Introduction To ANSYS Mechanical

Customer Training Material
L t
Lecture
2
Mechanical Basics
Introduction to ANSYS
Mechanical
ANSYS, Inc. Proprietary
2010 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Introduction to ANSYS Mechanical
Chapter Overview
In this chapter, the basics of using Mechanical to perform analyses

will be covered, which include:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
The Mechanical Interface

Introduction to the Mechanical Application Wizard
Basic Analysis Procedure
Applying Loads and Supports
Graphics Control and Selection
The Engineering Data application
Workshop 2-1
The capabilities described in this section are generally applicable to

the ANSYS DesignSpace Entra licenses and above, unless noted.

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Launching Mechanical
Recall that there are two ways of running Mechanical:

Configured from within ANSYS Workbench
or from a supported CAD system

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A. The Mechanical Interface
The components of the user interface are shown below:

Toolbars
Menus
Graphics Window
Tree Outline
Details View
Mechanical
Application Wizard
Message Window
Status Bar
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. . . Menus
The menus provide much of the functionality present in Mechanical.

The more commonly used menu items are covered below:
The title bar lists analysis type, product and active ANSYS license.
View controls various graphics options, legend and toolbars.
Units to change units on-the-fly.
Tools > Options to customize settings and options.
Help > Mechanical Help to access documentation.
Analysis Type

Product
License
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Toolbars
There are a number of toolbars to provide users quick access to

functionality also found in the menus.
The toolbars can be repositioned anywhere on the top of the Mechanical

window.
The Context toolbar, as will be illustrated later, updates depending on
what branch is active in the Outline
Outline tree.
Tooltips appear if the cursor is placed over the toolbar button.

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Toolbars
The Standard toolbar is shown below:

Bring up Mechanical Wizard
Annotations
Comments
Capture Snapshot
Solve Model
Slice Planes
The Graphics toolbar is used for selection and graphics

manipulation:
Select mode
Selection Tools
Graphics Manipulation
Viewports
The left mouse button can be either in selection mode or graphics

manipulation mode. The above toolbar buttons are grouped as select
entities and graphics manipulation control.
The graphics selection can be done using individual selection or boxselection. This is controlled by the Select Mode icon.
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Outline Tree
The Outline Tree provides an easy way of

organizing the model, materials, mesh,
loads, and results for the analysis:
The Model branch contains the input
data required for the analysis.
The environment branch (in this case Static
Structural) contains the loads and supports
relevant to the analysis discipline.
The Solution branch contains result
objects and solution information.
information
Other branches (not covered here)
are also available.

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Outline Tree
The Outline Tree shows icons for each branch, along with a status
symbol. Examples of the status symbols are below:
Checkmark indicates branch is fully defined/OK

Question mark indicates item has incomplete data (need input)
Lightning
g
g bolt indicates solving
g is required
Exclamation mark means problem exists
X means that item is suppressed (will not be solved)
Transparent
p
checkmark means body
y or part
p
is hidden
Green lightning bolt indicates item is currently being evaluated
Minus sign means that mapped face meshing failed
Check mark with a slash indicates a meshed part/body
p
y
Red lightning bolt indicates a failed solution
Becoming familiar with the basic status symbols allows users to debug
Mechanical problems quickly.

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Details View
The Details View contains data input and output fields. The contents
will change depending on branch selected.
White field: input data
Data in white text field is editable
Gray (or Red) field: information

Data in gray fields cannot be modified.
Yellow field: incomplete input data

Data in yellow fields indicates missing information.

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Graphics Window
The Graphics Window shows the geometry and results. Tabs allow
access to Print and Report Previews as well.

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Worksheet View
Worksheet views are available for many objects in the tree (i.e.
geometry, connections, etc.).
Provides a list view of the data in the tree.
Activate
Worksheet
Toggle between
graphics and
worksheet
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B. The Mechanical Application Wizard
The Mechanical Wizard is an optional

component, a useful aid to remind users steps
required to complete an analysis
The Mechanical Wizard provides a list of
required steps and the status of them.
Green checkmark indicates the item is complete.
Green i shows an informational item.
A grayed symbol shows that the step cannot be
performed yet.
A red q
question
estion mark means that there is an
incomplete item.
An x means that the item is not performed yet
A lightning bolt means that the item is ready to
be solved or updated.
The options on the Mechanical Wizard menu

will change depending on the analysis type
chosen.
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. . . Mechanical Application Wizard
By selecting an item on the Required Steps checklist, a callout appears,

illustrating how that function is performed.
In the example below, Verify Materials was selected, and the callout shows the
user where this item can be changed
changed.

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Mechanical Application Wizard
The Mechanical Wizard is handy for

users who do not use Mechanical
every day.
Besides basic functionality, callouts
for more advanced items are also
available as shown on right.

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C. Basic Analysis Procedure
The purpose of analysis is usually to determine the response of a

system based on some type of excitation or loading.
It is crucial to remember that a mathematical model is used:
CAD geometry is an idealization of the physical model
The mesh is a mathematical representation of the CAD model
The accuracy
y of answers is determined by
y various factors:
How well the physical model is represented depends on the assumptions
Numerical accuracy is determined by the mesh density
CAD Model
Finite Element Mesh

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Basic Analysis Procedure
Every analysis involves four main steps:

Preliminary Decisions
What type of analysis: Static, modal, etc.?
What to model: Part or Assembly?
Which elements: Surface or Solid Bodies?
Preliminary
D i i
Decisions
Preprocessing
Attach
Att
h th
the model
d l geometry
t
Define and assign material properties to parts
Mesh the geometry
Apply loads and supports
Request results
Solve the Model

Postprocessing
p
g
Review results
Check the validity of the solution

Preprocessing
Solution
Postprocessing
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D. Applying Loads & Supports
Loads and supports are applied on geometric entities in two different ways:
Pre-select geometry entity in Graphics Window, then select load or support from
Context Toolbar
Or, select load or support from Context Toolbar then select geometry entities in
Graphics Window, then click on Apply in Details View.

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Applying Loads & Supports
After assigning the load the user can enter additional data in the Details view,
if necessary.
Notice that in the Outline Tree the associated loads branch symbol status will also
g to completed (checkmark).
(
)
change

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For some structural loads direction is

needed:
If Components is chosen, enter X, Y, or Z
C
Components
t off lloading
di
If Vector is chosen, select geometry and
enter magnitude of loading
Defaults can be set in Tools > Options
p
> Mechanical: Miscellaneous

> Load Orientation Type
The Global Coordinate System or user

defined local coordinate systems can be
referenced
User-Defined Coordinate Systems will be
discussed later

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Existing geometry can be referenced to

control direction:
In the Details view, select Define By:
V t
Vector
Three types of existing geometry can be used
Normal to planar face or along axis of cylindrical
face
Along straight edge or normal to cylindrical edge
Two vertices defining vector
Click on Direction and select geometry used

for vector orientation. Use the arrows in the
Graphics window to toggle the direction.
Click on Apply when finished.
Enter magnitude for loading in Magnitude.
Toggle arrow buttons to

reverse load direction
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E. Graphics Control and Selection
The left mouse button is used to select geometric entities OR to

manipulate the graphics display
User can select items (vertex, edge, surface, body) or manipulate the view
(rotate, pan, zoom in/out, box zoom)
Select
S l t mode
d can be
b single-select
i l
l t or box-select
b
l t
In single-select mode, click-drag with left mouse
button to paint select multiple items
Use Ctrl-Left mouse button in single-select
g
mode to select or unselect multiple
p
entities
In box-select mode, click-drag from left to right selects entities fully enclosed in
bounding box
In box-select mode,, click-drag
g from right
g to left selects any
y entity
y partially
p
y enclosed in
bounding box

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In select mode the middle mouse provides several short cuts for graphics
manipulation
Click + drag middle mouse button = dynamic rotate

CTRL+ Middle mouse button = dynamic pan
S f + Middle mouse button = dynamic zoom
Shift
If present, the wheel can be used to zoom in/out
RMB + drag = box zoom
Click right mouse button once and select Fit to fit model in view or access
context menu options

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Selection planes allow for users to easily select surfaces which are hidden
from view by other surfaces.
User selects a plane; if more planes lie directly underneath the cursor, selection
planes appear. Selection planes are color-coded with the same color as its parent
part and are ordered by depth from the cursor.

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F. The Engineering Data Application
The Engineering Data application provides overall control for material

properties.
Engineering data is a part of every project.
Engineering data can be opened stand alone (as a precursor to starting
a project for example).
To open
p the Engineering
g
g Data
standalone, add from the
component systems in the toolbox
(drag/drop or double click), then
RMB > Edit or double click.

To edit the Engineering

Data in an existing
project RMB > Edit or
double click
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. . . The Engineering Data Application
The Engineering Data application is displayed below. Individual

controls and components are described next.
Data Sources
Property Table
Toolbox
Individual Materials
Property
Chart
Material Properties

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The 2 icons in the toolbar control the basic

display of engineering data.
The first toggles a filter for the materials
shown in the toolbox:
ON = only materials relevant to the current
analysis types are displayed.
OFF = all material properties are displayed.
The second toggles the display of either the

project materials or the data source materials:
ON: data sources (libraries) are displayed.
OFF: materials for the current project are
displayed.
displayed
Data Source/Project
Display
Physics Filter for Toolbox

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With data sources displayed the windows provide a cascading data presentation.
To view or modify materials one generally follows a work flow shown here:
Data Source > Material > Property
Choose Data Source

(Library)
p y Property
p y
Display
in tabular and
graphical format
Choose Material
Choose Property

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Data Sources
Check box allows library to be

unlocked for editing. Libraries must
be unlocked before materials can be
modified
modified.
The Favorites field represents the

materials which will be available in every
project.
j
The list of available material

libraries is displayed here.
These may be ANSYS
supplied or user defined.
Browse for existing

libraries or choose new
library location.
New user material libraries may be added

by entering a name and a location.

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To add a material from an existing library to the current project click the
plus sign (+) next to that material.
Highlight the desired library
Click the + next to the

desired material
Materials can be made available for all projects

by designating them as Favorites
Favorites using RMB
IMPORTANT!: A material that is not displayed in the current
engineering data will not be available in the current analysis.
= OFF
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To create a new material toggle
to the project materials display.
Enter a name, and description if
d i d for
desired,
f the
th new material.
t i l
= OFF
From the Toolbox

double click or drag
and drop the desired
properties.
Finally enter values for
the properties.
Note: properties can be
added to existing
materials using the
same technique.
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Units menu in Engineering Data:

You may choose to display Values as Defined
or Values in Project Units.
As Defined units are controlled individually.
Project Units are taken

from the current Units menu
selection.

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G. Workshop 2-1 Mechanical Basics
Workshop 2.1 Mechanical Basics

Goal:
Using the Stress Wizard, set up and solve a structural model for
stress, deflection and safety factor.

