Page 74 - Using ANSYS for Finite Element Analysis A Tutorial for Engineers

stAtIc AnAlysIs usIng Ansys • 61
You can verify the data table through displays and listings using the
TBPLOT or TBLIST commands.

2.2.2 creating the Model geoMetry

Once you have defined material properties, the next step in an analysis is
generating a finite element model—nodes and elements—that adequately
describes the model geometry. There are two methods to create the finite
element model: solid modeling and direct generation. With solid mod-
eling, you describe the geometric shape of your model, then instruct the
ANSYS program to automatically mesh the geometry with nodes and ele-
ments. You can control the size and shape in the elements that the program
creates. With direct generation, you manually define the location of each
node and the connectivity of each element. Several convenience opera-
tions, such as copying patterns of existing nodes and elements, symmetry
reflection, and so on, are available. Details of the two methods and many
other aspects related to model generation—coordinate systems, working
planes, coupling, constraint equations, and so on, are described in the
ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide.

2.2.2.1 apply loads and obtain the solution

In this step, you use the SOLUTION processor to define the analysis type
and analysis options, apply loads, specify load step options, and initiate
the finite element solution. You also can apply loads using the PREP7
preprocessor.

2.2.2.2 Defining the Analysis Type and Analysis Options

You choose the analysis type based on the loading conditions and the
response you wish to calculate. For example, if natural frequencies and