Module 5

Beam Modeling
5. Beam Modeling Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Beam elements are line elements used to create a one-
dimensional idealization of a 3-D structure.
They are computationally more efficient than solids and
shells and are heavily used in several industries:
Building construction
Bridges and roadways
People movers (trams,
railcars, buses)
Etc.

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...Beam Modeling Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
In this chapter, we will present a brief introduction to beam
modeling via the following topics:
A. Beam Properties
B. Beam Meshing
C. Loading, Solution, Results
D. Workshop

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Beam Modeling
A. Beam Properties Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
The first step in beam modeling, as with any analysis, is to
create the geometry usually just a framework of keypoints
and lines.
Then define the following beam properties:
Element type
Cross section
Material

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Properties Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Element Type
Choose one of the following types:
BEAM188 3-D, linear (2-node)
BEAM189 3-D, quadratic (3-node)

ANSYS has many other beam elements, but BEAM188 & 189
are generally recommended.
Applicable to most beam structures
Support linear as well as nonlinear analyses, including plasticity,
large deformation, and nonlinear collapse
Ability to include multiple materials to simulate layered materials,
composites, reinforced sections, etc.
Ability to create user defined section geometry
Easy to use, both in preprocessing and postprocessing phases

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Properties Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Cross Section
To completely define a BEAM188 or 189
element, you also need to specify its cross
section properties.
The BeamTool provides a convenient way
to do this.
Preprocessor > Sections > Common Sectns...
Select the desired shape, then enter its
dimensions.
Press the Preview button to view the shape,
then OK to accept it.
If there are multiple cross sections, specify
a different section ID number (and an
optional name) for each.

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Properties Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
A sample preview (SECPLOT) of an I-beam cross section is shown
below.
In addition to the predefined cross-section shapes, ANSYS allows
you to create your own, user-defined shape by building a 2-D solid
model.
You can save user-defined
sections as well as standard
sections with the desired
dimensions in a section
library for later use.
See Chapter 15 of the ANSYS
Structural Analysis Guide for
more information.

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Properties Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Material Properties
Both linear and nonlinear material properties are allowed.
After all beam properties are defined, the next step is to mesh
the geometry with beam elements.

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Beam Modeling
B. Beam Meshing Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Meshing the geometry (lines) with beam
elements involves three main steps:
Assign line attributes
Specify line divisions
Generate the mesh

The MeshTool provides a convenient way to

perform all three steps.

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Step 1: Line Attributes
Line attributes for beam meshing consist of:
Material number
Section ID
Orientation keypoint
Determines how the cross section is oriented with respect to
the beam axis.
Must be specified for all cross-section types.
A single keypoint can be assigned to multiple lines (i.e, no
need to specify a separate keypoint for each line).
Each end of a line can have its own orientation keypoint,
allowing the cross section to be twisted about the beam
axis.

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Examples of using orientation keypoints:

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
To assign line attributes, use the Element Attributes
section of the MeshTool (or select desired lines and use the
LATT command).

Pick lines

Additional
attributes for
BEAM188 & 189

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Step 2: Line Divisions
For BEAM188 and 189 elements, a single element spanning
the entire beam length is not recommended.
Use the Size Controls section of the MeshTool (or the
LESIZE command) to specify the desired number of line
divisions.

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Step 3: Generate the Mesh
First save the database (Toolbar > SAVE_DB or SAVE
command).
Then press the Mesh button in the MeshTool (or issue
LMESH,ALL) to generate the mesh.

Pick lines

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
To see the cross-section shape in the element display,
activate the element shape key:
Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Style > Size and Shape
Or /ESHAPE,1

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Beam Modeling
...Beam Meshing Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
After beam meshing is completed, the next step is to apply
loads and solve.

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Beam Modeling
C. Loading, Solution, Results Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Typical loading for beam models consists of:
Displacement constraints
applied at keypoints or nodes
Forces
applied at keypoints or nodes
Pressures
load per unit length
applied on element faces
Solution > Apply > Pressures > On Beams
Or SFBEAM command
Gravity or rotational velocity
acts on entire structure

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Beam Modeling
...Loading, Solution, Results Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
To obtain the solution:
First save the database.
Then solve. (Or write the loads to a load step file and solve all
load steps later.)

Results review is the same as for other stress analyses:

View the deformed shape
Check reaction forces
Plot stresses and strains
The main advantage of BEAM188 and 189 is that with the
element shape key activated (/ESHAPE,1), stresses can be
directly viewed on the elements (similar to solids and shells).

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Beam Modeling
...Loading, Solution, Results Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
Demo:
Resume frame.db (contains lines, kps, loading, element type, material, and two cross
sections)
Plot the two cross section already defined (SECPLOT,1 & 2)
Define a third cross section using the BeamTool:
ID=3: Name = peak, Sub-type = box (hollow rectangle), W1=6, W2=6;
T1=T2=T3=T4=0.25
Bring up MeshTool, GPLOT, then assign the following line attributes:
Sloping lines: mat=1, secnum=3, orientation KP = topmost KP (#100)
Left vertical lines: mat=1, secnum=2, orientation KP = #102
Right vertical lines: mat=1, secnum=2, orientation KP = #101
Left & front horizontal lines: mat=1, secnum=1, orientation KP = #1
Right & back horizontal lines: mat=1, secnum=1, orientation KP = #3
Specify size=20 on all lines
Save, then LMESH,ALL; then EPLOT with /ESHAPE,1
Constrain the 4 bottom keypoints in all DOFs and apply a force of -10,000 lb in the fy
direction on keypoint #9
Solve, then review results: deformed shape (animate), reaction forces, SX stresses (=
axial + bending). Select elements with section ID=3 and replot stresses. Repeat for
ID=2.

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Beam Modeling
D. Workshop Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part
This workshop consists of the following problem:
W4. Building Frame

Please refer to your Workshop Supplement for instructions.

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