo:
– “Drill” a hole by subtracting a circle from a rectangle (or a
cylinder from a block)
– Create two overlapping entities, save db, and do the overlap
operation. Now resume db and add the entities. Note the
difference between the two operations. (Glue is similar to
overlap.)
– Interesting model:
• block,-2,2, 0,2, -2,2
• sphere,2.5,2.7
• vinv,all ! intersection
C. Workshop
W6. Pillow Block
Solid Modeling
D. Bottom-Up Modeling
• Bottom-up modeling begins with a definition of keypoints,
from which other entities are “built up.”
• To build an L-shaped object, for example, you could start by
defining the corner keypoints as shown below. You can then
create the area by simply “connecting the dots” or by first
defining lines and then defining the area by lines.
Solid Modeling - Bottom-Up Modeling
Keypoints
• To define keypoints:
– Preprocessor > -Modeling- Create >
Keypoints
– Or use the K family of commands: K,
KFILL, KNODE, etc.
• The only data needed to create a keypoint is the keypoint

number and the coordinate location.
– Keypoint number defaults to the next available number.
– The coordinate location may be provided by simply picking
locations on the working plane or by entering the X,Y,Z values.
How are the X,Y,Z values interpreted? It depends on the active
coordinate system.
Coordinate Systems
Active Coordinate System
• Defaults to global Cartesian.
• Use CSYS command (or Utility
Menu > WorkPlane > Change Active
CS to) to change it to
– global Cartesian [csys,0]
– global cylindrical [csys,1]
– global spherical [csys,2]
– working plane [csys,4]
– or a user-defined local coordinate
system [csys, n]
Each of these systems is
explained next.
...Coordinate Systems
Global Coordinate System
• The global reference system for the model.
• May be Cartesian (system 0), cylindrical (1), or spherical (2).
– For example, location (0,10,0) in global Cartesian is the same as
(10,90,0) in global Cylindrical.
Local Coordinate System
• A user-defined system at a desired location, with
ID number 11 or greater. The location may be:
– At WP origin [CSWP]
– At specified coordinates [LOCAL]
– At existing keypoints [CSKP] or nodes [CS]
• May be Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical.

• May be rotated about X, Y, Z axes.
Y12
Y X12
Y11
X11
X
Working Plane Coordinate System
• Attached to the working plane.
• Used mainly to locate and orient solid model primitives.
• You can also use the working plane to define keypoints by
picking.
• You can define any number of
coordinate systems, but only one
may be active at any given time.
• Several geometry items are
affected by the coordinate system
[CSYS] that is active at the time
they are defined:
– Keypoint and node locations
– Line curvature
– Area curvature
– Generation and “filling” of
keypoints and nodes
– Etc.
• The graphics window title shows

the active system.
Lines
• There are many ways to create lines, as shown here.
• If you define areas or volumes, ANSYS will automatically
generate any undefined lines, with the curvature determined
by the active CS.
• Keypoints must be available in order to create lines.
Create > Create > Create > Operate >

-Lines- Lines -Lines- Arcs -Lines- Splines Extrude / Sweep
Areas
• Creating areas using bottom-up method requires keypoints
or lines to be already defined.
• If you define volumes, ANSYS will automatically generate any
undefined areas and lines, with the curvature determined by
the active CS.
Create > Operate > Extrude

-Areas- Arbitrary
Volumes
• Creating volumes using bottom-up method requires
keypoints or lines or areas to be already defined.
Create > Operate > Extrude

-Volumes- Arbitrary
Operations
• Boolean operations are available for entities created by both
top-down and bottom-up modeling approaches.
• Besides Booleans, many other operations are available:
– Extrude
– Scale
– Move
– Copy
– Reflect
– Merge
– Fillet
...Operations
Extrude
• To quickly create volumes from existing areas (or
areas from lines, and lines from keypoints).
• If the area is meshed, you can extrude the
elements along with the areas.
• Four ways to extrude areas:
– Along normal — creates volume by normal offset of
areas [VOFFST] .
– By XYZ offset — creates volume by a general x-y-z
offset [VEXT]. Allows tapered extrusion.
– About axis — creates volume by revolving areas
about an axis (specified by two keypoints) [VROTAT].
– Along lines — creates volume by “dragging” areas
along a line or a set of contiguous lines [VDRAG].
...Operations
Scale
• Useful for conversion from one units system to another.
• Discussed in Chapter 4.
...Operations
Move
• To translate or rotate an entity by
specifying DX,DY,DZ offsets.
– DX,DY,DZ are interpreted in the
active CS.
– To translate an entity, make the
active CS Cartesian. Transfer
Rotate from csys,0
– To rotate an entity, make the -30°
active CS cylindrical or spherical. to csys,11
• Another option is to transfer

coordinates to a different system.
– Transfer occurs from the active
CS to a specified CS.
– This operation is useful when you
need to move and rotate an entity
at the same time.
...Operations
Copy
• To generate multiple copies of an
entity.
• Specify the number of copies and
the DX,DY,DZ offset for each copy.
Copy in
DX,DY,DZ are interpreted in the local
active CS. cylindrical
CS
• Useful to create multiple holes,
ribs, protrusions, etc.
Create outer
areas by
skinning
...Operations
Reflect
• To reflect entities about a plane.
• Specify the direction of reflection:
– X for reflection about the YZ plane
– Y for XZ plane
– Z for XY plane
All directions are interpreted in the

active CS, which must be a
Cartesian system.
What is the direction of

reflection in this case?
...Operations
Merge
• To attach two entities together by removing coincident keypoints.
– Merging keypoints will automatically merge coincident higher-order
entities, if any.
• Usually required after a reflect, copy, or other operation that causes
coincident entities.
Reflect Merge or glue

required
...Operations
Fillet
• Line fillet requires two intersecting lines with
a common keypoint at the intersection.
– If the common keypoint does not exist, do a
partition operation first.
– ANSYS does not update the underlying area (if
any), so you need to either add or subtract the
fillet region.
Create
• Area filleting is similar. fillet
Subtract from Create

base area area
E. Workshop
W7. Connecting Rod
9. Meshing
Meshing
Overview
• Recall that meshing is a three-step procedure:
– Define element attributes
– Specify mesh controls
• In this chapter, we will expand on each of these steps and

also discuss additional meshing options.
• Topics covered:
A. Multiple Element Attributes E. Hex-to-Tet Meshing
B. Controlling Mesh Density F. Mesh Extrusion
C. Changing a Mesh G. Sweep Meshing
D. Mapped Meshing H. Workshop
Meshing
A. Multiple Element Attributes
• As we discussed earlier, every element has the following attributes
associated with it:
– Element type (TYPE)
– Real constants (REAL)
– Material properties (MAT)
• Most FEA models have multiple attributes. For example, the silo
shown here has two element types, three real constant sets, and two
materials.
TYPE 1 = shell
TYPE 2 = beam MAT 1 = concrete
MAT 2 = steel
REAL 1 = 3/8” thickness

REAL 2 = beam properties
REAL 3 = 1/8” thickness
Meshing
...Multiple Element Attributes
• Whenever you have multiple TYPEs, REALs and MATs, you
need to make sure that each element is assigned the proper
attributes. There are three ways to do this:
– Assign attributes to the solid model entities before meshing
– Activate a “global” setting of MAT, TYPE, and REAL before
meshing
– Modify element attributes after meshing
• If no assignments are made, ANSYS uses default settings of

MAT=1, TYPE=1, and REAL=1 for all elements in the model.
Meshing
Assigning Attributes to the Solid Model
1. Define all necessary element types, materials,
and real constant sets.
2. Then use the “Element Attributes” section of
the MeshTool (Preprocessor > MeshTool):
– Choose entity type and press the SET button.
– Pick the entities to which you want to assign
attributes.
– Set the appropriate attributes in the subsequent
dialog box.
Or select the desired entities and use the

