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h3. List of Learning Modules

Each learning module below contains a step-by-step tutorial that shows details of how to solve a selected problem using ANSYS, a popular tool for finite-element analysis (FEA). The pedagogical philosophy behind these modules is discussed in [this article|http://www.idac.co.uk/enews/articles/Teaching.pdf] from the _ANSYS Advantage_ magazine.
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h4. Finite Element Analysis Using ANSYS Mechanical: Results-Interpretation

The following ANSYS tutorials focus on the _interpretation and verification_ of FEA results (rather than on obtaining an FEA solution from scratch). The ANSYS solution files are provided as a download. We read the solution into _ANSYS Mechanical_ and then move directly to reviewing the results critically. We are particularly interested in the comparison of FEA results with hand calculations.

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| !Tensile Bar Thumb.png|  width=150, height=75, align=center,thumbnail! | [Tensile Bar|Tensile Bar] | MAE 3250 | Static Structural |
| !Plate with a Hole Thumb.png| width=150, height=75, align=center,thumbnail! | [Plate With a Hole|SIMULATION:Plate with a Hole (Results-Interpretation)]\\ | MAE 3250 \\ | Static Structural \\ |
| !Curved Beam Thumb.png|width=150, height=75, align=center,thumbnail! | [SIMULATION:Bending of a Curved Beam]          \\ | MAE 3250                   \\ | Static Structural    \\ |
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h4. Finite Element Analysis Using ANSYS Mechanical

The following ANSYS tutorials show you how to obtain an FEA solution from scratch using _ANSYS Mechanical_. The tutorial topics are drawn from Cornell University courses, the [SIMULATION:Prantil et al] textbook, student/research projects etc. If a tutorial is from a course, the relevant course number is indicated below. All tutorials have a common structure and use the same high-level steps starting with _Pre-Analysis_ and ending with _Verification and Validation_. _Pre-Analysis_ includes hand calculations to predict expected results while _Verification and Validation_ can be thought of as a formal process for checking computer results. Both these steps are extremely important in practice though often ovelooked.

h4. _Introductory Tutorials_

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| !Plate with a Hole Thumb.png|align=center,thumbnail,width=150,height=75!\\ | [Plate With a Hole|ANSYS WB - Plate With a Hole - Problem Specification]\\ | MAE 3250 | Static Structural |
| !crank_geo.png|thumbnail,width=150,height=75,align=center!\\ | [Bike Crank|SIMULATION:Crank - Problem Specification] \\ | MAE 3250/MAE 3272 | Static Structural |
| !crank_with_gages.png|thumbnail,width=150,height=75,align=center!\\ | [Bike Crank: Part 2|SIMULATION:Bike Crank - Part 2]\\ | MAE 3272 | Static Structural \\ |
| !Cantilever Thumb.png|align=center,width=150,thumbnail,height=75!\\ | [Cantilever Beam|ANSYS 12 - Cantilever Beam - Problem Specification]\\ | MAE 4700/MAE 5700 | Static Structural |
| !Plane Frame Thumb.png|width=150,align=center,height=75,thumbnail! | [Plane Frame|ANSYS 12 - Plane Frame - Problem Specification]\\ | MAE 4700/MAE 5700 \\ | Static Structural \\ |
| !Stepped Shaft.JPG|thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [A stepped shaft in axial tension|https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/Stepped+Shaft]\\ | Prantil et al textbook | Static Structural \\ |
| !Stubby Beam.JPG|thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [A non-slender cantilever beam |I-Beam]\\
[under point tip loading|I-Beam]\\ | Prantil et al textbook \\ | Static Structural \\ |
| !TWPV.JPG|thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [Hoop and axial stresses in |https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/Pressure+Vessel]\\
[thick-walled |https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/Pressure+Vessel][pressure vessels|https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/Pressure+Vessel]\\ | Prantil et al textbook \\ | Static Structural \\ |
| !T_Beam.JPG|thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [A four-point bend test|https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/T-Beam]\\
[on a T-beam|https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/T-Beam]\\ | Prantil et al textbook \\ | Static Structural    \\ |
| !2D_Beam.JPG|thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [Planar approximations for a|https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/2D+Beam]\\
[two-dimensional |https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/2D+Beam][beam analysis|https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/2D+Beam]\\ | Prantil et al textbook \\ | Static Structural \\ |
| !Signpost.JPG|thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [Three-dimensional analysis of|3D Signpost]\\
[combined|3D Signpost] [loading in a signpost|3D Signpost]\\ | Prantil et al textbook \\ | Static Structural \\ |
| !Plate Opt Thumb.png|align=center,width=150,thumbnail,height=75!\\ | [Plate With a Hole: Optimization|SIMULATION:Plate With a Hole Optimization - Problem Specification]\\ | MAE 3250 | Optimization |
| !Cylinder Conduction Thumb.png|width=150,align=center,thumbnail,height=75!\\ | [Heat Conduction in a Cylinder|https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/ANSYS+12+-+Heat+Conduction+-+Problem+Specification]\\ | MAE 4700/MAE 5700 | Heat Transfer |
| !2D Conduction Thumb.png|align=center,thumbnail,width=150,height=75!\\ | [2D Steady Conduction in a |2D Steady Conduction - Problem Specification]\\
[Rectangular Domain|2D Steady Conduction - Problem Specification]\\ | MAE 6510 | Heat Transfer |
| !Cantilever Modal Thumb.png|align=center,thumbnail,width=150,height=75!\\ | [Cantilever Beam Modal Analysis|ANSYS 12 - Cantilever Beam Modal Analysis - Problem Specification]\\ | | Dynamics |
| !Wing Modal Thumb.png|thumbnail,width=150,height=75,align=center!\\ | [Modal Analysis of a Wing|ANSYS WB - Modal Analysis of a Wing - Problem Specification]\\ | | Dynamics |
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h4.






