Ansys APDL Structural Analysis: Comparing Element Types for Max. Stress

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of meshing and comparing different element types (solid, shell, and beam) in ANSYS APDL for structural analysis of honeycomb lightweight structures. Participants explore the requirements for each element type and the implications for modeling the same 3D geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is possible to mesh and compare solid, shell, and beam elements using the same 3D model.
  • Another participant asserts that different geometries are required for each element type due to their distinct geometric requirements.
  • A request for examples and further clarification is made by a participant who is new to ANSYS APDL.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the solid model's ability to be meshed, noting the need for a dense mesh for accurate results and potential limitations of the student version of ANSYS.
  • It is mentioned that the second model cannot be meshed with shell elements due to incorrect formatting and significant geometric differences from the first model.
  • A suggestion is made to define a surface plane for each side of the honeycomb structure if shell elements are to be used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of using the same geometry for different element types, with some asserting it is not feasible while others explore potential workarounds.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for different geometries for each element type and potential restrictions based on the version of ANSYS being used, which may limit the number of nodes available for meshing.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in structural analysis using ANSYS APDL, particularly those working with honeycomb structures or new to the software.

Damian123
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Hello,

I'm doing structural analysis of honeycomb light weight structures in ansys apdl.. is it possible to mesh and compare element types such as solid, shell and beam elements with respect to max.stress with the same 3D model??
 
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No it is not possible. Solid elements require 3-D geometry, shell elements require surface geometries in 3-d space (it might be possible to approximate your honeycomb with surfaces), Beam elements require lines (2-D geometry in 3-D space).

I think you're going to need different geometries for each element type.
 
Thank you for your reply mech engineer.. can u give some examples for it.. so that i can understand more clearly..
 
like pics, sites r journals.. I am totally new to ansys apdl
 
Let me b clear.. Is it possible to mesh first picture with solid elements, and second picture model with shell elements.. it's hollow inside
 

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The solid model in the first picture can be meshed, although it's going to take a pretty dense mesh for accurate mechanical properties. It could be the student version of ANSYS will not provide enough mesh elements for what you're hoping to achieve (I think the student vesion is limited to something like 200,000 nodes).

The second picture is not going to work, one because it isn't the correct format for shell elements, and second because its geometry is significantly different than the first model. If you really want to use shell elements, you need to define a surface plane for evey side in the honeycomb of the first picture.

Here is a link to some simple ANSYS tutorials so that you can see what you're getting yourself into: http://www.mece.uAlberta.ca/tutorials/ansys/
 

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