VATT, AATT, LATT, or KATT command.
3. When you mesh an entity, its attributes are
automatically transferred to the elements.
Meshing
Using Global Attribute Settings
1. Define all necessary element types,
materials, and real constant sets.
2. Then use the “Element Attributes”
section of the MeshTool (Preprocessor >
MeshTool):
– Choose Global and press the SET button.
– Activate the desired combination of
attributes in the “Meshing Attributes”
dialog box. We refer to these as the
active TYPE, REAL, and MAT settings.
Or use the TYPE, REAL, and MAT

commands.
3. Mesh only those entities to which the
above settings apply.
Meshing
Modifying Element Attributes
1. Define all necessary element types, materials, and real constant
sets.
2. Activate the desired combination of TYPE, REAL, and MAT settings:
– Preprocessor > -Attributes- Define > Default Attribs...
– Or use the TYPE, REAL, and MAT commands
3. Modify the attributes of only those elements to which the above

settings apply:
– Issue EMODIF,PICK or choose Preprocessor > Move/Modiry > -Elements-
Modify Attrib
– Then pick the desired elements
4. In the subsequent dialog box,

set attributes to “All to current.”
Meshing
Some points to keep in mind:
• You can verify element attributes by activating
attribute numbering:
– Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Numbering
– Or /PNUM,attr,ON, where attr may be TYPE, MAT,
or REAL
• Element attributes assigned directly to solid model entities will

override the default attribute pointers.
• By assigning attributes to solid model entities, you can avoid having
to reset attributes in the middle of meshing operations. This is
advantageous because ANSYS meshing algorithms are most
efficient when meshing all entities at once.
• Clearing a solid model entity of its mesh will not delete attribute
assignments.
Meshing
B. Controlling Mesh Density
• ANSYS provides many tools to control mesh density, both on
a global and local level:
– Global controls
• SmartSizing
• Global element sizing
• Default sizing
– Local controls
• Keypoint sizing
• Line sizing
• Area sizing
Meshing
...Controlling Mesh Density
SmartSizing
• Determines element sizes by assigning divisions on all lines,
taking into account curvature of the line, its proximity to
holes and other features, and element order.
• SmartSizing is off by default, but is recommended for free
meshing. It does not affect mapped meshing. (Free meshing
vs. mapped meshing will be discussed later.)
Meshing
• To use SmartSizing:
– Bring up the MeshTool (Preprocessor > MeshTool),
turn on SmartSizing, and set the desired size level.
• Or use SMRT,level
• Size level ranges from 1 (very fine) to 10 (very
coarse). Defaults to 6.
– Then mesh all volumes (or all areas) at once, rather
than one-by-one.
Meshing
• Examples of different SmartSize
levels are shown here for a
tetrahedron mesh.
• Advanced SmartSize controls,
such as mesh expansion and
transition factors, are available
on the SMRT command (or
Preprocessor > -Meshing- Size
Cntrls > -SmartSize- Adv Opts...)
• You can turn off SmartSizing
using the MeshTool or by
issuing smrt,off.
Meshing
Global Element Sizing
• Allows you to specify a maximum element edge length
for the entire model (or number of divisions per line):
– ESIZE,SIZE
– or Preprocessor > MeshTool > “Size Controls - Globl” [Set]
– or Preprocessor > -Meshing- Size Cntrls > -Global- Size
• Can be used by itself or in conjunction with

SmartSizing.
– Using ESIZE by itself (SmartSizing off) will result
in a uniform element size throughout the volume
(or area) being meshed.
– With SmartSizing on, ESIZE acts as a “guide,”
but the specified size may be overridden to
accommodate line curvature or proximity to
features.
Meshing
Default Sizing
• If you don’t specify any controls, ANSYS uses default sizing,
which assigns minimum and maximum line divisions, aspect
ratio, etc. based on element order.
• Meant for mapped meshing, but is also used for free meshing
if SmartSizing is off.
• You can adjust default size specifications using DESIZE or
Preprocessor > -Meshing- Size Cntrls > -Global- Other.
Meshing
Keypoint Sizing
• Controls element size at keypoints:
– Preprocessor > MeshTool > “Size Controls: Keypt” [Set]
– or KESIZE command
– or Preprocessor > -Meshing- Size Cntrls > -Keypoints-
Different keypoints can have different KESIZEs,

giving you more control over the mesh.
• Useful for stress concentration regions.
• Specified sizes may be overridden by SmartSizing
to accommodate line curvature or proximity to
features.
Meshing
Line Sizing
• Controls element size at lines:
– Preprocessor > MeshTool > Size Controls: Lines [Set]
– or LESIZE command
– or Preprocessor > -Meshing- Size Cntrls > -Lines-
Yes for “soft”
Different lines can have different LESIZEs. No for “hard”
• Size specifications may be “hard” or “soft.”

– “Hard” sizes are always honored by the mesher,
even if SmartSizing is on. They take precedence
over all other size controls.
– “Soft” sizes may be overridden by SmartSizing.
• You can also specify a spacing ratio — ratio of

last division to first. Used to bias the divisions
towards one end or towards the middle.
Meshing
Area Sizing
• Controls element size in the interior of areas:
– Preprocessor > MeshTool > “Size Controls: Areas” [Set]
– or AESIZE command
– or Preprocessor > -Meshing- Size Cntrls > -Areas-
Different areas can have different AESIZEs.

• Bounding lines will use the specified size only if they
have no LESIZE or KESIZE specified and if no
adjacent area has a smaller size.
• Specified sizes may be overridden by SmartSizing to
accommodate line curvature or proximity to features.
Meshing
C. Changing a Mesh
• If a mesh is not acceptable, you can always re-mesh
the model by following these steps:
1. Clear the mesh.
• The clear operation is the opposite of mesh: it
removes nodes and elements.
• Use the [Clear] button on the MeshTool, or use
VCLEAR, ACLEAR, etc.
(If you are using the MeshTool, you may skip this step
since the program will prompt you whether to clear or
not when you execute step 3.)
2. Specify new or different mesh controls.
3. Mesh again.
Meshing
...Changing a Mesh
• Another meshing option is to refine the
mesh in specific regions.
– Available for all area elements and only
tetrahedral volume elements.
– Easiest way is to use the MeshTool:
• Then choose how you want to specify
the region of refinement — at nodes,
elements, keypoints, lines, or areas —
and press the Refine button.
• Pick the entities at which you want the
mesh to be refined. (Not required if you
choose “All Elems.”)
• Finally, choose the level of refinement.
Level 1 (minimal refinement) is a good
starting point.
Meshing
D. Mapped Meshing
• There are two main meshing methods: free and
mapped.
• Free Mesh
– Has no element shape restrictions.
– The mesh does not follow any pattern.
– Suitable for complex shaped areas and volumes.
• Mapped Mesh
– Restricts element shapes to quadrilaterals for
areas and hexahedra (bricks) for volumes.
– Typically has a regular pattern with obvious rows
of elements.
– Suitable only for “regular” areas and volumes
such as rectangles and bricks.
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
Free Mesh Mapped Mesh
+ Easy to create; no need to + Generally contains a lower
divide complex shapes into number of elements.
regular shapes.
+ Lower-order elements may be
– Volume meshes can contain acceptable, so the number of
only tetrahedra, resulting in a DOF is lower.
large number of elements.
+ Aesthetically pleasing.
– Only higher-order (10-node)
tetrahedral elements are – Areas and volumes must be
acceptable, so the number of “regular” in shape, and mesh
DOF can be very high. divisions must meet certain
criteria.
– Very difficult to achieve,
especially for complex shaped
volumes.
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
Creating a Free Mesh
• Free meshing is the default setting for both area
and volume meshes.
• Create a free mesh is easy:
– Bring up the MeshTool and verify that free meshing
is set.
– SmartSizing is generally recommended for free
meshing, so activate it and specify a size level.
Save the database.
– Then initiate the mesh by pressing the Mesh button.
• Press [Pick All] in the picker to choose all
entities (recommended).
– Or use the commands VMESH,ALL or AMESH,ALL.
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
Creating a Mapped Mesh
• This is not as easy as free meshing because the areas and
volumes have to meet certain requirements:
– Area must contain either 3 or 4 lines (triangle or quadrilateral).
– Volume must contain either 4, 5, or 6 areas (tetrahedron,
triangular prism, or hexahedron).
– Element divisions on opposite sides must match.
• For triangular areas or tetrahedral volumes, the number of
element divisions must be even.
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
• For quadrilateral areas or hexahedral volumes, unequal
divisions are allowed, as shown in these examples, but the
number of divisions must satisfy a formula (shown on the
next page).
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
• Thus mapped meshing involves a three-step procedure:
– Ensure “regular” shapes, i.e, areas with 3 or 4 sides, or volumes
with 4, 5, or 6 sides.
– Specify size and shape controls
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
Ensure regular shapes
• In most cases, the model geometry is such that the areas
have more than 4 sides, and volumes have more that 6 sides.
To convert these to regular shapes, you may need to do one
or both of these operations:
– Slice the areas (or volumes) into smaller, simpler shapes.
– Concatenate two or more lines (or areas) to reduce the total
number of sides.
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
• Slicing can be accomplished with the Boolean divide
operation.
– Remember that you can use the working plane, an area, or a line
as the slicing tool.
– Sometimes, it may be easier to create a new line or a new area
than to move and orient the working plane in the correct
direction.
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
• Concatenation creates a new line that is a combination of two
or more lines, thereby reducing the number of lines making
up the area.
– Use the LCCAT command or Preprocessor > -Meshing-
Concatenate > Lines, then pick the lines to be concatenated.
– For area concatenation, use ACCAT command or Preprocessor >
-Meshing- Concatenate > Areas
Concatenating
these two lines
makes this a
4-sided area
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
• You can also imply a concatenation by simply
identifying the three or four corners of the area. In
this case, ANSYS internally generates the
concatenation.
– To do this, choose Quad shape and Map mesh in the
MeshTool.
– Then change 3/4 sided to Pick cornrs.
– Press the Mesh button, pick the area, and then pick
the 3 or 4 corners that form the regular shape.
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
• Notes on concatenation:
– It is purely a meshing operation and therefore should be the last step
before meshing, after all solid modeling operations. This is because the
output entity obtained from a concatenation cannot be used in any
subsequent solid modeling operation.
– You can "undo" a concatenation by deleting the line or area it produced.
– Concatenating areas (for mapped volume meshing) is generally much
more complicated because you may also need to concatenate some
lines. Lines are automatically concatenated only when two adjacent, 4-
sided areas are concatenated.
– Consider the add (Boolean) operation if the lines or areas meet at a
tangent.
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
Specify size and shape controls
• This is the second step of the three-step mapped
meshing procedure.
• Choosing the shape is simple. In the MeshTool,
choose Quad for area meshing, and Hex for volume
meshing, then click on Map.
• Commonly used size controls and the order in which
they are applied:
– Line sizing [LESIZE] is always honored.
– Global element size , if specified, will be applied to
“unsized” lines.
– Default element sizing [DESIZE] will be applied to
unsized lines only if ESIZE is not specified.
– (SmartSizing is not valid.)
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
• If you specify line divisions, remember that:
– divisions on opposite sides must match, but you only need to
specify one side. The map mesher automatically transfers
divisions to the opposite side.
– if you have concatenated lines, divisions can only be applied to
the original (input) lines, not the composite line.
6 divisions specified on
each original line.
12 divisions will be
automatically applied to
this line (opposite to
composite line).
How many divisions are

used for the other two
lines? (Upcoming demo
will answer it.)
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
Generate the mapped mesh
• Once you have ensured regular shapes and assigned the
appropriate divisions, generating the mesh is easy. Just
press the Mesh button in the MeshTool, then press [Pick All]
in the picker or choose the desired entities.
Meshing
...Mapped Meshing
• Question: How would
you slice this model for
mapped meshing?
• Answer: It may not be worth

the effort!
Meshing
E. Hex-to-Tet Meshing
• For volume meshing, we have only seen two
options so far:
– Free meshing, which creates an all-tet mesh.
This is easy to achieve but may not be desirable
in some cases because of the large number of
elements and total DOF created.
– Mapped meshing, which creates an all-hex
mesh. This is desirable but usually very difficult
to achieve.
• Hex-to-tet meshing provides a third option that

is the “best of both worlds.” It allows you to
have a combination of hex and tet meshes
without compromising the integrity of the
mesh.
Meshing
...Hex-to-Tet Meshing
• This option works by creating pyramid-shaped elements in the
transition region between hex and tet regions.
– Requires the hex mesh to be available (or at least a quad mesh at the
shared area).
– The mesher first creates all tets, then combines and rearranges the tet
elements in the transition region to form pyramids.
– Available only for element types that support both pyramid and tet
shapes, e.g:
• Structural SOLID95, 186, VISCO89
• Thermal SOLID90
• Multiphysics SOLID62, 117, 122
– Results are good even in the transition

region. Element faces are compatible
even when transitioning from a linear
hex element to a quadratic tet element.
SOLID95
Meshing
– Hex-to-tet meshing is valid for both quadratic-to-quadratic and linear-to-
quadratic transitions. Element type must support a 9-node pyramid for
the latter.
Hex Mesh Transition Layer Tet Mesh
Quadratic
to
Quadratic
20-Node Hex 13-Node Pyramid 10-Node Tet
Linear
to
Quadratic
8-Node Hex 9-Node Pyramid 10-Node Tet

Meshing
Procedure involves four steps:
1. Create the hex mesh.
– Start by map-meshing the regular-shaped volumes. (Or mesh
the shared areas with quads.)
– For stress analysis, use either an 8-node brick (SOLID45 or
SOLID185) or a 20-node brick (SOLID95 or SOLID186).
Meshing
2. Activate an element type that supports both pyramids and
tets.
– These are usually brick elements that can degenerate into
pyramids and tets. Check the Elements Manual, available on-
line, to find out which element types are valid.
– Examples:
• Thermal SOLID90
Meshing
3. Generate the tet mesh.
– First activate free meshing.
– Then mesh the volumes that are to be tet-meshed.
Pyramids are automatically generated at the interface.

Meshing
4. Convert degenerate tets to true 10-node tets.
– The tet mesh created by the transition mesher consists of
degenerate elements — 10-node tetrahedra derived from 20-
node bricks, for example.
– These elements are not as efficient as true 10-node tets such as
SOLID92, which use less memory and write smaller files during
solution.
– To convert the degenerate tets into true tets:
• Preprocessor > -Meshing- Modify Mesh > Change Tets...
• Or use the TCHG command.
Meshing
F. Mesh Extrusion
• When you extrude an area into a volume, you can extrude the area
elements along with it, resulting in a meshed volume. This is called
mesh extrusion.
• Advantage: Easy to create a volume mesh with all bricks
(hexahedra) or a combination of bricks and prisms.
• Obvious requirement: Shape of the volume must lend itself to
extrusion.
Extrude
Meshing
...Mesh Extrusion
Procedure
1. Define two element types — an area
element and a volume element.
– Area element: Choose MESH200
quadrilaterals. MESH200 is a mesh-only
element and has no DOFs or material
properties associated with it.
– Volume element: Should be compatible
with the MESH200 element type. For
example, if you choose midside nodes for
MESH200, the 3-D solid element should
also have midside nodes.
– ET command or Preprocessor > Element
Type > Add/Edit/Delete
Meshing
...Mesh Extrusion
2. Mesh the area to be extruded with MESH200 elements.
– Use mapped or free meshing with desired mesh density.
– Preprocessor > MeshTool
3. Choose element extrusion options.
– EXTOPT command or Preprocessor >

Operate > Extrude > Elem Ext Opts
– Typical options are:
• Active TYPE attribute (should be 3-D
solid).
• Number of element divisions in the
extrusion direction (i.e, number of
elements through the thickness).
Must be greater than zero; otherwise,
only the area will be extruded, without
elements.
Meshing
...Mesh Extrusion
4. Extrude the area.
– First delete concatenated lines, if any. If concatenations are
present, ANSYS will not allow the extrusion operation.
• Preprocessor > -Meshing- Concatenate > -Del Concats- Lines
– Then extrude the area using any of the extrusion methods.
Meshing
G. Sweep Meshing
• Sweep meshing is yet another option available for volume
meshing. It is the process of meshing an existing volume by
sweeping an area mesh.
• Similar to mesh extrusion, except that the volume already
exists in this case (from a geometry import, for example).
Meshing
...Sweep Meshing
Target surface
• Advantages: (1 area)
– Easy to create a volume mesh with all
bricks (hexahedra) or a combination of
bricks and prisms.
– Option to tet-mesh volumes that are
not “sweepable.” Transition pyramids
are automatically generated. Source surface
(1 area)
• Requirements: Valid for sweep meshing
– Topology of the volume must be
consistent in the sweep direction.
Example: a block with a through hole
(ok even if the hole is tapered).
– Source and target surfaces must be
single areas. Concatenated areas are
not allowed for either the source or the
target.
Not valid for sweep meshing