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L t
Lecture
3
General Preprocessing
p
g
Mechanical
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Chapter Overview
In this chapter, using features without the use of the Wizards will be
covered
Topics:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Geometry
Contact
Coordinate Systems
y
Named Selections
Workshop 3-1, Contact Control

the ANSYS DesignSpace Entra licenses and above and are noted in
the lower-left hand tables

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Introduction
The Outline Tree is the main way of setting up an analysis

The Context Toolbar, Details View, and Graphics Window update,
depending on which Outline Tree branch is selected
Use of the Outline Tree will be emphasized in this chapter
U off th
Use
the O
Outline
tli Tree
T
is
i
the means by which
users navigate through
the Mechanical GUI.

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A. Geometry Branch
The Geometry branch lists the part(s)

that make up the model.
In Mechanical, there are three types of
bodies which can be analyzed:
Solid bodies are general 3D or 2D
volumes/areas/parts
Surface bodies are only areas
Line bodies are only curves
Each is explained next . . .

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Types of Bodies
Solid bodies are geometrically and spatially 3D or 2D:

3D solids are meshed with higher-order tetrahedral or hexahedral solid elements
with quadratic shape functions.
2D solids are meshed with higher order triangle or quadrilateral solid elements
with quadratic shape functions
The 2D switch must be set on the Project page prior to import
Geometry type cannot be changed from 2D to 3D (or vice versa) after import
Each node has three translational degrees of freedom (DOF) for structural or one
temperature DOF for thermal
3D Solids
2D Solids
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y
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Types of Bodies
Surface bodies are geometrically 2D but spatially 3D:

Surface bodies represent structures which are thin in one dimension (throughthickness). Thickness is not modeled but supplied as an input value.
Surface bodies are meshed with linear shell elements having six DOF (UX,
(UX UY,
UY
UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ).
Line bodies are geometrically 1D but spatially 3D:

Line bodies represent
p
structures which are thin in two dimensions. The crosssection is not modeled.
Line bodies are modeled with linear beam elements having six DOF (UX, UY, UZ,
ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ).
Line Body
Surface Body
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Multibody Parts
In general, bodies and parts are the same. In DesignModeler however,

multiple bodies may be grouped into multibody parts.
Multibody parts share common boundaries so nodes are shared at that
interface.
No contact is needed in these situations.
Example:
Common nodes
are shared by
adjacent bodies

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Material Properties
To assign material properties to a body

highlight it and select from the available
properties in the Assignment field :
The only materials appearing in the list
will be materials added using the
Engineering Data application (see
chapter 2)
2).
For surface bodies a thickness needs to

be supplied as well.

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Geometry Worksheet
A summary of bodies and assigned materials is available.

Select Geometry branch and toggle the Worksheet icon.
Toggle between graphics or worksheet via tabs at bottom

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B. Contact
When multiple parts are present, a means of defining the relationship

between parts is needed.
Contact regions define how parts interact with each other.
Without
With t contact
t t or spott welds,
ld parts
t will
ill nott interact
i t
t with
ith each
h other:
th
In structural analyses, contact and spot welds prevent parts from penetrating
through each other and provide a means of load transfer between parts.
In thermal analyses,
y
, contact and spot
p welds allow for heat transfer across parts.
p
Multibody parts do not require contact or spot welds.
Load
Surface contact elements can be visualized as a skin

covering the regions where contact will occur.
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Contact
When an assembly is imported contact

surfaces are automatically detected
and created:
The p
proximity
y of surfaces is used to
detect contact. Tolerance for contact
detection is available in the
Connections branch details.
Contact is also used for 2D geometry.

g
y
Contact surfaces are represented by
edges.
Certain license levels allow surface to
edge, edge to edge and mixed
solid/surface contact.
Note, automatic contact should always

be checked and verified before
proceeding with an analysis.
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Contact
Connections can be grouped for convenient contact management.

In the example shown, contact has been grouped relative to various
sub assemblies in the model.
Contact can be auto defined for each group via RMB.

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Solid Body Contact
Contact elements provide the relationship between parts.

Each part maintains a separate mesh. This means that one small part will not
drive mesh density of the entire assembly and/or the user can make parts of
interest have a finer mesh than other parts
Note the non-matching mesh at the

interface between parts.
p
Mix of hexahedral elements
contacting tetrahedral elements is
possible.

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Solid Body Contact
When a contact region is highlighted in the connections branch, parts are made
translucent for easier viewing.
Selecting a contact region makes non participating bodies translucent.
Contact surfaces are color coded for easy
y identification.

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Solid Body Contact
Go To utilities allow a more detailed investigation of contact definitions:
Corresponding bodies in tree

Bodies without contact
Parts without contact
Contact regions for selected bodies
Contacts common to selected bodies
Contacts can be q
quickly
y renamed to match part
p
names
RMB
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Solid Body Contact
To manually define a contact pair insert a manual contact region and select
and apply contact and target surfaces.
RMB

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Advanced Solid Body Contact
For ANSYS Professional licenses and above,

advanced contact options are available:
Auto detection dimension and slider
Pinball
Pi b ll control
t l
Asymmetric contact, contact results tool and
additional formulations will be covered in a later
chapter.
Details for Connections

Details for Contact Regions
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Advanced Solid Body Contact
The Pinball region represents a contact detection zone:

Contact open status is determined by the pinball radius.
Outside pinball: far field
pinball (not
(
touching):
g) near field
Inside p
Closed status is either sliding or sticking.

The pinball radius may be entered so that bonded contact
is used in gaps.
Pinball radius is displayed as a sphere in the graphics
window.

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Surface Body Contact
Shell contact includes edge-to-face or edge-to-edge

contact:
Shell contact is not turned on by
y default.
User can turn on detection of face-to-edge or edge-to-edge
contact.
Priority can be set to prevent multiple contact regions in a
given region.
region
Ed to
Edge
t Surface
S f

Edge to Edge
Edge to Surface
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. . . Mesh Connections
Mesh connections can be used to joint surface

bodies at the mesh that do not share topology.
Must be a multibody part (DM).
Can include gaps/penetration.
Can use automatic or manual creation.
For manual definition:

Master geometry can be faces
or edges.
Slave geometry can only be
edges
edges.

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Spot Weld
Spot welds provide a means of connecting assemblies at discrete points:

Spot weld is defined in the CAD software. Currently, only DesignModeler and
Unigraphics define spot welds supported by Mechanical.
Spot weld pairs

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Contact Worksheet
The Worksheet for the Connections branch provides a summary of

various contact and spot weld definitions:

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C. Coordinate Systems
The Coordinate Systems branch initially contains only the global Cartesian
system.
Coordinate systems can be used for mesh controls, point masses,
di
directional
ti
l lloads,
d and
d results.
lt
Local Coordinate Systems can be created or imported from some CAD systems
(see Mechanical documentation).

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Coordinate Systems
Coordinate Systems (Cartesian or cylindrical) can be

defined by selecting Coordinate System icon from the
Context toolbar.
The
Th CS ttoolbar
lb becomes
b
available
il bl after
ft CS is
i defined.
d fi d
Delete
Translate
Rotate
Flip
Move Up/Down
Local coordinate systems are defined either by:

S
Selecting
l ti geometry
t (Associative
(A
i ti Coordinate
C
di t System).
S t ) The
Th
coordinate system updates if the geometrys location is
updated (not during solution). Its translation and rotation
are geometry dependent.
Specifying coordinates (Non-Associative Coordinate
System). The coordinate system will remain as originally
defined i.e.: it is independent of geometry.

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Coordinate Systems
Coordinate systems can be used from pull-down menus in the Details

view in various applications (examples below) :
Directional Results
Point Masses
Sizing w/ Sphere of
Influence Option
Directional Loads
Directional Displacements

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D. Named Selections
The Named Selection Toolbar provides functionality for grouping together

geometric entities:
Manipulate
Create
Show/Hide
Suppress/Unsuppress
Defined Names
Named Selections allow users to group together vertices, edges, surfaces, or

bodies.
Named Selections can be used for defining mesh controls,
controls applying loads and
supports, etc.
Provides an easy method to reselect groups that will be referenced often
Defining contact regions
Scoping
S
i results
lt
Etc.

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Defining Named Selections
To create Selections using geometry selection:

Select the vertices, edges, surfaces, or bodies of interest,
then click on the Create Selection Group icon.
Enter a name in the dialog box.
box
The new group will appear in the Named Selection
Toolbar as well as in the Outline Tree.
Note:
Only one type of entity can be in a particular
Named Selection. For example, vertices and
edges cannot exist in the same Named Selection.
Named Selection groups can be imported from
some CAD systems (see Chapter 10).

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Selections can be created employing various criteria using the

Worksheet method.
Add, remove, filter, etc. to stack criteria for complex selections.
Each selection is generated to complete the operation.

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Example, select a vertex at x,y,z = 97.7, 33, 0:

Using three operations (add, filter, remove),
allows a single vertex selection.
Results in 4 vertices selected
Results in 2 vertices selected
Results in 1 vertex selected

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Using Named Selections
In many detail window fields Named Selections can be referenced

directly:
Example (pressure load):
In the Details view, change Method
from
f
Geometry
G
Selection
S
to Named
Selection
Select the Named Selection from the pull-down menu
Mechanical will filter non-applicable
pp
types
yp of Named Selections.

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Using Named Selections
Named Selections can be used in other situations where geometry must

be picked:
Select Geometry from the Details view to enter picking mode
Toggle
T
l the
th Named
N
d Selection
S l ti
to
t select
l t from
f
the
th Toolbar
T lb
Select the applicable choice:
Select Items in Group, Add to Current Selection, Remove from Current Selection
Then,, click on Apply

pp y in the Details view

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E. Workshop 3.1 Contact Control
Workshop 3.1 Contact Control

Goal:
Investigate several types of contact behavior.

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L t
Lecture
4
Meshing
g in Mechanical
Mechanical
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Chapter Overview
In this chapter controlling meshing operations is described.

Topics:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Global Meshing
g Controls
Local Meshing Controls
Meshing Troubleshooting
Virtual Topology
p gy
Workshop 4-1, Meshing Control

the ANSYS DesignSpace Entra licenses and above and are noted in
the lower-left
lower left hand tables

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Meshing in Mechanical
The nodes and elements representing the geometry model make up the
mesh:
A default mesh is automatically generated during initiation of the solution.
The
Th user can generate
t the
th mesh
h prior
i to
t solving
l i to
t verify
if mesh
h control
t l
settings.
A finer mesh produces more precise answers but also increases CPU time and
memory requirements.

