Hands on training on structural

analysis using ANSYS

K. Senthilkumar
Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Ansys link - free for students
Finite Element Analysis Books
An Introduction to the Finite Element Method

Finite Element Analysis

 Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

FEA Definition:

A numerical technique for solving engineering

problems by breaking down complex structures
into smaller elements.
 Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Steps in FEA
 Experimental, analytical and numerical
performance of RC beams with V‑shaped
reinforcement
Richard Courant, a German-American
mathematician, made significant
contributions in the field of applied
mathematics and was instrumental in the
early development of the methods that
would later evolve into FEM.
In the 1940s, Courant used the variational method to
solve problems in elasticity and structural analysis,
which involved dividing a domain into finite
subregions, or elements, and approximating the
solution over these elements.

This approach is a fundamental principle behind the

finite element method.
However, the term "finite element analysis" and

the development of FEA as a distinct and

comprehensive method for solving complex

engineering problems evolved over the years

following Courant's initial work.

Major terms used in FEA

Discretization
Meshing
Node
Element
 What is Discretization?

Discretization is the process of breaking down a

continuous structure into smaller parts (finite
elements) to apply numerical methods.
It is the first step in FEA, where the problem domain
is divided into finite elements.
The goal is to approximate a complex shape using
simple elements.
 Example:

Imagine a bridge—instead of analyzing the whole

bridge as one unit, we discretize it into smaller
sections (elements) for easier calculations.
 What is Meshing?

Meshing is the actual implementation of

discretization by generating a grid of elements and
nodes.
It involves selecting element types (1D, 2D, or 3D)
and defining their size and distribution.
A fine mesh gives better accuracy but requires more
computation.
 Example:

If discretization is like cutting a cake into slices,

meshing is like deciding the exact shape and size of
each slice.
Purpose and Application:

Predicts how products react to real-world

forces (e.g., stress, vibration, heat, fluid flow).

Applied in various engineering fields, including

mechanical, aerospace, civil, and biomedical
engineering.
Process Overview:

Discretization
Process Overview:

Discretization

Element Properties
Process Overview:

Discretization

Element Properties
Assembly
Process Overview:

Discretization

Element Properties
Assembly

Boundary Conditions
Process Overview:

Discretization

Element Properties
Assembly

Boundary Conditions
Solution
Process Overview:

Discretization

Element Properties
Assembly

Boundary Conditions
Solution
Results Analysis
Discretization: The process starts with dividing a

real object into a large number of smaller, finite

elements.
Element Properties: Each element is defined by its

material properties, geometric dimensions, and

physical state.
Assembly: The individual elements are assembled

into a larger system that models the entire object or

structure.
Boundary Conditions: External forces, constraints,

and interactions with the environment are applied

to the model.
Solution: Numerical methods (e.g., the finite

element method) solve the equations governing the

behavior of each element under the applied

conditions.
Results Analysis: The solution provides detailed

insights into the stress, strain, displacement, and

other responses of the model to the applied

conditions.
Key Components:

Meshing: The process of creating a mesh that divides

the object into finite elements. The quality of the

mesh significantly affects the accuracy of the

analysis.
Key Components:

Material Properties: Critical input that includes data

on strength, ductility, thermal conductivity, and

more.
Key Components:

Boundary Conditions and Loads: Specifies how the

model is constrained and what forces or

environmental conditions it is subjected to.

Key Components:

Software and Tools: Numerous specialized software

tools exist for performing FEA, including ANSYS,

Abaqus, and SolidWorks Simulation, among others.

Benefits of FEA:

Allows for the detailed analysis of complex structures that

would be impossible with traditional analytical methods.

Reduces the need for physical prototypes, saving time and

money in the design process.

Enhances the understanding of a product's behavior under

various conditions, leading to safer and more efficient designs.

Limitations:

Accuracy is highly dependent on the quality of the input data,

including material properties, boundary conditions, and the

meshing process.
Limitations:

Accuracy is highly dependent on the quality of the input data,

including material properties, boundary conditions, and the

meshing process.

Requires significant computational resources and expertise to

perform and interpret correctly.

 2 primary interfaces

ANSYS APDL (ANSYS Parametric Design Language)

ANSYS Workbench
ANSYS APDL (ANSYS Parametric Design Language)

Scripting-Based Interface

It is preferred by experienced users

It is well-suited for advanced analysis types and

specialized applications.
 Applications of FEA
Aerospace: Design and analysis of aircraft components for
stress, fatigue, and aerodynamic efficiency.
 Applications of FEA
Aerospace: Design and analysis of aircraft components for
stress, fatigue, and aerodynamic efficiency.
Automotive: Simulation of crash tests, optimization of
chassis design, and thermal management systems.
 Applications of FEA
Aerospace: Design and analysis of aircraft components for
stress, fatigue, and aerodynamic efficiency.
Automotive: Simulation of crash tests, optimization of
chassis design, and thermal management systems.
Civil Engineering: Structural analysis of bridges, buildings,
and dams to predict responses to loads and natural
disasters.
Biomedical: Analysis of medical devices, such as
implants and prosthetics, for durability and
biocompatibility.
Biomedical: Analysis of medical devices, such as
implants and prosthetics, for durability and
biocompatibility.

