- Pre and Post-Process Tools for Structural Finite

Element Analyses -

Boundary Conditions
- Loads and Supports -

J.A. Mayugo, N. Blanco

Universitat de Girona

MASTER
OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICS OF
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
essential boundary conditions. On the other hand, a known variable can define a nodal force or
flux, now the known variable defines a natural boundary condition (also called Newman boundary
Introduction (i)
condition). Focusing on the Engineering Mechanics realm, the typical problems may be (2)divided
into different physics problems as is shown in the Table 4.1.
The Finite Element Method may be applied to problems of
very different nature which are affected by different physical
Table 4.1: Physics Problems in FEM
variables.
Problem DOFs Force or flux variables
Structural displacements and forces (and moments), pressures, inertial loads
rotations (e.g. gravity) , temperatures (for thermal strain)
Thermal temperatures heat flow rates, convection, internal heat genera-
tion, infinite surface
Fluid Dynamics velocities pressures

Magnetic magnetic potentials magnetic flux, magnetic current segments, source

current density, infinite surface
Electric electric potentials electric current, electric charges, charge densi-
(voltage) ties, infinite surface

Focusing on structural problems, the degrees of freedom

(DOF)
For are displacements
the moment, (andproblems.
we will focus on structural rotations), and
Thermal andthe flux
structural-thermal analy-
variables
sis will are forces
be seen further (and
during this moments),
course. The boundarypressures, and inertial
conditions in structural models include

forces. 47
 Introduction (i) (3)

For a linear static structural analysis, the finite element

method solves a typical system of equations

[K] {u} = {F}

where [K] is the global stiffness matrix, {u} is the DOF
vector (nodal displacements and rotations) and {F} is the
vector containing the equivalent external loads on nodes
(forces and moments).

Some of the components in {u} and {F} will be unknown

variables -and so, the solution of our problem- and some of
them will be the boundary conditions of the model.
 Supports and Loads (4)

A known variable can fix the value to one nodal degree of freedom
(DOF). This type of boundary conditions are usually called
Dirichlet boundary conditions (or essential boundary
conditions).

In an structural model a Dirichlet condition is a support.

On the other hand, a known variable can define a nodal force, now
the known variable defines a Neumann boundary condition (also
called natural boundary condition).

In an structural model a Neumann conditions is an external load.

 Constrained displacements in X and Y axes, also rotations into the Z axis in flexural beam
elements.
Boundary conditions in structural models (i) (5)
Concentrated forces (in X and Y directions), also moment in flexural beam elements (applied
into the Z axis).
In two-dimensional problems,
-Distributed
Supports: constrained
loads on displacements
edges and lines. in X and Y axes (also
rotations
Additionally, into the Z axis
in three-dimensional in flexural
problems beamboundary
the following elements)
conditions can be applied:
- Loads: forces in X and Y directions (also moments in bending
Imposed displacements (and rotations in shell and beam elements) to all degrees of free-
beam elements)
dom.
In three-dimensional problems,
Concentrated forces (and moments in shell and beam elements) in any direction or moments
-in any
Supports:
axis. constrained to all DOF. Only translations on solids
elements, and displacements and rotations in beam and shell
Distributed loads on edges and surfaces.
elements
-Body and inertial
Loads: loads.
forces (and moments in beams and shells) in any axis

Hint 10: DOF notation in ANSYS

UX Displacement in X direction ROTX Rotation into X axis

UY Displacement in Y direction ROTY Rotation into Y axis
UZ Displacement in Z direction ROTZ Rotation into Z axis
Boundary conditions in structural models (ii) (6)
 Inertial Loads in a FE model (7)

Inertial loads (on mass elements, or in elements with defined density)

- Acceleration: by defining an acceleration vector {a}, it generates forces

as: {Finertial} = - m {a}
- Forces resulting in the opposite direction of the acceleration
- Units of acceleration: length/time2 (take care if you do not use SI of
units, e.g. mm for geometry length and m for definition of forces in
N=kg m/s2 for forces: the acceleration must be introduced by m/s2)

