Axisymmetric Modelling in ANSYS Tutorial
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Kazumi YutoriAxisymmetric Modelling in ANSYS Tutorial
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Kazumi YutoriCommon questions
Powered by AIIn meshing an axisymmetric model in ANSYS, you first define the element size, then use the preprocessor to mesh all defined areas . Controlling mesh size is crucial because it affects the accuracy and convergence of the simulation; smaller elements increase accuracy but also computational cost. For the axisymmetric steel tube model, a manual size control with an element edge length of 2mm was utilized to balance accuracy and resources .
Evaluating stress distribution through hand calculations alongside ANSYS results serves to verify the accuracy of the simulation. Hand calculations were performed to verify that the stress across the thickness at y = 50mm was 0.182 MPa, matching ANSYS findings. By selecting nodes within the defined region and averaging the stress values, the differences that could be caused by numerical and model discretization can be reconciled . This step ensures that simulated results are reliable and align with theoretical expectations.
Element type selection in axisymmetric modelling is crucial for accurately representing the behavior of the structure under analysis. The PLANE2 element type was selected because it supports axisymmetry and has two degrees of freedom per node, which suits the structural analysis requirements for the steel tube model. This choice ensures that the element can appropriately simulate both the geometric and mechanical responses expected in axisymmetric structures . Proper selection is necessary to ensure the simulation accurately reflects real-world physics.
It is necessary to reselect all entities in ANSYS after applying loads and constraints to ensure that subsequent commands are applied to the entire model and not limited to previously selected entities. This practice avoids unintended omissions or errors in further processing steps of the analysis workflow, as commands in ANSYS may only affect currently selected entities unless otherwise specified .
Applying point loads in axisymmetric modelling creates discontinuities in the model near the point of application. These discontinuities can affect the accuracy of results close to the loaded areas; however, when focused on stress distribution far from these points, their effect becomes negligible . It's crucial to understand the FEA package's assumptions and theory behind how it applies loads to ensure that the resulting analysis is valid and meaningful.
Setting symmetry boundary conditions in an axisymmetric analysis is crucial because it allows ANSYS to constrain the proper degrees of freedom, thereby simulating an accurate symmetric response across the axis of symmetry. In this case, the symmetry boundary condition ensures that the nodes on the y-axis (x=0) do not move, reflecting how the physical model would behave . This application of symmetry allows analysis to be conducted efficiently on only a portion of the model, reducing computational cost.
Averaging stress over a region is important because it accounts for any local stress concentrations or numerical noise that can arise in finite element analyses, which might otherwise distort the interpretation of results. Specifically, for the axisymmetric tube, the average stress is calculated over a section to equate it to an analytical solution assuming uniform stress distribution. This methodology enhances the result reliability by aligning numerical results with theoretical expectations and ensuring that local irregularities do not significantly impact the overall analysis .
Changing from an axisymmetric model to a flat plate model significantly alters stress distribution and deformed shape because it changes the geometry and inherent assumptions of the model. In an axisymmetric model, stress and deformation are distributed symmetrically around an axis, whereas in a flat model, the same constraints don't exist, leading to different results . This alteration highlights the importance of setting the correct model symmetry expectations and boundaries; the model must accurately represent the physical problem to ensure validity of results.
The symmetry expansion feature in ANSYS is significant for visualizing axisymmetric models as it allows users to fully comprehend how results would manifest in a complete 3D model by expanding 2D axisymmetric analysis results. By using the 3/4 expansion option, users can visualize the results as they apply to the complete structure, enhancing understanding of the entire physical process and making the results more intuitive . This feature effectively bridges the analysis from a reduced symmetry model to practical applications.
Repeating an axisymmetric modelling tutorial with key options, such as axisymmetric settings, omitted is educational because it highlights how critical these settings are by allowing users to directly observe differences in stress distribution and deformation. By exploring these discrepancies, users deepen their understanding of how model definition and element-type selection influence simulation outcomes, thereby nurturing intuition on proper FEA practices and model verification techniques . Such exercises help build robust skills in diagnosing and validating model setups, essential for advanced problem-solving in FEA.