Learning Forum

[Luke Saindon]

Hello,

I haven't done much with axisymmetric static structural studies in the past, but I have a complicated axisymmetric shape that would be made much easier to simulate using axisymmetric elements. The problem is that I want to simulate the structure in bending, which would be a non-axisymmetric deformation. It seems like this is possible to a certain extent:

example 1: https://simutechgroup.com/brief-introduction-to-general-axisymmetric-elements-in-mechanical/

example 2: https://classes.engineering.wustl.edu/2009/spring/mase5513/abaqus/docs/v6.6/books/usb/default.htm?startat=pt06ch21s01aus88.html

I don't know where to start setting this up in Mechanical and workbench (if it's possible), I don't have any experience with APDL directly so that first article isn't of too much help to me without really learning a whole new program.

Thank you for any pointers!

Luke

[peteroznewman]

Why do you say it would be much easier to simulate using axisymmetric elements if you need to bend it? That seems difficult if you need to learn APDL to do it. I have read some of the ANSYS documentation and it is possible.  Your example 2 is for ABAQUS not Ansys, so it is not relevant here. It seems easier to apply a bending load to a 3D model. Yes, there will be more elements and you will need more compute resources to solve. Is that your main concern?  Mechanical now supports meshing a 2D surface like you would for an Axisymmetric model, but then using a Mesh Pull operation to rotate those quad elements into hex elements as they revolve around an axis, making a very efficent mesh.

[Luke Saindon]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I understand that example is from ABAQUS, but I assume that if ANSYS makes a competitive product they might have similar capability, it was to show that it's not an impossible ask.

Yes, my main concern is solve time and resources required, not the act of setting up the model.

I will investigate the mesh strategy you mentioned, that sounds very promising. I was using a symmetry object to visualize the 3D structure after solving with an axisymmetric model, it sounds like a similar idea.

Thanks,

Luke

[peteroznewman]

Hi Luke,

If you want to try the general axisymmetric model, you will use a PLANE25 element which you can find details on in the Mechanical APDL help section, in the Element Library.

PLANE25 (ansys.com)