Page 138 - Using ANSYS for Finite Element Analysis A Tutorial for Engineers

stAtIc AnAlysIs usIng AreA elements • 125
3. Define the type of element:
Preprocessor Menu > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete
Add the following type of element: Solid (under the Structural
heading) and the Quad 82 element, as shown in the preceding figure.

PLANE82 is a higher order version of the two-dimensional, four-
node element (PLANE42). PLANE82 is an eight-node quadrilateral
element, which is better-suited to model curved boundaries. For this
example, we need a plane stress element with thickness; therefore, click
on the Options... button. Click and hold the K3 button, and select Plane
strs w/thk, as shown next.

(Alternatively, the command line code for the preceding step is
ET,1,PLANE82 followed by KEYOPT,1,3,3.)
4. Define the geometric properties:
As in previous examples,
Preprocessor menu > Real Constants > Add/Edit/Delete
Enter a thickness of 20 as shown in the following figure. This defines
a plate thickness of 20 mm. (Alternatively, the command line code for the
preceding step is R,1,20.)