ANSYS NonLinear Analysis EPT FEB08

NonLinear Analysis of a Cantilever Beam
Introduction
This tutorial was created using ANSYS 7.0 The purpose of this tutorial is to outline the steps required to do a
simple nonlinear analysis of the beam shown below.
There are several causes for nonlinear behaviour such as Changing Status (ex. contact elements), Material
Nonlinearities and Geometric Nonlinearities (change in response due to large deformations). This tutorial will
deal specifically with Geometric Nonlinearities .
To solve this problem, the load will be added incrementally. After each increment, the stiffness matrix will be
adjusted before increasing the load.
The solution will be compared to the equivalent solution using a linear response.
Preprocessing: Defining the Problem

1. Give example a Title
Utility Menu > File > Change Title ...
2. Create Keypoints
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Keypoints > In Active CS
We are going to define 2 keypoints (the beam vertices) for this structure to create a beam with a
length of 5 inches:
Keypoint Coordinates (x,y)

1 (0,0)
2 (5,0)
3. Define Lines
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Lines > Lines > Straight Line
Create a line between Keypoint 1 and Keypoint 2.
4. Define Element Types
Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete...
For this problem we will use the BEAM3 (Beam 2D elastic) element. This element has 3 degrees
of freedom (translation along the X and Y axes, and rotation about the Z axis). With only 3
degrees of freedom, the BEAM3 element can only be used in 2D analysis.
5. Define Real Constants
Preprocessor > Real Constants... > Add...
In the 'Real Constants for BEAM3' window, enter the following geometric properties:
i. Cross-sectional area AREA: 0.03125

ii. Area Moment of Inertia IZZ: 4.069e-5
iii. Total beam height HEIGHT: 0.125
This defines an element with a solid rectangular cross section 0.25 x 0.125 inches.
6. Define Element Material Properties
Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models > Structural > Linear > Elastic > Isotropic
In the window that appears, enter the following geometric properties for steel:
i. Young's modulus EX: 30e6

ii. Poisson's Ratio PRXY: 0.3
If you are wondering why a 'Linear' model was chosen when this is a non-linear example, it is
because this example is for non-linear geometry, not non-linear material properties. If we were
considering a block of wood, for example, we would have to consider non-linear material
properties.
7. Define Mesh Size
Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Lines > All Lines...
For this example we will specify an element edge length of 0.1 " (50 element divisions along the
line).
8. Mesh the frame
Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > Lines > click 'Pick All'
LMESH,ALL
Solution: Assigning Loads and Solving
1. Define Analysis Type
Solution > New Analysis > Static

ANTYPE,0
2. Set Solution Controls

o Select Solution > Analysis Type > Sol'n Control...
The following image will appear:
Ensure the following selections are made (as shown above)
A. Ensure Large Static Displacements are permitted (this will include the effects of large
deflection in the results)
B. Ensure Automatic time stepping is on. Automatic time stepping allows ANSYS to
determine appropriate sizes to break the load steps into. Decreasing the step size usually
ensures better accuracy, however, this takes time. The Automatic Time Step feature will
determine an appropriate balance. This feature also activates the ANSYS bisection
feature which will allow recovery if convergence fails.
C. Enter 5 as the number of substeps. This will set the initial substep to 1/5 th of the total
load.
The following example explains this: Assume that the applied load is 100 lb*in. If the
Automatic Time Stepping was off, there would be 5 load steps (each increasing by 1/5 th
of the total load):
20 lb*in
40 lb*in
60 lb*in
80 lb*in
100 lb*in
Now, with the Automatic Time Stepping is on, the first step size will still be 20 lb*in.
However, the remaining substeps will be determined based on the response of the
material due to the previous load increment.
D. Enter a maximum number of substeps of 1000. This stops the program if the solution
does not converge after 1000 steps.
E. Enter a minimum number of substeps of 1.
F. Ensure all solution items are written to a results file.
NOTE
There are several options which have not been changed from their default values. For more
information about these commands, type help followed by the command into the command line.
Function Command Comments
Load Step KBC Loads are either linearly interpolated (ramped) from the one
substep to another (ie - the load will increase from 10 lbs to
20 lbs in a linear fashion) or they are step functions (ie. the
load steps directly from 10 lbs to 20 lbs). By default, the
load is ramped. You may wish to use the stepped loading for
rate-dependent behaviour or transient load steps.
Output OUTRES This command controls the solution data written to the
database. By default, all of the solution items are written at
the end of each load step. You may select only a specific iten
(ie Nodal DOF solution) to decrease processing time.
Stress Stiffness SSTIF This command activates stress stiffness effects in nonlinear
analyses. When large static deformations are permitted (as
they are in this case), stress stiffening is automatically
included. For some special nonlinear cases, this can cause
divergence because some elements do not provide a
complete consistent tangent.
Newton Raphson NROPT By default, the program will automatically choose the
Newton-Raphson options. Options include the full Newton-
Raphson, the modified Newton-Raphson, the previously
computed matrix, and the full Newton-Raphson with
unsymmetric matrices of elements.
Convergence Values CNVTOL By default, the program checks the out-of-balance load for
any active DOF.
3. Apply Constraints
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Displacement > On Keypoints
Fix Keypoint 1 (ie all DOFs constrained).