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A. Global Meshing Controls
Physics Based Meshing allows the user to specify

the mesh based on the physics to be solved.
Choosing the physics type will set controls such
as:
Solid element mid-side nodes
Element shape checking
Transitioning
Physics preferences can be:
Mechanical
Electromagnetics
g
CFD
Explicit
Note: Some mesh controls are intended for nonMechanical applications (CFD, EMAG, etc). Only
mechanical mesh controls are discussed in this
course
course.
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Global Meshing Controls
Basic meshing controls are available under the Defaults group in the
Mesh branch
The user has control with a single slider bar
Relevance setting
g between 100 and +100
+ Relevance = fine
mesh
- Relevance = coarse
mesh

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Sizing Section:
The controls in this group set the basic
size defaults for the initial mesh. Local
controls (described later), can be used to
override these values in specific regions of
the model.
These
Th
settings
tti
assume the
th Use
U Advanced
Ad
d
Size Function is set to Off.
Relevance Center: sets the mid point of the Relevance slider control.
Element Size: defines element size used for the entire model
model.
Initial Size seed: Initial mesh size is based either on the entire assembly or on
each individual part.
Smoothing: Attempts to improve element quality by moving nodes. Number of
smoothing iterations can be controlled (Lo
(Low, Medi
Medium,
m High)
High).
Transition: Controls the rate at which adjacent elements will grow (Slow, Fast)

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November 2010
Advanced Size Functions: 4 settings to control basic mesh sizing.

Curvature: The curvature size function examines curvature on edges and
faces and sets element sizes so as not to violate the maximum size or the
curvature
t
angle
l (automatically
( t
ti ll computed
t d or d
defined
fi d b
by th
the user).
)
Proximity: The proximity size function
allows you to specify the minimum
number of element layers created in
regions that constitute gaps in the model
(features).
Fixed: The fixed size function does not
refine the mesh based on curvature or
proximity. Rather, you specify minimum
and maximum sizes and gradation is
provided between sizes based on a
specified growth rate.
Note: users may accept default settings
for these options or specify their own
(described next).
L4-7
Release 13.0
November 2010
Curvature settings:
Normal angle: the maximum allowable angle that one element edge is allowed
to span (default based on relevance and span angle center settings).
Min Size: the minimum element edge size that the mesher will create.
Max Face Size: Maximum size the surface mesher will allow.
Max Size: Maximum size the volume mesher will allow.
Growth Rate: Specifies the increase in element size for each succeeding layer
progressing from an edge. A value of 1.2 represents a 20% increase. Settings
from 1 to 5 with a default determined by relevance and transition settings.
Curvature = 20 deg.
L4-8
Curvature = 75 deg.
Release 13.0
November 2010
Proximity Settings:
Proximity Accuracy: Set between 0 and 1 (0.5=default). Controls the search
range used with the max size and cells across gap settings. A setting of 0 is
f t a setting
faster,
tti off 1 is
i more accurate.
t
Num Cells Across Gap: specifies the number of element layers to be
generated in the gap sections (i.e. between features).
Num Cells = 2
L4-9
Num Cells = 5
Release 13.0
November 2010
Shape Checking:
Standard Mechanical linear stress, modal
and thermal analyses.
Aggressive
gg
Mechanical large
g
deformations and material nonlinearities.
Element Midside Nodes:

Program Controlled (default), Dropped or
Kept (see below).
Number of Retries: if poor quality elements

are detected the mesher will retry using a
finer mesh.
Mesh Morphing: when enabled allows updated geometry to use a
morphed mesh rather than remeshing (saves time). Topology must
remain the same and large geometry changes cannot be morphed.
Element A
Element B
Kept
Dropped
L4-10
Release 13.0
November 2010
B. Local Meshing Controls
Local Mesh Controls can be applied to either a Geometry Selection or a

Named Selection. These are available only when the mesh branch is
highlighted. Available controls include :
Method Control
Sizing Control
Contact Sizing Control
Refinement Control
Mapped Face Meshing
Match Control
Inflation Control
Pinch Control
Gap Tool (EMAG only, not covered)

L4-11
Release 13.0
November 2010
Local Meshing Controls : Method (continued)
Method Control : Provides the user with options as

to how solid bodies are meshed:
Automatic (default):
B
Body
d will
ill be
b sweptt if possible.
ibl Otherwise,
Oth
i
the
th
Patch Conforming mesher under Tetrahedrons
is used.
Continued . . .

L4-12
Release 13.0
November 2010
Tetrahedrons:
An all Tetrahedron mesh is generated.
Patch Conforming:
All face boundaries are respected when mesh is created.
Patch Independent Meshing:

Faces and their boundaries may or may not be respected during meshing
operations.
The exception is when a boundary condition is applied to a surface, its
boundaries are respected.

L4-13
Release 13.0
November 2010
Hex Dominant : Creates a free hex dominant mesh.

Useful for meshing bodies that cannot be swept.
Recommended for meshing
g bodies with large
g interior
volumes.
Not recommended for thin or highly complex shapes.
Free Face Mesh Type: determines the mesh shape
to be used to fill the body (Quad/Tri or All Quad).
Solid Model with Hex dominant

mesh :
Tetrahedrons 443 (9%)
Hexahedron 2801(62%)
Wedge 124 (2%)
Pyramid 1107 (24%)

L4-14
Release 13.0
November 2010
Sweep :
Sweep-mesh (hex and possible wedge) elements.
Type : Number of Divisions or Element Size in the sweep direction.
Sweep Bias Type : Bias spacing in sweep direction
direction.
Src/Trg Selection : Manually select the start/end faces for sweeping or allow the
mesher to choose.
Automatic/Manual Thin Model One hex or wedge through the thickness. Can
choose between Solid Shell (SOLSH190) element and a Solid element (Solid185)
(Solid185).
A solid shell element is useful for thin structures with a single element through the
thickness (e.g. sheet metal).

L4-15
Release 13.0
November 2010
MultiZone Method:
A patch independent mesher that automatically decomposes solid
geometry to accomplish sweep meshing (like a user might slice a model
f meshing).
for
hi )
Mapped Mesh Type: controls the shapes

used for fill regions.
Free Mesh Type: if set, allows tet meshes
in the fill regions. Can set to not allowed
if all hex is desired.
Standard Free Mesh
MultiZone Mesh
L4-16
Release 13.0
November 2010
Local Meshing Controls
Sizing:
Element Size specifies average element
edge length or number of divisions
( h i
(choices
depend
d
d on geometry
t selection).
l ti )
Soft control may be overridden by other
mesh controls. Hard may not.
Mesh biasing is available.
available
Sphere of Influence sizing, see next page.
Entity
Bodies
Faces
Edges
Vertices
Element Size
x
x
x
# of Elem. Division
Sphere of Influence
x
x
x
x
Size controls available based on geometry entity

L4-17
Face Sizing Applied to a

part.
Release 13.0
November 2010
Local Mesh Controls
Sphere of Influence:
Center is located using local coordinate system.
All scoped entities within the sphere are affected by size settings.
Scoped to single vertex

Sphere of Influence
(shown in red) has been
defined Elements lying in
defined.
that sphere for that scoped
entity will have a given
average element size.
L4-18
Scoped
p to 2 surfaces
Release 13.0
November 2010
Local Mesh Controls
Contact Sizing: generates similar-sized elements on

contact faces for face/face or face/edge contact region.
Element Size or Relevance can be specified.
Choose
Ch
C
Contact
t t Si
Sizing
i ffrom th
the M
Mesh
hC
Control
t l menu and
d
specify the contact region.
Or drag and drop a Contact Region object onto the Mesh
object.
In this example, the contact

region between the two parts
h a Contact
has
C t t Sizing
Si i
Type
T
Relevance is specified. Note
that the mesh is now
consistent at the contact
region.

L4-19
Release 13.0
November 2010
Local Mesh Controls
Element refinement divides existing mesh

An initial mesh is created with global and local size controls first, then element
refinement is performed at the specified location(s).
Refinement range is 1 to 3 (minimum to maximum). Refinement splits the edges of
the elements in the initial mesh in half. Refinement level controls the number of
iterations this is performed.
For example shown, the left side has

refinement level of 2 whereas the right
side is left untouched with default
mesh settings.

L4-20
Release 13.0
November 2010
Local Mesh Controls
Mapped Face Meshing: generates structured meshes on

surfaces:
In example below, mapped face meshing on the
outer face provides a more uniform mesh pattern
pattern.
Mapped quad or tri mesh also available for surface bodies.

See next slide for advanced options . . . .

L4-21
Release 13.0
November 2010
Local Mesh Controls
For some geometry mapping will fail if an obvious pattern is not recognized.
By specifying side, corner or end vertices a mapped face can be achieved.
By setting side and end vertices

the mapped mesh succeeds
resulting in a uniform sweep.
Original mapping failed

as indicated next to the
mesh control.
L4-22
Release 13.0
November 2010
Local Mesh Controls
Inflation Control: useful for adding layers of elements along specific

boundaries.
Note: Inflation is more often used in CFD and EMAG applications

pp
but may
y
be useful for capturing stress concentrations etc. in structural
applications.
L4-23
Release 13.0
November 2010
Local Mesh Controls
Pinch: allows the removal of small features by pinching

out small edges and vertices (only).
Master: geometry that retains the original geometry profile.
Slave:
Sl
geometry
t that
th t changes
h
to
t move toward
t
d the
th master.
t
Can be automatic (Mesh level) or local (add Pinch branch).
Note: a global pinch control can be set in

g
the mesh branch details Defeaturing
section.
L4-24
Release 13.0
November 2010
C. Meshing Troubleshooting
Mesh Metrics: can be requested in the statistics section.

Select individual bars in the graph to view the elements graphically.
Note: each mesh metric is

described in detail in the
Meshing Users Guide of
the ANSYS documentation
documentation.

L4-25
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Meshing Troubleshooting
If the mesher is not able to generate satisfactory elements, an error message

will be returned:
The problematic geometry will be highlighted on the screen, and a named

selection group Problematic Geometry will be created, so the user may review
the model.

L4-26
Release 13.0
November 2010
Meshing Troubleshooting
Meshing failures can be caused by a number of things:

Inconsistent sizing controls specified on surfaces, which would result in
the creation of poorly-shaped elements
Difficult CAD geometry, such as small slivers or twisted surfaces
Stricter shape checking (Aggressive setting in Mesh branch)
Some ways to avoid meshing failures:

Specify more reasonable sizing controls on geometry
Specify smaller sizing controls to allow the mesher to create bettershaped elements
In the CAD system, use hidden line removal plots to see sliver or
unwanted geometry and remove them
Use virtual cells to combine sliver or very small surfaces
This
Thi option
ti will
ill be
b discussed
di
d nextt

L4-27
Release 13.0
November 2010
D. Virtual Topology
Virtual Topology: combines surfaces and edges for

meshing control:
Vi
Virtual
t lT
Topology
l
b
branch
h iis added
dd d to
t the
th Model
M d l
branch.
A Virtual Cell is a group of adjacent surfaces that
acts as a single surface.
Interior lines of original surfaces will no longer be
honored by meshing process.
For other operations such as applying Loads and
Supports, a virtual cell can be referenced as a single
entity.
Virtual cells can be generated automatically via RMB:
The Behavior controls the aggressiveness of the Merge
Face Edges?
Edges? setting for auto generation
generation.
Example . . .

