Fundamental Topics in Nonlinear Structural Analysis

Nonlinear structural analysis can be one of the more challenging analysis types to perform, but it can also provide the most realistic and reliable results, allowing one to simulate the real-world behavior of most structural systems. To do so, one must master the fundamental skills necessary to unlock the vast nonlinear solution capability of Ansys Mechanical™ structural finite element analysis software. Nonlinear analysis begins with being able to recognize the factors contributing to structural nonlinearities and how to build models effectively to account for them.

This course serves as a starting point for anyone wishing to perform nonlinear structural analysis in Ansys Mechanical software. It provides a foundation for the solution methodology used in nonlinear analysis, while answering the question, “What causes a structural analysis to be nonlinear?

Finally, it focuses on the most fundamental form of nonlinearity, large deflection.

Learning Outcomes:

Following completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the sources of structural nonlinearities and use the large deflection nonlinearity to its fullest extent.
• Incorporate the most effective mesh, loading, and solution controls to account for structural large deflection nonlinear behavior.

Prerequisites:

Completion of the following course is highly recommended:

• • Ansys Mechanical Getting Started: Basics and Beyond the Basics

Please note: These training materials were developed and tested in the 2023R2 release.