- Gravity: it is a specific case of acceleration, when {a}={-g}, it

generates forces as: {Finertial} = {W} = m {g}

- Rotational velocity: by defining a rotational axis, it generates forces as:

{Finertial} = - mw2 {r}
- Forces resulting in centrifugal direction
- In SI the input rotational velocity is defined by rad/s
 Inertial Loads in a FE model (in ANSYS) (8)

Using ANSYS APDL Using ANSYS Workbench

Acceleration and gravity

ACEL,ACELX,ACELY,ACELZ
Specifies the linear acceleration of
the global Cartesian reference
frame for the analysis

Rotational velocity
OMEGA,OMEGX,OMEGY,OMEGZ
Rotational velocity of the structure
about the global Cartesian X, Y,
and Z axes
 Example 11.01: Inertial forces, gravity (9)

We want to dimension a horizontal plate. The loads to consider is the own

weight. The roof is 0.9m x 2.1m with a 10 mm thickness and it is
supported at its four vertex. Model the plate and obtain the deformed
shape plot. Consider carefully which are the boundary conditions to apply.
The roof is from a reinforced polymer with a Youngs modulus of 15 GPa,
a Poissons coefficient of 0.3, and a mass density of 40 kg/m3.


Example Solution
11.01: (10)

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 Example 11.01: Solution (cont.) (11)
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 Example 11.02: axisymmetric with inertial load (12)

Consider the steel flywheel schematised in the figure. Its inner diameter is
50 mm and its outer diameter is 600 mm. Assume that it is rotating at 1000
rad/s. Obtain the resulting displacements and stress field considering that
the vertical displacement of its bottom inner corner is restricted

Rin = 25 mm
Rcen1 = 4Rin mm
Rout = 300 mm
Rcen2 = 250 mm
Rr = Rcen2 25 mm
B1 = 300 mm
B2 = 90 mm
B3 = 25 mm
B4 = 200 mm
 Loads in a FE model
Introduction to FEM
(13)
Node by Node (NbN) Distributed
Load Lumping
Concentrated forces (or moments): on nodes
Nodal force f3 at 3 is set to P, the
magnitude of the crosshatched area
under the load curve. This area Distributed load
extends halfway over adjacent intensity (load acts
element sides downward on boundary)

f3 = P
Boundary
1 2 3 4 5 6

Finite element
mesh
7.4 DIRECT LUMPING OF DISTRIBUTED LOADS
Distributed loads: on edges or surfaces
Distributed load
Force P has magnitude of intensity (load acts C
crosshatched area under load
curve and acts at its centroid
downward on boundary) f 2e = (b/Le )P f3e = (a/Le)P

e centroid C of P
crosshatched area 2 3
a b
f2e P f3e
Boundary Le=a+b
1 2 3 4 5 6 Details of element-level
force computations

Finite element
mesh

Figure 7.5. EbE direct lumping of distributed line load, illustrated for a 2D problem.
 Loads in a FE model (in ANSYS)
ANSYS APDL on Mesh
Concentrated forces (and moments)
F,NODE,LABEL,VALUE,
Specifies force at nodes. The
direction is according the nodal
coordinate system.
Line and Surface loads
SF,Nlist,Lab,Value
Surface load on nodes
SFE,Elem,LKEY,Lab,
Specifies surface loads on elements
(14)
ANSYS APDL on geometry
Concentrated forces (and moments)
FK,KPOI,LABEL,VALUE,
Specifies force at keypoints.
Line loads
SFL,Line,Lab,VALUE,VAL2
Specifies surface load on lines
Surface loads
SFA,OMEGX,OMEGY,OMEGZ
Specifies surface loads on the
selected areas
 Example 11.03: Hydraulic dam (15)

Use plane strain conditions to simulate the cross-section of an hydraulic

dam shown in the figure. Start with a simple model with geometric
parameters H = 10 m, h = 5 m, B = 2 m and b = 1 m. Dam left side is full
of water up to a height H = 10 m. The specific weight of the fluid
contained by the dam is 10 kN/m3.