h4. _Advanced Tutorials_
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| !bone.jpg|height=75, thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [High Resolution FE Model|SIMULATION:ANSYS - High Resolution FE Model of Bone - Problem Specification]\\
 [of Bone|SIMULATION:ANSYS - High Resolution FE Model of Bone - Problem Specification]\\ | MAE 6640 \\ | Static Structural \\ |
| !Title Pic.png|thumbnail,width=150,height=75! | [SIMULATION:Hertz Contact Mechanics] | Undergrad Project | Static Structural \\ |
| !GravityTurbine StressBlade Thumb.png|thumbnail,width=150, height=75, align=center!\\ | [Stress due to Gravity|SIMULATION:Stress due to GravityWind Turbine Blade|ANSYS WB - Wind Turbine Blade - Problem Specification]\\ | M.Eng Project\\ | Static Structural \\ |
| !TurbineGravity BladeStress Thumb.png|thumbnail,width=150, height=75, align=center!\\ | [WindStress due Turbineto BladeGravity|ANSYSSIMULATION:Stress WBdue -to Wind TurbineGravity Blade - Problem Specification]\\ | M.Eng Project | Static Structural \\ |
| !Telescope_thumb.jpg|height=75,thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [Advanced FEA for Large |SIMULATION:Advanced FEA for Large Telescope Truss - Problem Specification]\\
[Telescope Truss|SIMULATION:Advanced FEA for Large Telescope Truss - Problem Specification]\\ | CCAT Telescope \\
Project | Static Structural  \\ |
| !temporary.jpg|height=75, thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [Crack Between Neo-Hookean |SIMULATION:ANSYS - Crack Between Neo-Hookean Material and Rigid Body - Problem Specification]\\
[Material |SIMULATION:ANSYS - Crack Between Neo-Hookean Material and Rigid Body - Problem Specification][and Rigid Body|SIMULATION:ANSYS - Crack Between Neo-Hookean Material and Rigid Body - Problem Specification]\\ | | Static Structural  \\ |
| !main page pic.JPG|thumbnail,width=150,height=75,align=center!\\ | [Linear Column Buckling|SIMULATION:Linear Column Buckling - Problem Specification]\\ | | Structural |
| !Thermal Stress Thumb.png|width=150,thumbnail,align=center,height=75! | [Thermal Stresses in a Bar|ANSYS WB - Thermal Stresses in a Bar - Problem Specification]\\ | | Coupled Static  \\
Structural \\
and Heat Transfer |
| !transient.png|thumbnail,width=150,height=75!\\ | [Transient 2D Conduction|SIMULATION:Transient Conduction - Problem Specification]\\ | | Heat Transfer \\ |
| !3D Conduction Thumb.png|height=75,thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [3D Conduction|SIMULATION:ANSYS 13 - 3D Conduction Problem Specification]\\ | | Heat Transfer |
| !radiation.JPG|height=75,thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [Radiation Between Surfaces|SIMULATION:ANSYS - Radiation Between Surfaces - Problem Specification]\\ | | Heat Transfer |
| !Modal Satellite Image.jpg|align=center,height=75, thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [Modal Analysis of a Satellite|SIMULATION:ANSYS - Modal Analysis of a Satellite - Problem Specification]\\ | Cornell CubeSat Team | Dynamics |
| !composite.png|align=center,height=75, thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [Modal Analysis of a Composite|SIMULATION:ANSYS - Modal Analysis of a Composite Monocoque - Problem Specification]   \\
[Monocoque|SIMULATION:ANSYS - Modal Analysis of a Composite Monocoque - Problem Specification]\\ | Cornell Formula \\
SAE team | |
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h4. _Tips and tricks_
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| !TTmodel.jpg|height=75,thumbnail,width=150!\\ | [Tips and Tricks|SIMULATION:ANSYS - Tips and Tricks]                               \\ |
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h4.


