CAMA Lab Record

Contents

Course Code: 18MEL66

Course: Computer Aided Modelling and
Analysis Lab
Course Outcomes
Course Outcomes

C608.1 Analyse simple structural elements like bars, beams, trusses using FEM package(ANSYS)

C608.2 Detect the stress concentration around a plate with a hole

C608.3 Solve 1D and 2D conduction and convection problems using FEM package(ANSYS & Fluent).

C608.4 Test basic structural elements subjected to dynamic loading using FEM package(ANSYS)
 IntroductiontotoFEA
Introduction 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 modelled using discrete building blocks called elements.
Each element has exact equations that describe how it responds to a certain load.
The “sum” of the response of all elements in the model gives the total response of the design. The
elements have a finite number of unknowns, hence the name finite elements. The finite element model,
which has a finite number of unknowns, can only approximate the response of the physical system,
which has infinite unknowns.
Most often the mathematical models result in algebraic, differential or integral equations or
combinations thereof. Seldom these equations can be solved in closed form (Exact form), and hence
numerical methods are used to obtain solutions.
Finite difference method is a classical method that provides approximate solutions to differential
equations with reasonable engineering accuracy. There are other methods of solving mathematical
equations that are taught in traditional numerical methods courses. Finite Element Method is one of the
numerical methods of solving differential equations.
Importance of FEA to Designers and Design Organizations
• Easily applied to complex, irregular shaped objects composed of several different materials and
having complex boundary conditions.

• Applied to steady state time dependent, Eigen Value, linear and non-linear problems.

• Number of general-purpose FEM packages are available.

• FEM can be coupled to CAD programs to facilitate solid modelling and mesh generations.

• Many FEM software packages feature GUI interfaces, automeshers, sophisticated post processors
and graphics to speed the analysis and makes Pre& post processing user friendly.

• Reduced Testing and Redesign costs.

• Identify issues in designs before tooling is commenced.

• Optimize performance before prototyping.

• Discovers design problems before litigations.

 StructuralAnalysis
Structural Analysis
• 
Structural Analysis involves determining the stresses and strains in a structure, when subjected to a
variety of loading conditions, under static or dynamic conditions. The term structural (or structure)
implies not only naval, aeronautical and mechanical structures such as ship hulls, aircraft bodies and
machine housings, as well as mechanical components such as pistons, machine parts, and tools but also
civil engineering structures such as bridges and buildings.
The primary unknowns (nodal degrees of freedom) calculated in a structural analysis are
displacements. Other quantities, such as strains, stresses, and reaction forces are then derived from the
nodal displacement. The large size problems handled by modern digital computers connected with
static and dynamic analysis of complicated structures are generally of the form:
++ =
Where [M] is the global mass matrix, [C] the global damping matrix and [K] the global stiffness matrix.
{F(t)} is a given forcing function vector in time, is the resultant acceleration vector, and ,{u} represent
its velocity and displacement vectors, respectively. Generally, [M], [C] and [K] are banded. Depending
upon the nature of these coefficients, the problems are classified as static, dynamic, linear and non-
linear.
 StructuralAnalysis
Structural Analysis
• When [C] = 0, [M] = 0, [K] and {F (t)} are constants, the result is a static linear problem.
• When [M] and [C] are absent, and [K] is a function of {u} and {F (t)} a constant the result is a non-
linear static problem.
• If {F (t)} and [C] are absent, and [M] and [K] are constants, it is an Eigen value problem.
• If [M], [C] and [K] are constants and {F(t)} is a periodic forcing function, the result is a multi-degree of
freedom steady state vibration problem
• If [M], [C] and [K] are constants and {F(t)} is a function of time, the result is a transient vibration
problem.
 StaticStructural
Static StructuralAnalysis
Analysis
•   structural Analysis - Used to determine displacements, stresses, etc. under static loading
Static
conditions which includes both linear and nonlinear characteristics. Nonlinearities can include
plasticity, stress stiffening, large deflection, large strain, hyper-elasticity, contact surfaces, and creep.
External excitations as well as the response of the system are time invariant. Inertial forces and
dissipative forces are neglected. If the highest frequency component of excitation is less than about one-
third the lowest fundamental frequency of the system, a static analysis is usually assumed to be
sufficient. In different domain statics problem are of the type: =F
Where [K] represents Property, {u} Behaviour and {F} Action.