The material of the dam is reinforced concrete

with E = 27 GPa and = 0.25.

Calculate:

1) Maximum horizontal deformation

2) Vertical normal stress distribution
3) Total force reaction taking account
that the dam is 20 meters wide.
 Loads in a FE model (in ANSYS) (16)

ANSYS Workbench (i)

Applied normal to surface (+ into, - out surface)
Units are force/area (e.g. MPa=N/mm2)
See example 11.03 (repeat example using WB)
Applied to vertices, edges or surface (or named
selection).
Vector o component method to define direction
The force is distributed on all geometric entities.
Units are force (e.g. N)
Used in problem 11.01
Applied to vertices, edges or surface (or named
selection)
Vector o component method using right hand rule.
The moment is distributed on all geometric entities.
Units are force by length (e.g. Nmm)
 Example 11.04: Remote point (17)

A support is welded to a cylindrical bar. The support have a rectangular

cross section: h=40 mm height and b=12 mm width. A vertical load of
F=20 kN is applied by the stud on the right end in down direction. The
support is steel with E = 207 GPa and = 0.3.
Model only 100 mm of the bar around the hole of 20 mm of diameter.
Apply fixed support on left and remote load on right. Calculate the
distribution stress.

F
 Loads in a FE model (in ANSYS) (18)

ANSYS Workbench (ii)

Applies an offset force on a vertex, edge, surface or node.

The user indicate the point of application of the force (by coordinates or geometry)
Applies an equivalent force and moment on the vertex, edge, surface or node.

Example 11.04:
distance force clamped edge: 225 mm
force 2000 N
moment to clamping: M= 225 mm 2 kN = 450 Nm
 Loads in a FE model (in ANSYS) (19)

ANSYS Workbench (iii)

Force are distributed in compression over the

projected area

- The option only must be used in inner cylindrical

surface.
- Avoid to use more that one load by surface
- If the cylindrical surface is split in different zones,
select whole cylinder when applying the load.
 Loads in a FE model (in ANSYS) (20)

ANSYS Workbench (iv)

 Supports: Dirichlet (or essential) boundary conditions (21)

Constraint a specific value of one nodal degree of freedom (DOF):

- displacement Bi-dimensional Three-dimensional
models (2D) models (3D)
- or rotation
plane solid solid
UY UY

UX UZ UX

beam beam UY shell

UY UY ROTY
ROTY

UX UZ UX UZ UX
ROTZ
ROTZ ROTX ROTZ ROTX

This type of boundary conditions are usually called Dirichlet

boundary conditions (or essential boundary conditions).

In an structural model a Dirichlet condition is a support.

Real supports to boundary conditions in 2D models (22)
 Single nodal constrains (in ANSYS)
ANSYS APDL on Mesh
On node
D,NODE,LABEL,VALUE,
Defines DOF constraint at nodes
(23)
ANSYS APDL on geometry
On keypoints
DK,KPOI,LABEL,VALUE,
Defines DOF constraints at
keypoints.
Line supports
DL,Line,Area,Lab,Val
Defines DOF constraints on lines
Surface supports
DA,Area,Lab,VALUE1,VAL2
Defines DOF constraints on areas
 Example 11.05: Single nodal constrain (24)

The figure shows an beam structure made of thin-waled circular tubes

with an outer diameter of 20 mm and 4 mm thick. The structure dimension
is 1m x 2 m.
On the left upper corner a F=100 N horizontal load is applied.
The structure has two supports: a rotational joint (bottom) and a sliding
joint at 45 of horizontal line (top-right)
Example 11.05: Solution (25)
Minimum support conditions to suppress rigid body
motions in 2D (26)

- Restrain structures against relative rigid body motions

- Note: make attention defining aligned constrained DOF and Poisson

ratio effect:
- Study the possibility to use a Elastic Foundation (see example)
Minimum support conditions to suppress rigid body
motions in 3D (27)

- Restrain structures against relative rigid body motions

 Suppress rigid body motion in ANSYS (28)

ANSYS APDL
We must to avoid the free body motions.