h4. Finite Element Analysis Using ANSYS APDL (These tutorials are no longer being updated)

| !mini_Truss.jpg|align=center! | [Two-Dimensional Static Truss|ANSYS - Truss Problem Specification] | ANSYS 11.0 12.0 APDL | Basic |
| !min_Plate.jpg|align=center! | [Plate with a hole|ANSYS - Plate with a hole - Problem Specification] | ANSYS 11.0 12.0 APDL | Basic |
| !crank.jpg|align=center! | [Three-dimensional bicycle crank|ANSYS 11 - Crank problem] | ANSYS 12.0 APDL | Intermediate |
| !mini_Curved_Beam.jpg|align=center! | [Three-dimensional curved beam|ANSYS - 3D Curved Beam - Problem Specification] | ANSYS 11.0 APDL | Intermediate |
| !mini_Vibration.jpg|align=center! | [Vibration analysis of a frame|ANSYS - Vibration Analysis of a Frame - Problem Specification] | ANSYS 7.0 | Intermediate |
| !shell_small.jpg|align=center! | [Semi-monocoque shell|ANSYS - Semi-monocoque shell - Problem Specification] | ANSYS 10.0 APDL | Intermediate |
| !shell_small.jpg|align=center! | [Semi-monocoque shell, |ANSYS - Semi-Monocoque Shell, Part 2 - Problem Specification]\\
[Part 2: Parametric study|ANSYS - Semi-Monocoque Shell, Part 2 - Problem Specification] | ANSYS 10.0 APDL | Intermediate |
| !mini_Plate2.jpg|align=center! | [Orthotropic plate with a hole|ANSYS - Orthotropic plate with a hole - Problem Specification] | ANSYS 11.0 12.0 APDL | Intermediate |
| !mini_Contact.jpg|align=center! | [Disks in point contact|ANSYS - Disks in Point Contact - Problem Specification] | ANSYS 7.1 Classic | Intermediate |
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| !qmark.jpg|align=center! | [Frequently Asked Questions|ANSYS FAQ] |
Learning modules which have not yet been migrated to this space can be found [here|http://courses.cit.cornell.edu/ansys/].

h3. About the ANSYS learning modules

This ANSYS short course consists of a set of learning modules on using ANSYS to solve problems in solid mechanics. The learning modules lead the user through the steps involved in solving a selected set of problems using ANSYS. We not only provide the solution steps but also the rationale behind them. It is worthwhile for the user to understand the underlying concepts as she goes through the learning modules in order to be able to correctly apply ANSYS to other problems. The user would be ill-served by clicking through the learning modules in zombie-mode. Each learning module is followed by problems which are geared towards strengthening and reinforcing the knowledge and understanding gained in the learning modules. Working through the problem sets is an intrinsic part of the learning process and shouldn't be skipped.

These learning modules have been developed by the [Swanson Engineering Simulation Program|http://www.mae.cornell.edu/swanson/index.html] in the [Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering|http://www.mae.cornell.edu/] at Cornell University. The Swanson Engineering Simulation Program has been established with the goal of integrating computer-based simulations into the mechanical engineering curriculum. This program has been endowed by Dr. John Swanson, the founder of [ANSYS Inc.|http://www.ansys.com/] and an alumnus of the Sibley School. The development of these learning modules is being supported by a [Faculty Innovation in Teaching|http://www.cit.cornell.edu/atc/innovation/] award from Cornell University.

h3. What is ANSYS?

ANSYS is a finite-element analysis package used widely in industry to simulate the response of a physical system to structural loading, and thermal and electromagnetic effects. ANSYS uses the finite-element method to solve the underlying governing equations and the associated problem-specific boundary conditions.

h3. How to use these learning modules

These learning modules are designed to be used online and run side-by-side with the ANSYS 12.1 software. After you launch the learning modules and ANSYS, you will have to drag the browser window to the width of the largest image (about 350 pixels). To make best use of screen real estate, move the windows around and resize them so that you approximate this [screen arrangement|SIMULATION:Screenshot].

h3. System and software requirements

* System: Any system that can run ANSYS and a web browser.
* Screen: Resolution should be at least 1280 x 1024 pixels for optimal viewing. A 17" monitor or larger is recommended.
* ANSYS version 12.1. These tutorials were created using ANSYS 12.1.
* Web Browser: These tutorials work best in 5.0 or higher versions of Internet Explorer and Netscape because style sheet support is needed. These tutorials can be used with Netscape 4.x but may not render correctly.

Choose a learning module by selecting from the list at the top of this page

h3. Conventions used

Each learning module begins with a problem specification. A solution can be obtained by following these seven steps:
1. Pre-analysis
2. Geometry
3. Mesh
4. Setup (Physics)
5. Solution
6. Results
7. Verification and Validation
These steps appear at the top of each page of the learning module with the current step {color:#000000}{*}bolded{*}{color}.

ANSYS uses cascading menus which are represented as follows:

*Main Menu > Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models ....*

This means that in the _Main Menu_, click on _Preprocessor_. Then, in the _Preprocessor_ menu that comes up, click on _Material Props_ and so on.

Names of windows are in _italics_.

Items and options appearing within menus and dialog boxes are {color:#663399}{*}{_}purple, italic, and bold{_}{*}{color}.

Text and numbers that need to be entered are indicated in {{Courier font}}.
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