4. Apply Loads
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Structural > Force/Moment > On Keypoints
Place a -100 lb*in moment in the MZ direction at the right end of the beam (Keypoint 2)
5. Solve the System
Solution > Solve > Current LS

SOLVE
The following will appear on your screan for NonLinear Analyses
This shows the convergence of the solution.
General Postprocessing: Viewing the Results

1. View the deformed shape
General Postproc > Plot Results > Deformed Shape... > Def + undeformed
PLDISP,1
2. View the deflection contour plot
General Postproc > Plot Results > Contour Plot > Nodal Solu... > DOF solution, UY
PLNSOL,U,Y,0,1
3. List Horizontal Displacement
If this example is performed as a linear model there will be no nodal deflection in the horizontal
direction due to the small deflections assumptions. However, this is not realistic for large
deflections. Modeling the system non-linearly, these horizontal deflections are calculated by
ANSYS.
General Postproc > List Results > Nodal Solution...> DOF solution, UX
Other results can be obtained as shown in previous linear static analyses.

NonLinear Materials
Introduction
This tutorial was completed using ANSYS 7.0 The purpose of the tutorial is to describe how to include material
nonlinearities in an ANSYS model. For instance, the case when a large force is applied resulting in a stresses
greater than yield strength. In such a case, a multilinear stress-strain relationship can be included which follows
the stress-strain curve of the material being used. This will allow ANSYS to more accurately model the plastic
deformation of the material.
For this analysis, a simple tension speciment 100 mm X 5 mm X 5 mm is constrained at the bottom and has a
load pulling on the top. This specimen is made out of a experimental substance called "WhoKilledKenium". The
stress-strain curve for the substance is shown above. Note the linear section up to approximately 225 MPa
where the Young's Modulus is constant (75 GPa). The material then begins to yield and the relationship
becomes plastic and nonlinear.


/title, NonLinear Materials
2. Create Keypoints
/PREP7
K,#,X,Y
length of 100 millimeters:

1 (0,0)
2 (0,100)
3. Define Lines

L,1,2
For this problem we will use the LINK1 (2D spar) element. This element has 2 degrees of
freedom (translation along the X and Y axis's) and can only be used in 2D analysis.
In the 'Real Constants for LINK1' window, enter the following geometric properties:
i. Cross-sectional area AREA: 25

ii. Initial Strain: 0
This defines an element with a solid rectangular cross section 5 x 5 millimeters.

Now that the initial properties of the material have been outlined, the stress-strain data must be
included.
Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models > Structural > Nonlinear > Elastic >
Multilinear Elastic
The following window will pop up.
Fill in the STRAIN and STRESS boxes with the following data. These are points from the
stress-strain curve shown above, approximating the curve with linear interpolation
between the points. When the data for the first point is input, click Add Point to add
another. When all the points have been inputed, click Graph to see the curve. It should
look like the one shown above. Then click OK.
Curve
Strain Stress
Points
1 0 0
2 0.001 75
3 0.002 150
4 0.003 225
5 0.004 240
6 0.005 250
7 0.025 300
8 0.060 355
9 0.100 390
10 0.150 420
11 0.200 435
12 0.250 449
13 0.275 450
To get the problem geometry back, select Utility Menu > Plot > Replot.
/REPLOT
7. Define Mesh Size
Preprocessor > Meshing > Manual Size > Size Cntrls > Lines > All Lines...
For this example we will specify an element edge length of 5 mm (20 element divisions along
the line).
8. Mesh the frame
LMESH,ALL