L4-28
Release 13.0
November 2010
Virtual Topology Example
Consider the example below:
Virtual
Cell

L4-29
Release 13.0
November 2010
Virtual Topology Example
Keep in mind that the topology can change!

Example: a chamfer is added to the top surface in this virtual cell. The
interior lines are not recognized anymore.
Elements edge is shown as a solid
line and the original chamfer and
top surface is shown as a dotted
blue line.
Original mesh
The chamfer representation is no

longer present.
Mesh using virtual

topology
L4-30
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Virtual Topology
In addition to creating virtual faces, edges can be split to form virtual

edges to aid in various meshing operations.
Virtual Split Edge at +: splits at

the selection point along the
edge.
Virtual Split Edge: requires a
fractional entry indicating the
position along the edge where
the split will be located (e.g.
(e g 0.5
05
results in the line split in half).

L4-31
Release 13.0
November 2010
E. Workshop 4.1 Mesh Control
Workshop 4.1 Mesh Control

Goal:
Use the various mesh controls to enhance
the mesh for the solenoid model.

L4-32
Release 13.0
November 2010
L t
Lecture
5
Static Structural Analysis
y
Mechanical
L5-1
Release 13.0
November 2010
Chapter Overview
In this chapter, performing linear static structural analyses in

Mechanical will be covered:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Geometry
Assemblies and Contact Types
Analysis Settings
Environment, including Loads and Supports
Solving Models
Results and Postprocessing

ANSYS DesignSpace Entra licenses and above.
Some options discussed in this chapter may require more advanced

licenses, but these are noted accordingly.

L5-2
Release 13.0
November 2010
Basics of Linear Static Analysis
For a linear static structural analysis, the displacements {x} are solved
for in the matrix equation below:
Assumptions:
[K ]{x} = {F }
[K] is constant
Linear elastic material behavior is assumed
Small deflection theory is used
Some nonlinear boundary conditions may be included
{F} is statically applied

No time-varying forces are considered
No inertial effects (mass, damping) are included
It is important to remember these assumptions related to linear static

analysis.
l i Nonlinear
N li
static
t ti and
d dynamic
d
i analyses
l
are covered
d in
i later
l t
chapters.

L5-3
Release 13.0
November 2010
A. Geometry
In structural analyses, all types of bodies supported by Mechanical

may be used.
For surface bodies, thickness must be
supplied in the Details view of the
Geometry branch.
The cross-section and orientation of line bodies are defined within

DesignModeler and are imported into Mechanical automatically.
automatically

L5-4
Release 13.0
November 2010
Point Mass
A Point Mass can be added to a model (Geometry branch) to simulate parts of

the structure not explicitly modeled:
A point mass is associated with surface(s)
( ) only.
y
The location can be defined by either:
(x, y, z) coordinates in any user-defined Coordinate System.
Selecting vertices/edges/surfaces to define location.
Point mass is affected by Acceleration

Acceleration, Standard
Standard Earth Gravity
Gravity, and
Rotational Velocity. No other loads affect a point mass.
The mass is connected to selected surfaces
assuming no stiffness between them.
No rotational inertial terms are present.

L5-5
Release 13.0
November 2010
Material Properties
Youngs Modulus and Poissons Ratio are required for linear static
structural analyses:
Material input is handled in the Engineering Data application.
Mass density is required if any inertial loads are present.
Thermal expansion coefficient is required if a uniform temperature load
is applied.
Thermal conductivity is NOT required for uniform temperature
conditions.
Stress Limits are needed if a Stress Tool result is present.
Fatigue
F ti
Properties
P
ti are needed
d d if Fatigue
F ti
Tool
T l result
lt is
i present.
t
Requires Fatigue Module add-on license.

L5-6
Release 13.0
November 2010
B. Assemblies Solid Body Contact
When importing assemblies of solid parts, contact regions are automatically

created between the solid bodies.
Contact allows non-matching meshes at boundaries between solid parts
Tolerance
T l
controls
t l under
d Contact
C t t branch
b
h allows
ll
the
th user to
t specify
if distance
di t
off
auto contact detection via slider bar

L5-7
Release 13.0
November 2010
Assemblies Solid Body Contact
In Mechanical, the concept of contact and target surfaces are used for each
contact region:
One side of a contact region is referred to as a contact surface, the other side is
referred to as a target surface
surface.
The contact surfaces are restricted from penetrating through the target surface.
When one side is designated the contact and the other side the target, this is called
asymmetric contact.
If b
both
th sides
id are made
d tto b
be contact
t t & ttargett thi
this is
i called
ll d symmetric
t i contact.
t t
C
T symmetric
By default, Mechanical
uses
contact for solid assemblies.
For ANSYS Professional licenses and
above the user may change to
above,
asymmetric contact, as desired.
Sy
Symmetric
et c
Contact
Asymmetric
Contact
L5-8
Release 13.0
November 2010
Five contact types are available:

Contact Type
Bonded
No Separation
Frictionless
Rough
Frictional
Iterations
1
1
Multiple
Multiple
Multiple
Normal Behavior (Separation) Tangential Behavior (Sliding)

No Gaps
No Sliding
No Gaps
Sliding Allowed
Gaps Allowed
Sliding Allowed
Gaps Allowed
No Sliding
Gaps Allowed
Sliding Allowed
Bonded and No Separation contact are linear and require

only 1 iteration.
Frictionless, Rough and Frictional contact are nonlinear
and require multiple iterations.
Nonlinear contact types allow an interface treatment

option:
Add Offset: input zero or non
non-zero
zero value for initial
adjustment
Adjusted to Touch: ANSYS closes any gap to a just
touching position (ANSYS Professional and above)

L5-9
Release 13.0
November 2010
Interface treatment options:

C
Add offset: contact surface is

numerically offset a given amount
i positive
in
iti or negative
ti direction
di ti
(offset can be ramped on).
Adjusted to touch: offsets contact

surface to provide initial contact
with
ith target
t
t regardless
dl
off actual
t l
gap/penetration.
L5-10
Release 13.0
November 2010
Advanced options (see chapter 3 for

additional details on the pinball region):
Pin Ball Region:
Inside pinball = near-field contact
Outside pinball = far-field contact
Allows the solver to more efficiently
process contact calculations
calculations.
For ANSYS Professional licenses and above,

mixed assemblies of shells and solids are
supported as well as more contact options.
In this case, the gap between
the two parts is bigger than the
pinball region, so no automatic
gap closure will be performed.

L5-11
Release 13.0
November 2010
Assemblies Spot Weld
Spot welds provide a means of connecting shell assemblies at discrete

points:
Spotweld definition is done in the CAD software. Currently, only DesignModeler
and Unigraphics define supported spot weld definitions.
definitions

L5-12
Release 13.0
November 2010
C. Analysis Settings
The Analysis Settings details provide general

control over the solution process:
Step Controls:
Manual and auto time stepping controls.
Specify the number of steps in an analysis and an
end time for each step.
Time is a tracking
g mechanism in static analyses
y
(discussed later).
Solver Controls:
Two solvers available (default program
chosen):
Direct solver (Sparse solver in ANSYS).
Iterative solver (PCG solver in ANSYS).
Weak
W k springs:
i
Mechanical tries to anticipate underconstrained models.

L5-13
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Analysis Settings Analysis Data Management
Analysis Data Management:

Solver Files Directory is the location where
analysis files will be stored if a project has not
yet been saved.
Future Analysis: indicates whether a down
stream analysis (e.g. pre-stressed modal) will
use the solution. This is set automatically
when coupled analyses are configured in the
project schematic
schematic.
Scratch Solver Files Directory: temporary
directory used during solution.
Save MAPDL db.
Delete
D l t U
Unneeded
d d Files:
Fil
may choose
h
to
t save all
ll
files for future use in Mechanical APDL.
Solver Units: Active System or manual.
Solver Unit System: if the above setting is
manual,
l you may choose
h
1 off 8 possible
ibl
solver unit systems to insure consistency
when data is shared with Mechanical APDL
(does not affect results/load displays in the
GUI)
GUI).

L5-14
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Analysis Settings Step Controls
Step Controls:
Multiple steps allow a series of static analyses to
be set up and solved sequentially.
For a static analysis
analysis, the end time can be used as
a counter/tracker to identify the load steps and
substeps.
Results can be viewed step by step.
Load values for each step can be entered in the
Tabular Data section provided.
The time and load value
are displayed in the
graphics window

L5-15
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Multiple Steps
A summary of all the different steps can be viewed by highlighting

Analysis Type and then selecting the Worksheet tab.

L5-16
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Multiple Steps
Results for each individual step can be viewed after the solution by
selecting the desired step and RMB >Retrieve This Result.
Select desired
step and RMB to
retrieve result

L5-17
Release 13.0
November 2010
D. Loads and Supports
Loads and supports are thought of in terms of the

degrees of freedom (DOF) available for the elements
used.
In solids the DOF are x, y and z translations (for
shells we add rotational DOF rotx, roty and rotz).
Supports, regardless of actual names, are always
defined in terms of DOF.
UY
UX
UZ
For example a Frictionless Support applied to the

Z surface of the block shown would indicate that the
Z degree
g
of freedom is no longer
g free (all
( other DOF
are free).
Frictionless surface

L5-18
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Loads and Supports
Load types:
Inertial loads:
These loads act on the entire system.
Density is required for mass calculations.
These are only loads which act on defined Point Masses.
Structural Loads:
Forces
F
or moments
t acting
ti on parts
t off the
th system.
t
Structural Supports:
Constraints that prevent movement on certain regions.
Thermal Loads:
The thermal loads which result in a temperature field causing thermal
expansion/contraction in the model.

L5-19
Release 13.0
November 2010
Directional Loads
Loads and supports having a direction

component can be defined in global or local
coordinate systems:
In the Details view
view, change Define By to
Components. Then, select the appropriate CS
from the pull-down menu.
Load
Supports Coordinate Systems
Acceleration
No
Standard Earth Gravity
Yes
Rotational Velocity
Yes
Force
Yes
Remote Force
Location of Origin Only
B i LLoadd
Bearing
Y
Yes
Moment
Yes
Given Displacement
Yes

L5-20
Release 13.0
November 2010
Acceleration & Gravity
Acceleration:
Acts on entire model in length/time2 units.
Acceleration can be defined by
y Components
p
or Vector.
Body will move in the opposite direction of the applied acceleration.
Standard Earth Gravity:

Value
V l applied
li d coincides
i id with
ith selected
l t d unit
it system.
t
Standard Earth Gravity direction is defined along one of three global or
local coordinate system axes.
Body
B d will
ill move in
i the
h same direction
di
i off the
h applied
li d gravity.
i
Rotational velocity:
Entire model rotates about an axis at a given rate.
Define by vector or component method.
Input can be in radians per second (default) or RPM.

L5-21
Release 13.0
November 2010
Forces and Pressures
Pressure loading:
Applied to surfaces, acts normal to the surface.
Positive value into surface, negative value acts out of surface.
Units of pressure are in force per area.
Force loading:
Forces can be applied
pp
on vertices,, edges,
g , or surfaces.
The force will be evenly distributed on all entities. Units are
mass*length/time2.
Force can be defined via vector or component methods.

