Analyzing Slender Structures Efficiently - Lesson 3

When the length of a structural member is much larger than the cross-sectional dimensions, a line body is well suited to model the behavior. When deciding when to use a line body, it is important to understand how a beam responds to different loading conditions and what types of deformation we can expect. 

In this video, we will discuss when to use beam elements and what makes them unique, along with special considerations for their proper usage. Finally, we will review results that are specific to beam elements.  We will do this via a short lecture and a walkthrough example using Ansys Mechanical. Also, we will show some tips and tricks to keep in mind when using beam elements. 

Alternate video link.

Video Highlights

1:27 – When to use line bodies?

4:27 – Why use line bodies?

6:47 – What makes line bodies unique?

7:40 – Considerations for beam elements

9:54 – Results obtained from Beam Elements

13:25 – Extract beam line body from solid geometry

15:40 – Beam offset in Mechanical

20:59 – Post-processing beam section results

Simulation Files

Download the accompanying geometry and archived files here. Download Ansys Student for free here.