ANTYPE,0

Ensure the following selections are made under the 'Basic' tab (as shown above)
load.
F. Ensure all solution items are writen to a results file. This means rather than just recording
the data for the last load step, data for every load step is written to the database.
Therefore, you can plot certain parameters over time.
Ensure the following selection is made under the 'Nonlinear' tab (as shown below)
G. Ensure Line Search is 'On'. This option is used to help the Newton-Raphson solver
converge.
H. Ensure Maximum Number of Iterations is set to 1000
NOTE
4. Apply Loads
Place a 10,000 N load in the FY direction on the top of the beam (Keypoint 2).
5. Solve the System

SOLVE
The following will appear on your screen for NonLinear Analyses

1. To view the element in 2D rather than a line: Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Style > Size and Shape and
turn 'Display of element' ON (as shown below).
2. View the deflection contour plot
PLNSOL,U,Y,0,1
Time History Postprocessing: Viewing the Results
As shown, you can obtain the results (such as deflection, stress and bending moment diagrams) the same way
you did in previous examples using the General Postprocessor. However, you may wish to view time history
results such as the deflection of the object over time.
1. Define Variables
o Select: Main Menu > TimeHist Postpro. The following window should open automatically.
If it does not open automatically, select Main Menu > TimeHist Postpro > Variable Viewer
o Click the add button in the upper left corner of the window to add a variable.
o Select Nodal Solution > DOF Solution > Y-Component of displacement (as shown below) and
click OK. Pick the uppermost node on the beam and click OK in the 'Node for Data' window.
o To add another variable, click the add button again. This time select Reaction Forces >
Structural Forces > Y-Component of Force. Pick the lowermost node on the beam and click
OK.
o On the Time History Variable window, click the circle in the 'X-Axis' column for FY_3. This will
make the reaction force the x-variable. The Time History Variables window should now look like
this:
2. Graph Results over Time

o Click on UY_2 in the Time History Variables window.
o Click the graphing button in the Time History Variables window.

o The labels on the plot are not updated by ANSYS, so you must change them manually. Select
Utility Menu > Plot Ctrls > Style > Graphs > Modify Axes and re-label the X and Y-axis
appropriately.
This plot shows how the beam deflected linearly when the force, and subsequently the stress,
was low (in the linear range). However, as the force increased, the deflection (proportional to
strain) began to increase at a greater rate. This is because the stress in the beam is in the plastic
range and thus no longer relates to strain linearly. When you verify this example analytically, you
will see the solutions are very similar. The difference can be attributed to the ANSYS solver
including large deflection calculations.
Buckling
Introduction
This tutorial was created using ANSYS 7.0 to solve a simple buckling problem.
It is recommended that you complete the NonLinear Tutorial prior to beginning this tutorial
Buckling loads are critical loads where certain types of structures become unstable. Each load has an associated
buckled mode shape; this is the shape that the structure assumes in a buckled condition. There are two primary
means to perform a buckling analysis:
1. Eigenvalue
Eigenvalue buckling analysis predicts the theoretical buckling strength of an ideal elastic structure. It
computes the structural eigenvalues for the given system loading and constraints. This is known as
classical Euler buckling analysis. Buckling loads for several configurations are readily available from
tabulated solutions. However, in real-life, structural imperfections and nonlinearities prevent most real-
world structures from reaching their eigenvalue predicted buckling strength; ie. it over-predicts the
expected buckling loads. This method is not recommended for accurate, real-world buckling prediction
analysis.
2. Nonlinear
Nonlinear buckling analysis is more accurate than eigenvalue analysis because it employs non-linear,
large-deflection, static analysis to predict buckling loads. Its mode of operation is very simple: it
gradually increases the applied load until a load level is found whereby the structure becomes unstable
(ie. suddenly a very small increase in the load will cause very large deflections). The true non-linear
nature of this analysis thus permits the modeling of geometric imperfections, load perterbations, material
nonlinearities and gaps. For this type of analysis, note that small off-axis loads are necessary to initiate
the desired buckling mode.
This tutorial will use a steel beam with a 10 mm X 10 mm cross section, rigidly constrained at the bottom. The
required load to cause buckling, applied at the top-center of the beam, will be calculated.
Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