Meshing
...Sweep Meshing
Procedure
• Define and activate a 3-D hexahedral solid element
type, such as structural SOLID45 or SOLID95.
• Bring up MeshTool and choose Hex/Wedge and
Sweep.
• Choose how the source and target surfaces are
identified:
– “Auto Source/Target” means that ANSYS will
automatically choose them based on the volume’s
topology.
– “Pick Source/Target” means that you will be
choosing them.
• Press the SWEEP button and follow prompt

instructions from the picker. (Or use VSWEEP
command.)
Meshing
...Sweep Meshing
Tet-Mesh Option
• A useful sweep option is to generate a
tet-mesh in non-sweepable volumes.
• To use this option:
– Make sure that the element type supports
degenerate pyramid and tetrahedron
shapes. Examples:
• Thermal SOLID90
– Choose Preprocessor > -Meshing- Mesh > -
Volume Sweep- Sweep Opts and activate
the tet-mesh option. (Or use the
EXTOPT,VSWE command.)
Meshing
...Sweep Meshing
Notes
• To map-mesh a complex volume, you may need to slice it
several times and also do some area and line concatenations.
For sweep meshing, you typically need only a few slicing
operations, and no concatenations are needed!
• You can control the source area mesh using standard mesh
controls. SmartSizing is generally not recommended since it
is meant for free meshing.
Meshing
H. Workshop
• This workshop consists of four exercises:
W8A. Pillow Block
W8B. Connecting Rod
W8C. Cotter Pin
W8D. Wheel
10. Select Logic
Select Logic
Overview
• Suppose you wanted to do the following:
– Plot all areas located in the second quadrant
– Delete all arcs of radius 0.2 to 0.3 units
– Apply a convection load on all exterior lines
– Write out all nodes at Z=3.5 to a file
– View results only in elements made of steel
The common “theme” in these tasks is that they all operate

on a subset of the model.
• Select Logic allows you to select a subset of entities and
operate only on those entities.
Select Logic
…Overview
• The purpose of this chapter is to describe how to use select
logic and some of the options available. At the end of the
chapter, you should be able to:
– select subsets of the model
– operate only on the subsets
– define components
• Topics covered:
A. How to Use Select Logic
B. Components & Assemblies
C. Workshop
Select Logic
A. How to Use
• Three steps:
– Select a subset
– Perform operations on the subset
– Reactivate the full set
Select subset
Operate on subset
Reactivate full set
Select Logic
...How to Use
Selecting Subsets
• Most selecting tools are Entity to select
available in the Select
Entities dialog box: Utility Criterion by
Menu > Select > Entities... which to select
• Or you can use the xSEL

family of commands:
KSEL, LSEL, ASEL, VSEL, Type of
NSEL, ESEL selection
Select Logic
...How to Use
• Criterion by which to select:
– By Num/Pick: to select based on entity numbers or
by picking
– Attached to: to select based on attached entities.
For example, select all lines attached to the current
subset of areas.
– By Location: to select based on X,Y,Z location. For
example, select all nodes at X=2.5. X,Y,Z are
interpreted in the active coordinate system.
– By Attributes: to select based on material number,
real constant set number, etc. Different attributes
are available for different entities.
– Exterior: to select entities lying on the exterior.
– By Results: to select entities by results data, e.g,
nodal displacements.
Select Logic
...How to Use
• Type of selection
– From Full: selects a subset From Full
from the full set of entities.
– Reselect: selects (again) a Reselect
subset from the current subset.
– Also Select: adds another Also Select
subset to the current subset.
– Unselect: deactivates a portion Unselect
of the current subset.
– Invert: toggles the active and
Invert
inactive subsets.
– Select None: deactivates the
full set of entities. Select None
– Select All: reactivates the full

set of entities. Select All
Select Logic
...How to Use
Operations on the Subset
• Typical operations are applying loads, listing
results for the subset, or simply plotting the
selected entities.
– The advantage of having a subset selected is
that you can use the [Pick All] button when the
picker prompts you pick desired entities. Or you
can use the ALL label when using commands.
– Note that most operations in ANSYS, including
the SOLVE command, act on the currently
selected subset.
• Another “operation” is to assign a name to the

selected subset by creating a component
(discussed in the next section).
Select Logic
...How to Use
Reactivating the Full Set
• After all desired operations are done on the selected subset,
you should reactivate the full set of entities.
– If all nodes and all elements are not active for solution, the
solver will issue a warning to that effect.
• The easiest way to reactivate the full set is to select

“everything”:
– Utility Menu > Select > Everything
– Or issue the command ALLSEL
You can also use the [Sele All] button in the Select Entities
dialog box to reactivate each entity set separately. (Or issue
KSEL,ALL; LSEL,ALL; etc.)
Select Logic
B. Components & Assemblies
• Components are named subsets. The name can then be used
in dialog boxes or commands in place of entity numbers or
the label ALL.
• A group of nodes, or elements, or keypoints, or lines, or
areas, or volumes can be defined as a component. Only one
entity type is associated with a component.
• Components can be selected or unselected. When you select
a component, you are actually selecting all of the entities in
that component.
Select Logic
...Components & Assemblies
• To create a component:
– First select the desired subset of entities.
– Then name the subset using the CM command or Utility Menu > Select >
Comp/Assembly > Create Component
• Up to 8 characters — letters, numbers, and _ (underscore) — are
allowed for the name.
• Suggestion: Use the first letter of the name to indicate the entity
type. For example, N_HOLES for a node component, E_ALUMIN for
an element comopnent, etc.
– Reactivate all entities.
Select Logic
Some useful options:
• Plot components
– Utility Menu > Plot > Components >
Selected Components
– Or CMPLOT
• Select, unselect, reselect, etc.

– Utility Menu > Select > Comp/Assembly >
Select Comp/Assembly
– Or CMSEL
• Listing components gives a list of currently defined and selected

components.
– Utility Menu > Select > Comp/Assembly > List Comp/Assembly
– Or CMLIST
Select Logic
• An assembly is a group of components. An assembly can
also be made up of one or more other assemblies and/or
components.
• To create an assembly:
– Utility Menu > Select > Comp/Assembly
– Or use CMGRP
• You can nest assemblies up to 5 levels deep. For example,

an assembly named MOTOR may be “built up” from other
assemblies and components, as shown on the next page.
Select Logic
Components Assemblies Assembly
STATOR
STATASM
PERMMAG
ROTOR
ROTORASM MOTOR
WINDINGS
AIRGAP
Select Logic
C. Workshop
• This workshop consists of two exercises:
W9A. Silo
W9B. Impeller

11. APDL Basics
APDL Basics
Overview
• APDL is an acronym for ANSYS Parametric Design Language,
a powerful scripting language that allows you to parameterize
your model and automate common tasks.
• Using APDL, you can:
– input model dimensions, material properties, etc. in terms of
parameters rather than numbers.
– retrieve information from the ANSYS database, such as a node
location or maximum stress.
– perform mathematical calculations among parameters, including
vector and matrix operations.
– define abbreviations (short cuts) for frequently used commands
or macros.
– create a macro to execute a sequence of tasks, with if-then-else
branching, do-loops, and user prompts.
APDL Basics
...Overview
• The purpose of this chapter is to introduce you to basic
APDL capabilities so that you are able to:
– define scalar parameters and use them
– retrieve information from the ANSYS database
• We will cover the following topics:

A. Defining Parameters
B. Using Parameters
C. Retrieving Database Information
D. Workshop
APDL Basics
A. Defining Parameters
• To define a parameter, use the format
Name=Value
– Can be typed in the input window or in the
Scalar Parameters dialog (Utility Menu >
Parameters > Scalar Parameters...)
– Name is the parameter name, eight
alphanumeric characters or less.
– Value may be a number, a previously defined
parameter, a mathematical function, a
parametric expression, or a character string.
APDL Basics
...Defining Parameters
• Examples:
inrad=2.5 g=386
outrad=8.2 massdens=density/g
numholes=4 circumf=2*pi*rad
thick=outrad-inrad area=pi*r**2
e=2.7e6 dist=sqrt((y2-y1)**2+(x2-x1)**2)
density=0.283 slope=(y2-y1)/(x2-x1)
bb=cos(30) theta=atan(slope)
pi=acos(-1) jobname=‘proj1’
APDL Basics
• The examples above are scalar parameters, which have a
single value — either numeric or character.
• ANSYS also supports array parameters, which have multiple
values. Both numeric and character arrays are available.
Array parameters will not be discussed in this course.
28.7 job1
-9.2 job2
xvalues = -2.1 filnam = job3
51.0 job4
0.0 job5
APDL Basics
Some naming rules:
• Parameter names must be eight characters or less, beginning
with a letter.
• Only letters, numbers, and the underscore character _ are
allowed.
• Avoid underscore _ as starting character… reserved for
ANSYS use.
• Names are not case-sensitive, i.e, “RAD” and “Rad” are the
same. All parameters are internally stored in capital letters.
• Avoid common ANSYS labels such as STAT, DEFA, and ALL.
APDL Basics
B. Using Parameters
• To use a parameter, simply enter its name in the appropriate
field in the dialog box or on the command.
• For example, to define a rectangle using the parameters w=10
and h=5,
– you can use the menu:
Preprocessor > Create > Rectangle > By 2 Corners +
– or commands:
/prep7
blc4,,,w,h
APDL Basics
...Using Parameters
Note:
• Whenever you use parameters, ANSYS immediately
substitutes their values.
The rectangle in the previous example is stored as a 10x5
area, not as w x h. That is, if you change the value of w or h
after creating the rectangle, the area will NOT be updated.
APDL Basics
...Using Parameters
• Other examples of using parameters:
jobname=‘proj1’
/filnam,jobname ! Jobname
/prep7
ex=30e6
mp,ex,1,ex ! Young’s modulus
force=500
fk,2,fy,-force ! Force at KP 2
fk,6,fx,force/2 ! Force at KP 6
APDL Basics
C. Retrieving Database Information
• To retrieve information from the database and assign it to a
parameter, use the *GET command or Utility Menu >
Parameters > Get Scalar Data...
• A vast amount of information is available, including model
and results data. Refer to the *GET command description for
details.
APDL Basics
...Retrieving Database Information
• Examples:
*get,x1,node,1,loc,x ! x1 = X coordinate of node 1 [CSYS]*
/post1
*get,sx25,node,25,s,x ! sx25 = X stress at node 25 [RSYS]*
*get,uz44,node,44,u,z ! uz44 = UZ displacement at node 44 [RSYS]*
nsort,s,eqv ! Sort nodes by von Mises stress
*get,smax,sort,,max ! smax = maximum of last sort
etable,vol,volu ! Store element volumes as vol
ssum ! Sum all element table columns
*get,totvol,ssum,,vol ! totvol = sum of vol column
*CSYS = In the active coordinate system (CSYS)

RSYS = In the active results coordinate system (RSYS)
APDL Basics
• Some data can be retrieved with a get function.
Examples:
x1=nx(1) ! x1 = X coordinate of node 1 [CSYS]*
nn=node(2.5,3,0) ! nn = node at or near (2.5,3,0) [CSYS]*
/post1
ux25=ux(25) ! ux25 = UX at node 25 [RSYS]*
temp93=temp(93) ! temp93 = temperature at node 93
width=distnd(23,88) ! width = distance between nodes 23 & 88

RSYS = In the active results coordinate system (RSYS)
APDL Basics
• You can use a get function directly in a field, just like a
parameter. For example:
k,10,kx(1),ky(3) ! KP 10 at X of KP 1, Y of KP 3 [CSYS]*
k,11,kx(1)*2,ky(3) ! [CSYS]*
f,node(2,2,0),fx,100 ! FX force at node(2,2,0) [CSYS]*

APDL Basics
Summary:
• Define parameters using the format Name=Value.
• Value may be a number, a previously defined parameter, a
mathematical function, a parametric expression, or a
character string.
• Use *GET or get functions to retrieve data from the ANSYS
database.
• ANSYS stores data in their actual form (numbers or strings),
not in the form of parameter names.
APDL Basics
D. Workshop
W10. 2-D Bracket Using Parameters
12. Loading & Solution
Loading & Solution
Overview
• So far, we have seen how to apply the following types of
loads:
– Displacement (DOF constraints)
– Pressure and convection (surface loads)
– Gravity (inertia loads)
– “Structural” temperatures (body loads)
These loads account for four of the five main categories. In

this chapter, we will account for the remaining category —
concentrated loads, such as nodal forces in a stress analysis.
Loading & Solution
...Overview
• We will cover the following topics in this chapter:
A. Force Loads
B. Nodal Coordinate System
C. Solvers
D. Multiple Load Steps
E. Workshop
Loading & Solution
A. Force Loads
• A force is a concentrated load (or
“point load”) that you can apply at a
node or keypoint.
• Point loads such as forces are
appropriate for line element models
such as beams, spars, and springs.
In solid and shell models, point loads
usually cause a stress singularity,
but are acceptable if you ignore
stresses in the vicinity. Remember,
you can use select logic to “ignore”
the elements in the vicinity of the
point load.
Loading & Solution
...Force Loads
• In the 2-D solid model shown at bottom left, notice that
maximum stress SMAX (=12064) is reported at the location of
the force.
When the nodes and elements in the vicinity of the force are
unselected, SMAX (=6141) moves to the bottom corner, which
is another singularity (because of the displacement
constraint at the corner).
Loading & Solution
...Force Loads
By unselecting nodes and elements near the bottom corner,
you get the expected stress distribution with SMAX (=3946)
near the top hole.
Loading & Solution
...Force Loads
Note that for axisymmetric models:
• Input values of forces are based on the full 360°.
• Output values (reaction forces) are also based on the full 360°.
• For example, suppose a cylindrical shell of radius r has an edge
load of P lb/in. To apply this load on a 2-D axisymmetric shell model
(SHELL51 elements, for example), you would specify a force of 2πrP.
P lb/in 2πrP lb
r
Loading & Solution
...Force Loads
• To apply a force, the following information is needed:
– node or keypoint number (which you can identify by picking)
– force magnitude (which should be consistent with the system of
units you are using)
– direction of the force — FX, FY, or FZ
Use:
– Solution > -Loads- Apply > Force/Moment
– Or the commands FK or F
• Question: In which coordinate system are FX, FY, and FZ

interpreted?
Loading & Solution
B. Nodal Coordinate System
• All forces, displacements, and other direction-dependent
nodal quantities are interpreted in the nodal coordinate
system.
– Input quantities:
• Forces and moments FX, FY, FZ, MX, MY, MZ
• Displacement constraints UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ
• Coupling and constraint equations
• Etc.
– Output quantities:
• Calculated displacements UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ
• Reaction forces FX, FY, FZ, MX, MY, MZ
• Etc.
Loading & Solution
...Nodal Coordinate System
• A nodal coordinate system is attached to every node in the
model.
• By default, the nodal CS is parallel to global Cartesian, i.e, all
applied forces and displacement constraints are interpreted
in global Cartesian by default.
Yn
Xn
Yn
Xn
Yn
Xn
Y Yn
X Xn
Loading & Solution
• If necessary, you can rotate
the nodal CS to a different
orientation.
For example:
– To simulate an inclined
roller support.
– To apply radial forces.
– To apply radial constraints
(perhaps to simulate a
rigid, press-fitted pin).
Loading & Solution
• To “rotate nodes,” use this four-step procedure:
1. Select the desired nodes.
2. Activate the coordinate system (or create a local CS)
into which you want to rotate the nodes, e.g, CSYS,1.
3. Choose Preprocessor > Move/Modify > -Rotate Node CS-
To Active CS, then press [Pick All] in the picker.
Or issue NROTAT,ALL.
4. Reactivate all nodes.
• Note: When you apply symmetry on anti-symmetry

boundary conditions, ANSYS automatically rotates
all nodes on that boundary.
Loading & Solution
• Demo:
– Resume rib.db.
– Offset working plane to center of bottom circle (using average keypoint
location).
– Create local cylindrical CS at working plane origin.
– Select nodes at radius = 0.35 and plot them.
– Rotate all selected nodes into active system.
– Apply a UX displacement constraint (or an FX force) at all selected
nodes. Note the radial direction.
– Now activate global Cartesian (CSYS,0).
– Rotate all selected nodes into active system.
– Replot, and note the new direction of the loads.
Loading & Solution
C. Solvers
• The function of the solver is to solve the system of linear
simultaneous equations representing the structure’s degrees
of freedom.
• The solution could take anywhere from a few seconds to
several hours depending primarily on the size of the model
and the speed of your computer.
• A linear static analysis with one load step requires only one
such solution, but a nonlinear or transient analysis may
require tens, hundreds, or even thousands of such solutions.
Therefore, the type of solver you choose for solution could
be important.
Loading & Solution
...Solvers
• The solvers available in ANSYS can be categorized into two
types:
– Direct elimination solvers
• Frontal
• Sparse
– Iterative solvers
• PCG (Pre-conditioned Conjugate Gradient)
• ICCG (Incomplete Cholesky Conjugate Gradient)
• JCG (Jacobi Conjugate Gradient)
Loading & Solution
...Solvers
• Direct elimination solvers calculate the
solution as follows: Formulate element .emat
1. Formulate individual element matrices. matrices file
2. Read in degrees of freedom (DOF) for the

