3.11 Problems
3.11.1 1-D Problems
W1: Consider a 2m long steel bar of 50mm² cross-sectional area as shown in figure below. Use two element mesh to model this problem.

image
Sol:
Preprocessing
  1. Change jobname
    File> Change Jobname
    Enter ‘Bar with tip load’, and click on ‘OK’.
  2. Define element types
    Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete
    Click on ‘Add..’, highlight ‘Link’, then ‘3D finit stn 180’, click on ‘OK’, then ‘Close’.
  3. Define the real constants for the Link180, which are cross-sectional area and initial strain:
    Preprocessor> Real Constants> Add
    Click ‘OK’ for ‘Type 1 LINK180’
    In this problem, there is no initial strain (leave blank), and the area is 50. After filling in the area value, click on ‘OK’, then ‘Close’.
  4. Create nodes in the bar
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Nodes> In Active CS
    Enter 1 for node number (ANSYS would automatically number nodes if this column is left blank). Enter the location as (X,Y,Z)=(0,0,0). Click on ‘Apply’.
    Continue defining nodes 2&3 using the locations based on the sketch of the truss, but after entering the node 3 location, click on ‘OK’ instead of ‘Apply’. So, node 2 is at (X,Y)=(500,100) and node 3 is at (X,Y)=(1000,0).
    As a check to ensure all nodes were entered correctly, list the nodes.
    Utility Menu> List> Nodes
    Turn on node numbering.
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering
  5. Create link elements between nodes
    Preprocessor> Create> Elements> Auto Numbered> Thru Nodes
    A picking menu appears. Pick node 1, then node 2, and click on ‘Apply’ in the Picking Menu. Pick node 2, then node 3, and click on ‘OK’ in the Picking Menu.
image
3.11.2 2-D
W2: Mesh the three-sided area shown below with quad elements.
image
Sol:
  1. Open preprocessor menu
    Main Menu> Preprocessor
  2. Define Keypoints
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Keypoints> On Working Plane..
    Pick 3 keypoints as shown in the above figure.
  3. Create Areas
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> Through KPs
    Define area through keypoints 1, 2, 3
    Select keypoints 1, 2 and 3 and then select ‘OK’.
  4. Define the Type of Element
    Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete> Add> Solid> Quad 4 node 182>
    Select ‘OK’, select ‘Close’
  5. Mesh the patterns
    Meshing> Mesh> Areas> Mapped> 3 or 4 sided or
    Meshing> MeshTool> Shape (Quad)> Mapped> Mesh
    Pick the area shown
image
Triangular elements can also be used to create the mesh.
Meshing> MeshTool> Shape (Tri)> Mapped> Mesh
image
W3: Mesh the region shown below with two adjacent, but distinct areas with quad elements.
image
Sol:
  1. Open preprocessor menu
    Main Menu> Preprocessor
  2. Define Keypoints
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Keypoints> On Working Plane..
    Pick 6 keypoints as shown in the above figure.
  3. Create Areas
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> Through KPs
    Define area-1 through keypoints 1,2,3,4.
    Select keypoints 1,2,3 and 4 and then select ‘OK’.
    Define area-2 through keypoints 1,2,5,6.
    Select keypoints 1,2,5 and 6 and then select ‘OK’.
  4. Define the Type of Element
    image
    Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete> Add> Solid> Quad 4 node 182
  5. Mesh the areas
    Meshing> Mesh> Areas> Mapped> 3 or 4 sided
    Pick the two areas shown.
W4: Draw a rectangle of 50mmx10mm. Mesh (1x5) the area. Choose the element type as Solid Quad 4 node 182.
Sol:
  1. Create the area
    Preprocessor> Create> Rectangle> By Dimensions
    Enter (0,50) for (X₁, X₂) and (0,10) for (Y₁, Y₂).
    image
    image
  2. Mesh the area
    Preprocessor> Mesh> Areas
    Pick the area just created and click ‘OK’
    image
    Notice that since element size and shape are not specified, ANSYS used its default values to generate the mesh. Since it is desired to use five elements, first clear the mesh and regenerate it after specifying ‘Element shape and size’.
  3. Clear the area
    Preprocessor>Clear> Areas
    Pick the meshed area. Click ‘OK’
  4. Remesh the area
    Set element shape
    Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete> Add
    image
    Set element size
    Preprocessor> Size Cntrls> ManualSize> Lines> For Picked Lines
    Not For All Lines because different number of divisions are necessary for different lines (i.e., 5 for horizontal lines and 1 for vertical lines). Pick two horizontal lines (lines 1 and 3). Enter 5 for No. of element divisions. Click ‘Apply’. Pick two vertical lines (lines 2 and 4). Enter 1 for No. of element divisions.
    The screen should look something like this:
    image
    image
    Plot Elements
    image
W5: Create the insignia shown below.
image
Sol:
I. Cutlines Method
  1. Give example a Title
    Utility Menu> File> Change Title ...
    ‘Meshing a plate using cutlines’
  2. Open preprocessor menu
    Main Menu> Preprocessor
  3. Define Keypoints
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Keypoints> In Active CS...
    Define 4 keypoints as given in the following table:
    KeypointCoordinates (x,y)
    1(0,50)
    2(50,0)
    3(100,50)
    4(50,100)
  4. Create Area
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> Through KPs
    Define an area through keypoints 1,2,3,4. Select keypoints 1,2,3 and 4 and then select 'OK'.
  5. Divide the area into 4 parts using 2 diagonal lines
    a. Create a line
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Lines> Lines> Straight Line
    b. Select the middle left keypoint and draw a line up to the middle right keypoint by clicking on that keypoint
  6. Select the bottom middle keypoint and draw a line up to the top middle keypoint by clicking on that keypoint
    a. Now divide the area into 4 areas using the lines by selecting
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Divide> Area by Line
  7. b. Select the area and click ‘OK’ in the 'Divide Area by Line' window
    c. Now select the lines and click ‘OK’ in the 'Divide Area by Line' window
    d. The area is now divided into 4 areas as shown in the figure below.
    image
    Any time the analyst deletes/modifies items like elements, nodes, areas and tries to create some more, s/he will see that ANSYS doesn't number the entities starting from one. The concept of ‘Compressing the numbers’ will be used to tackle this problem. Then ANSYS is forced to start numbering from the next available number.