L5-22
Release 13.0
November 2010
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic Pressure:
Applies a linearly varying load to a surface (solid or
shell) to mimic fluid force acting on the structure.
Fluid may be contained or external.
external
User specifies:
Magnitude and direction of acceleration.

Fluid Density.
C
Coordinate
di t system
t
representing
ti the
th free
f
surface
f
off the
th fluid.
fl id
For Shells, a Top/Bottom face option is provided.
Internal
External
L5-23
Release 13.0
November 2010
Bearing Load
Bearing Load (force):

Force component distributed on compressive
side using projected area.
Axial components are not allowed
allowed.
Use only one bearing load per cylindrical
surface.
If the cylindrical surface is split be sure to
select
l t both
b th halves
h l
off cylindrical
li d i l surface
f
when applying this load.
Bearing load can be defined via vector or
component method.
Bearing Load
Force Load
L5-24
Release 13.0
November 2010
Moment Load
Moment Loading :
For solid bodies moments can be applied on a surface only.

If multiple surfaces are selected, the moment load is evenly distributed.
V t or componentt method
Vector
th d can be
b employed
l
d using
i
the
th right
i ht hand
h d rule.
l
For surface bodies a moment can be applied to a vertex, edge or surface.
Units of moment are in Force*length.

L5-25
Release 13.0
November 2010
Remote Load
Remote Force Loading :
Applies an offset force on a surface or edge of a body.

The user supplies the origin of the force (geometry or coordinates).
Can be defined using vector or component method.
Applies an equivalent force and moment on the surface.
Example: 10 inch beam with a 1 lbf remote force scoped to the end of
the beam. Remote force is located 20 inches from the fixed support.
F=1 lbf
20

Moment Reaction
L5-26
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Bolt Pretension
Bolt Pretension:
Applies a pretension load to a solid cylindrical section or beam using:
Pretension load (force)
OR
Adjustment (length)
For body loading a local coordinate system is required (preload in z

direction).
For sequenced loading additional options are available (see next page).

L5-27
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Bolt Pretension Sequenced Simulation
The Define By field in the details view provides the

following options for sequence loading:
Load or Adjustment: as defined on previous page.
Lock : Fixes all displacements (load applied and held).
Open : Leaves the pretension load open (no pretension).
2
4
3
1

Bolt Load Tips:

3D simulations only.
Cylindrical surfaces or bodies only.
A refined mesh is recommended (at least 2 elements
in axial direction).
L5-28
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Line Pressure
Line Pressure loading :

Applies a distributed force on one edge only for 3-D simulations, using
force density loading.
Units are in force/length.
Can be defined by :
Magnitude and Vector
Magnitude and component direction (global or local coordinate systems)
Magnitude and tangential

L5-29
Release 13.0
November 2010
Supports
Fixed Support :
Constraints all degrees of freedom on vertex, edge, or
surface
Solid bodies: constrains x, y, and z
Surface and line bodies: constrains x, y, z, rotx, roty and
rotz
Given Displacement :
Applies
pp
known displacement
p
on vertex, edge,
g or surface
Allows for imposed translational displacement in x, y,
and z (in user-defined Coordinate System)
Entering 0 means that the direction is constrained,
g the direction blank means the direction is free.
leaving
Elastic Support :
Allows faces/edges to deform according to a spring
behavior.
behavior
Foundation stiffness is the pressure required to produce
unit normal deflection of the foundation

L5-30
Release 13.0
November 2010
Supports
Frictionless Support:
Applies constraints (fixes) in normal direction on surfaces.
For solid bodies, this support can be used to apply a symmetry boundary
condition.
Examples . . .
Fixed in radial
direction
Free translation in
plane of support

Fixed translation
out of plane of
support
Free in tangential
and axial
directions
L5-31
Release 13.0
November 2010
Supports
Cylindrical Support:
Provides individual control for axial, radial, or tangential constraints.
Applied on cylindrical surfaces.
Radial
Tangential
Example . . .

L5-32
Axial
Release 13.0
November 2010
Supports (Solid Bodies)
Compression Only Support :

Applies a constraint in the normal compressive
direction only.
Can be used on a cylindrical surface to model a
pin, bolt, etc..
Requires an iterative (nonlinear) solution.
Force
Compression Only
Force

L5-33
Release 13.0
November 2010
Supports (Line/Surface Bodies)
Simply Supported :
Can be applied on edge or vertex of surface or line bodies
Prevents all translations but all rotations are free
Fixed Rotation :
Can be applied on surface, edge, or vertex of surface or line bodies
Constrains rotations but translations are free
Translations free
Translation fixed
Rotations fixed
Rotations free
Simply Supported Edge

Fixed Rotation Edge

L5-34
Release 13.0
November 2010
Thermal Loading
Thermal condition :
Applies a uniform temperature in a structural analysis.
Appears under Loads in structural analysis.
A reference temperature must be provided (see next slide).

L5-35
Release 13.0
November 2010
Thermal Loading
A temperature differential can cause thermal expansion or

contraction in a structure:
Thermal strains (th) are calculated as follows:
thx = thy = thz = (T Tref )
= thermal expansion coefficient (CTE material property).

Tref = reference temperature (thermal strains are zero).
T = applied temperature (see previous slide).
Reference temperature is defined in the environment branch (global)
or as a property of individual bodies.
bodies

L5-36
Release 13.0
November 2010
Solving the Model
To solve the model click on the Solve button on the Standard Toolbar.
Two processors used if present (default).
To set the number use, Tools > Solve Process Settings.

L5-37
Release 13.0
November 2010
E. Workshop 5.1 Linear Structural Analysis
Workshop 5.1 Linear Structural Analysis

Goal:
A 5 part assembly representing an impeller type pump is
analyzed with a 100N preload on the belt.

L5-38
Release 13.0
November 2010
F. Results and Postprocessing
Numerous structural results are available:
Directional and total deformation.

Components, principal, or invariants of stresses and strains.
Contact output.
Reaction forces.
In Mechanical, results may be requested before or after solving.

If you solve a model then request results afterwards, click on the Solve
, and the results will be retrieved.
button
A new solution is not required.

L5-39
Release 13.0
November 2010
Plotting Results
Contour and vector plots are usually shown on the deformed geometry.
Use the Context Toolbar to change settings.

L5-40
Release 13.0
November 2010
Deformation
The deformation of the model can be plotted:

Total deformation is a scalar quantity:
U total = U x2 + U y2 + U z2
The x, y, and z components of deformation can be
requested under Directional
Directional, in global or local coordinates.
coordinates
Vector plots of deformation are available (see below).

L5-41
Release 13.0
November 2010
Stresses and Strains
Stresses and strains:

Stresses and (elastic) strains have six components
(x, y, z, xy, yz, xz) while thermal strains have three components (x, y, z)
For stresses and strains,, components
p
can be requested
q
under Normal (x,
( , y, z))
and Shear (xy, yz, xz). For thermal strains, (x, y, z) components are under
Thermal.
Principal stresses are always arranged such that s1 > s2 > s3
Intensity
y is defined as the largest
g
of the absolute values
s1 - s2, s2 - s3 or s3 - s1

L5-42
Release 13.0
November 2010
Stress Tools
Safety Factors (choose from 4 failure

theories):
Ductile Theories:
Maximum Equivalent Stress
Maximum Shear Stress
Brittle Theories:
Mohr-Coulomb
M h C l b Stress
St
Maximum Tensile Stress
Within each stress tool safety factor, safety

margin and stress ratio can be plotted
plotted.

L5-43
Release 13.0
November 2010
Contact Results
Contact results are requested via a Contact

Tool under the Solution branch.

L5-44
Release 13.0
November 2010
Contact Results
Select the contact region(s) for the Contact Tool (2 methods):

1. Worksheet view (details): select contact regions from the list.
Contact, target or both sides can be selected.
2. Geometry: select contact regions on the graphics screen.

L5-45
Release 13.0
November 2010
User Defined Results
In addition to the standard result items one can insert user defined
results.
These results can include mathematical expressions and can be
combinations of multiple result items.
Define in 2 ways:
Select User Defined Result from the solution context menu
OR - From the Solution Worksheet highlight result > RMB > Create User
Defined Result.

L5-46
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . User Defined Results
Details allow an expression using various

basic math operations as well as square
root, absolute value, exponent, etc..
User defined results can be labeled with a
user Identifier.
Result legend contains identifier and
expression.

L5-47
Release 13.0
November 2010
G. Workshop 5.2 2D Structural Analysis
Workshop 5.2 2D Structural Analysis

2D structural analyses.
Shown here is the 2D axisymmetric model.
Retaining Ring
Pressure Cap

L5-48
Release 13.0
November 2010
L t
Lecture
6
Vibration Analysis
y
Mechanical
L6-1
Release 13.0
November 2010
Chapter Overview
In this chapter, performing free vibration as well as pre-stressed

vibration analyses in Mechanical will be covered. In Mechanical,
performing a free vibration analysis is similar to a linear static
analysis.
analysis
It is assumed that the user has already covered Chapter 4 Linear Static
Structural Analysis prior to this section.
The following
g will be covered:
Free Vibration Analysis Procedure
Free Vibration with Pre-Stress Analysis Procedure

ANSYS DesignSpace Entra licenses and above.

L6-2
Release 13.0
November 2010
Basics of Free Vibration Analysis
For a free vibration analysis, the natural circular frequencies i and

mode shapes i are calculated from:
([K ] [M ]){ } = 0
2
i
Assumptions:
A
i
[K] and [M] are constant:
Linear elastic material behavior is assumed

S ll deflection
Small
d fl ti
theory
th
is
i used,
d and
d no nonlinearities
li
iti included
i l d d
[C] is not present, so damping is not included
{F} is not present, so no excitation of the structure is assumed
The structure can be constrained or unconstrained
Mode shapes {} are relative values, not absolute

L6-3
Release 13.0
November 2010
A. Free Vibration Analysis Procedure
The free vibration analysis procedure is very similar to performing a

linear static analysis, so not all steps will be covered in detail. The
steps in blue italics are specific to free vibration analyses.
Attach Geometry
Assign Material Properties
Define Contact Regions (if applicable)
Define Mesh Controls (optional)
Define Analysis Type
Include Supports (if applicable)
Request Modal Results
Set Modal Options
Solve the Model
Review Results

L6-4
Release 13.0
November 2010
Geometry and Point Mass
Modal analysis supports any type of geometry:

Solid bodies, surface bodies and line bodies
The Point Mass feature can be used:

The Point Mass adds mass only (no stiffness) in a free vibration analysis.
Point Masses will decrease the natural frequency in free vibration analyses.
Material properties: Youngs Modulus, Poissons Ratio, and Density

are
a
e required.
equ ed

L6-5
Release 13.0
November 2010
Contact Regions
Contact regions are available in free vibration analyses. However,

contact behavior will differ for the nonlinear contact types:
Contact Type
Bonded
No Separation
Rough
Frictionless
Static Analysis
Bonded
No Separation
Rough
Frictionless
Initially Touching
Bonded
No Separation
Bonded
No Separation
Modal
M
d l Analysis
A l i
Inside Pinball Region
Bonded
No Separation
Free
Free
Outside Pinball Region

Free
Free
Free
Free
Contact free vibration analyses:

Rough
R
h and
d frictionless:
f i ti l
will internally behave as bonded or no separation
If a gap is present, the nonlinear contact behaviors will be free (i.e., as if no
contact is present).
Bonded and no separation contact status will depend on the pinball

region size.

