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.

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 in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 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. and an alumnus of the Sibley School. The development of these learning modules is being supported by a Faculty Innovation in Teaching award from Cornell University.

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 tutorial topics are drawn from Cornell University courses, the 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 overlooked. The pedagogical philosophy behind these modules is discussed in this article from the ANSYS Advantage magazine.

Finite Element Analysis Using ANSYS Mechanical

The following ANSYS tutorials show you how to obtain an FEA solution from scratch using ANSYS Mechanical

Introductory Tutorials

Plate With a Hole

MAE 3250/ MAE 4700--5700

Static Structural

Bike Crank

MAE 3250/MAE 3272

Static Structural

Bike Crank: Part 2

MAE 3272

Static Structural

Cantilever Beam

MAE 4700-5700

Static Structural

Plane Frame

MAE 4700-5700

Static Structural

A stepped shaft in axial tension

Prantil et al textbook

Static Structural

A non-slender cantilever beam
under point tip loading

Prantil et al textbook

Static Structural

Hoop and axial stresses in
thick-walled pressure vessels

Prantil et al textbook

Static Structural

A four-point bend test
on a T-beam

Prantil et al textbook

Static Structural   

Planar approximations for a
two-dimensional beam analysis

Prantil et al textbook

Static Structural

Three-dimensional analysis of
combined loading in a signpost

Prantil et al textbook

Static Structural

Plate With a Hole: Optimization

MAE 3250/MAE 4700-5700

Optimization

Heat Conduction in a Cylinder

MAE 4700-5700

Heat Transfer

2D Steady Conduction in a
Rectangular Domain

MAE 3240/ MAE 6510

Heat Transfer

Cantilever Beam Modal Analysis

MAE 4700-5700

Dynamics

Modal Analysis of a Wing

 

Dynamics

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.

Tensile Bar

MAE 3250

Static Structural

Plate With a Hole

MAE 3250

Static Structural

Bending of a Curved Beam         

MAE 3250                  

Static Structural   

Advanced Tutorials

Rat Femur

BME 4490

Static Structural

Trachea Analysis

BME 2000

Static Structural

Under Construction

Bone Compression

 

Static Structural

Cardiovascular Stent

 

Static Structural

 

High Resolution FE Model
of Bone

MAE 6640

Static Structural

Hertz Contact Mechanics

Undergrad Project

Static Structural

Stress due to Gravity

 

Static Structural

Advanced FEA for Large
Telescope Truss

CCAT Telescope
Project

Static Structural 

Crack Between Neo-Hookean
Material and Rigid Body

MAE 5700

Static Structural 

Wind Turbine Blade FSI (Part 2)

MAE 4020-5020

Static Structural, FSI

Linear Column Buckling

 

Structural

Thermal Stresses in a Bar

 

Coupled Static 
Structural
and Heat Transfer

Transient 2D Conduction

 

Heat Transfer

3D Conduction

 

Heat Transfer

Radiation Between Surfaces

 

Heat Transfer

Modal Analysis of a Satellite

Cornell CubeSat Team

Dynamics

Modal Analysis of a Composite  
Monocoque

Cornell Formula
SAE team

 

 

Tips and tricks

Tips and Tricks                              

 

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

Two-Dimensional Static Truss

ANSYS 11.0 12.0 APDL

Basic

Plate with a hole

ANSYS 11.0 12.0 APDL

Basic

Three-dimensional bicycle crank

ANSYS 12.0 APDL

Intermediate

Three-dimensional curved beam

ANSYS 11.0 APDL

Intermediate

Vibration analysis of a frame

ANSYS 7.0

Intermediate

Semi-monocoque shell

ANSYS 10.0 APDL

Intermediate

Semi-monocoque shell,
Part 2: Parametric study

ANSYS 10.0 APDL

Intermediate

Orthotropic plate with a hole

ANSYS 11.0 12.0 APDL

Intermediate

Disks in point contact

ANSYS 7.1 Classic

Intermediate

Frequently Asked Questions