Problem Description

y
x
Nomenclature:
L =110m Length of beam
b =10m Cross Section Base
h =1 m Cross Section Height
P=1000N Point Load
E=70GPa Young’s Modulus of Aluminum at Room Temperature
=0.33 Poisson’s Ratio of Aluminum

In this module, we will be modeling an Aluminum cantilever beam with a point load at the end
with one dimensional elements in ANSYS Mechanical APDL. We will be using beam theory and
mesh independence as our key validation requirements. The beam theory for this analysis is
shown below:

Theory

Von Mises Stress

Assuming plane stress, the Von Mises Equivalent Stress can be expressed as:
(1.1.1)
Since the nodes of choice are located at the top surface of the beam, the shear stress at this
location is zero.
( . (1.1.2)
Using these simplifications, the Von Mises Equivalent Stress from equation 1 reduces to:
(1.1.3)
Bending Stress is given by:
(1.1.4)
Where and . From statics, we can derive:
(1.1.5)
(1.1.6)
With Maximum Stress at:
= 66 KPa (1.1.7)

UCONN ANSYS –Module 1.1 Page 3

Beam Deflection
The governing equation of a beam in bending is given by the Euler-Bernoulli relationship:
(1.1.8)
Plugging in equation 1.7.5, we get:
(1.1.9)
Integrating once to get an angular displacement, we get:
(1.1.10)

At the fixed end (x=0), , thus 0

(1.1.11)
Integrating again to get deflection:
(1.1.12)
At the fixed end.y(0)= 0 thus , so deflection ( is:
( ) (1.1.13)
The maximum displacement occurs at the point load( x=L)
(1.1.14)

Geometry
Opening ANSYS Mechanical APDL
1. On your Windows 7 Desktop click the Start button
3
2. Under Search Programs and Files type “ANSYS”
3. Click on Mechanical APDL (ANSYS) to start
ANSYS. This step may take time.

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1

UCONN ANSYS –Module 1.1 Page 4