Pre-Analysis & Start-Up
Pre-Analysis
There are three difference theories for finding the solution for the bending of a curved beam. There is elasticity theory, where
$$
\sigma_r = (\frac
) [( 1 - \frac
\ln(\frac
) - (1 - \frac
)\ln(\frac
)]
$$
and
$$
\sigma_\theta = (\frac
) [(1 - \frac
)(1+\ln(\frac
)) - (1 + \frac
)\ln(\frac
)]
$$
where
$$
N = (1 - \frac
)^2 - 4(\frac
)\ln^2(\frac
)
$$
There is Winkler Bach Theory, where
$$
\sigma_x = \frac
[ 1 + \frac
]
$$
where
$$
Z = -1 + \frac
)/(R - \frac
)]
$$
And there is the straight beam theory, where
$$
\sigma_x = \frac
$$
ANSYS Simulation
Now, let's load the problem into ANSYS and see how a computer simulation will compare. First, start by downloading the files here
The zip file should contain the following contents:
- Curved Beam Solution_files folder
- Curved Beam Solution.wbpj
Please make sure to extract both of these files from the zip folder, the program will not work otherwise. (Note: The solution was created using ANSYS workbench 13.0 release, there may be compatibility issues when attempting to open with older versions).
2. Double click "Curved Beam Solution.wbpj" - This should automatically open ANSYS workbench (you have to twiddle your thumbs a bit before it opens up). You will be presented with the ANSYS solution.
A tick mark against each step indicates that that step has been completed.
3. To look at the results, double click on "Results" - This should bring up a new window (again you have to twiddle your thumbs a bit before it opens up).
4. On the left-hand side there should be an "Outline" toolbar. Look for "Solution (A6)".
We'll investigate the items listed under Solution in the next step in this tutorial.