Ansys - which analysis system to use?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting the appropriate analysis system within ANSYS Workbench for performing finite element analysis (FEA) on a model involving hydraulic pressure and friction forces. Participants explore various approaches to modeling and analysis, including the use of SolidWorks and the challenges faced with importing geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the model's behavior under pressure, indicating the movement of components and the occurrence of friction forces.
  • Another participant suggests simplifying the model by only including contact surfaces and applying a force, recommending the use of the Traditional analysis system.
  • A participant mentions difficulties with SolidWorks simulation for assembly parts and expresses a desire to use ANSYS instead.
  • Details about ANSYS version 14.0 and resources such as the Contact Technology Guide and VM29 verification file are provided by a participant, along with suggestions for using the Mechanical APDL Launcher.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliability of importing geometry into ANSYS Traditional, with advice to create simpler geometry instead.
  • One participant clarifies their project involves designing a jacking system for offshore platforms, emphasizing the need to analyze friction and reaction forces.
  • Another participant expresses urgency in obtaining analysis results and inquires about using Workbench, but receives a suggestion to seek help from an experienced engineer instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to take with ANSYS, as there are differing opinions on whether to use Traditional or Workbench, and some express uncertainty about the capabilities of each system.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations in their understanding of ANSYS Traditional and the time constraints they face in learning the software. There are also references to specific commands and files that may require further exploration.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals working on FEA projects, particularly those using ANSYS software for modeling and analysis in engineering applications.

atyy88
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http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/2498/11489662.jpg


The pressure will push component "a" to move downwards and push component "b" to move upwards.

Component "a" and "b" will only be moved in vertical direction (90degree).

There will be friction force occurs on the sliding surface which will push component "c" to move to the right >>>

Does anyone knows which analysis system(Workbench) I have to use to do my FEA on this model?
 
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First off, simplify the model. You can do this by only modeling the surfaces that are in contact and then applying a force. Use Traditional. Read about the contacts in the ANSYS help manual. There is no need to pull that entire assembly into WorkBench.

Thanks
Matt
 
Thanks for you reply Matt. :smile:
I'll read the manual and try to figure something out.
By the way my drawing is done by using SolidWorks. I tried to use the simulation system in Solidworks but it says cannot be run for assembly parts. So I'm trying Ansys now.
 
I don't know what version of ANSYS you are using but in version 14.0 you can find the details of contacts in the Contact Technology Guide.

Also in the help manual under Verification Manual there is verification file, VM29 that outlines sliding friction on a block. You can view and/or read in the VM29.dat file and modify it as needed.

The results are going to be shown in the black output window. You can also use the Mechanical APDL Launcher and use the batch mode.
 
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Yes I'm using Ansys 14.0.
I have some ideas on workbench only because one of my classmate showed me a demo on it.
This is my first time using Ansys (traditional). I don't even know how to create a modeling.
Can you guide me a bit?
Can I import my Solidworks drawing file to do the Contacts?
 
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4498/75139395.jpg

Is this the one for doing contacts?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Importing geometry into ANSYS Traditional is a 50/50 gamble. If it comes in, you will have to verify that everything is connected/restrained properly. I wouldn't waste my time trying to import anything.

What you need to do is create the simple geometry of the two sliding blocks. Have you followed the VM29.dat file?

Read about the /INPUT command in the help manual. Copy and past the VM29.dat file into a text editor, save it to a location, point ANSYS at that location (use the Mechanical APDL Launcher) and then either type in /INPUT (with the appropriate information) in the command line to read the file in. Or you can also copy and paste all the commands from the VM29.dat file and paste them directly into the command line. I am assuming you know where the command line is.

If you have never used Traditional, then you shouldn't be using Workbench. Use the help manual and the example verification files to begin to learn and understand APDL. There is a log file that you can view (similar to recording a macro in VBA) and this will tell you what APDL command is being used as you point and click. Refer to this file as you build your model.

Also, ask yourself, "What am I trying to accomplish with this analysis and how can I simplify this large assembly into a much more manageable problem?" If you are just looking to create a pretty picture with color contours, your doing your analysis for all the wrong reasons.
 
No... I'm not just looking to create a pretty picture with color contours.

I'm actually designing a jacking system for offshore platform which uses hydraulic pressure to move the components and then it will generate friction force to move another components(clamping units), instead of using rack and pinion system.

So I have to do analysis on the friction/reaction forces for my design.

The dimension of the drawing i showed on the first post is actually very large.

I had read the manual that you said but I couldn't get to learn the ANSYS traditional in this short time. I'm quite in rush to get the analysis results.

Do you have any idea how to do it with Workbench?
 
atyy88 said:
I had read the manual that you said but I couldn't get to learn the ANSYS traditional in this short time. I'm quite in rush to get the analysis results.

Do you have any idea how to do it with Workbench?

No, I do not work with Workbench. Without any experience, you should consult an engineering firm that specializes in FEA. Or get help from someone who is experienced and can literally sit right next to you and guide you thru this analysis.

I hope it all works out for you.

Thanks
Matt
 

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