1. Open preprocessor menu
/PREP7

/title,Eigen-Value Buckling Analysis
3. Define Keypoints
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Keypoints > In Active CS ...
K,#,X,Y
We are going to define 2 Keypoints for this beam as given in the following table:
Keypoints Coordinates (x,y)

1 (0,0)
2 (0,100)
4. Create Lines
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Lines > Lines > In Active Coord
L,1,2
Create a line joining Keypoints 1 and 2
5. Define the Type of Element
of freedom (translation along the X and Y axes, and rotation about the Z axis).

ii. Area moment of inertia IZZ: 833.333
iii. Total Beam Height HEIGHT: 10
This defines a beam with a height of 10 mm and a width of 10 mm.
i. Young's modulus EX: 200000

8. Define Mesh Size
Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Lines > All Lines...
the line).
9. Mesh the frame

LMESH,ALL
Solution Phase: Assigning Loads and Solving

Solution > Analysis Type > New Analysis > Static

ANTYPE,0
2. Activate prestress effects
To perform an eigenvalue buckling analysis, prestress effects must be activated.
o You must first ensure that you are looking at the unabridged solution menu so that you can
select Analysis Options in the Analysis Type submenu. The last option in the solution menu
will either be 'Unabridged menu' (which means you are currently looking at the abridged
version) or 'Abriged Menu' (which means you are looking at the unabridged menu). If you are
looking at the abridged menu, select the unabridged version.
o Select Solution > Analysis Type > Analysis Options
o In the following window, change the [SSTIF][PSTRES] item to 'Prestress ON', which ensures the
stress stiffness matrix is calculated. This is required in eigenvalue buckling analysis.
Fix Keypoint 1 (ie all DOF constrained).
4. Apply Loads
The eignenvalue solver uses a unit force to determine the necessary buckling load. Applying a
load other than 1 will scale the answer by a factor of the load.
Apply a vertical (FY) point load of -1 N to the top of the beam (keypoint 2).
The applied loads and constraints should now appear as shown in the figure below.
5. Solve the System

SOLVE
6. Exit the Solution processor
Close the solution menu and click FINISH at the bottom of the Main Menu.
FINISH
Normally at this point you enter the postprocessing phase. However, with a buckling analysis you must
re-enter the solution phase and specify the buckling analysis. Be sure to close the solution menu and re-
enter it or the buckling analysis may not function properly.
Solution > Analysis Type > New Analysis > Eigen Buckling
ANTYPE,1
8. Specify Buckling Analysis Options

o Select Solution > Analysis Type > Analysis Options
o Complete the window which appears, as shown below. Select 'Block Lanczos' as an extraction
method and extract 1 mode. The 'Block Lanczos' method is used for large symmetric eigenvalue
problems and uses the sparse matrix solver. The 'Subspace' method could also be used, however
it tends to converge slower as it is a more robust solver. In more complex analyses the Block
Lanczos method may not be adequate and the Subspace method would have to be used.
9. Solve the System

SOLVE
10. Exit the Solution processor
Close the solution menu and click FINISH at the bottom of the Main Menu.
FINISH
Again it is necessary to exit and re-enter the solution phase. This time, however, is for an expansion
pass. An expansion pass is necessary if you want to review the buckled mode shape(s).
11. Expand the solution

o Select Solution > Analysis Type > Expansion Pass... and ensure that it is on. You may have to
select the 'Unabridged Menu' again to make this option visible.
o Select Solution > Load Step Opts > ExpansionPass > Single Expand > Expand Modes ...
o Complete the following window as shown to expand the first mode
12. Solve the System