Example:
In example 11.05, out-of-plane motion is solved
with UZ restrictions on all keypoints (see)

ANSYS Workbench
Workbench: the program introduce elastic
foundations automatically

Example 11.06:
Use Workbench to model a simple supported beam
with vertical load and only with vertical constrains
 Types of supports on FE model (in ANSYS) (29)

ANSYS Workbench (i)

Bi-dimensional Three-dimensional
models (2D) models (3D)

plane solid solid

UY UY

UX UZ UX

beam beam UY shell

UY UY ROTY
ROTY

UX UZ UX UZ UX
ROTZ
ROTZ ROTX ROTZ ROTX
 Types of supports on FE model (in ANSYS) (30)

ANSYS Workbench (ii)

Example 11.06
(Work forcing displacement different to zero)
 Types of supports on FE model (in ANSYS) (31)

ANSYS Workbench (iii)

 Types of supports on FE model (in ANSYS) (32)

ANSYS Workbench (iv)

 Types of supports on FE model (in ANSYS) (33)

ANSYS Workbench for surface (shells) and line (beams) bodies

 Types of supports on FE model (in ANSYS) (34)

ANSYS Workbench elastic foundation

 Example 11.07 (35)
Chapter 4. Boundary conditions

Use a Mechanical APDL code to model

the effect of the distributed pressure
q=5N/mm2 on a short cantilever beam
shown in Figure.
Consider that the beam are made of steel
with a thickness of 50mm and take
L1=80mm , L2=40mm, B=150mm,
B1=50mm and Q=160 mm. The elastic
Figure 4.2: Short cantilever
foundation is of concrete. q q
FINISH !close all previous modules
/CLEAR !clear all previous models
B B B
Repeat the model (a or b) using ANSYS 1
/TITLE, Distributed load on short cantilever: direct clamped
Q
Workbench. /PREP7 !start PRE-PROCESSOR MODULE
!Geometric parameters (mm)
L1=80 !clamped length
L2=40 Q
!short side length
Using fixed support or elastic B=150 !distributed load span
(a) (b)
foundation to define boundary th=5 !thickness

conditions to defining the clamped

ET,1,PLANE183 !element type
KEYOPT,1,3,3 !plane stress with thickness
line. MP,EX,1,210000 !Youngs modulus for material #1
MP,PRXY,1,0.3 !Poisson ratio for material #1
R,1,th !real constant #1, thickness for elem
Nodal Loads and Supports (in ANSYS) (36)
Nodal Loads and Supports (in ANSYS) (37)
Nodal Loads and Supports (in ANSYS) (38)
 Types of supports on FE model (39)

Symmetry (and Anti-symmetry) (i)

- Symmetry (or Frictionless Surface): Symmetry conditions are
applied to reduce the model size without loss of accuracy. However, to use
such conditions four types of symmetry must be present: geometry,
boundary conditions, material and loads. Under this condition the solution
will be also symmetric.
- Anti-symmetry: These boundary conditions can be applied when it
exists symmetry of geometry,
7.7 SYMMETRY AND of boundary conditions,
ANTISYMMETRY CONDITIONSand of material and
anti-symmetry of loads.
vely, a 180 rotation of the body
Symmetry Antisymmetry
antisymmetry line reproduces line line
he original problem except that (a) (b)
d loads are reversed.
cognition patterns can be drawn
imensions to help visualization A' A" A' A"
A A
s of symmetry or antisymme- loads
ore complex regular patterns displacement
d with sectorial symmetry (also vectors
rmonic symmetry) as well as
l symmetry can be treated in a
anner, but will not be discussed
Figure 7.14. Visualizing symmetry and antisymmetry lines.
 Types of supports on FE model (40)

Symmetry (and Anti-symmetry) (ii)

- Symmetry (or Frictionless Surface): Symmetric boundary conditions in
the nodes of the symmetry plane involve the restriction of the out-of-plane
DOF translation and the restriction of the in-plane DOF rotations.