    Ex: Suppose 1 area is created and for some reason the first one is split into 4. If the analyst tries to create more areas, most probably next one will be numbered as 2 NOT 1. This problem will be avoided if the following concept used.
  8. Compress the numbers
    Preprocessor> Numbering Controls> Compress Numbers …> ALL
  9. Define the Type of Element
    Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete...> Add...> Solid> Quad 4 node 182
    image
    image
    For this problem use the PLANE182 (plane stress, plane strain or generalized plane strain) element. It is defined by four nodes having two degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the nodal x and y directions.
  10. Select Plane Stress with Thickness
    In the Element Types window, select ‘Options’... and in Element behavior select ‘Plane strs w/thk’
  11. Define Real Constants
    Preprocessor> Real Constants> Add/Edit/Delete> Add...> OK
    In the 'Real Constants for PLANE182' window, enter the thickness: 10
  12. Define Element Material Properties
    Preprocessor> Material Props> Material Models> Structural> Linear> Elastic> Isotropic
    In the window that appears, enter the following geometric properties for steel:
    a) Young's modulus EX: 2e5
    b) Poisson's Ratio PRXY: 0.3
  13. Define Mesh Size
    Preprocessor> Meshing> Size Cntrls> ManualSize> Lines> All Lines...
    Set No. of element divisions= 2
  14. Mesh the frame
    Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > Areas > Pick All
    The mesh then appears as shown below.
image
II. Merging Objects Method
  1. Clear the memory and start a new model
    Utility Menu> File> Clear & Start New ...
  2. Give example a Title
    Utility Menu> File> Change Title ...
    ‘Meshing a plate by copying elements’
  3. Open preprocessor menu
    Main Menu> Preprocessor
  4. Define Keypoints
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Keypoints> In Active CS...
    Define 3 keypoints as given in the following table:
    KeypointCoordinates (x,y)
    1(0,50)
    2(50,50)
    3(50,0)
  5. Create Area
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> Through KPs
    Define an area through keypoints 1, 2, 3. Select keypoints 1,2 and 3 and then select 'OK'.
  6. Define the Type of Element
    Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete...> Add...> Solid> Quad 4 node 182
  7. Select Plane Stress with Thickness
    In the Element Types window, select ‘Options’ and in Element behavior select ‘Plane strs w/thk’
  8. Define Real Constants
    Preprocessor > Real Constants > Add/Edit/Delete > Add...
    In the 'Real Constants for PLANE182' window, enter the thickness: 10
  9. Define Element Material Properties
    Preprocessor> Material Props> Material Models> Structural> Linear> Elastic> Isotropic
    In the window that appears, enter the following geometric properties for steel:
    a. Young's modulus EX: 2e5
    b. Poisson's Ratio PRXY: 0.3
  10. Define Mesh Size
    Preprocessor> Meshing> Size Cntrls> ManualSize> Lines> All Lines...
    Set No. of element divisions to 2 to obtain the desired mesh.
  11. Mesh the area
    Preprocessor> Meshing> Mesh> Areas> Pick All
    image
  12. Mirror the geometry
    Create local coord system to mirror geom.
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Local Coordinate Systems> Create Local CS> At specified Loc
    First mirror the geometry about the diagonal from node 2 to 4. Click on the bottom right node (bottom corner) and select 'OK'
    As shown below, create a coordinate system moved 50 mm along X
    image
    Next, mirror the geometry. Select:
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Reflect> Areas> Pick All
    In the window that appears select Y-Z plane X and click 'OK'. This will mirror the geometry about the Y-Z plane
    Use the same technique to obtain the full geometry
  13. Re-activate the global coordinate system
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Change Active CS to> Global Cartesian
  14. Plot Elements
    Utility Menu> Plot> Elements
    The mesh now appears as follows:
    image
  15. Merge duplicate nodes/elements
    Preprocessor> Numbering Ctrls> Merge Items> All
III. Gluing Areas Method
  1. Clear the memory and start a new model
    Utility Menu> File> Clear & Start New ...
  2. Give example a Title
    Utility Menu> File> Change Title ...
    ‘Meshing a plate by copying areas’
  3. Open preprocessor menu
    Main Menu> Preprocessor
  4. Define Keypoints
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Keypoints> In Active CS...
    Define 7 keypoints as given in the following table:
    KeypointCoordinates (x,y)
    1(0,50)
    2(50,50)
    3(50,0)
    4(25,50)
    5(25,25)
    6(50,25)
    7(33.33,33.33)
  5. Create Area
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> Through KPs
    Now define 3 areas; (1,2,7,6), (2,3,4,7), (4,5,6,7)
  6. Mirror the geometry
    As shown in the previous section, create a local coordinate system and mirror the geometry
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Local Coordinate Systems> Create Local CS> At specified Loc
    Then, mirror the geometry, select:
    Preprocessor > Modeling> Reflect> Areas
    Do this twice to obtain the full geometry
  7. Re-activate the global coordinate system
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Change Active CS to> Global Cartesian
  8. Glue the areas together
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Glue> Areas
    Glue the areas together so that the areas are attached but that the subdivided areas remain to give the elements
  9. Define the Type of Element
    Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete...> Add... > Solid> Quad 4 node 182
    As in the previous mesh, use the PLANE182
  10. Select Plane Stress with Thickness
    In the Element Types window, select ‘Options’ and in ‘Element behavior’ select ‘Plane strs w/thk’
  11. Define Real Constants
    Preprocessor> Real Constants> Add/Edit/Delete> Add...
    In the 'Real Constants for PLANE182 window, enter thickness: 10
  12. Define Element Material Properties
    Preprocessor> Material Props> Material Models> Structural> Linear> Elastic> Isotropic
    In the window that appears, enter the following geometric properties for steel:
    a) Young's modulus EX: 2e5
    b) Poisson's Ratio PRXY: 0.3
  13. Define Mesh Size
    Preprocessor> Meshing> Size Cntrls> ManualSize> Areas> All Areas...
    Set Element edge length=1 to obtain the desired mesh
  14. Mesh the area
    Preprocessor> Meshing> Mesh> Areas> Pick All
    And again the desired mesh is obtained:
    image
W6: Create pattern shown below and mesh the same.
image
Sol:
  1. Turn ON area numbers
    PlotCntls> Numbering> Areas> ON
  2. Create the base rectangle
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Rectangle> By 2Corners
    Enter WP X=0, WP Y=0, Width=10 and Height=5
  3. Create a circle on lower left corner of the rectangle.
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Circle> Solid Circle
    Enter WP X=0, WP Y=0) and Radius=1
    image
  4. Repeat circle creation
    Enter center WP X=0, WP Y=5 and Radius=2
  5. Subtract circles from rectangle
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate>Subtract> Areas
    Pick base area, pick rectangle, click ‘OK’
    Pick areas to be subtracted, pick the two circles, click ‘OK’
    image
    image
  6. Mesh the pattern
    Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete> Add> Solid> Quad 4 node 182
    Meshing> Mesh> Areas> Free
    Pick the area.
    image
W7: Model a chain link shown below and mesh the same.
image
Sol: Since the object is symmetric, first draw one quadrant of the chain and reflect twice to get the full object.
  1. Draw the rectangle.
    Main Menu> Modeling> Areas> Rectangle> By Dimensions
    X1=0, X2=30, Y1=-30, Y2=60
  2. Now draw the partial annulus
    Main Menu> Modeling> Areas> Circle> Partial Annulus
    X=30, Y=0, Rad-1=30, Theta-1=0, Rad-2=60, Theta-2=90
    image
  3. Mesh the rectangle
    Main Menu> Meshing> Size Contrls> ManualSize> Picked Lines
    Select vertical lines of the rectangle. Click OK
    Set No. of element divisions=3
    Now select horizontal lines.
    Set No. of element divisions=2
    Main menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> SizeCntrls> Manual Size> Picked Lines
    Select 2 arcs. Set No. of element divisions=6. Now select 2 radial lines.
    Set No. of element divisions=3.
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> MeshTool> Mesh
    Click partial annulus, OK
  4. Draw the left hand portion of the part.
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Reflect> Areas
    Select the two areas. Under Reflect Areas Select YZ plane X under Reflect Areas
  5. Repeat reflect operation.
    Select areas, OK. Select XZ plane y under Reflect Areas.
    image image
W8: Model a spanner shown below and mesh the same.
image
Sol:
  1. Turn ON area numbers
    PlotCntls> Numbering> Areas> ON
  2. Create the base rectangle
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Rectangle> By 2Corners
    Enter WP X=0, WP Y=0, Width=150 and Height=50
    image
  3. Create a circle with center at the mid-point of the left side of the rectangle.
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Circle> Solid Circle
    Enter WP X=0, WP Y=25, and Radius=25
  4. Draw a circle with center at mid-point of the right side.
    Enter WP X=150, WP Y=25 and Radius=50
    image
  5. Add circles to rectangle
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Add> Areas
    Pick all areas, then ‘OK’.
    image
  6. Create a circle at the mid-point of the left side of the rectangle.
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Circle> Solid Circle
    Enter WP X=0, WP Y=25 and Radius=10
  7. Create a hexagon at the mid-point of the bigger circle.
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Polygon> Hexagon
    Enter WP X=150, WP Y=25 and Radius=25
  8. Subtract circle and hexagon from rectangle
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate>Add> Areas> Pick all
  9. Define element type
    Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete> Add> Solid> Quad 4 node 182
  10. Mesh the model
    Meshing> Mesh> Areas> Mapped> 3 or 4 sided
    Pick the area
    image
W9: Build a solid 2-D model of an automobile connecting rod using bottom-up modeling technique. Mesh the 2-D connecting rod. Then extrude the area with the mesh to create a 3-D mesh.
image
Sol:
  1. Enter ANSYS in the working directory using ‘C-Rod-2D’ as the jobname.
  2. Create two circular areas
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Circle> By Dimensions ...
    Enter RAD1=1.4, RAD2 = 1, THETA1 = 0, THETA2 = 180
    Next, set THETA1 = 45
  3. Turn area numbering on
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering ...
    Set Area numbers ON
  4. Create two rectangular areas
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling Create> Areas> Rectangle> By Dimensions ...
    X1 = -0.3, X2 = 0.3, Y1 = 1.2, Y2 = 1.8
    X1 = -1.8, X2 = -1.2, Y1 = 0, Y2 = 0.3
  5. Offset working plane to XYZ location (X=6.5)
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Offset WP to> XYZ Locations +
    Enter 6.5 in the ANSYS Input window
  6. Set the active coordinate system to be the working plane coordinate system
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Change Active CS to> Working Plane
  7. Create two more circular areas
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Circle> By Dimensions ...
    RAD1 = 0.7, RAD2 = 0.4, THETA1 = 0, THETA2 = 180
    Next, set THETA2 = 135
    image
  8. Issue separate Boolean overlaps on each area group
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Overlap> Areas +
    First select the left group of areas
    image
    Next, select the right group of areas
  9. Set the active coordinate system to be Global Cartesian
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Change Active CS to> Global Cartesian
  10. Define four new keypoints
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Keypoints> In Active CS …
    1st KP, X=2.5, Y=0.5, then [Apply], 2nd KP, X=3.25, Y=0.4
    3rd KP, X=4, Y=0.33, then [Apply], 4th KP, X=4.75, Y=0.28
  11. Set the active coordinate system to be global cylindrical
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Change Active CS to> Global Cylindrical
  12. Create a single line from a spline fit to a series of keypoints
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Lines> Splines> With Options> Spline thru KPs +
    Pick, the six keypoints as shown in the graphics window below
    image
    XV1 = 1 (radius at keypoint 1 in Global Cylindrical coordinate system)
    YV1 = 135 (theta at keypoint 1 in Global Cylindrical coordinate system)
    XV6 = 1 (radius at keypoint 6 in Global Cylindrical coordinate system)
    YV6 = 45 (theta at keypoint 6 in Global Cylindrical coordinate system)
    Click ‘OK’.
    image
    image
  13. Create a straight line between keypoints 5 and 18
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Lines> Lines> Straight Line +
    Pick the two keypoints as shown in the graphics window below
    image
  14. Turn line numbering on and plot lines
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering ...
    Set Line numbers ON
    Utility Menu> Plot> Lines
  15. Create a new area bounded by previously defined lines 6, 1, 7, 25
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> By Lines +
    Pick the four lines (6, 1, 7, and 25)
    image
  16. Zoom in on the left portion of the connecting rod
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Pan, Zoom, Rotate …
    Box Zoom
  17. Create three line fillets
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Lines> Line Fillet+
    Pick lines 36 and 40, RAD =0.25
    Pick lines 40 and 31, pick lines 30 and 39
    Utility Menu> Plot> Lines
    image
  18. Create three new areas bounded by the previously defined fillet lines
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> By Lines+
    Pick lines 12, 10, and 13
    Pick lines 17, 15, and 19
    Pick lines 23, 21, and 24
    Utility Menu> Plot> Areas
    image
  19. Add all areas together to form one single area
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Add> Areas +
    Pick All
  20. Fit the entire model within the graphics window
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Pan, Zoom, Rotate …
    Fit
  21. Turn off line and area numbering
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering ...
    Set Line and Area numbers off
    Utility Menu> Plot> Areas
  22. Set the active coordinate system to be global cartesian
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Change Active CS to> Global Cartesian
  23. Reflect the area about the X-Z plane (in Y direction)
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Reflect> Areas +
    Pick All. Select ‘X-Z plane’.
    image
  24. Add all areas together to form one single area
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Add> Areas +
    Pick All
  25. Turn working plane off
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Display Working Plane
    image
  26. Save
    Pick the ‘SAVE_DB’ button in the Toolbar
Meshing
  1. Change the jobname to be ‘C-Rod-2D-Mesh’
    Utility Menu> File> Change Jobname ...
  2. Enter the preprocessor and specify the element type to be Solid and ‘Quad 8 node 183’
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete …
    Add ...
  3. Set element size to 0.2 and free mesh the model with quad elements:
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Pick ‘Set’ under Size Controls: Global
    SIZE = 0.2, OK, Mesh, Pick All
    image
  4. Save the meshed model
    Utility Menu> File> Save as …
    Enter ‘C-Rod-2D-Mesh-Quad.db’ as the database name
  5. Extrude the meshed area along its normal to create a 3D brick mesh model
    a. Add a 3-D brick element
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete …
    Add ..., choose ‘Solid’ and ‘Brick 20node 186’
    b. Set element divisions along extrusion and then extrude the area
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Extrude> Elem Ext Opts ...
    Enter VAL1 = 3, then ‘OK’
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Extrude> Areas> Along Normal +
    Pick area number 2, then OK, DIST = 0.5, then OK
  6. Change to isometric view
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Pan, Zoom, Rotate …
    ISO
    image
  7. Save the meshed model
    Utility Menu> File> Save as …
    Enter ‘C-Rod-3D-Mesh-Brick.db’ as the database name
    Clear the mesh and save the model as ‘C-Rod-3d-Model’.
  8. Use VSWEEP to create a 3-D brick element mesh
    a. Resume the ‘C-Rod-3D-Model.db’ database
    Utility Menu> File> Resume from …
    Select the ‘C-Rod-3D-Model.db’
    b. Enter the preprocessor and specify the element type to be SOLID186
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete …
    Pick ‘Add’, choose ‘Solid’ and ‘Brick 20node 186’
    c. Mesh the volume using VSWEEP
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool ...
    Pick [Set] under Size Controls: Global, SIZE = 0.15
    Select ‘Hex’ and ‘Sweep’, and leave the default ‘Auto Src/Trg’ setting
    Select ‘Sweep’, then ‘Pick All’
    d. Save the meshed model
    Utility Menu> File> Save as …
    Enter ‘C-Rod-Mesh-Sweep.db’ as the database name
3.11.3 3-D
W10: Model and mesh the segment of a cylinder shown below. Draw a rectangular block at the bottom of the partial cylinder. Glue the two objects and mesh the objects.
image
Sol:
  1. Create the partial cylinder
    MainMenu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Cylinder> Partial Cylinder
    X=0,Y=0, Rad 1=1.5,Theta-1=0,Rad2=2.5,Theata-2=30,Depth=1,OK
  2. Create a brick mapped mesh,
    First select the brick elements from the element library.
    Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete> Add> Solid> Brick 8 node 185
    Meshing> Mesh> Volumes> Mapped> 4 to 6 sided
    Pick the volume shown
    image
  3. If a specific number of divisions is required along an edge of one of the 2D or 3D regions described above, go first
    Meshing> Size Cntrls> Manual Size> Picked Lines (or All Lines)
    Set the element edge length or number of divisions and then pick the lines to be divided.
  4. Create the cylinder segment and the brick separately and then glue together.
    Gluing two volumes creates a common boundary. Adding two volumes creates a single volume and the single entity must be meshed.
    MainMenu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Block> 2 Corners & Z
    X=1.5, Y=0, Width=1, Height=-1, Depth=1
    MainMenu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Glue> Volumes> PickAll
    Meshing> Mesh> Volumes> Mapped> 4 to 6 sided
    Pick the two volumes shown
    image image
W11: Build and mesh a half symmetry solid model of the pillow block shown below. Use both free meshing and sweep meshing techniques.
image
  1. Enter ANSYS. Enter ‘Solid Bearing’ as the jobname.
  2. Switch to isometric view
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Pan, Zoom, Rotate …
  3. Create the sole of the Solid Bearing
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Block> By Dimensions ...
    X1 = 0, X2 = 60, Y1 = 0, Y2 = 20, Z1 = 0, Z2 = -100, OK
    X1=0, X2 = 60, Y1 = 20, Y2 = 45, Z1 = 0, Z2 = -40, OK
    image
  1. Offset working plane to location X=30, Y=20, Z=-85
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Offset WP by Increments …
    Set X,Y,Z Offsets = 30,20,-85
    Set XY, YZ, ZX Angles = 0, -90, 0, then [OK]
  2. Create a solid cylinder having a diameter of 20 mm and a depth of -20 mm:
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Cylinder> Solid Cylinder +
    Radius = 10, Depth = -20, then ‘OK’
  3. Subtract the solid cylinder from the base
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Subtract> Volumes +
    Pick the base volume (Vol. 1), then ‘OK’
    Pick the cylinder volume (Vol. 3), then ‘OK’
    image
  4. Align working plane with the Global Cartesian origin
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Align WP with> Global Cartesian
  5. Offset working plane to location X=0, Y=45, Z=0
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Offset WP by Increments …
    Set X,Y,Z Offsets = 0,45,0
    Set XY, YZ, ZX Angles = 0, -90, 0, click ‘OK’
  6. Create the arch of the solid bearing
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Cylinder> Partial Cylinder +
    WP X = 0, WP Y = 0, Rad-1 = 0, Theta-1 = 90, Rad-2 = 40, Theta-2 = 180, Depth = -60, click ‘OK’
    image
  7. Create cylinder for the through hole in the solid bearing:
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Cylinder> Solid Cylinder +
    WP X = 0, WP Y = 0, Radius = 20, Depth = -60, then ‘Apply’
    image
  8. Subtract the solid cylinder to form the arch and base
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans-Subtract> Volumes +
    Pick the two volumes that form the base and the arch of the solid bearing, ‘Apply’
    Pick the counterbore cylinder, ‘Apply’
    Pick the same two base volumes, ‘Apply’
    Pick the through-hole cylinder, ‘OK’
    image
  9. Offset working plane to location X=0, Y=45, Z=0
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Offset WP by Increments …
    Set X,Y,Z Offsets = 0,40,-30
    Set XY, YZ, ZX Angles = 0, -90, 0, then ‘OK’
  10. Create cylinder for the through hole in the solid bearing:
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Cylinder> Solid Cylinder +
    WP X = 0, WP Y = 0, Radius = 1.5, Depth = -20, then ‘Apply’
  11. Subtract the solid cylinder to form the arch and base
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Subtract> Volumes +
    Pick the volume that forms the arch of the solid bearing, Apply
    Pick the oil hole cylinder, ‘Apply’
  12. Merge coincident keypoints
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Numbering Ctrls> Merge Items …
    Set Label to ‘Keypoints’, then ‘OK’
  13. Glue the volumes together
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling > Operate> Booleans> Glue> Volumes +
    Pick All
  14. Turn volume numbers on and then plot volumes
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering …
    Set Volume numbers on, then OK
  15. Save
    Pick the ‘SAVE_DB’ button in the Toolbar, OK
    image
  16. Specify the element type to be SOLID186
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete …
    Add ...
    Choose ‘Solid’ and ‘Brick 20node 186’, then ‘OK’, ‘Close’
  17. Activate Smartsize meshing and free mesh the model with tetrahedral elements:
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Activate ‘Smart Size’. Set Smart Size level to 4, ‘Mesh’, ‘Pick All’, ‘Close’
    image
  18. Save the meshed model
    Utility Menu > File > Save as …
    Enter ‘P-Block-Mesh-Free.db’ as the database name, then ‘OK’
  19. Sweep mesh the model
    a. Clear the free mesh
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Clear, Pick All
    Utility Menu> Plot> Volumes
    b. Divide the base volume in two in order to make it topologically consistent for sweep meshing
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Align WP with> Keypoints +
    Pick the three keypoints displayed in the graphics window below, then OK
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Divide> Volu by WrkPlane +
    Pick the base volume, then OK
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Display Working Plane
    Utility Menu> Plot> Volumes
    c. Activate ‘tet-mesh’ for volumes that cannot be swept
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Mesh> Volume Sweep> Sweep Opts ...
    Select ‘Tet mesh in nonsweepable volumes’, then ‘OK’
    d. Leave Smartsize level at 4 and set global element size to 0.125, then sweep mesh the model with brick/tet elements
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Pick [Set] under Size Controls: Global
    Set SIZE = 5, OK
    Select ‘Hex’ and ‘Sweep’, and leave the default ‘Auto Src/Trg’ setting active
    Select ‘Sweep’, ‘Pick All’
    ‘Yes’ - to mesh volume 6 with tetrahedral elements
    e. Save the meshed model
    Utility Menu> File> Save as …
    Enter ‘P-Block-Mesh-Sweep.db’ as the database name, ‘OK’
W12: Build a half symmetry solid model of the pillow block shown below.
Sol:
  1. Enter ANSYS. Enter ‘P-Block’ as the jobname.
  2. Switch to isometric view
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Pan, Zoom, Rotate …
  3. Create the base of the pillow block
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Block> By Dimensions ...