SOLVE
Postprocessing: Viewing the Results

1. View the Buckling Load
To display the minimum load required to buckle the beam select General Postproc > List
Results > Detailed Summary. The value listed under 'TIME/FREQ' is the load (41,123), which
is in Newtons for this example. If more than one mode was selected in the steps above, the
corresponding loads would be listed here as well.
/POST1
SET,LIST
2. Display the Mode Shape

o Select General Postproc > Read Results > Last Set to bring up the data for the last mode
calculated.
o Select General Postproc > Plot Results > Deformed Shape
Non-Linear Buckling Analysis
Ensure that you have completed the NonLinear Tutorial prior to beginning this portion of the tutorial

1. Open preprocessor menu
/PREP7

/TITLE, Nonlinear Buckling Analysis
3. Create Keypoints

K,#,X,Y
length of 100 millimeters:

1 (0,0)
2 (0,100)
4. Define Lines

L,1,2
of freedom (translation along the X and Y axis's, and rotation about the Z axis). With only 3
degrees of freedom, the BEAM3 element can only be used in 2D analysis.

ii. Area Moment of Inertia IZZ: 833.333
iii. Total beam height HEIGHT: 10
This defines an element with a solid rectangular cross section 10 x 10 millimeters.

8. Define Mesh Size
Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > Lines > All Lines...
the line).
ESIZE,1
9. Mesh the frame
LMESH,ALL


ANTYPE,0


Ensure the following selections are made under the 'Basic' tab (as shown above)
load.
F. Ensure all solution items are writen to a results file.
Ensure the following selection is made under the 'Nonlinear' tab (as shown below)
G. Ensure Line Search is 'On'. This option is used to help the Newton-Raphson solver
converge.
H. Ensure Maximum Number of Iterations is set to 1000
NOTE
4. Apply Loads
Place a -50,000 N load in the FY direction on the top of the beam (Keypoint 2). Also apply a
-250 N load in the FX direction on Keypoint 2. This horizontal load will persuade the beam to
buckle at the minimum buckling load.
The model should now look like the window shown below.
5. Solve the System

SOLVE
The following will appear on your screen for NonLinear Analyses

1. View the deformed shape
o To view the element in 2D rather than a line: Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Style > Size and
Shape and turn 'Display of element' ON (as shown below).
o General Postproc > Plot Results > Deformed Shape... > Def + undeformed
PLDISP,1
o View the deflection contour plot
PLNSOL,U,Y,0,1
Time History Postprocessing: Viewing the Results
As shown, you can obtain the results (such as deflection, stress and bending moment diagrams) the same way
you did in previous examples using the General Postprocessor. However, you may wish to view time history
results such as the deflection of the object over time.
1. Define Variables
o Select: Main Menu > TimeHist Postpro. The following window should open automatically.
If it does not open automatically, select Main Menu > TimeHist Postpro > Variable Viewer
o Click the add button in the upper left corner of the window to add a variable.
o Double-click Nodal Solution > DOF Solution > Y-Component of displacement (as shown
below) and click OK. Pick the uppermost node on the beam and click OK in the 'Node for Data'
window.
o To add another variable, click the add button again. This time select Reaction Forces >
Structural Forces > Y-Component of Force. Pick the lowermost node on the beam and click
OK.
o On the Time History Variable window, click the circle in the 'X-Axis' column for FY_3. This will
make the reaction force the x-variable. The Time History Variables window should now look like
this:
2. Graph Results over Time
o Click on UY_2 in the Time History Variables window.
o Click the graphing button in the Time History Variables window.

