Fea Lab Assignment 01
Fea Lab Assignment 01
Assignment 01 Report :
Title:
The Structural Analysis of Triangular Truss when a point load is applied on top
of truss at point D.
Objective:
i. Shear force along path E to F
ii. Total deformation on truss structure
iii. Bending moment diagram along path E to F
iv. Deformation on link EF
Apparatus:
Ansys Workbench 18.1
Theory:
A triangular truss is a widely used structural element in engineering, designed to
carry loads efficiently. It consists of straight elements connected in joints into a
triangular frame. A key advantage of this design is that it allows the structure to
transfer loads primarily through axial forces (either tension or compression) in
the members, making it light and strong. The triangular configuration is
particularly effective at distributing forces evenly and minimizing material
consumption, which is why trusses are commonly used in applications such as
bridges, roofs and towers. In this particular analysis, a point load is applied at
point D along the upper edge of the truss. This external loading induces internal
forces in the truss members and these forces must be analysed to understand how
they are distributed in the structure. The analysis will focus on the determination
of internal axial forces, stresses and deformations caused by the applied load.
Special attention will be paid to the behaviour of the truss in the section from E
to F and also to the deformations of specific elements such as EF. In addition, the
analysis will include the calculation of bending moments and shear forces in the
truss, even though the beams carry primarily axial forces under ideal conditions.
Shear Force and Bending Moment
When a point load is applied at point D, it generates reaction forces in the supports
and induces bending moments and shear forces throughout the truss. shear forces,
which are internal forces acting perpendicular to the truss members, are
calculated along this path to understand how the applied load is transferred
through the structure. These diagrams are key tools for engineers to evaluate the
structural integrity of a truss and ensure that members are properly sized to
withstand bending and shear forces without failure. Similarly, the bending
moment diagram (BMD) along the path from E to F shows how the bending
moment changes as you move along the truss and highlights where the bending
moment reaches its maximum or zero values.
Deformation of the Truss
The overall deformation of the truss structure is a key factor in evaluating its
overall stability. When a point load is applied, each member of a truss undergoes
either extension or compression depending on the internal forces to which it acts.
The total truss strain is the cumulative result of the individual strains in each
element, which can be calculated using material properties (such as Young's
modulus) and element dimensions. This deformation analysis provides insight
into how much the entire structure will move under applied loads, helping to
ensure that the truss stays within its design limits and performs safely. To
understand the localized behaviour of the truss, the deformation of individual
elements, such as the EF joint, is essential. Elongation or compression of the EF
element due to applied loads can affect the overall alignment and stability of the
structure, especially if the deformation becomes excessive. This localized
movement could potentially affect the performance of the truss and its ability to
maintain structural integrity.
Procedure:
i. Open Ansys Workbench and drag the Static Structural module into the
project schematic.
ii. Set the material for the truss to structural steel.
iii. Right-click on Geometry and open the Design Modeller. Set the units to
millimetres (mm).
iv. Sketch the required triangular truss shape with the following
specifications:
o Length of AB = 50 mm,
o The angle between AB and AD is 45°,
o The angle between FC and FE is 45°,
o The angle between FC and CE is 90°,
o The angle between AB and DB is 45°.
v. Convert the sketches into lines.
vi. Assign a tubular cross-section to the truss members, with an inner radius
of 1mm and an outer radius of 2 mm.
vii. Go to the Model section and generate the mesh for the truss.
ix. Apply a fixed support at point C, which is located on the base of the truss.
x. Apply a 10 mm displacement in the x-direction at both points A and B.
xi. Create a new coordinate system at point D, rotate it by -30° from the x-
axis, and apply a 400 N force in the x-direction at point D using the newly
defined coordinate system.
xii. In the Solution Settings, add the following results:
o Bending Moment Diagram along the path from E to F,
o Shear Force Diagram along the path from E to F,
o Total deformation of the truss structure,
o Deformation of member EF.
xiii. Solve the model to compute the required results.
xiv. The solution will display the maximum and minimum stresses on the
selected faces of the model.
xv. Finally, capture images of the results using the Figure or Image option in
the analysis tools.
Observations:
Total Deformation EF
Total bending moment and bending moment diagram
Total Shear Force EF