L6-6
Release 13.0
November 2010
Analysis Type
Select Modal from the Workbench toolbox to specify a modal

analysis system.
Within Mechanical Analysis Settings:
Specify the number of modes to find: 1 to 200 (default is 6).
Specify the frequency search range (defaults from 0Hz to 1e+08Hz).

L6-7
Release 13.0
November 2010
Loads and Supports
Structural and thermal loads are not available in free vibration.

Supports:
If no or partial supports are present, rigid-body modes can be
detected and evaluated (modes will be at or near 0 Hz).
The boundary conditions affect the mode shapes and frequencies of
the part. Carefully consider how the model is constrained.
The compression only support is a nonlinear support and should
not be used in the analysis.
analysis

L6-8
Release 13.0
November 2010
Requesting Results
Solve the model (no results need to be requested).

When complete, the solution branch will display a bar chart and table
listing frequencies and mode numbers.
Request specific mode shapes to be displayed by RMB (can select all

q
if desired).
)
frequencies
This will insert the Total Deformation results for the requested mode
shapes.

L6-9
Release 13.0
November 2010
Reviewing Results
Mode shapes:
Because there is no excitation applied to the structure, the mode shapes are
relative values associated with free vibration.
The
Th frequency
f
is
i listed
li t d in
i the
th Details
D t il view
i
off the
th result
lt being
b i viewed.
i
d
The animation toolbar from the timeline tab below the graphics window can be
used to help visualize the mode shapes.

L6-10
Release 13.0
November 2010
B. Workshop 6.1 Free Vibration
Workshop 6.1 Free Vibration Analysis

Goal:
Investigate the vibration characteristics of motor cover design shown
here manufactured from 18 gauge steel.

L6-11
Release 13.0
November 2010
C. Free Vibration with Pre-Stress
In some cases, one may want to consider prestress effects when

performing a free vibration analysis.
The stress state of a structure under constant (static) loads may affect
its natural frequencies such as a guitar string being tuned.
[ o ] [S ]
[K ]{xo } = {F }
A stress stiffness matrix is

calculated from the
structural analysis
A linear static analysis

is performed
([K + S ]
[M ]){i } = 0
The original
g
free vibration equation
q
is
modified to include the [S] term
L6-12
Release 13.0
November 2010
Procedure w/ Pre-Stress Effects
Setup a pre-stressed modal analysis by linking a static structural

system to a modal system (at the solution level) in the project
schematic.
Notice in the modal branch, the structural

y
result becomes an initial condition.
analysis

L6-13
Release 13.0
November 2010
Example w/ Pre-Stress Effects
Consider a simple comparison of a thin plate fixed at one end

Two analyses will be run free vibration and free vibration with prestress effects to compare the differences between the two.
Free Vibration

Free Vibration with Pre-Stress
L6-14
Release 13.0
November 2010
Example w/ Pre-Stress Effects
In this example, with the applied force, a tensile stress state is

produced which increases the natural frequencies.

Free Vibration
Free Vibration with Pre-Stress
1st mode frequency: 83.587 Hz
1st mode frequency: 99.679 Hz
L6-15
Release 13.0
November 2010
D. Workshop 6.2 Prestressed Modal
Workshop 6.2 Prestressed Modal Analysis

Goal: simulate the modal response of the tension link (shown below)
in both a stressed and unstressed state.

L6-16
Release 13.0
November 2010
L t
Lecture
7
Thermal Analysis
y
Mechanical
L7-1
Release 13.0
November 2010
Chapter Overview
In this chapter, performing steady-state thermal analyses in Mechanical will

be covered:
A. Geometry
B Assemblies Solid Body Contact
B.
C. Heat Loads
D. Solution Options
E. Results and Postprocessing
F. Workshop 7.1
The capabilities described in this section are generally applicable to ANSYS

DesignSpace licenses and above, except for an ANSYS Structural license.
Note: advanced topics including thermal transient analyses are covered in

the ANSYS Thermal Analysis training course.

L7-2
Release 13.0
November 2010
Basics of Steady-State Heat Transfer
For a steady-state (static) thermal analysis in Mechanical, the

temperatures {T} are solved for in the matrix below:
[K (T )]{T } = {Q(T )}
Assumptions:
No transient effects are considered in a steady-state analysis
[K] can be constant or a function of temperature
{Q} can be constant or a function of temperature

L7-3
Release 13.0
November 2010
Basics of Steady-State Heat Transfer
Fouriers Law provides the basis of the previous equation:

Heat flow within a solid (Fouriers Law) is the basis of [K]
Heat flux, heat flow rate, and convection are treated as boundary
y conditions on
the system {Q}
Convection is treated as a boundary condition although temperaturedependent film coefficients are possible
It is important to remember these assumptions related to performing

thermal analyses in Mechanical.

L7-4
Release 13.0
November 2010
A. Geometry
In thermal analyses all body types are supported:

Solid, surface, and line bodies.
Line bodies cross-section and orientation is defined within DesignModeler.
The Point Mass feature is not available in thermal analyses.
Shell and line body assumptions:

Shells: no through-thickness temperature gradients.
Line bodies: no through thickness variation. Assumes a constant
temperature across the cross-section.
Temperature variation will still be considered along the line body

L7-5
Release 13.0
November 2010
Material Properties
The only required material property for steady state is thermal

conductivity.
Thermal Conductivity is
input in the Engineering
Data application
pp
Temperature-dependent
th
thermal
l conductivity
d ti it is
i
input as a table
If any temperature-dependent material properties exist, this will

result
lt in
i a nonlinear
li
solution.
l ti

L7-6
Release 13.0
November 2010
B. Assemblies Solid Body Contact
As with structural analyses, contact regions are automatically created to

enable heat transfer between parts of assemblies.

L7-7
Release 13.0
November 2010
Assemblies Contact Region
If parts are initially in contact heat transfer can occur between them.
If parts are initially out of contact no heat transfer takes place (see pinball
explanation
p
below).
)
Summary:
Contact Type
Bonded
No Separation
Rough
Frictionless
Frictional
Heat Transfer Between Parts in Contact Region?

Initially Touching
Inside Pinball Region Outside Pinball Region
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
The pinball region determines when contact occurs and is automatically

defined and set to a relatively small value to accommodate small gaps in
the model

L7-8
Release 13.0
November 2010
Assemblies Contact Region
If the contact is bonded or no separation,

then heat transfer will occur (solid green
lines) when the surfaces are within the
pinball radius.
Pinball Radius
In this figure on the right, the

gap between the two parts is
bigger than the pinball region,
so no heat transfer will occur
between the parts
L7-9
Release 13.0
November 2010
Assemblies Thermal Conductance
By default, perfect thermal contact conductance between parts is

assumed, meaning no temperature drop occurs at the interface.
Numerous conditions can contribute to less than perfect contact
conductance:
surface flatness
surface finish
oxides
entrapped fluids
contact pressure
surface temperature
use of conductive grease
....
T
T
x
Continued . . .

L7-10
Release 13.0
November 2010
The amount of heat flow across a contact interface is defined by the

contact heat flux q:
q = TCC (Ttarget Tcontact )
where Tcontact is the temperature of a contact node and Ttarget is the

temperature of the corresponding target node
node.
By default, TCC is set to a relatively high value based on the largest
material conductivity defined in the model KXX and the diagonal of the
overall
o
e a geo
geometry
et y bou
bounding
d g box
bo ASMDIAG.
S
G
TCC = KXX 10,000 / ASMDIAG

This essentially provides perfect conductance between parts.

L7-11
Release 13.0
November 2010
In ANSYS Professional licenses and above, the user may define a

finite thermal contact conductance (TCC) for Pure Penalty or
Augmented Lagrange Formulations.
TCC is input for each contact region in the Details view.
If thermal contact resistance is known, invert this value and divide by the
contacting area to obtain TCC value.
Thermal contact conductance can

be input which is the same as
including thermal contact
resistance at a contact interface.
interface

L7-12
Release 13.0
November 2010
Assemblies Spot Weld
Spot welds provide discreet heat transfer points:

Spotweld definition is done in the CAD software (currently only
DesignModeler and Unigraphics).
T2
T1

L7-13
Release 13.0
November 2010
C. Heat Loads
Heat Flow:
A heat flow rate can be applied to a vertex, edge, or surface. The load is
distributed for multiple selections.
Heat flow has units of energy/time.
Perfectly insulated (heat flow = 0):

Available to remove surfaces from previously applied boundary conditions.
Heat Flux:
Heat flux can be applied to surfaces only (edges in 2D).
Heat flux has units of energy/time/area.
Internal
I t
l Heat
H t Generation:
G
ti
An internal heat generation rate can be applied to bodies only.
Heat generation has units of energy/time/volume.
A positive value for heat load will add energy to the system.

L7-14
Release 13.0
November 2010
Thermal Boundary Conditions
Temperature, Convection and Radiation:

At least one type of thermal boundary condition must be present to prevent the
thermal equivalent of rigid body motion.
motion
Given Temperature or Convection load should not be applied on surfaces that
already have another heat load or thermal boundary condition applied to it.
Perfect insulation will override thermal boundary conditions.
Given Temperature:
Imposes
I
a temperature
t
t
on vertices,
ti
edges,
d
surfaces
f
or bodies
b di
Temperature is the degree of freedom solved for

L7-15
Release 13.0
November 2010
Convection:
Applied to surfaces only (edges in 2D analyses).
Convection q is defined by
y a film coefficient h,, the surface area A,, and the
difference in the surface temperature Tsurface & ambient temperature
Tambient
q = hA(Tsurface
Tambient
f
bi t )
h and Tambient are user input values.

The film coefficient h can be constant or temperature dependent

L7-16
Release 13.0
November 2010
Temperature-Dependent Convection:
Select Tabular (Temperature) for the
coefficient type.
Enter coefficient vs temperature
tabular data.
In the details, specify how temperature
is to be handled for h(T).

L7-17
Release 13.0
November 2010
Several common convection correlations can be imported from a

sample library. New correlations can be stored in libraries.

L7-18
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Thermal Boundary Conditions
Radiation:
Applied to surfaces (edges in 2D analyses)
Where:
4
4
QR = FA Tsurface
Tambient
= Stefan-Boltzman constant
y
= Emissivity
A = Area of radiating surface
F = Form factor
Correlations:
To ambient (form factor assumed to be 1)
OR
Surface to surface (view factors calculated).
Stefan Boltzman constant is set automatically
based on the active working unit system

L7-19
Release 13.0
November 2010
D. Solution Options
Inserting the Steady-State Thermal from the

Workbench toolbox will set up a SS Thermal
system in the project schematic.
Analysis Settings
Settings can be used
In Mechanical the Analysis
to set solution options for the thermal analysis.
Note, the same Analysis Data Management
options discussed in chapter 4 regarding static
analyses are available here.
here

L7-20
Release 13.0
November 2010
Solving the Model
To perform a thermal-stress solution link a structural analysis to

the thermal model at the Solution level.
An imported load branch is inserted in the Static Structural
branch along with any applied structural loads and supports.
supports
Solve the Structural branch.

L7-21
Release 13.0
November 2010
E. Results and Postprocessing
Various results are available for postprocessing:
Temperature
Heat Flux
Reaction Heat Flow Rate
User defined results
In Mechanical, results are usually

y requested before solving,
g but they
y
can be requested afterwards, too.
A new solution is not required for retrieving output of a solved model.

L7-22
Release 13.0
November 2010
Temperature
Temperature:
Temperature is a scalar quantity and has no
direction associated with it.

L7-23
Release 13.0
November 2010
Heat Flux
Heat flux contour or vector plots are available:

Heat flux q is defined as
q = KXX T
Total Heat Flux and Directional Heat Flux can be
requested
The magnitude & direction can be plotted as vectors by activating
vector mode

L7-24
Release 13.0
November 2010
Reaction Heat Flow Rate
Reaction heat flow rates are available for Given Temperature,

convection or radiation boundary conditions:
Reaction heat flow rate is requested by inserting a probe - OR
Alternately users can drag and drop a boundary condition onto the
Solution branch to retrieve the reaction.
Select from
Probe menu
OR
Drag and drop
boundary condition

L7-25
Release 13.0
November 2010
F. Workshop 7 Steady State Thermal Analysis
Workshop 7.1 Steady State Thermal Analysis

Goal:
Analyze the pump housing shown below for its heat transfer
characteristics.

L7-26
Release 13.0
November 2010
L t
Lecture
8
Results and
Postprocessing
Mechanical
L8-1
Release 13.0
November 2010
Chapter Overview
In this chapter, aspects of reviewing results will be covered:

A. Viewing Results
B. Scoping Results
C. Exporting Results
D. Coordinate Systems & Directional Results
E. Solution Combinations
F. Stress Singularities
G. Error Estimation
H. Convergence
The capabilities described in this section are applicable to all ANSYS

licenses, except when noted otherwise

L8-2
Release 13.0
November 2010
A. Viewing Results
When selecting a results branch, the Context toolbar displays ways

of viewing results:
Min/Max
Probe
Display Method
Displacement Scaling
Contour Settings
Outline Display
Vector Display Controls
In addition, the Timeline also has an animation toolbar which lets

the user set animation controls
Distribute
Play

Pause
Markers
Export
Frame Rate Control
L8-3
Release 13.0
November 2010
Displacement Scaling
For structural analyses (static, modal, buckling),

the deformed shape can be changed:
By default, a scale factor multiplies actual displacements.
The user can change to true scale or undeformed displays.
Automatic Displacement Scaling

True Scale
L8-4
Release 13.0
November 2010
Legend Controls
Right Clicking on the legend in the graphics area allows the user to
modify the legend controls.
Edit Value
Export/Import/Switch to a saved legend setting
Increase/Decrease Contour Bands
Horizontal/Vertical legend
Display Date/Time
Display Max/Min label on the legend
Switch to Logarithmic
g
Scale
Switch to Scientific Notation
Number of Significant Digits
Continued . . .
L8-5
Release 13.0
November 2010
Legend Controls
The legend bounds can be manipulated to

show result distributions more clearly for
contour plots.
Max/Min values
are unchanged
Click and drag contour dividers (or

type in) to specify contour ranges.
A non-uniform distribution of
contours can be used as well.
L8-6
Release 13.0
November 2010
Manipulating the Legend
Independent Bands allow neutral colors to represent regions of the

model above or below the specified legend limits.
Legend Contour
Range

L8-7
Release 13.0
November 2010
Display Method
The Geometry button controls the contour display

method. Four choices are available:
Exterior
IsoSurfaces
Exterior is the default

display option and is
most commonly used.
IsoSurfaces is useful
to display
p y regions
g
with
the same contour value.
Slice Planes
Capped IsoSurfaces
Capped IsoSurfaces
will remove regions of
the model where the
contour values are
above ((or below)) a
specified value.
Slice Planes allow a
user to cut through the
model visually. A
capped slice plane is
also available, as shown
on the left.

L8-8
Release 13.0
November 2010
Display Method
Capped IsoSurfaces are manipulated by an independent controller:

Icons allow isosurface cap to be top or bottom.
The striped
p areas of the legend
g
show what values will not be displayed.
p y
The cap threshold can be controlled via the slider or by typing the value
directly
Top Capped Isosurface

Bottom Capped Isosurface

L8-9
Release 13.0
November 2010
Contour Settings
The Contours button controls the way in which

contours are shown on the model
Contour Bands
Smooth Contours
Solid Fill
Isolines

L8-10
Release 13.0
November 2010
Outline Display
The Edges button allows the user show the

undeformed geometry or mesh
No Wireframe
Show Undeformed Wireframe
Show Elements
Show Undeformed Model

L8-11
Release 13.0
November 2010
Section Planes
Section Planes can be added and edited in both the

preprocessor as well as the post processor.
To add a section plane select the Draw Section Plane
icon, then click-drag with the left mouse.
Selection planes can be turned on/off using the check
box in the details view.
Delete section planes using the delete icon.
Edit section planes by highlighting desired plane name
and using
g the handle in the Graphics
p
window.
Move a slice plane by dragging handle
Sliced view of geometry in

Preprocessor
Sliced view of model in Post
Processor with results
Click on one side of bar to cap view

L8-12
Release 13.0
November 2010
Probe Tool
The Probe Tool allows you to scope a result object

to a location and make that result parametric.
The Probe Tool can be scoped to geometry, a local
coordinate system or using a remote point.
The orientation of the result item can be with respect
to global or local coordinate systems.

L8-13
Release 13.0
November 2010
. . . Probe Tool
Probe Tool example:

Local coordinate system defined as shown
Probe located at local CS
Stress results (all) requested
Probe Location
Local CS

L8-14
Release 13.0
November 2010
Charts and Tables
Combine results data from multiple steps (static or transient) into

charts and/or tables:
Select New Chart and Table icon.
From the details Apply the desired result(s).
Use the CTRL key to select multiple results.
Select desired display items in details.

L8-15
Release 13.0
November 2010
Animation Controls
The animation toolbar allows user to play, pause, and stop animations
Note: animations are accessed via the Timeline at the bottom of the
graphics screen
Control resolution and speed

Start/Stop/Pause
Distributed animation interpolates results

while results sets animates only solution
points.
Export video
(avi) file
Note: pause feature available during playback

L8-16
Release 13.0
November 2010
Alerts
Alerts are simple ways of check to see if a scalar result quantity

satisfies a criterion:
Highlight the particular result branch, RMB and insert an Alert.
In the Details view, specify the criterion.
In the Outline tree, a green checkmark indicates that the criterion is

satisfied. A red exclamation mark indicates that the criterion was not
satisfied.

L8-17
Release 13.0
November 2010
Vector Plots
Vector plots involve any result quantity with direction, such as

deformation, principal stresses/strains, and heat flux
Activate vectors for appropriate quantities using the vector graphics icon
Once the vectors are visible their appearance can be modified using the
vector display controls (see next slide for examples)
Vector Length Control
Proportional Vectors

Equal Length Vectors
Vector Density Control
Element Aligned
L8-18
Grid Aligned
Line Form
Solid Form
Release 13.0
November 2010
Vector Plots
Examples
Solid Form, Grid Aligned
Proportional
p
Length
g
Equal Length
Solid Form, Equal Length
L8-19
Release 13.0
November 2010
Multiple Viewports
Multiple viewports can be used to display various images at the same

time (model or postprocessing data).
Useful to compare multiple results, such as results from different
environments or multiple mode shapes

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B. Scoping Results
Limiting results displays can be useful when postprocessing:

Scoping automatically scales the legend to results for selected regions.
To scope
p contour results:
Pre-select geometry then request the result of interest.
The non-selected geometry will be displayed as translucent.

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Scoping Surface/Part Results
Some examples of scoping results on surfaces/parts:
Stress results on selected surfaces

Scoping results on a single part
Vector Principal Stresses on single part

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Scoping Edge & Vertex Results
Results can be scoped to a single edge (or vertex):

Select edge(s) for results scoping.

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. . . Construction Geometry
Construction geometry consists of either a

path or surface.
Paths are defined using coordinate systems,
model edges or existing points.
Surfaces are located and oriented using
coordinate systems.

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. . . Scoping to a Path or Surface
Results may be mapped onto construction geometry in the details:
Path Plot Example
Surface Plot Example

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. . . Scoping to a Path
Path results may also be displayed in graphical form.

The X axis may be displayed as path location (S) or time (transient
analyses).

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. . . Linearized Stress
Using the path plot feature a linearized stress calculation can be

plotted (commonly used various structural codes such as ASME).

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C. Exporting Results
To export Worksheet tab information:

Select the branch and click on the Worksheet tab.
Right-click
g
the same branch and select Export.
p
To export Contour Results:

Right-click on the result branch of interest and select Export.
Tabular data from Mechanical can be exported

p
to Excel:
Select the cells to be exported.
Right click > Copy cell to copy all the data from the cells.
Paste into Excel.
Export
p
Worksheet
Export Results
Export Tables

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Exporting Results
To include node locations and vector directions in results exports,

change the Include Node Location option to Yes under Tools
menu > Options > Mechanical: Export

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D. Coordinate Systems
Results containing directional components can be mapped to a local

coordinate system:
Select from defined coordinate systems
y
in the drop
p down list shown in
the detail window.
Direction Deformation, Normal/Shear Stress/Strain, and Directional Heat
Flux can use coordinate systems.

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Coordinate Systems
For the model shown below, displaying results in the local cylindrical
system transforms stresses into that system.
Stresses in Global Y-Direction

Stresses in Local Cylindrical Y-Direction
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E. Solution Combinations
In the project schematic, duplicating an analysis cell below the Model branch
(Setup, Solution or Result), allows the creation of Solution Combinations to
quickly evaluate results combinations.
Solution combinations are only valid for linear static structural analyses.
The supports must be the same between Environments (only the loading can
change).
ANSYS Professional license and above.

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. . . Solution Combinations
With the Model branch highlighted a Solution

C
Combination
bi ti can be
b chosen
h
from
f
the
th context
t t
menu.
A new branch is inserted where combined results
can be
b requested
t d and
d retrieved.
ti
d
With the Solution Combination branch highlighted,
the worksheet view allows multiple environments
to be combined.
combined Note: a multiplication factor may
be included in combinations (see below).
Solution Combination = Coef 1 * Environment 1 + Coef 2 * Environment 2 + . . .

