"Structural Engineering Forums" by thestructuralengineer.info

I can answer any questions about ANSYS Structural or Civil FEM software. It always surprises me how many engineers are not aware of the different versions of ANSYS software that perform purely structural simulations without all the extra tools ANSYS is known for.

I wanted to learn ANSYS but I can find any manual? is it difficult to learn? I am currently studying the effects of masonry walls in seismic performance of buildings.

Any help will be much appreciated.

Regards,

Mac

Hi Mac.

For starters, here are several free webinars you can download to watch demonstrations of various ANSYS software products. This will give you an idea of how easy it is to learn ANSYS.

Next we offer 1-3 day introductory classes to learn ANSYS that cost about $300 per day. We hold these classes in our Connecticut office, so they may not be feasible for you if you are in the Philippines.

I'll take a look around and post any other resources if I come across them.

Greg

_________________
CAE Associates
Engineering Consulting Services

Hey mate,
I am doing my post graduation in structural engineering and was looking forward to do my project on structural dynamics using a FEM based software.
From what i have heard, ANSYS holds a pretty good rep for engineers, (correct me if i am wrong) but i have noticed and assume that ANSYS has more application for mechanical engineers since all of them seem to be learning how to use it and apply it in their respective field of choice.
I was wondering if you could clarify my so called assumption. I do know that it's uses are there in structural analysis, i just wanted to know the extent of its uses in our field (i.e; dynamic analysis, wind analysis, etc.) so that i can decide if i need to learn how to use it, because I am a pretty good power-user in STAAD-pro, ETABS and SAFE.
To be honest I am just looking for a few good reasons to convince myself for ANSYS.
Why ANSYS (which is pretty multi-field used software), if there are a dozen of structural oriented softwares ??

Really hoping you can help me!

I'm trying to model the cross aisle direction of a steel selective rack for model analysis. The rack is simply set out with some uprights (column) supported by some cross bracing that is connected eccentrically.

The model only had to be 2-D, but to use the correct cross section I had to use a 3-D element (beam 188) as the 2-D beam elements do not allow this. I was then just going to restrict the rotation in the x and y direction and displacement in the z direction so its like a 2-D analysis but not sure if that would work.

I'm been struggling to use the program and I am having some difficulties which are:
* Adding mass to represent the crates. I know there is mass element 21 but am I just able to add it to a key point and it will automatically join with the uprights.. Or do I add it like a concurrent node
* The bracing needs to be connected to the uprights so that bending is still allowed in them. I am not sure which joint is best as none of them look suitable and how I would connect both bracing to the same node as mentioned before the bracing is eccentric.
* I am going to do an earthquake analysis using a program Anseismic that works with classic, I am looking at rocking structural systems so need a way to represent the base plates yielding and the structure rocking in analysis. I can't just use a spring element as the plates hit the ground and don't compress like a spring. I saw a combination element 41 but did not quite understand from the manual if it would assist in the analysis.

Any help would be great thanks.

Dear Xephis & m8rix

For both of you, this reply may be is too late (It has been long since I visited this site),

Xephis, but whether ANSYS is good for you depends on your problem – Consider choosing between STAAD.Pro, SAP2000 and ANSYS (in this order, from simplest to the most powerful).

And m8rix, you need to use contact-link appropriately and do a non-linear time history analysis.

regards,
Leslie

Dear Sir
I am an Undergraduate Student of Civil Engineering and want to observe crack patterns and load-deflection curve of RC beam in ANSYS. I have modelled the beam successfully but the error occurs once the solution is done, I did not get desired number of substeps.