first element.
3. Eliminate any DOF that has a known
value or can be expressed in terms of
other DOFs, then write an equation to the Assemble .tri
.tri file. The remaining DOFs constitute and triangularize file
the wavefront. global matrix
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all elements until

all DOFs have been eliminated. The .tri
file now contains a triangularized matrix.
5. Calculate the DOF solution by back Back-substitute results
substitution, then use element matrices for solution file
to calculate the element solution.
Loading & Solution
...Solvers
• The wavefront is the number of DOF retained by the solver
during triangularization because they cannot yet be
eliminated. It swells and shrinks as the solution progresses,
and finally becomes zero when all DOF have been eliminated.
• The value of wavefront directly affects solution time: the
higher the wavefront, the longer the solution time.
• Reordering the elements — choosing a proper order in which
elements are processed by the solver — can reduce the
wavefront. ANSYS does automatic reordering at the
beginning of a solution.
Loading & Solution
...Solvers
• Iterative solvers calculate the solution
as follows: Formulate element .emat
1. Formulate individual element matrices. matrices file
2. Assemble the global stiffness matrix.

3. Start with an assumed zero value for all
DOF and iterate to convergence (based
on an input tolerance on residual force).
Assemble .full
4. Use element matrices to calculate the
global matrix file
element solution.
• The main difference between the

iterative solvers in ANSYS — PCG,
JCG, ICCG — is the type of pre-
conditioner used. results
Iterate
to solution file
Loading & Solution
...Solvers
Model Size Memory Disk
Solver When to Use
(DOFs) Use Use
When robustness is required (nonlinear analysis) or
Frontal < 50k Low High
when memory is limited.
10k - 500k
When robustness and solution speed are required
(more for
(nonlinear analysis); for linear analysis where iterative
Sparse shell & Medium High
solvers are slow to converge (especially for ill-
beam
conditioned matrices, such as poorly shaped elements).
models)
When solution speed is crucial (linear analysis of large 50k -
PCG High Low
models, especially those with solid elements). 1000k+
When solution speed is crucial in multiphysics
applications. Handles models that have convergence 50k -
ICCG High Low
difficulties with other iterative solvers (nearly indefinite 1000k+
matrices).
When solution speed is crucial in "single-field" problems 50k -
JCG Medium Low
(thermal, magnetics, acoustics, and multiphysics). 1000k+
Loading & Solution
...Solvers
• To choose a solver:
– Solution > -Analysis Type- Sol’n Control, then choose Sol’n Options
tab
– Or use EQSLV command
The default is to use a “program chosen” solver [eqslv,-1],

which is usually the sparse direct solver.
Loading & Solution
D. Multiple Load Steps
• So far, we have seen how to solve for one set of loading
conditions, i.e, one load step.
– Import or create the model
– Mesh it
– Apply loads
– Solve (one load step)
– Review results
Loading & Solution
...Multiple Load Steps
• If you have multiple loading conditions,
you can choose one of two ways:
– Solve for all loads together in a single
load step
– Or apply each loading condition
separately and solve multiple load steps.
Loading & Solution
• A load step can be defined as one set of loading conditions
for which you obtain a solution.
• By using multiple load steps, you can:
– “isolate” the structure’s response to each loading condition.
– combine these responses in any desired fashion during
postprocessing, allowing you to study different “what-if”
scenarios. (This is called load case combination and is valid for
linear analyses only. It is covered in Chapter 14.)
• There are two ways to define and solve multiple load steps:
– Multiple solve method
– Load step file method
Loading & Solution
Multiple Solve Method
• An extension of the single-load- – Import or create the model
step solution, where you solve – Mesh it
each load step sequentially without
– Apply loads
leaving the Solution processor.
– Solve (load step 1)
• Best suited for batch mode.
– Apply different loads
• When used in interactive mode, – Solve (load step 2)
this method is useful only for – Apply different loads
models that solve quickly.
– Solve (load step 3)
– Etc.
– Review results
Loading & Solution
Load Step File Method
• In this case, instead of solving each – Import or create the model
load step, you write the load step – Mesh it
information to a file, called the load
– Apply loads
step file:
– Write to LS file (.s01)
– Solution > -Load Step Opts- Write LS
File – Apply different loads
– Or use LSWRITE command. – Write to LS file (.s02)
– Apply different loads
• The load step file is named
jobname.s01, .s02, .s03, etc. – Write to LS file (.s03)
– Etc.
• After all load steps have been written
out, you can use one command — – Solve from LS files
LSSOLVE or Solution > -Solve- From – Review results
LS Files — to read in each file
sequentially and solve it.
Loading & Solution
• The advantage of the load step file method is that you can
interactively set up all load steps even for a large model and
then solve them while you are away from the computer.
• Note: The loading commands on the load step file are always
in terms of nodes and elements, even if you apply loads on
the solid model.
Loading & Solution
• For both methods:
– Loads applied in a previous load step will stay in the database
unless they are deleted. So be sure to delete any loads that are
not part of the current load step.
– Results for each load step are appended to the results file and
identified as load step 1, load step 2, etc.
– In postprocessing, you first “read in” the desired set of results
and then review them.
– The database contains the loads and results for the last load
step that was solved.
Loading & Solution
• Demo:
– Resume rib.db
– Fix left line in UX and bottom line in UY
– Apply pressure = 100 on top line
– Write LS file 1, then list it and show F.E. load commands
– Apply pressure = 50 to 100 (tapered) on right line
– Delete the top pressure load
– Write LS file 2
– LSSOLVE,1,2
– Review results for each load step separately
Loading & Solution
E. Workshop
• This workshop consists of three exercises:
W11A. 3-D Bracket
W11B. Connecting Rod
W11C. Wheel

13. Postprocessing
Postprocessing
Overview
• There are many ways to review results in the general
postprocessor (POST1), some of which have already been
covered.
• In this chapter, we will explore two additional methods —
query picking and path operations — and also introduce you
to the concepts of results transformation, error estimation,
and load case combination.
• Topics covered:
A. Query Picking D. Error Estimation
B. Results Coordinate System E. Load Case Combinations
C. Path Operations F. Workshop
Postprocessing
A. Query Picking
• Query picking allows you to “probe” the model for stresses,
displacements, or other results quantities at any picked
location.
• You can also quickly locate the maximum and minimum
values of the item being queried.
• Available only through the GUI (no commands):
– General Postproc > Query Results > Nodal or Element or Subgrid
Solu...
– Choose a results quantity and press OK
PowerGraphics PowerGraphics
ON OFF
Postprocessing
...Query Picking
– Then pick any point in the model to see the results value at that
point.
• Min and Max will show the value at the minimum and
maximum points.
• Use Reset to clear all values and start over.
• Notice that the entity number, its location, and the results
value are also shown in the Picker.
Postprocessing
...Query Picking
• Demo:
– Continue from the last multi-load-step solution of rib.db
– Plot SEQV for load step 1
– Query “Nodal Solu” SEQV at several locations, including MIN & MAX.
(Switch to full graphics if needed.)
– Switch to PowerGraphics and query “Subgrid Solu.”
Postprocessing
B. Results Coordinate System
• All direction-dependent quantities that you view in POST1,
such as component stresses, displacements, and reaction
forces, are reported in the results coordinate system (RSYS).
• RSYS defaults to 0 (global Cartesian). That is, POST1
transforms all results to global Cartesian by default, including
results at “rotated” nodes.
• But there are many situations — such as pressure vessels
and spherical structures — where you need to check the
results in a cylindrical, spherical, or other local coordinate
system.
Postprocessing
...Results Coordinate System
• To change the results CS to a
different system, use:
– General Postproc > Options for Outp…
– or the RSYS command
All subsequent contour plots, listings, query picks, etc. will

report the values in that system.
Default orientation Local cylindrical Global cylindrical