    X1 = 0, X2 = 80, Y1 = 0, Y2 = 30, Z1 = 0, Z2 = 75, then ‘OK’
  4. Offset working plane to location X=60, Y=30, Z=20
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Offset WP by Increments …
    Set X,Y,Z Offsets = 60, 30, 20
    Set XY, YZ, ZX Angles = 0, -90, 0, then ‘OK’
  5. Create a solid cylinder having a diameter of 20mm and a depth of -30mm
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> -Modeling> Create> Volumes> Cylinder> Solid Cylinder +
    Radius = 10mm
    Depth = -30, then OK
  6. Copy the solid cylinder to new location with DZ=35
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Copy> Volumes +
    Pick the cylinder volume (Vol. Number 2), then ‘OK’
    DZ = 35, then ‘OK’
  7. Subtract the two solid cylinders from the base
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Subtract> Volumes+
    Pick the base volume (Vol. 1), then ‘OK’
    Pick the two cylinder volumes (Vols. 2 and 3), then ‘OK’
  8. Align working plane with the Global Cartesian origin
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Align WP with> Global Cartesian
  9. Create the base of the bushing bracket
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Block> By 2 Corners & Z +
    WP X = 0, WP Y = 30, Width = 40, Height = 45, Depth = 20, then ‘OK’
  10. Offset working plane to the front face of the bushing bracket
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Offset WP to> Keypoints +
    Pick keypoint at the top left corner of the front face, then ‘OK’
  11. Create the arch of the bushing bracket
    Main Menu> Preprocessor > Modeling> Create> Volumes> Cylinder > Partial Cylinder+
    WP X=0, WP Y= 0, Rad-1= 0, Theta-1= 0, Rad-2= 40, Theta-2= 90, Depth= -20
  12. Create cylinders for the counter bore and the through hole in the bushing bracket
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Volumes> Cylinder> Solid Cylinder+
    WP X = 0, WP Y = 0, Radius = 25, Depth = -5, then ‘Apply’, WP X = 0
    WP Y = 0, Radius = 20, Depth = -50, then ‘OK’
  13. Subtract the two solid cylinders to form the counterbore and bushing through-hole
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Subtract> Volumes+
    Pick the two volumes that form the base and the arch of the bushing bracket, Apply
    Pick the counterbore cylinder, ‘Apply’
    Pick the same two base volumes, ‘Apply’
    Pick the through-hole cylinder, ‘OK’
  14. Merge coincident keypoints
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Numbering Ctrls> Merge Items …
    Set Label to ‘Keypoints’, then ‘OK’
  15. Create the web
    a. Create a keypoint in the middle of the front top edge of the base
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Keypoints> KP between KPs +
    Pick the two upper front corner keypoints of the base, then ‘OK’
    RATI = 0.5, then ‘OK’
    b. Create a triangular area
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> Through KPs+
    Pick the 1st keypoint where the base of the bushing bracket intersects the base of the pillow block at X=40
    Pick the 2nd keypoint where the base of the bushing bracket intersects the bottom arch surface at X=40
    Pick the 3rd keypoint that was created in step 14a at X=40, Y=30, Z=75, ‘OK’
    c. Extrude area along area normal
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Extrude> Areas> Along Normal
    Pick the triangular area created in step 14b, then ‘OK’
    DIST = -5, then ‘OK’
  16. Glue the volumes together
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Glue> Volumes +
    Pick All
  17. Turn volume numbers on and then plot volumes:
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering …
    Set Volume numbers on, then ‘OK’
  18. Save and exit ANSYS
    Pick the ‘SAVE_DB’ button in the Toolbar
    Pick the ‘QUIT’ button in the Toolbar
    Select ‘Quit - No Save!’, ‘OK’
W13: Mesh the pillow block that was created in previous example. Use both free meshing and sweep meshing techniques.
Sol:
  1. Enter ANSYS using ‘P-Block-Mesh’ as the jobname.
  2. Resume the ‘P-Block.db’ database file created in previous problem:
    Utility Menu> File> Resume from …
    Select the ‘P-Block.db’ database file, then ‘OK’
  3. Enter the preprocessor and specify the element type to be SOLID186
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete …
    Add ...
    Choose ‘Solid’ and ‘Brick 20node 186’, then ‘OK’
  4. Activate Smartsize meshing and free mesh the model with tetrahedral elements:
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Activate ‘Smart Size’. Set Smart Size level to 4, Mesh, Pick All, Close
  5. Save the meshed model:
    Utility Menu> File> Save as …
    Enter ‘P-Block-Mesh-Free.db’ as the database name, then ‘OK’
  6. Sweep mesh the model
    a. Clear the free mesh
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Clear, Pick All
    Utility Menu> Plot> Volumes
    b. Divide the base volume in two in order to make it topologically consistent for sweep meshing
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Align WP with> Keypoints +
    Pick the three keypoints displayed in the graphics window below, then ‘OK’
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Divide> Volu by WrkPlane +
    Pick the base volume, then ‘OK’
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Display Working Plane
    Utility Menu> Plot> Volumes
    c. Activate ‘tet-mesh’ for volumes that cannot be swept
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Mesh> Volume Sweep> Sweep Opts ...
    Select ‘Tet mesh in nonsweepable volumes’, then ‘OK’
    d. Leave Smartsize level at 4 and set global element size to 3, then sweep mesh the model with brick/tet elements:
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Pick [Set] under Size Controls: Global, Set SIZE = 3, then ‘OK’
    Select ‘Hex’ and ‘Sweep’, and leave the default ‘Auto Src/Trg’ setting active
    Sweep, Pick All, Yes - to mesh volume 6 with tetrahedral elements
    e. Save the meshed model
    Utility Menu> File> Save as …
    Enter ‘P-Block-Mesh-Sweep.db’ as the database name, then ‘OK’
W13: Create a solid model of the Spindle Base shown in the following figure.
Sol:
Preprocessing
  1. Create the base rectangle
    WP X (X Corner) WP Y (Y Corner) Width Height
    0 0 109 102
  2. Create the curved edge (using keypoints and lines to create an area)
    Create the following keypoints
    XYZ
    Keypoint 5-20820
    Keypoint 6-20200
    Keypoint 70820
    Keypoint 80200

    The graphic obtained should look similar to the following image:
    Create arcs joining the keypoints
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Lines Arcs> By End KPs & Rad
     Select keypoints 4 and 5 (either click on them or type 4,5 into the command line) when prompted.
