Introduction To ANSYS Software and why is it used

Introduction To ANSYS

ANSYS is a general-purpose finite element analysis (FEA) software package. Finite Element Analysis is a numerical method of deconstructing a complex system into very small pieces (of user-designated size) called elements. The software implements equations that govern the behaviour of these elements and solves them all, creating a comprehensive explanation of how the system acts as a whole. These results then can be presented in tabulated, or graphical forms. This type of analysis is typically used for the design and optimization of a system far too complex to analyze by hand. Systems that may fit into this category are too complex due to their geometry, scale, or governing equations.

ANSYS is the standard FEA teaching tool within the Mechanical Engineering Department at many colleges. ANSYS is also used in Civil and Electrical Engineering, as well as the Physics and Chemistry departments.

Engine block ansys Example

Why use it?

ANSYS provides a cost-effective way to explore the performance of products or processes in a virtual environment. This type of product development is termed virtual prototyping.

With virtual prototyping techniques, users can iterate various scenarios to optimize the product long before the manufacturing is started. This enables a reduction in the level of risk, and in the cost of ineffective designs. The multifaceted nature of ANSYS also provides a means to ensure that users are able to see the effect of a design on the whole behavior of the product, be it electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical etc.

Generic Steps to Solving any Problem in ANSYS

Like solving any problem analytically, you need to define (1) your solution domain, (2) the physical model, (3) boundary conditions and (4) the physical properties. You then solve the problem and present the results. In numerical methods, the main difference is an extra step called mesh generation. This is the step that divides the complex model into small elements that become solvable in an otherwise too complex situation. Below describes the processes in terminology slightly more attune to the software.

• Build Geometry

Construct a two or three dimensional representation of the object to be modeled and tested using the work plane coordinate system within ANSYS.

• Define Material Properties

Now that the part exists, define a library of the necessary materials that compose the object (or project) being modeled. This includes thermal and mechanical properties.

• Generate Mesh

At this point ANSYS understands the makeup of the part. Now define how the modeled system should be broken down into finite pieces.

• Apply Loads

Once the system is fully designed, the last task is to burden the system with constraints, such as physical loadings or boundary conditions.

• Obtain Solution

This is actually a step, because ANSYS needs to understand within what state (steady state, transient… etc.) the problem must be solved.

• Present the Results

After the solution has been obtained, there are many ways to present ANSYS’ results, choose from many options such as tables, graphs, and contour plots.

Specific Capabilities of ANSYS 

1. Structural
2. Thermal
3. Fluid Flow
4. Magnetic
5. Acoustics / Vibration
6. Coupled Fields
7. Etc.

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