RSYS,0 system RSYS,11 system RSYS,1
Postprocessing
...Results Coordinate System
• RSYS,SOLU
– Sets the results CS to “as-calculated.”
– All subsequent contour plots, listings, query picks, etc. will

report the values in the nodal and element coordinate systems.
• DOF results and reaction forces will be in the nodal CS.
• Stresses, strains, etc. will be in the element CS. (The
orientation of the element CS depends on the element type
and the ESYS attribute of the element. Most solid elements,
for example, default to global Cartesian.)
– Not supported by PowerGraphics.
Postprocessing
C. Path Operations
• Another way to review results is via path operations, which
allow you to:
– map results data onto an arbitrary “path” through the model
– perform mathematical operations along the path, including
integration and differentiation
– display a “path plot” — see how a result item varies along the
path
• Available only for models containing 2-D or 3-D solid

elements or shell elements.
Postprocessing
...Path Operations
• Three steps to produce a path plot:
– Define a path
– Map data onto the path
– Plot the data
1. Define a Path
– Requires the following information:
• Points defining the path (2 to 1000). You can use existing
nodes or locations on the working plane.
• Path curvature, determined by the active coordinate system
(CSYS).
• A name for the path.
Postprocessing
...Path Operations
1. Define a Path (cont’d)
– First activate the desired coordinate system (CSYS).
– General Postproc > Path Operations > Define Path > By Nodes or On
Working Plane
• Pick the nodes or WP locations that form the desired path,
and press OK
• Choose a path name. The nSets and nDiv fields are best left
to default in most cases.
Postprocessing
...Path Operations
2. Map Data onto Path
– General Postproc > Path Operations > Map onto Path… (or PDEF
command)
• Choose desired quantity, such as SX.
• Enter a label for the quantity, to be used on plots and listings.
– You can now display the path if needed.
• General Postproc > Path Operations > Plot Paths
• (or issue /PBC,PATH,1 followed by NPLOT or EPLOT)
Postprocessing
...Path Operations
3. Plot the Data
– You can plot path items either on a graph:
• PLPATH or General Postproc > Path Operations > On Graph...
– or along path geometry:
• PLPAGM or General Postproc > Path Operations > On
Geometry...
Postprocessing
...Path Operations
• ANSYS allows you to define multiple paths, each with
a unique name that you assign. Only one path can be
active at a time.
• Besides plots and listings, there are many other path
capabilities, including:
– Stress linearization — used in the pressure vessel
industry to decompose stress along a path into its
membrane and bending components.
– Calculus functions — used in fracture mechanics to
calculate J-integrals and stress concentration factors.
Also useful in thermal analyses to calculate the heat lost
or gained across a path.
– Dot products and cross products — used widely in
electromagnetics analyses to operate on vector
quantities.
Postprocessing
...Path Operations
• Demo:
– Continue with rib postprocessing…
– Plot nodes, then switch to CSYS,1 if desired
– Define a path using nodes
– Map SX or SEQV or other data onto path
– Plot the path itself
– Plot the path item on graph and on geometry
– Define a second path elsewhere in the model and show how to toggle
between the two.
Postprocessing
D. Error Estimation
• The finite element solution calculates stresses on a per-
element basis, i.e, stresses are individually calculated in each
element.
• When you plot nodal stress contours in POST1, however, you
will see smooth contours because the stresses are averaged
at the nodes.
If you plot the element solution, you will see unaveraged data,
which shows the discontinuity between elements.
• The difference between averaged and σavg = 1100
unaveraged stresses gives an

σ = 1000 σ = 1200
indication of how “good” or how “bad”
Elem 1 Elem 2
the mesh is. This is the basis for error σ = 1100 σ = 1300
estimation.
σavg = 1200
Postprocessing
...Error Estimation
• Error estimation is available only in POST1 and is valid only
for:
– linear static structural and linear steady-state thermal analyses
– solid elements (2-D and 3-D) and shell elements
– full graphics (not PowerGraphics)
If these conditions are not met, ANSYS automatically turns

off error estimation calculations.
• To manually activate or deactivate error estimation, use
– ERNORM,ON/OFF
– or General Postproc > Options for Outp...
Postprocessing
...Error Estimation
• POST1 calculates the following error measures.
– Stress analysis:
• percentage error in energy norm (SEPC)
• element stress deviations (SDSG)
• element energy error (SERR)
• maximum and minimum stress bounds (SMXB, SMNB)
– Thermal analysis:
• percentage error in energy norm (TEPC)
• element thermal gradient deviations (TDSG)
• element energy error (TERR)
Postprocessing
...Error Estimation
Percentage error in energy norm (SEPC)
• SEPC is a rough estimate of the stress error (or
displacement, temperature, or thermal flux) over the entire set
of selected elements.
• Can be used to compare similar models of similar structures
subjected to similar loadings.
• SEPC is shown in the legend column of deformed shape
displays. You can list it manually using PRERR or General
Postproc > List Results > Percent Error.
Postprocessing
...Error Estimation
• As a general rule of thumb,
look for SEPC to be 10% or
less. If it is higher, then:
– Check for point loads or
other stress singularities
and unselect elements in
the vicinity.
– If it is still higher, plot the
element energy error. The
elements with high values
of energy error are
candidates for mesh
refinement.
Postprocessing
...Error Estimation
Element stress deviations (SDSG)
• SDSG is a measure of the amount by
which an element’s stress disagrees
with the stress averages at its nodes.
• You can plot SDSG contours using
PLESOL,SDSG or General Postproc >
Plot Results > Element Solu...
• A high value of SDSG is not
necessarily bad, especially if it is a
small percentage of the nominal
stresses in the structure.
SDSG at location of interest
For example, this plate-with-a-hole = ~450 psi, which is ~1.5% of
model shows only a 1.5% stress ~30,000 psi nominal stress
deviation in the region of interest.
Postprocessing
...Error Estimation
Element energy error (SERR)
• SERR is the energy associated with the stress mismatches at
the nodes of the element. This is the basic error measure
from which the other error quantities are derived. SERR has
units of energy.
• To plot SERR contours, issue PLESOL,SERR or General
Postproc > Plot Results > Element Solu...
• Generally, the elements with the highest SERR are
candidates for mesh refinement. However, since SERR will
always be highest at stress singularities, be sure to unselect
those elements first.
Postprocessing
...Error Estimation
Stress bounds (SMXB and SMNB)
• The stress bounds can help you determine the potential
effect of mesh discretization error on the maximum stress.
• They are displayed on stress contour plots in the legend
column as SMXB (upper bound) and SMNB (lower bound).
• The bounds are not estimates of the actual maximum and
minimum, but they do define a “confidence band.” Without
other supporting verification, you have no basis for believing
that the true maximum stress is below SMXB.
Postprocessing
...Error Estimation
• Caution: If you don’t unselect elements near stress
singularities, the stress bounds are meaningless, as shown
below.
Postprocessing
E. Load Case Combinations
• Whenever you solve multiple load steps, the results of each
load step are stored as separate sets on the results file
(identified by load step number).
• A load case combination is an operation between two sets of
results, which are called load cases.
– The operation occurs between one load case in the database
and the second load case on the results file.
– The result of the operation — the combined load case — is
stored back in the database.
Load case in database Load case Combined load case in database

(computer memory) on results file overwrites previous contents
Postprocessing
...Load Case Combinations
Typical procedure:
1. Create the load cases
2. Read one load case into the database
3. Perform the desired operation
Postprocessing
Create Load Cases
• A load case simply acts as a pointer to a set of
results. It requires two pieces of information:
– a unique ID number
– the results set it represents (load step and substep
number)
• Use the LCDEF command or General Postproc >

Load Case > Create Load Case
Postprocessing
Read One Load Case into the Database
• Simply identify the results set by its load case
number using LCASE or General Postproc > Load
Case > Read Load Case.
• Or use one of the standard “Read Results” choices
in the postprocessor (SET command).
Postprocessing
Perform the Desired Operation
• Many operations are available as shown in the
menu here.
• Use the LCOPER command or General Postproc >
Load Case > Add, Subtract, etc.
• Remember that the results of the operation are
stored in the database. The combined load case is
identified on plots and listings as number 9999.
Postprocessing
• There are two useful options to save the combined load case:
– Write a load case file
– Append the load case to the results file
• Writing a load case file (LCWRITE or General Postproc Write Results) creates a
file that is similar to, but much smaller than the results file.
• The Append option (RAPPND or General Postproc > Load Case > Write Load
Case) allows you to add the combined load case to the results file and
identify it with a given load step number and time value.
Postprocessing
F. Workshop
• This workshop consists of three exercises:
W12A. Connecting Rod
W12B. Spherical Shell
W12C. Axisymmetric Fin with Multiple Load Steps