Electronics: Thermal analysis of circuit boards and

components for heat dissipation and reliability.
Biomedical: Analysis of medical devices, such as
implants and prosthetics, for durability and
biocompatibility.

Electronics: Thermal analysis of circuit boards and

components for heat dissipation and reliability.

Manufacturing: Tooling and equipment design, including

forming, welding, and machining processes.
 Types of Problems Solved by FEA

Structural Performance: Assessing stress, strain, and

deformation to ensure components can withstand
loads.

Thermal Analysis: Evaluating temperature distribution

and heat transfer in components and systems.
 Types of Problems Solved by FEA

Dynamics: Analyzing the effects of forces over time,

including impact, vibration, and fatigue analysis.

Fluid Dynamics: Simulating fluid flow for

understanding pressure, velocity, and turbulence in
systems like piping and HVAC.
 Types of Problems Solved by FEA

Electromagnetic Field Analysis: Calculating the

distribution of electromagnetic fields for sensors,
motors, and antennas.

Multiphysics: Combining multiple types of analyses

(e.g., thermal-structural, piezoelectric) to simulate
complex interactions within a system.
 Types of Problems Solved by FEA

Optimization: Improving designs by exploring various

scenarios to achieve the best performance under
constraints.
 Mesh Generation
Mesh generation is the process of dividing a
complex structure into smaller, simpler pieces
called elements.
The points where these elements meet are called
nodes.
Think of it as cutting up a complex, irregularly
shaped cake into small, manageable pieces so you
can easily share and analyze its composition.
Importance:
The quality of the mesh directly affects the
accuracy and computational efficiency of an
FEA simulation.
A well-designed mesh captures the geometry of
the model accurately, applies material
properties correctly, and reflects the expected
behavior under applied loads or constraints.
Types of Meshes:

Structured Mesh: This mesh follows a regular, grid-like

pattern, much like the squares on a chessboard. It's
easier to generate and ideal for simple geometries.

Unstructured Mesh: This type has irregular patterns that

can adapt to complex geometries more easily, like fitting
irregularly shaped tiles to cover a floor without gaps.
 Element Types

Elements are the basic units of a mesh. They

connect at nodes and form the structure that

FEA software analyzes.

Different element types are used to model

different types of physical behavior and

geometries.
 Common Types
Linear Elements: These have straight edges and

simple shapes (e.g., triangles and rectangles). They

require fewer computational resources but may be

less accurate for complex geometries.

 Common Types
Higher-Order Elements: These elements have

curved edges and can better model complex

surfaces and details, like capturing the curves of a

sports car more accurately than linear elements.

 What Are Nodes?
In FEA, a node is a specific point in the mesh

where the edges of elements meet.

You can think of nodes as critical points in a

network or a skeleton that determine where and

how calculations are performed.

 Why Are Nodes Important?

Discretization and Calculation

Application of Boundary Conditions and Loads

Mesh Refinement

Interpolation of Results

Efficiency vs. Accuracy

 Practical Understanding
Consider a bridge being analyzed for safety under various loads.

Nodes would be strategically placed at key points along the bridge,

such as at the ends, intersections, supports, and sections under

maximum stress from vehicles.

 Practical Understanding
Consider a bridge being analyzed for safety under various loads.

Nodes would be strategically placed at key points along the

bridge, such as at the ends, intersections, supports, and

sections under maximum stress from vehicles.

The software would use these nodes to calculate how different

parts of the bridge deform or stress under weight, allowing

engineers to identify potential failure points and make design

improvements.
 In essence, nodes in FEA serve as the backbone for

simulations, providing the framework upon which all

calculations are based and through which the behavior

of a model under various conditions is understood.

 Element
In Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the choice of
elements is crucial because it determines the
accuracy and convergence of the solution.
Elements are the building blocks of the mesh,
and their selection depends on the geometry
and the type of analysis.
 Element
Here are some commonly used types of elements:
 Element
Here are some commonly used types of elements:
 Element
Here are some commonly used types of elements:
 Element
Here are some commonly used types of elements:
 Element
Here are some commonly used types of elements:
Choosing the right type of element requires considering the geometry of the

object, the type of load applied, the required accuracy, and the available

computational resources. Often, a combination of different element types is

used within the same model to efficiently capture the behavior of the

structure while optimizing the computational effort.

 Link Element (3D finit stn 180):

Link: This refers to a line element, which is a type of one-

dimensional (1D) element. It is typically used to model

structural members that only carry axial loads, such as truss

or cable elements in a bridge or a tower.

 Link Element (3D finit stn 180):

3D: Indicates that the element is three-dimensional,

which means it can be oriented in space and

connected to other elements in three axes (x, y, and z).

 Link Element (3D finit stn 180):

finit stn: It stands for "finite strain," which

suggests that the element can accommodate large

deformations and strains, making it suitable for

nonlinear analysis where deformations are not

infinitesimally small.
Analysis of step-bar
Analysis of beam - Cantilever beam with UDL, Point load

E = 200GPa
Poisson’s ratio = 0.3
No. of divisions =30
Analysis of plate with hole