o The labels on the plot are not updated by ANSYS, so you must change them manually. Select
Utility Menu > Plot Ctrls > Style > Graphs > Modify Axes and re-label the X and Y-axis
appropriately.
The plot shows how the beam became unstable and buckled with a load of approximately 40,000
N, the point where a large deflection occured due to a small increase in force. This is slightly less
than the eigen-value solution of 41,123 N, which was expected due to non-linear geometry issues
discussed above.
Background
A client had been manufacturing aluminum drive shaft tubes for vans and full sized cars. These shafts
had a bulge in the wall which controlled where the shaft would collapse during a collision (see Fig. 1).
The reason for controlling the buckle location was to ensure that the bending shaft did not pierce the
fuel tank.
However, newer models were planned with more powerful engines. This necessitated a thicker wall
which led to an increased collapse load. The shape of the bulge was redesigned with the following
objectives:
1. The collapse load of the new shaft must match that of the old
2. The tooling must be retained with minimal alteration
3. The outer surface of the bulge must stay within the envelope dictated by the client
Description
This part was manufactured by enclosing the tubular extrusion in a two piece die whose inner surface
matched the outer contour of the bulge. A flexible, polymer plug was inserted into the tube and
compressed from the ends. This forced the tube walls outward into the die to form the desired shape.
Design objective 1 pointed to a change in the geometry of the bulge. In effect, the idea was to
weaken the shaft by a specified amount. Objective 2 dictated that the new shape should not require
that additional metal be added to the tooling. Only machining of the tooling would be allowed.
Due to the relatively simple geometry of the drive shaft, a two dimensional, axisymmetric model of the
bulge was created. The area encompassed by the model is represented by the purple area of the
cutaway view in Fig. 2. Note that the drive shaft was much longer than shown in the figure. Since the
bulge was symmetric about its highest point, only half of it needed to be modeled.
Forces were applied to the ends of the shaft, and the stresses were examined. Fig. 3 shows the
stresses in a partially loaded shaft. They progress from low values (blue) to plastically deformed (red).
Move your mouse over the figure below to see an animation of the simulation (requires javascript).
Once the plastic zone penetrated to the surface, collapse was imminent.
Nearly a dozen different configurations were considered. These included both symmetric and
nonsymmetric bulge shapes. In the end, a shape was found which the model indicated would meet all
the design requirements. This shape was deeper than the original, though still within the dimensional
envelope, and had sharper radii.
Conclusions
The refined shape was submitted to the client. The tooling was modified according to the
recommendations, and tests were performed on the new shaft. They were certified and went into
production immediately. The original tooling was used with minor modification, and the simulations
avoided costly trial and error attempts to redesign the drive shaft.
An explanation of the simulation process ...

The methods used by Nonlinear Engineering typically involve the use of computers to simulate
products and/or processes in an effort to reduce the cost, time, and effort required to produce an end
product. The best way to explain is to go through an example.
Note that the following shows a very simple part created for this explanation.
Step 1: The Question
The customer will typically have a simple question:
Will the bracket in this drawing (Fig. 1) support a 4800 Newton force?
Step 2: Refine the Question
Frequently, the initial question is too general, and it is almost always necessary to get more detail in
order to model the part or process:
How will this part be used?
It will be attached to a rigid surface with two bolts. The force will act vertically downward on the hook.
What issues concern you most?

Can the diagonal support be reduced to save weight? Is the section near the hook thick enough to
carry the load?
Step 3: Define Modeling Objectives

An elastic material model will be sufficient for this case. It is not the designer's intention that the bracket should
permanently deform under the given load.
Solve for the equivalent stresses and determine the high stress areas.
Recommend design improvements. Areas that are too highly stressed should be thickened. Areas that are not
stressed can be thinned to reduce the material required.
Step 4: Formulate the Model
Use basic engineering principles to establish boundary conditions, such as which portions of the
bracket should be fixed. Loading conditions must also be determined.
Fig. 2 shows the 4800 N force acting downward. The bolt holes should be constrained since the bolts
will be rigidly connected to the wall. The back side of the bracket between the holes will be pressed
against the wall by the action of the force, so that area should also be fixed. Note that for a more
sophisticated analysis, the actual contact condition between the wall and bracket could be simulated.
Step 5: Create Geometry
Using various tools, a three dimensional representation of the part is created (See Fig. 3). A two
dimensional drawing was provided by the customer. If he can provide an electronic version of the
design, such as an AutoCad drawing, DXF file, or an IGES file, it will speed up the process.
Step 6: Create Finite Element Mesh
The finite element method involves breaking an object into small (finite sized) pieces (elements),
called a mesh. The solution for each individual element is relatively easy to determine, but each one
depends upon all, or many, of the others. This is why a computer is required. There is an equation for
each element, and each equation has as many terms as there are elements.
Fig. 4 shows the mesh for the part in question. There are 2221 elements in this model, they have
parabolic interpolating functions, and a tetrahedral shape (four corners).
Step 7: Computer Solution
From the analyst's point of view, this is often the easiest step. The computer solution can run
anywhere from a few seconds to many days or even weeks, though that is seldom practical. In this
case the solution completed in 4 minutes and 14 seconds.
Step 8: Examine Results
There is a region of high stress near the hook, shown as red in Fig. 5. The diagonal brace and rear,
vertical portion of the bracket are stressed very little as indicated by their blue color.
Step 9: Recommendations
Due to low stresses, the diagonal brace and vertical portions of the bracket could be reduced in size
to save weight.
The thickness near the hook should be increased, the length of the hook extension decreased, or the
diagonal moved outward to reduce stresses in the horizontal portion of the bracket.
These recommendations would be discussed with the customer. Most likely, further modeling would
be performed to prove out the design changes.
Additional Benefits of Modeling

