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Geometry

Initial settings

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Proper Orientation

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Line Sketching

First instinct is to make a rectangular solid as a model for our cantilever; While this would work, it would make the mesh more complex than it needs to be. This is a one-dimensional problem, so all we really need at our base is a one-dimensional figure: a line; (We still need to tell ANSYS it has volume, though.)

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Line Body

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The following videos use the legacy geometry engine, DesignModeler. Please see this page of the EdX course for updated instructions using the new geometry engine, SpaceClaim.

Sketch the Midline

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lm9Z_3eMAQc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Specify Moment of Inertia

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W_QGlwxIza0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Check Your Understanding

Select the correct option below.

Consider the case where we replace our square cross-section in ANSYS with a different cross-section that has a lower cross-sectional area but the same moment of inertia. How is the total potential energy of the beam affected?

It:

1. Decreases
2. Stays the same 
3. Increases

Cross Section

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Assign the Cross Section with the Line Body

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Verify Geometry

At this point the specified geometry can be checked in order to make sure all has gone well; Click on View > Cross Section Solids, as shown below;
Image Removed
If you click on the 1 Cross Section, Image Removed, in the Tree Outline and then click on the light blue dot, Image Removed, you should now see a three dimensionally rendered beam in an isometric view;
Image Removed
At this point, the Design Modeler window can be closed. Don't worry - your work will be saved.

Go to Step 3: Mesh

Go to all ANSYS Learning Modules