14. Beam Modeling
5. Beam Modeling
• Beam elements are line elements used to create a one-

dimensional idealization of a 3-D structure.
• They are computationally more efficient than solids and
shells and are heavily used in several industries:
– Building construction
– Bridges and roadways
– People movers (trams,
railcars, buses)
– Etc.
...Beam Modeling
• In this chapter, we will present a brief introduction to beam

modeling via the following topics:
A. Beam Properties
B. Beam Meshing
C. Loading, Solution, Results
D. Workshop
Beam Modeling
A. Beam Properties
• The first step in beam modeling, as with any analysis, is to
create the geometry — usually just a framework of keypoints
and lines.
• Then define the following beam properties:
– Element type
– Cross section
– Material
Beam Modeling
...Beam Properties
Element Type
• Choose one of the following types:
– BEAM188 — 3-D, linear (2-node)
– BEAM189 — 3-D, quadratic (3-node)
• ANSYS has many other beam elements, but BEAM188 & 189
are generally recommended.
– Applicable to most beam structures
– Support linear as well as nonlinear analyses, including plasticity,
large deformation, and nonlinear collapse
– Easy to use, both in preprocessing and postprocessing phases
Beam Modeling
...Beam Properties
Cross Section
• To completely define a BEAM188 or 189
element, you also need to specify its cross
section properties.
• The BeamTool provides a convenient way
to do this.
– Preprocessor > Sections > Common Sectns...
– Select the desired shape, then enter its
dimensions.
– Press the Preview button to view the shape,
then OK to accept it.
– If there are multiple cross sections, specify
a different section ID number (and an
optional name) for each.
Beam Modeling
...Beam Properties
• A sample preview (SECPLOT) of an I-beam cross section is shown
below.
• In addition to the predefined cross-section shapes, ANSYS allows
you tocreate your own, “user-defined” shape by building a 2-D solid
model.
• You can save user-defined
sections as well as standard
sections with the desired
dimensions in a section
library for later use.
• See Chapter 15 of the ANSYS
Structural Analysis Guide for
more information.
Beam Modeling
...Beam Properties
Material Properties
• Both linear and nonlinear material properties are allowed.
• After all beam properties are defined, the next step is to mesh
the geometry with beam elements.
Beam Modeling
B. Beam Meshing
• Meshing the geometry (lines) with beam elements
involves three main steps:
– Assign line attributes
– Specify line divisions
• The MeshTool provides a convenient way to

perform all three steps.
Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing
Step 1: Line Attributes
• Line attributes for beam meshing consist of:
– Material number
– Section ID
– Orientation keypoint
• Determines how the cross section is oriented with respect to
the beam axis.
• Must be specified for all cross-section types.
• A single keypoint can be assigned to multiple lines (i.e, no
need to specify a separate keypoint for each line).
• Each end of a line can have its own orientation keypoint,
allowing the cross section to be “twisted” about the beam
axis.
Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing
• Examples of using orientation keypoints:
Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing
• To assign line attributes, use the “Element Attributes”
section of the MeshTool (or select desired lines and use the
LATT command).
Pick lines
Additional
attributes for
BEAM188 & 189
Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing
Step 2: Line Divisions
• For BEAM188 and 189 elements, a single element spanning
the entire beam length is not recommended.
• Use the “Size Controls” section of the MeshTool (or the
LESIZE command) to specify the desired number of line
divisions.
Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing
Step 3: Generate the Mesh
• First save the database (Toolbar > SAVE_DB or SAVE
command).
• Then press the Mesh button in the MeshTool (or issue
LMESH,ALL) to generate the mesh.
Pick lines
Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing
• To see the cross-section shape in the element display,
activate the element shape key:
– Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Style > Size and Shape…
– Or /ESHAPE,1
Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing
• After beam meshing is completed, the next step is to apply
loads and solve.
Beam Modeling
C. Loading, Solution, Results
• Typical loading for beam models consists of:
– Displacement constraints
• applied at keypoints or nodes
– Forces
• applied at keypoints or nodes
– Pressures
• load per unit length
• applied on element faces
– Solution > Apply > Pressures > On Beams
– Or SFBEAM command
– Gravity or rotational velocity
• acts on entire structure
Beam Modeling
...Loading, Solution, Results
• To obtain the solution:
– First save the database.
– Then solve. (Or write the loads to a load step file and solve all
load steps later.)
• Results review is the same as for other stress analyses:

– View the deformed shape
– Check reaction forces
– Plot stresses and strains
• The main advantage of BEAM188 and 189 is that with the
element shape key activated (/ESHAPE,1), stresses can be
directly viewed on the elements (similar to solids and shells).
Beam Modeling
...Loading, Solution, Results
• Demo:
– Resume frame.db (contains lines, kp’s, loading, element type, material, and two
cross sections)
– Plot the two cross section already defined (SECPLOT,1 & 2)
– Define a third cross section using the BeamTool:
• ID=3: Name = peak, Sub-type = box (hollow rectangle), W1=6, W2=6;
T1=T2=T3=T4=0.25
– Bring up MeshTool, GPLOT, then assign the following line attributes:
• Sloping lines: mat=1, secnum=3, orientation KP = topmost KP (#100)
• Left vertical lines: mat=1, secnum=2, orientation KP = #102
• Right vertical lines: mat=1, secnum=2, orientation KP = #101
• Left & front horizontal lines: mat=1, secnum=1, orientation KP = #1
• Right & back horizontal lines: mat=1, secnum=1, orientation KP = #3
– Specify size=20 on all lines
– Save, then LMESH,ALL; then EPLOT with /ESHAPE,1
– Solve, then review results: deformed shape (animate), reaction forces, SX stresses
(= axial + bending). Select elements with section ID=3 and replot stresses. Repeat
for ID=2.
Beam Modeling
D. Workshop
• This workshop consists of the following problem:
W4. Building Frame
Please refer to your Workshop Supplement for instructions.

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2.

FEA and ANSYS

– Each element has exact

Physical System F.E. Model

• To simulate designs that are not suitable for prototype testing

• The bottom line:

• A partial list of industries in which ANSYS is used:

• Other product lines:

ANSYS/ ANSYS/ ANSYS/

• Other structural capabilities

Electric field (EFSUM) in a coaxial cable

• In this chapter, we will discuss the basics of how to enter and

– Batch mode works on an input file of commands and allows you

• The working directory is the directory in which the command

Main Menu Toolbar

• You can also create your own layout and then

• The Output Window is independent of the ANSYS menus.

• Among these, changing the plot

• Middle mouse button does an Apply.

• The default file name for SAVE and RESUME is jobname.db,

• In this chapter, we will use a linear static analysis to describe

Volumes Areas Lines & Keypoints

• ANSYS will not allow you to delete or modify a lower-order

• You may then modify the

Solid model FEA model

• Element attributes are characteristics of the finite element

• ANSYS has a “library” of over 150 element types from which

• Different element types require different real constants, and

• To specify individual properties:

• ANSYS does NOT do units conversion! It simply accepts all

Generating the mesh is the final step in meshing.

Pressure on line Pressures on element faces

Solid model FEA model

Force at keypoint Force at node

Symmetry Boundary Antisymmetry Boundary

• The solver writes results data to the in-memory

• Best viewed as contour plots, which allow you to quickly

• You can also animate stress contours:

• To deactivate PowerGraphics (or activate “full

Are the stress values beyond the elastic limit?

Refer to your Workshop Supplement for instructions.

• We will focus on structural analyses in this discussion.

• To answer these, remember that whenever a body is

• For example, consider the analysis of a diving

• In general, if the excitation frequency is less than 1/3 of the

• There are different types of symmetry:

• Loading is also assumed to be

This model illustrates

This model illustrates both repetitive and reflective symmetry.

• As the mesh density is refined at P σ = P/A

• If you are interested in deflections or nominal stresses:

• In this chapter, we will briefly describe the procedure to do a

* Not covered in this course

* Not covered in this course

• Setting GUI preferences (Main Menu > Preferences) to thermal

Commonly used thermal element types

2-D Solid 3-D Solid 3-D Shell Line Elements

• This completes the preprocessing step. Solution is next.

• Other possible thermal loads:

• This completes the solution step. Postprocessing is next.

Is the mesh adequate?

• ANSYS has an extensive set of geometry creation tools,

– A solid model is defined by volumes, areas, lines,

• Top-down modeling starts with a definition of volumes (or