Finite Element Modeling and Simulation with ANSYS Workbench

Learn Basic Theory and Software Usage from a Single Volume

Finite Element Modeling and Simulation with ANSYS Workbench combines finite element theory with real-world practice. Providing an introduction to finite element modeling and analysis for those with no prior experience, and written by authors with a combined experience of 30 years teaching the subject, this text presents FEM formulations integrated with relevant hands-on applications using ANSYS Workbench for finite element analysis (FEA). Incorporating the basic theories of FEA and the use of ANSYS Workbench in the modeling and simulation of engineering problems, the book also establishes the FEM method as a powerful numerical tool in engineering design and analysis.

The authors reveal the basic concepts in FEA using simple mechanics problems as examples, and provide a clear understanding of FEA principles, element behaviors, and solution procedures. They emphasize correct usage of FEA software, and techniques in FEA modeling and simulation. The material in the book discusses one-dimensional bar and beam elements, two-dimensional plane stress and plane strain elements, plate and shell elements, and three-dimensional solid elements in the analyses of structural stresses, vibrations and dynamics, thermal responses, fluid flows, optimizations, and failures. Contained in 12 chapters, the text introduces ANSYS Workbench through detailed examples and hands-on case studies, and includes homework problems and projects using ANSYS Workbench software that are provided at the end of each chapter.

• Covers solid mechanics and thermal/fluid FEA
• Contains ANSYS Workbench geometry input files for examples and case studies
• Includes two chapters devoted to modeling and solution techniques, design optimization, fatigue, and buckling failure analysis
• Provides modeling tips in case studies to provide readers an immediate opportunity to apply the skills they learn in a problem-solving context

Finite Element Modeling and Simulation with ANSYS Workbench benefits upper-level undergraduate students in all engineering disciplines, as well as researchers and practicing engineers who use the finite element method to analyze structures.

Introduction

Some Basic Concepts

An Example in FEA: Spring System

Overview of ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Bars and Trusses

Introduction

Review of the 1-D Elasticity Theory

Modeling of Trusses

Formulation of the Bar Element

Examples with Bar Elements

Case Study with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Beams and Frames

Introduction

Review of the Beam Theory

Modeling of Beams and Frames

Formulation of the Beam Element

Examples with Beam Elements

Case Study with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Two-Dimensional Elasticity

Introduction

Review of 2-D Elasticity Theory

Modeling of 2-D Elasticity Problems

Formulation of the Plane Stress/Strain Element

Case Study with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Modeling and Solution Techniques

Introduction

Symmetry

Substructures (Superelements)

Equation Solving

Nature of Finite Element Solutions

Convergence of FEA Solutions

Adaptivity (h-, p-, and hp-Methods)

Case Study with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Plate and Shell Analyses

Introduction

Review of Plate Theory

Modeling of Plates and Shells

Formulation of the Plate and Shell Elements

Case Studies with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Three-Dimensional Elasticity

Introduction

Review of Theory of Elasticity

Modeling of 3-D Elastic Structures

Formulation of Solid Elements

Case Studies with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Structural Vibration and Dynamics

Introduction

Review of Basic Equations

Formulation for Modal Analysis

Formulation for Frequency Response Analysis

Formulation for Transient Response Analysis

Modeling Examples

Case Studies with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Thermal Analysis

Introduction

Review of Basic Equations

Modeling of Thermal Problems

Case Studies with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Introduction to Fluid Analysis

Introduction

Review of Basic Equations

Modeling of Fluid Flow

Case Studies with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Design Optimization

Introduction

Topology Optimization

Parametric Optimization

Design Space Exploration for Parametric Optimization

Case Studies with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Failure Analysis

Introduction

Static Failure

Fatigue Failure

Buckling Failure

Case Studies with ANSYS Workbench

Summary

Problems

Appendix

Photo Credits

References

Index

Dr. Xiaolin Chen is an associate professor of mechanical engineering and director of the computer-aided engineering (CAE) research laboratory at the Washington State University Vancouver. She received her BS in engineering mechanics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, MS in mechanical design and theory from the State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and her PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Her research interests include computational methods in solid mechanics, finite element analysis, boundary element analysis, reduced order modeling for dynamic systems, multiphysics phenomena and coupled-field problems, inverse problems, and regularization techniques.

Dr. Yijun Liu is a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Cincinnati. He obtained his BS and MS in aerospace engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University (China), and his PhD in theoretical and applied mechanics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining the faculty, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Center of Nondestructive Evaluation of Iowa State University and worked at Ford Motor Company as a CAE analyst. Dr. Liu’s interests are in computational mechanics, finite element method, boundary element method, and fast multipole method in modeling composite materials, fracture, fatigue, structural dynamics, and acoustics problems.