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Geometry

Overview

The process we'll follow is:

1. Sketch a line representing the undeformed neutral axis of the beam.
2. Turn this "line sketch" into a "line body". Only "bodies" can be meshed in ANSYS.
3. Define the beam cross-section and assign it to the "line body". ANSYS will then use the cross-section geometry to calculate the moment of inertia while forming the beam element stiffness matrices.

Initial settings

In order to make sure the geometry data gets transferred to the Model a couple of steps must be taken; First, right click on Geometry then click on Properties. Under Properties of Schematic A3: Geometry expand Basic Geometry Options and check the box to the right of Line Bodies as seen below.

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