Page 114 - Using ANSYS for Finite Element Analysis A Tutorial for Engineers

stAtIc AnAlysIs usIng lIne elements • 101
throughout the building and analysis of the model to back-up your work in
case of a system crash or what have you.
Solution phase: assigning loads and solving
You have now defined your model. It is now time to apply the load(s)
and constraint(s) and solve the resulting system of equations. Open up the
Solution menu (from the same ANSYS Main Menu).
11. Define analysis type.
First, you must tell ANSYS how you want it to solve this problem:
From the Solution Menu, select:

Analysis Type > New Analysis.

Ensure that Static is selected, that is, you are going to do a static anal-
ysis on the truss as opposed to a dynamic analysis, for example. Click OK.
12. Apply constraints.
It is necessary to apply constraints to the model; otherwise, the
model is not tied down or grounded and a singular solution will result. In
mechanical structures, these constraints will typically be fixed, pinned and
roller-type connections. As shown earlier, the left end of the truss bridge is
pinned, while the right end has a roller connection. In the Solution menu,
select:

Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Displacement > On Keypoints