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Solution Combinations
Example: a brake caliper is

simulated in both standing and
rolling configurations. After the
2 environments have solved a
resulting combination shows the
effect of both.
Solution Combination
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F. Stress Singularities
In most finite-element analyses as the mesh is refined one expects to

get mathematically more precise results.
Quantities directly solved for (degrees of freedom) such as
displacements and temperatures typically converge with little difficulty.
Derived quantities, such as stresses, strains, and heat flux, should also
converge as the mesh is refined but typically not as smoothly as DOF.
In
I some cases these
th
derived
d i d quantities
titi will
ill nott converge as the
th mesh
h is
i
refined and may even diverge.
These cases are sometimes the result of some form of stress singularity.
Force
o ce
=
As Area
Area

Zero
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Stress Singularities
In a linear static structural analysis there are several situations which

may cause artificially high stresses:
Idealized Geometry
Point Constraints
Point Loads
In the above situations, refining the mesh at the artificially high stress
area will keep increasing the stresses.

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Stress Singularities
The Remedy:
If the singularity is not in an area of interest one can usually scope
results to regions of interest.
If the singularity is in the area of interest there are several ways to obtain
more accurate stress results:
Model geometry with fillets or other details which do not cause geometric
discontinuities.
discontinuities
Apply loads and/or constraints spread over areas rather than point locations
(see below).
Example
Distributed Loading
Point Loading
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G. Error Estimation
You can insert an Error result based on stresses (structural), or heat

flux (thermal) to help identify regions of high error (see example next
page).
These regions show where the model could benefit from a more
refined mesh in order to get a more accurate answer.
Regions of high error also indicate where refinement will take place if
convergence is used.

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. . . Error Estimation
Error plot shows region of high element

energy where mesh refinement may
improve the quality of the result.
In the thin plate example the initial
solution shows higher energy levels
between the 2 holes.
The refined mesh (bottom plot) shows a
reduction in local error.
Please note, error is a relative measure
comparing individual elements to one
another The actual value of the energy is
another.
generally not significant.

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H. Convergence
As the mesh is refined, typically the mathematical model becomes

more accurate. However, there is computational cost associated with
a finer mesh
mesh.
Obtaining an optimal mesh requires the following:
Having criteria to determine if a mesh is adequate.
Investing
I
ti more elements
l
t only
l where
h
needed.
d d
Performing these tasks manually is cumbersome and inexact:

The user would have to manually refine the mesh, resolve, and compare
results
lt with
ith previous
i
solutions.
l ti
Mechanical has convergence controls to automate adaptive mesh

refinement to a user-specified level of accuracy.
Convergence controls cannot be used on all result items.

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Convergence
To use this feature select a result item RMB and insert Convergence:
Select max/min value for convergence and allowable change.
In the Solution branch details input the max number of refinement loops.

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Convergence
After the solution is complete one can view the

results and the last mesh (symbols in the tree
indicate success or failure to converge):
The mesh is refined only where needed (see below)
below).
The Convergence branch shows the trend for each
refinement loop.
Convergence
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Convergence & Scoping
A useful technique to avoid stress singularities when using

convergence is to scope results away from them.
If the singularity region is not of interest, one can scope results on
selected part(s) or surface(s) and add convergence controls to those
results only:
Provides control on where to perform mesh refinement.
Ignores areas of artificially high stresses which are not of interest.
Example:
Possible stress singularity
Region of interest

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Convergence & Scoping Example
Convergence controls
added to the entire model.
Geometric discontinuity
causes a stress singularity
causing divergence.
Solution becomes very
costly by including the
stress singularity.
Convergence controls on
scoped results allows
adaptive refinement only in
user-specified locations.
Provides more control
over the mesh and the
adaptive solution.
Accurate stresses realized
in the region of interest.
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I. Workshop 8.1 Advanced Results Processing
Workshop 8.1 Results Processing

Goal:
A
Analyze
l
th
the mechanical
h i l arm shown
h
below
b l
and
d then
th use some off
the advanced postprocessing features to review the stress and
estimate the error associated with a default mesh.

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L t
Lecture
9
CAD & Parameters
Mechanical
L9-1
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Chapter Overview
In this chapter, interoperability with CAD software as well as

parameters will be discussed.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
CAD Interoperability
Defining Parameters in Workbench
Using the Parameter Workspace
Updating CAD Parameters
Workshop 9-1
The capabilities
p
described in this section are generally
g
y applicable
pp
to
all ANSYS licenses. However, some CAD functionality are specific
to certain CAD software, so these will be designated accordingly.
Not all CAD software have the same features, so there are some
differences in CAD-related functionality which is supported in
Mechanical.

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A. CAD Interoperability
Numerous Geometry Interfaces are available for commercial CAD

systems:
For the latest information on CAD geometry interfaces and supported
platforms see the ANSYS Workbench Mechanical documentation.
Geometry Interface licenses can be run in reader mode for all licenses.
Geometry Interfaces can be run in plug-in mode for the CAD software listed
under
d Associative.
A
i ti
DesignModeler is the Workbench geometry application and supports all the
functions and capabilities listed for commercial CAD systems.
systems
Please note
note, not all import capabilities described here are available with all
CAD systems. Features depend on CAD capabilities and the support
provided through the CAD vendors API.

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CAD Interoperability
There are various items that can be

imported from supported CAD systems:
Geometry, Spot welds, Parameters,
Material properties, etc.
To access these import preferences use

the Geometry properties in the Project
schematic.
h
ti

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Geometry Import
Import solid, surface, or line bodies:

Assemblies with mixed solids and surfaces are
OK.
Select desired geometry type to filter import
import.
Cannot import a part with mixed solids and
surfaces.
Use Associativity:
Allows updating CAD geometry in Mechanical
without redefining material properties, loads,
supports, etc..
Smart CAD Update:

only modified components of a CAD assembly are
updated.
Local Coordinate systems:

Allows local CS from CAD models to import with
geometry See current documentation for CAD
geometry.
system support.
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Named Selections Import
If groups are defined in the CAD

package they can be imported as Named
Selections:
Groups containing the specified prefix
in their name are imported in the Named
Selection branch (default is NS)
NS ).
To import all groups leave the named
selection key field blank.

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Material Property Import
Material Properties: allow material

property import from supported CAD
systems (see the current documentation
f properties supported by various C
for
CAD
vendors.
Materials imported
p
from CAD will appear
pp
in the Engineering Data branch and will
be assigned to individual parts.
Note:
If the material type is changed in CAD,
p
this will be reflected in an update.
if the property values of the material
change in CAD, this will not update.
This prevents overwriting user-defined
values
l
in
i Mechanical.
M h i l

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Parameter Import
Parametric CAD dimensions can be

imported into Mechanical:
When checked, CAD parameter names
containing the parameter key will be
imported into Mechanical.
To import all parameters leave the
parameter key field blank.
CAD parameters will appear in the Details
view for the part.
Note: CAD parameters are read

read only
only at
this point.

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B. Defining Parameters in Workbench

Input and output parameters are defined in
Mechanical by toggling the parameter flag on/off.
Click in the square and a blue P will appear,
i di ti that
indicating
th t this
thi quantity
tit can now be
b manipulated
i l t d
as a parameter.
Example of input parameters
Material properties are parameterized in the

engineering data application.
Example of output parameters

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C. Using the Parameter Workspace
Workbench Mechanical uses the Parameter Workspace to manage

parametric data from analysis and geometry sources.
Derived p
parameters and constants can be created and managed
g as
well.
Double click or RMB > Edit the

Parameter Set to access
parameters.

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. . . Using the Parameter Workspace
Parameter information is presented in a series of tables.

Outline: lists all input, output or derived parameters.
Property: lists information regarding the parameter highlighted in the
outline.
Table of DP
Outline
Table of Design Points: allows multiple
parameter configurations to be
prepared before solving
Properties

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Example using design points: A CAD

dimension has been promoted to a WB
input parameter.
The stress in a particular region of the model is
promoted as an output parameter.
The mass of the geometry has also been
promoted to a parametric output.

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Example . . .
Opening the parameter
workspace, the parameters can be
seen in the outline.
In the table of design

g points
p
3
new values are added to the
current CAD parameter value.
From the top menu Update

All Design Points is
selected.
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Example . . .
The progress of the updates is
reflected in the table.
With updates complete various
charts can be created to investigate
the data.
Stress vs Fill
St
Fillett
Radius

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Additional processing in the parameter workspace:

Parameter Parallel Chart shows configuration of all parameters per DP
DP3
Each
E
h XY intersection
i t
ti
provides
id a snapshot
h t off all
ll
parameters for a particular DP
DP2
Horizontal, colored lines
represent design points.
DP0
DP1
Vertical (Y) lines
ep ese t parameters
pa a ete s
represent
(P1, P2, etc.).
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By highlighting parameters, different chart configurations can be selected.

With P1 highlighted notice the chart options
are with respect to this parameter
parameter.
After selecting (double click) the desired
chart, the outline can be configured for
p y
display.

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As charts are created they are stored in

the outline window and can be retrieved
by highlighting them.
Using
g a RMB in various areas of the
chart users can Edit Properties . . . to
control colors, styles, symbols,
interpolation type, etc.
Legend, line display, background, etc..

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D. Updating CAD Parameters (From CAD)
Update From CAD (Project Schematic):

After modifying the CAD geometry you will need to RMB and Update
From CAD. This will update the Mechanical geometry to match the CAD
system.
Doing an Update, causes new geometry to be remeshed in Mechanical.
Note, you can simply Generate the mesh in Mechanical as well.
To allow bi-directional parametric

p
exchange the CAD parameters must be
promoted.

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. . . Updating CAD Parameters (From Workbench)
With CAD parameters promoted, they can be managed in the Parameter

Set section of Workbench.
Values modified, description added, expression entered, etc..

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. . . Updating CAD Parameters (From Workbench)
If CAD Parameter Changes are made in WB:

Refresh Project: causes CAD and Mechanical geometry
to update but does not re-mesh the FE model.
Update Project: CAD and Mechanical models update
and the FE model is re-meshed.
Notes on geometry updates:

Th
The magnitude
it d off loads
l d remain
i constant:
t t
Thus if pressure was applied on a surface and the surface area changes, the
pressure value remains the same but the total force applied will change.
The orientation of loads will not change:
g
If a load direction is specified using existing geometry, the direction of the
load will not change if the geometry changes.

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E. Workshop 9.1 Parameter Management
Workshop 9.1 Parameter Management

Goal:
Use the Workbench Parameter Workspace to setup multiple scenarios to
explore structural responses in the bracket shown. Material thickness
will be varied in the gusset with the bracket thickness held constant
then the process will be reversed.

L9-21
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November 2010

Introduction To ANSYS Mechanical

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