Page 78 - Using ANSYS for Finite Element Analysis A Tutorial for Engineers

ChaPter 3

gEomETric modEling

The ultimate purpose of finite element analysis is to recreate mathemat-
ically the behavior of an actual engineering system. In other words, the
analysis must be an accurate mathematical model of a physical prototype.
In the broadest sense, this model comprises all the nodes, elements,
material properties, real constants, boundary conditions, and other fea-
tures, including geometry, that are used to represent the physical system.
The ANSYS program offers you the following approaches to geometric
modeling:

• Creating a solid model within ANSYS.
• Using direct generation.
• Importing a model created in a computer-aided design (CAD)
system.

3.1 tyPiCal stePs involved in model
generation within ansys

1. Begin by planning your approach. Determine your objectives,
decide what basic form your model will take, choose appropriate
element types, and consider how you will establish an appro-
priate mesh density. You will typically do this general planning
before you initiate your ANSYS session.
2. Enter the preprocessor (PREP7) to initiate your model building
session. Most often, you will build your model using solid modeling
procedures.
3. Establish a working plane.