The results of a computer analysis are highly detailed and can be examined in many different ways.
Information is available that could not be obtained through testing. For example, the interior of the
bracket near the top hole is sectioned in Fig. 6. Slices are shown through the center of the bolt hole,
an intermediate depth, and the surface, respectively.
In order to derive the most benefit from computer modeling, it is important that the analyst be involved
as early in the design process as possible. Many potential design options can be evaluated, reducing
the number of prototypes needed to arrive at a satisfactory product. This reduces the time, expense,
and manpower required for product development.
Another use of modeling is in diagnostic investigation. Nonlinear Engineering can assist the customer
in determining why a product or process is not performing as desired. An example would be
determining the stress level in a machine component that has broken in the plant. A solution could be
provided such as increasing a fillet radius, and what that radius should be. The important point is that
the solution would be proven using simulation before any metal is cut
Conclusions
This page has concentrated on linear structural analysis. However, Nonlinear Engineering also has
expertise in highly nonlinear analysis such as sheet metal forming, automotive crash simulation, heat
transfer including solidification, fluid flow, and others. The techniques described above apply equally
well to these other disciplines.

ANSYS NonLinear Analysis EPT FEB08

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NonLinear Analysis of a Cantilever Beam

Preprocessing: Defining the Problem

Utility Menu > File > Change Title ...

Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Keypoints > In Active CS

Keypoint Coordinates (x,y)

Create a line between Keypoint 1 and Keypoint 2.

4. Define Element Types

Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete...

5. Define Real Constants

Preprocessor > Real Constants... > Add...

i. Cross-sectional area AREA: 0.03125

6. Define Element Material Properties

i. Young's modulus EX: 30e6

7. Define Mesh Size

8. Mesh the frame

Solution > New Analysis > Static

2. Set Solution Controls

The following image will appear:

Ensure the following selections are made (as shown above)

Function Command Comments

Fix Keypoint 1 (ie all DOFs constrained).

5. Solve the System

Solution > Solve > Current LS

The following will appear on your screan for NonLinear Analyses

This shows the convergence of the solution.

General Postprocessing: Viewing the Results

3. List Horizontal Displacement

Other results can be obtained as shown in previous linear static analyses.

Preprocessing: Defining the Problem

Utility Menu > File > Change Title ...

Keypoint Coordinates (x,y)

Create a line between Keypoint 1 and Keypoint 2.

4. Define Element Types

Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete...

5. Define Real Constants

Preprocessor > Real Constants... > Add...

i. Cross-sectional area AREA: 25

This defines an element with a solid rectangular cross section 5 x 5 millimeters.

6. Define Element Material Properties

i. Young's modulus EX: 75e3

7. Define Mesh Size

8. Mesh the frame

Solution: Assigning Loads and Solving

Solution > New Analysis > Static

2. Set Solution Controls

The following image will appear:

Fix Keypoint 1 (ie all DOFs constrained).

5. Solve the System

Solution > Solve > Current LS

This shows the convergence of the solution.

General Postprocessing: Viewing the Results

Time History Postprocessing: Viewing the Results

2. Graph Results over Time

o Click the graphing button in the Time History Variables window.

Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis

2. Give example a Title

Utility Menu > File > Change Title ...

Keypoints Coordinates (x,y)

Create a line joining Keypoints 1 and 2

5. Define the Type of Element

Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete...

6. Define Real Constants

Preprocessor > Real Constants... > Add...

i. Cross-sectional area AREA: 100