Domain Property [K] Behaviour {u} Action {F}

Elastic Stiffness Displacement Force
Thermal Conductivity Temperature Heat Source
Fluid Viscosity Velocity Body Force
Electrostatic Dielectric permittivity Electric potential Charge
 DynamicAnalysis
Dynamic Analysis
In dynamic analysis, external excitation and the response are time dependent. The different types of
dynamic analysis are:
• Modal Analysis - Used to calculate the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a structure. Different
mode extraction methods are available.
• Transient Dynamic Analysis - Used to determine the response of a structure to arbitrarily time varying
loads. All nonlinearities mentioned under Static Analysis are allowed.
• Harmonic Analysis - Used to determine the response of a structure to harmonically time-varying loads.
• Spectrum Analysis - An extension of the modal analysis, used to calculate stresses and strains due to a
response spectrum or a PSD input (random vibrations).
FEM Errors: Errors in FEM analysis can come at any of the following stages of the process:
a) Error during conversion of mathematical model to solid model
b) Discretization error
c) Solution error
 StepsininFEM-Linear
Steps FEM-Linearstructural
structuralAnalysis
Analysis

In general, a finite element solution may be broken into the following three stages. This is a general guideline that can
be used for setting up any finite element analysis:
1. Pre-processing: defining the problem; the major steps in pre-processing are given below:
a) Define key points/lines/areas/volumes (Or Building a solid model)
b) Define element type and material/geometric properties
c) Mesh lines/areas/volumes as required
d) Detail required will depend on the dimensionality of the analysis (i.e. 1D, 2D, axi-symmetric, 3D).
2. Solution: assigning loads, constraints and solving; here we specify the loads (point or pressure), constraints
(translational and rotational) and finally solve the resulting set of equations.
3. Postprocessing: further processing and viewing of the results; in this stage one may wish to see:
e) Lists of nodal displacements
f) Element forces and moments
g) Deflection plots
h) Stress contour diagrams
 MeritsofofFEM
Merits FEM