- Anti-symmetry: Anti-symmetric boundary conditions involve the

restriction of the in-plane DOF translations of the nodes in the anti-
symmetry plane and the restriction of the out-of-plane DOF rotations.
60 Pre and post-process tools in finite element analysis

Hint 14: Symmetry conditions vs Antisymmetry conditions

The following table shows which are the DOF to restrict in function of the symmetry plane
normals.

Symmetry Antisymmetry
Normal 2D 3D 2D 3D
X UX, ROTZ UX, ROTZ, ROTY UY UY, UZ, ROTX
Y UY, ROTZ UY, ROTZ, ROTX UX UX, UZ, ROTY
Z UZ, ROTX, ROTY UX, UY, ROTZ
 (b)
iated with sectorial symmetry (also vectors
A B Vertical (y) motion of C (or A
d harmonic symmetry) as well as another node) should be constrained

Types of supports on FE model

to eliminate the y rigid motion
onal symmetry can be treated in a
x (41)
ar manner, but will not be discussed D7.16. A doubly
Figure 7.16. A doubly
lines. symmetric structure under antisymmetric
Figure loading.
symmetric structure
Figure 7.14. Visualizing symmetry and antisymmetry C C under a
Ver
Symmetry (and Anti-symmetry)
2. Effect of Loading Patterns (iii) example,
Remark 7.4. Point loads acting at nodes located
example, consider the doubly symmetric plate
Remarkon7.4
structure
symmetry
of Figure
consider
or antisymmetry
. Point loads
7.15 under
the doubly
lines
acting at nodes
the twoplate
symmetric point
require
located onspecial
symmetry
loads ofofmagnitude
structure Figure 7.1
ano
care.orFor
anti
to e
ough the structure may look symmetric in shape, it must be kept in mind that model reduction is broken
e used only if the-loading
Double symmetry
P, as pictured in Figure 7.17(a). If the structure down into 4 quadrants as in Figure 7.17(b),
P, as pictured in Figure 7.17(a). If the structure is broken P must
down into
conditions are also symmetric or antisymmetric.
be halved as indicated in Figure 7.17(c). The same idea
Figure 7.16. A doubly symmetric structure under antisymmet
applies toinpoint loads on antisymmetry lines, but there
be halved as indicated Figure 7.17(c). The same idea applies to poi
the process is trickier, as illustrated in Figure 7.18. The
the process load must
is trickier, not be applied
as illustrated if the 7.18.
in Figure node The
is fixed
loadagainst
must n
y motion, since then the node forceRemark
will appear
7.4 . as a reaction.
Point loads acting at nodes located on symmetry or antisymmetr
motion, since then the node force will appear as a reaction.
(a) (b) example, consider the doubly symmetric plate structure of Figure 7.15 under th
A B P, as pictured in Figure 7.17(a). If the structure is broken down into 4 quadran
A B (a) be halved as (b) (a) in Figure 7.17(c). The same idea(b)
indicated (c)to point loads o
applies
A Bthe process is trickier, as illustrated
A in Figure
B 7.18. The load must not be app
C D x P C D motion, P/2
P since then P/2
P the node force will appear as a reaction.P/2
C D C D P
P/2
(a) P/2 P/2
(b) P/2
A B
Figure 7.15. A doubly symmetric structure under symmetric loading.
P up a point load P/2
Figure 7.17. Breaking on a P
C acting Figure
D symmetry line node.up a point load acting on a
7.17. Breaking
Loads on symmetry
ider the 7:
Chapter plate
FEMstructure shown inMESH,
MODELING: Figure LOADS
7.15(a). This
ANDstructure
BCS is symmetrically loaded on the P/2
- Anti-symmetry
lane. Applying the recognition patterns stated above one concludes that the structure is doubly
A B
plane must A
be divided
B
P in the x-direction areP
metric in both geometry and loading. It is evident that no displacements
ble for any point yon the y-axis, and that no y displacements are possible for points
C on theD x by
P two
Figure 7.17. Breaking
C up a point
P
D load acting on a symmetry
A finite element model of this structure may look like that shown in Figure 7.15(b). P/2
(a) (b)
e other hand if theAloading is antisymmetric,
B as illustrated in Figure
A 7.16(a),Bthe x axis becomes P/2
ntisymmetry line as none of the y = 0 points can move along the x direction. The2P boundary A B
P 2PP
itions to be imposed on the FE model are alsox
different, as shown in Figure 7.16(b). C D
D 7.18. Breaking up a point load acting Figure
Figure on a antisymmetry line node.
C
D 7.18. Breaking P/2
up a point load acting on a an
rk 7.3. For the case shown in Figure 7.16(b) note that all rollersC slide in the same direction. Thus
rtical rigid body motion along y is not precluded. To do that, one node has to be
Vertical (y) constrained
motion of C (orin the y
Distributed loads should
another node)not be divided when the structure
Distributed is broken
loads should down
not be into pieces,
divided when the since the lumping
structure is brok
ion. If there are no actual physical supports, the choice is arbitrary and amounts onlyshould
to anbeadjustment
constrained
process will take
to care of the
eliminate the necessary
e overall (rigid-body) vertical motion. In Figure 7.16(b) the center point C has been so chosen. But any
apportionment
y rigid motion process will to nodes.
take care of2Pthe necessary apportionment to nodes.
node could be selected as well; for example A or D. The important thing is not to overconstrain the Figure 7.18. Breaking up a point load acting on a antisymmet
ure by applying more Figure 7.16.
than one A doubly symmetric structure under antisymmetric loading.
y constraint.

