Finite Element Modeling For Engineering Analysis, Structural Mechanics Problems

The finite element method in general and commercial finite element analysis software in particular implemented on a computer offers a unified approach for engineering analysis. Finite element modeling is defined here as the analyst’s choice of material models (constitutive relations and failure criteria), elements (type/shape/order), meshes, constraint equations, analysis procedures, governing matrix equations and their solution methods, specific pre and post processing options available in a chosen commercial Finite Element Analysis software for the intended analysis of candidate components and structures. The focus in this paper is on the ANSYS software and some unique structural mechanics problems. Specifically modal analysis of a 26-storey building frame, Bending stress analysis of Morley skew plate, Stress analysis of cylindrical pressure vessels with hemi-spherical enclosures with focus on junction stresses, Bending of a slit tube to demonstrate coupled bending and torsion, Numerical simulation of four-point bending test of heated I-section beam and co-relation with test data.