     Select Keypoint 7 as the center-of-curvature when prompted.
     Enter the radius of the arc (20) in the 'Arc by End KPs & Radius' window
     Repeat to create an arc from keypoints 1 and 6
    Create a line from Keypoint 5 to 6
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Lines> Lines> Straight Line
    Create an arbitrary area within the bounds of the lines
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> By Lines
    Combine the 2 areas into 1 (to form Area 3)
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate > Booleans> Add> Areas
    The graphic obtained should look similar to the following image:
  3. Create the 4 holes in the base
    Use the 'copy' feature in ANSYS to create all 4 holes
    Create the bottom left circle (XCENTER=0, YCENTER=20, RADIUS=10)
    Copy the area to create the bottom right circle (DX=69)
    Copy both circles to create the upper circles (DY=62)
    Subtract the four circles from the main base
    The graphic obtained should look similar to the following image:
  4. Extrude the base
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Extrude> Areas> Along Normal
    The following window will appear once the area is selected
    Fill in the window as shown (length of extrusion = 26mm). Note, to extrude the area in the negative z direction simply enter -26.
  5. Align the working plane with the back of the spindle base
    Change the working plane. Geometry can only be created in the X-Y plane. Therefore, in order to create the back of the Spindle Base, it is necessary to create a new working plane where the X-Y plane is parallel to the back.
    Move the working plane to the diagonally opposite corner.
    Workplane> Offset WP to> Keypoints
    Select diagonally opposite corner. Now align working plane with base of the back.
    Workplane> Offset WP by Increments…
    Click ‘OK’.
  6. Create the back area
    Create the base rectangle (XCORNER=0, YCORNER=0, WIDTH=102, HEIGHT=180)
    Create a circle to obtain the curved top (XCENTER=51, YCENTER=180, RADIUS=51)
    Add the 2 areas together
  7. Extrude the area (length of extrusion = 26mm)
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Extrude> Areas> Along Normal
  8. Add the base and the back together
    Add the two volumes together
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Add> Volumes
    Note that the planar areas between the two volumes were not added together.
    Add the planar areas together
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Booleans> Add> Areas
  9. Create the Upper Cylinder
    Create the outer cylinder (XCENTER=51, YCENTER=180, RADIUS=30, DEPTH=50)
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create > Volumes> Cylinder> Solid Cylinder
    Add the volumes together
    Create the inner cylinder (XCENTER=51, YCENTER=180, RADIUS=20, DEPTH=50)
    Subtract the volumes to obtain a hole
  10. Change the working plane
    First change the active coordinate system back to the global coordinate system
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Align WP with> Global Cartesian
    Create keypoints at the vertices of triangular rib.
    Align the working plane to the 3 keypoints
    Recall when defining the working plane; the first keypoint defines the origin, the second keypoint defines the x-axis orientation, while the third defines the orientation of the working plane.
  11. Change active coordinate system
    Now update the coordinate system to follow the working plane changes (i.e., make the new Work Plane origin the active coordinate)
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Change Active CS to> Working Plane
    Create the area
    Create first keypoint at the centre of top left base edge, second at centre of inter section line of base and back and third at bottom most point of outer circle. Create the rib area through these three keypoints.
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> Through KPs
    Extrude the area on either side (length of extrusion = 3mm)
  12. Add the volumes together
  13. Quit ANSYS
    Select 'QUIT' from the ANSYS Toolbar or select 'Utility Menu'/'File'/'Exit...'. In the dialog box that appears, click on 'Save Everything' and then click on 'OK'.
W14: Model and mesh an impeller shown below.
Sol: First create 2D model of an impeller. Mesh it with quadratic elements and then extrude 2-D quad meshed areas to form a 3-D brick meshed volume.
  1. Enter ANSYS using ‘Impeller-2D’ as the jobname.
  2. Draw inner ring segment.
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Circle> Partial Annulus
    WPX=0, WPY=0, Rad-1=30, Rad-2=33, Theta1=-12, Theta2=12, click ‘OK’
  3. Draw the fin segment
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Circle> Partial Annulus
    WPX=0, WPY=0, Rad-1=33, Theta-1=-3, Rad-2=60, Theta-2= 3, Click ‘OK’
  4. Draw the rear disc segment
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Annulus
    WPX=0, WPY=0, Rad-1=30, Theta1=-12, Rad-2=60, Theta2=12,Click ‘OK’
  5. Mesh the 2-D model
    Add element type 1 as PLANE183 and set the default TYPE number to 1:
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete …
    ‘Add …’, Select ‘Solid’ and ‘Quad 8node 183’, then ‘OK’, ‘Close’
    Select ‘Mesh Attributes’
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool> Mesh attributes…
    Pick ‘Set’ under Default Attributes: Global
    Set TYPE = ‘PLANE 183’, then ‘OK’
    Mesh inner ring, fin and rear disc segments.
    Add element type ‘2’ as SOLID185 and set the default TYPE number to ‘2’
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete …
    ‘Add …’, Select ‘Solid’ and ‘Brick 8node 185’, then ‘OK’, ‘Close’
    Select mesh attributes
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool> Mesh attributes…
    Pick [Set] under Default Attributes: Global
    Set TYPE = ‘SOLID 185’, then ‘OK’
  6. Define extrude options and extrude all areas
    a. Set the number of element divisions for extrude operation
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Extrude> Elem Ext Opts …
    b. Extrude three areas and then plot elements
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Operate> Extrude> Areas> Along Normal +
    Utility Menu> Plot> Elements
    Utility Menu> Plot> Elements
  7. Draw the rest of the model
    Change Coordinate System to Global Cylindrical
    Utility Menu> WorkPlane> Change Active CS to> Global Cylindrical
    Copy the three segments.
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Copy> Areas
    Pick the first Fin and Click ‘OK’
    Enter Number of copies=15, Y-offset in active CS=24
  8. Save the meshed model
    Utility Menu> File> Save as …
    Enter ‘Impeller-Mesh.db’ as the database name, then ‘OK’
    Pick the ‘QUIT’ button in the Toolbar
    Select ‘Quit - No Save!’, ‘OK’
W15: A silo model is shown in the figure below. The model consists of both shells and beams. The lines represent beams. Concrete is used to make cylinder areas and steel for cone areas and stiffeners. The shell thickness for cylinder, upper part of cone and lower part of cone is 25, 10 and 6 respectively. Construct the model and then mesh it. Use SHELL181 for the cylinder and BEAM188 for the stiffener. Material properties of concrete are: EX=45GPa, NUXY=0.29. Material properties of steel are: EX=200MPa, NUXY=0.3.
Sol:
  1. Give example a Title
    Utility Menu> File> Change Title ...
    ‘Silo’
  2. Open preprocessor menu
    Main Menu> Preprocessor
  3. Create Circles
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Lines> Arcs> By Cent & Radius …
    Draw 4 circles as given in the following table.
    CircleCentre (x,y)Radius
    1(0,0, 0)9
    2(0,0,9)12
    3(0,0,18)18
    4(0,0,54)18

    Create Cylinder and cone walls
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas> Arbitrary> By Skinning
    Pick any corresponding arcs cylinder, click apply. Repeat the procedure.
  4. Create Line
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Line> Lines> Straight Line
    Define lines through extreme left keypoints.
    Select extreme left keypoints and then select 'OK'.
    Change Coordinate System to Global Cylindrical
    UtilityMenu> WorkPlane> Change CS to> Global Cylindrical
    Enter 12 for No of copies and 30 for Y as shown below and select ‘OK’
    4. Copy the line to the other radial positions.
    Preprocessor> Modeling> Copy> Lines..
    Select extreme left lines and then select 'OK'.
  5. Define the Type of Element
    Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete...> Add...> Solid> 2 node 188
  6. Define section properties
    Preprocessor> Sections> Shell> Layup> Add/Edit
    In the Sections for ‘SHELL181' window, enter the thickness: 0.025, 0.01, 0.006
    In the Sections for ‘BEAM188' window, enter B=0.006, H=0.006
  7. Define Element Material Properties
    Preprocessor> Material Props> Material Models> Structural> Linear> Elastic> Isotropic
    In the window that appears, enter the following geometric properties for concrete:
    a) Young's modulus EX: 4.5e4
    b) Poisson's Ratio PRXY: 0.3
    In the window that appears, enter the following geometric properties for steel.
    a) Young's modulus EX = 2e5
    b) Poisson's Ratio NUXY = 0.3
  8. Define Mesh Size
    Preprocessor> Meshing> Size Cntrls> ManualSize> Lines> All Lines...
    To obtain the desired mesh set NDIV to 9 on all lines corresponding to cylinder. Divide diagonal lines of the conical parts into 3 divisions.
    Divide the arcs of cone into 9 divisions each.
  9. Bring up the ‘Select Entities’ menu and select the cylinder areas:
    Utility Menu> Select> Entities …
    Select ‘Areas’, ‘By Location’, ‘Z coordinates’
    Min,Max = 18,54, Apply, Plot
  10. Assign solid model attributes to the cylinder areas:
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Select ‘Areas’ under Element Attributes:, then ‘Set’
    [Pick All], MAT = 1, Section ID = 1
    TYPE = ‘1 SHELL181’, OK
  11. Select the areas of the upper part of the cone and assign the solid model attributes.
    Utility Menu> Select> Entities …
    Select ‘Areas’, SELE All, Plot
    Utility Menu> Select> Entities …
    Select ‘Areas’, ‘By Num / Pick’, Apply, Pick areas shown in the picture to the right. OK, Plot
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Select ‘Areas’ under Element Attributes: then ‘Set’
    Pick All, MAT = 2, Section ID = 2, TYPE = ‘1 SHELL181’, OK
  12. Select the areas of the lower part of the cone and assign the solid model attributes
    Utility Menu> Select> Entities …
    Select ‘Areas’, ‘By Location’, ‘Z coordinates’
    Min,Max = 0,9, Appl], Replot
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Select ‘Areas’ under Element Attributes:, then ‘Set’, Pick All, MAT = 2, Section ID = 3
    TYPE = ‘1 SHELL181’, OK
  13. Select the lines in the cone and assign the solid model attributes:
    Utility Menu> Select> Entities…
    Select ‘Lines’, ‘By Location’, ‘Z coordinates’
    Min,Max = 0,18, Apply, Plot
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool…
    Select ‘Lines’ under Element Attributes:, then ‘Set’
    Pick All, MAT = 1, ID = 1, TYPE = ‘2 BEAM188’, OK
  14. Mesh the lines with BEAM188 elements:
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Select ‘Lines’ under Mesh:, then ‘Mesh’, Pick All
  15. Select everything and mesh the areas with SHELL181 elements:
    Utility Menu> Select> Everything
    Utility Menu> Plot> Areas
    Main Menu> Preprocessor> MeshTool …
    Select ‘Areas’ under Mesh:, then Mesh, Pick All
  16. Turn on material numbers for ‘Elem / Attrib numbering’ and plot the elements:
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering ...
    Elem / Attrib numbering = ‘Material numbers’, OK
  17. Turn on real constant numbers for ‘Elem / Attrib numbering’ and plot the elements
    Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Numbering ...
    Elem / Attrib numbering = ‘Section num’, OK
  18. Save the meshed model and exit ANSYS
    Utility Menu> File> Save as…
    Enter ‘Silo-Mesh.db’ as the database name, then ‘OK’
    Pick the ‘QUIT’ button in the Toolbar, Select ‘Quit - No Save!’, OK