Merits of FEM
a) Can readily handle complex geometry
b) Can handle complex analysis types: Vibration, Transients, Nonlinear, Heat Transfer, Fluids.
c) Can handle complex loading: Node-Based loading (Point Loads), Element-based loading (Pressure, thermal,
inertial forces), Time or frequency dependent loading.
d) Can handle complex restraints: Indeterminate structures can be analysed.
e) Can handle bodies comprised of non homogeneous materials: Every element in the model could be assigned a
different set of material properties.
f) Can handle bodies comprised of non-isotropic materials: Orthotropic, Anisotropic.
g) Special material effects are handled: Temperature dependent properties, Plasticity, Creep, swelling.
h) Special geometric effects can be modelled: large displacements and rotations.
 Demeritsand
Demerits andlimitations
limitationsofofFEM
FEM
Demerits of FEM
a) A specific numerical result is obtained for a specific problem. A general closed form solution, which would permit
one to examine system response to changes in various parameters.
b) Experience and judgment are needed in order to construct a good finite element model.
c) Susceptible to user introduced modelling errors: poor element choices, distorted elements, inadequate
geometrical modelling.
d) Certain effects like buckling, large deflections and material non-linearities not included.
e) FEM is applied to an approximation of the mathematical model of a system.
Limitations:
f) High Speed computers and larger memory requirements.
g) Obtaining material properties other than isotropic is very difficult.
h) Incapable of handling incompressible fluids.
i) Proper interpretation of results is more important as large output data is available.
j) Selection of proper mesh size is difficult.
 ANSYS
ANSYS
ANSYS is a general-purpose finite element-modelling package for numerically solving a wide variety of mechanical
problems. These problems include: static/dynamic structural analysis (both linear and non-linear), heat transfer and
fluid problems, as well as acoustic and electro-magnetic problems. 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:
1. ANSYS Mechanical – structural & thermal capabilities
2. ANSYS Emag – electromagnetics
3. ANSYS FLOTRAN – CFD capabilities
The ANSYS program has several types of coordinate systems, each used for a different reason:
a) Global and local coordinate systems are used to locate geometry items (nodes, key points, etc.) in space.
b) The display coordinate system determines the system in which geometry items are listed or displayed.
c) The nodal coordinate system defines the degree of freedom directions at each node and the orientation of nodal
results data.
d) The element coordinate system determines the orientation of material properties and element results data.
e) The results coordinate system is used to transform nodal or element results data to a particular coordinate system
for listings, displays, or general postprocessing operations.
 ANSYS-APDL
ANSYS-APDL
The Ansys Parametric Design Language (APDL) is the foundation for all sophisticated features, many of which are not
exposed in the Workbench Mechanical user interface. The open architecture of Mechanical APDL allows you to write
your own subroutines in the C, C++, or Fortran programming languages. While doing analysis in Ansys APDL, material
is processed from the application of loads to the failure under 4 steps. They are:
I. Preferences
II. Pre-processor
III. Solution
IV. General Post Processor
 h-methodand
h-method andp-method
p-method
When modelling a problem using a finite element program, it is very important to check whether the solution has
converged. The word convergence is used because the output from the finite element program is converging on a single
correct solution. In order to check the convergence, more than one solution to the same problem are required. If the
solution is dramatically different from the original solution, then solution of the problem is not converged. However, if
the solution does not change much (less than a few percent difference) then solution of the problem is considered
converged. Currently, two types method are used to demonstrate the numerical convergence of the solution :
1. h – method
2. p – method
The h- and p- versions of the finite element method are different ways of adding degrees of freedom (dof) to the model.
h-method:
More accurate information is obtained by increasing the number of elements. The name for the h-method is borrowed
from mathematics. The variable ‘h’ is used to specify the step size in numeric integration. If a part is modelled with a
very course mesh, then the stress distribution across the part will be very inaccurate. In order to increase the accuracy
of the solution, more elements must be added. This means creating a finer mesh. As an initial run, a coarse mesh is
used to model the problem. A solution is obtained. To check this solution, a finer mesh is created. The mesh must
always be changed if a more accurate solution is desired. The problem is run again to obtain a second solution. If there
is a large difference between the two solutions, then the mesh must be made even finer and then solve the solution
again. This process is repeated until the solution is not changing much from run to run.
 h-methodand
h-method andp-method
p-method
p-Method:
The p here stands for polynomial. Large elements and complex shape functions are used in p-method problems. In
order to increase the accuracy of the solution, the complexity of the shape function must be increased. Increasing the
polynomial order increases the complexity of the shape function. The mesh does not need to be changed when using
the p-method.
As an initial run, the solution might be solved using a first order polynomial shape function. A solution is obtained. To
check the solution the problem will be solved again using a more complicated shape function. For the second run, the
solution may be solved using a third order polynomial shape function. A second solution is obtained. The output from
the two runs is compared. If there is a large difference between the two solutions, then the solution should be run
using a third order polynomial shape function. This process is repeated until the solution is not changing much from
run to run.
 TypesofofElements
Types Elements
Most ANSYS element types are structural elements, ranging from simple spars and beams to more complex layered
shells and large strain solids. Most types of structural analyses can use any of these elements. Few important FEM
elements are as follows:
a. TRUSS: Slender element (Length>>area) which supports only tension or compression along its length.
b. BEAM: Slender element whose length is much greater that its transverse dimension which supports lateral loads,
which cause flexural bending.
c. 2D SOLID: Element whose geometry definition lies in a plane and applies loads also lie in the same plane. Plane
stress occurs for structures with small thickness Compared with its in plane dimension- stress components
associated with the out of plane coordinate zero. Plane strain occurs for structures where the thickness becomes
large Compared to its in plane dimension-strain component associated with the out of plane coordinate are zero.
d. PLATE: Element whose geometry lies in the plane with loads acting out of the plane which cause flexural bending
and with both in plane dimensions large in comparison to its thickness- two dimensional state of stress exists
similar to plane stress except that there is a variation of tension through the thickness.
e. SHELLS: Element similar in character to a plate but typically used on curved surface and supports both in plane
and out of planeloads. Numerous formulations exist.
f. 3D SOLID: Element classification that covers all elements – element obeys the strain displacement and stress
strain relationships.
 3DSpar
3D SparElement
Element(Link
(Link180)
180)
LINK180 Element Description:
LINK180 is a 3-D spar that is useful in a variety of engineering applications. The element can be used to model
trusses, sagging cables, links, springs, and so on. The element is a uniaxial tension-compression element with three
degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions. Tension-only (cable) and
compression-only (gap) options are supported. As in a pin-jointed structure, no bending of the element is considered.
Plasticity, creep, rotation, large deflection, and large strain capabilities are included.
By default, LINK180 includes stress-stiffness terms in any analysis that includes large-deflection effects. The element
is defined by two nodes, the cross-sectional area (AREA), added mass per unit length (ADDMAS), and the material
properties. The element X-axis is oriented along the length of the element from node I toward node J.
Link 180 Geometry:
 3DSpar
3D SparElement
Element(Link
(Link180)
180)
Element loads are described in Nodal Loading. Temperatures may be input as element body loads at the nodes. The
node I temperature T(I) defaults to TUNIF. The node J temperature T(J) defaults to T(I). LINK180 allows a change in
cross-sectional area as a function of axial elongation. By default, the cross-sectional area changes such that the
volume of the element is preserved, even after deformation. The default is suitable for elastoplastic applications. By
using KEYOPT (2), you may choose to keep the cross section constant or rigid. LINK180 offers tension-only or
compression-only options. You can specify the desired behaviour via the third real constant.
Link 180 Input Summary:

Name Definition
EL Element number
NODES Nodes - I, J
MAT Material number
AREA Cross sectional area
Sxx Axial Stress
Force Member force in the element coordinate system
TEMP Températures T(I), T(J)
SECID Section number
 3DSpar
3D SparElement
Element(Link
(Link180)
180)
Link 180 Output Summary:
Item: predetermined Item label for ETABLE and ESOL
E: sequence number for single-valued or constant element data
I,J: sequence number for data at nodes I and J

Element table Command input

Output
Quantity Item E I J

Sxx LS - 1 2
AREA SMISC 2 - -
FORCE SMISC 1 - -