Non Linear Analysis of A Cantilever Beam
Non Linear Analysis of A Cantilever Beam
Non Linear Analysis of A Cantilever Beam
Introduction
This tutorial was created using ANSYS 7.0 The purpose of this tutorial is to outline the steps required to do
a simple nonlinear analysis of the beam shown below.
There are several causes for nonlinear behaviour such as Changing Status (ex. contact elements), Material
Nonlinearities and Geometric Nonlinearities (change in response due to large deformations). This tutorial
will deal specifically with Geometric Nonlinearities.
To solve this problem, the load will added incrementally. After each increment, the stiffness matrix will be
adjusted before increasing the load.
The solution will be compared to the equivalent solution using a linear response.
Preprocessing: Defining the Problem
1. Give example a Title
Utility Menu > File > Change Title...
2. Create Key points
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Key points > In Active CS
We are going to define 2 key points (the beam vertices) for this structure to create a beam
with a length of 5 inches:
Key Coordinates (x,
point y)
1 (0,0)
2 (5,0)
3. Define Lines
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Lines > Lines > Straight Line
Create a line between Key point 1 and Key point 2.
4. Define Element Types
Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete...
For this problem we will use the BEAM3 (Beam 2D elastic) element. This element has 3
degrees of freedom (translation along the X and Y axis's, and rotation about the Z axis). With
only 3 degrees of freedom, the BEAM3 element can only be used in 2D analysis.
5. Define Real Constants
Preprocessor > Real Constants... > Add...
In the 'Real Constants for BEAM3' window, enter the following geometric properties:
i. Cross-sectional area AREA: 0.03125
ii. Area Moment of Inertia IZZ: 4.069e-5
iii. Total beam height HEIGHT: 0.125
This defines an element with a solid rectangular cross section 0.25 x 0.125 inches.
6. Define Element Material Properties
Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models > Structural > Linear > Elastic > Isotropic
In the window that appears, enter the following geometric properties for steel:
i. Young's modulus EX: 30e6
ii. Poisson's Ratio PRXY: 0.3
If you are wondering why a 'Linear' model was chosen when this is a non-linear example, it is
because this example is for non-linear geometry, not non-linear material properties. If we
were considering a block of wood, for example, we would have to consider non-linear
material properties.
7. Define Mesh Size
Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Lines > All Lines...
For this example we will specify an element edge length of 0.1 " (50 element divisions along
the line).
8. Mesh the frame
Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > Lines > click 'Pick All'
LMESH,ALL
Solution: Assigning Loads and Solving
1. Define Analysis Type
Solution > New Analysis > Static
ANTYPE,0
2. Set Solution Controls
o Select Solution > Analysis Type > Sol'n Control...
The following image will appear: