Module 5

Beam Modeling

5. Beam Modeling
Beam elements are line elements used to create a onedimensional 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.

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...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

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Beam Modeling

A. Beam Properties

Training Manual

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

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Beam Modeling

...Beam Properties

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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
Ability to include multiple materials to simulate layered materials,
composites, reinforced sections, etc.
Ability to create user defined section geometry
Easy to use, both in preprocessing and postprocessing phases

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Element Type

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Beam Modeling

...Beam Properties
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.

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Cross Section

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Beam Modeling

...Beam Properties

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A sample preview (SECPLOT) of an I-beam cross section is shown

below.

In addition to the predefined cross-section shapes, ANSYS allows

you to create 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.

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Beam Modeling

...Beam Properties

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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.

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Material Properties

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Beam Modeling

B. Beam Meshing
Meshing the geometry (lines) with beam
elements involves three main steps:
Assign line attributes
Specify line divisions
Generate the mesh

The MeshTool provides a convenient way to

perform all three steps.

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Beam Modeling

...Beam Meshing

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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.

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Step 1: Line Attributes

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Beam Modeling

...Beam Meshing
Examples of using orientation keypoints:

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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

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Additional
attributes for
BEAM188 & 189

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Beam Modeling

...Beam Meshing

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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.

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Step 2: Line Divisions

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Beam Modeling

...Beam Meshing
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

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Step 3: Generate the Mesh

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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

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Beam Modeling

...Beam Meshing

After beam meshing is completed, the next step is to apply

loads and solve.

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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

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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).

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Beam Modeling

...Loading, Solution, Results

Demo:

Resume frame.db (contains lines, kps, 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

Constrain the 4 bottom keypoints in all DOFs and apply a force of -10,000 lb in the fy
direction on keypoint #9

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.

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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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