Distributed loads should not be divided when the structure is broken down
emark 7.4. Point loads acting at nodes located on symmetry or antisymmetry lines require special care. For
 Symmetry on solids (in ANSYS) (42)

- Symmetry on solids by Displacement: Symmetric boundary conditions in

solids are equivalent apply displacement zero on normal direction to
symmetry plane

Apply 0
displacement on
normal symmetry
plane

- Symmetry on solids by Frictionless Surface: Symmetric boundary

conditions in solids are equivalent to boundary conditions that impose a
Frictionless Surface

Not further
actions need
 Symmetry on shells and beams (in ANSYS) (43)

- Symmetry on shells and beams by Displacement + Fixed Rotation :

Symmetric boundary conditions in the nodes of the symmetry plane involve
the restriction of the out-of-plane DOF translation and the restriction of the
in-plane DOF rotations.

Apply 0
displacement on
normal symmetry
plane

Apply Fixed
rotation in-
symmetry-plane
 Symmetric regions (in ANSYS) (44)

Alternatively, each symmetry can be represented as a Symmetry

Objects Reference
Region object
Tree Dependencies:

- Automatically
Valid Parent inserted
Tree Object:in the tree if model
Model
includes symmetry
Valid Child Tree Objects: planes defined
Comment, Figure, Image, in
DesignModeler (using
Periodic/Cyclic Region,the Symmetry
Symmetry Region feature).

Insertion Options:

Automatically inserted in the tree if model includes sym-

metry planes defined in DesignModeler (using the Sym-
- For manual insertion,
metry or Enclosure feature). we can choose
Symmetry on Model context toolbar.
For manual insertion, use any of the following methods
after highlighting Model object:

Choose Symmetry on Model context toolbar.

Click right mouse button on Model object or in the

Geometry window> Insert> Symmetry.

Note

Only one Symmetry object is valid per

Model.
 Example 11.08 (45)

Use ANSYS Workbench to model the steel element using symmetries