Table of Contents

www.kxcad.net Home > CAE Index > ANSYS Index > Release 11.0 Documentation for ANSYS

1. Getting Started with ANSYS

1.1. Building the Model

1.1.1. Specifying a Jobname and Analysis Title

1.1.2. Defining Element Types

1.1.3. Defining Element Real Constants

1.1.4. Defining Material Properties

1.1.5. Creating the Model Geometry

1.2. Applying Loads and Obtaining the Solution

1.2.1. Defining the Analysis Type and Analysis Options

1.2.2. Applying Loads

1.2.3. Specifying Load Step Options

1.2.4. Initiating the Solution

1.3. Reviewing the Results

2. Loading

2.1. What Are Loads?

2.2. Load Steps, Substeps, and Equilibrium Iterations

2.3. The Role of Time in Tracking

2.4. Stepped Versus Ramped Loads

2.5. How to Apply Loads

2.5.1. Solid-Model Loads: Advantages and Disadvantages

2.5.2. Finite-Element Loads: Advantages and Disadvantages

2.5.3. DOF Constraints

2.5.4. Applying Symmetry or Antisymmetry Boundary Conditions

2.5.5. Transferring Constraints

2.5.6. Forces (Concentrated Loads)

2.5.7. Surface Loads

2.5.8. Body Loads

2.5.9. Inertia Loads

2.5.10. Coupled-Field Loads

2.5.11. Axisymmetric Loads and Reactions

2.5.12. Loads to Which the DOF Offers No Resistance

2.5.13. Initial State Loading

2.5.14. Applying Loads Using TABLE Type Array Parameters

2.5.15. Applying Loads Using Function Boundary Conditions

2.6. How to Specify Load Step Options

2.6.1. General Options

2.6.2. Dynamics Options

2.6.3. Nonlinear Options

2.6.4. Output Controls

2.6.5. Biot-Savart Options

2.6.6. Spectrum Options

2.7. Creating Multiple Load Step Files

2.8. Defining Pretension in a Joint Fastener

2.8.1. Applying Pretension to a Fastener Meshed as a Single Piece

2.8.2. Applying Pretension to a Fastener Meshed as Two Pieces

2.8.3. Example Pretension Analysis

2.8.4. Example Pretension Analysis (GUI Method)

3. Solution

3.1. Selecting a Solver

3.2. Types of Solvers

3.2.1. The Sparse Direct Solver

3.2.2. The Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (PCG) Solver

3.2.3. The Jacobi Conjugate Gradient (JCG) Solver

3.2.4. The Incomplete Cholesky Conjugate Gradient (ICCG) Solver

3.2.5. The Quasi-Minimal Residual (QMR) Solver

3.2.6. The Frontal Solver

3.2.7. The Algebraic Multigrid (AMG) Solver

3.2.8. The Distributed Direct (DSPARSE) Solver

3.2.9. The Automatic Iterative (Fast) Solver Option

3.3. Solver Memory and Performance

3.3.1. Running ANSYS Solvers under Shared Memory

3.3.2. Using ANSYS' Large Memory Capabilities with the Sparse Solver

3.3.3. Disk Space (I/O) and Post-Processing Performance for Large Memory Problems

3.3.4. Memory Usage on Windows 32-bit Systems

3.3.5. Estimating Run Time and File Sizes

3.4. Using Special Solution Controls for Certain Types of Structural Analyses

3.4.1. Using Abridged Solution Menus

3.4.2. Using the Solution Controls Dialog Box

3.4.3. Accessing More Information

3.5. Using the PGR File to Store Data for Postprocessing

3.5.1. PGR File Capability

3.5.2. Selecting Information for the PGR File

3.5.3. PGR Commands

3.6. Obtaining the Solution

3.7. Solving Multiple Load Steps

3.7.1. Using the Multiple SOLVE Method

3.7.2. Using the Load Step File Method

3.7.3. Using the Array Parameter Method

3.8. Terminating a Running Job

3.9. Restarting an Analysis

3.9.1. Singleframe Restart

3.9.2. Multiframe Restart

3.9.3. VT Accelerator Re-run

3.10. Exercising Partial Solution Steps

3.11. Singularities

3.12. Stopping Solution After Matrix Assembly

4. An Overview of Postprocessing

4.1. Postprocessors Available

4.2. The Results Files

4.3. Types of Data Available for Postprocessing

5. The General Postprocessor (POST1)

5.1. Reading Results Data into the Database

5.1.1. Reading in Results Data

5.1.2. Other Options for Retrieving Results Data

5.1.3. Creating an Element Table

5.1.4. Special Considerations for Principal Stresses

5.1.5. Reading in FLOTRAN Results

5.1.6. Resetting the Database

5.2. Reviewing Results in POST1

5.2.1. Displaying Results Graphically

5.2.2. Surface Operations

5.2.3. Integrating Surface Results

5.2.4. Listing Results in Tabular Form

5.2.5. Mapping Results onto a Path

5.2.6. Estimating Solution Error

5.2.7. Using the Results Viewer to Access Your Results File Data

5.3. Using the PGR File in POST1

5.3.1. Specifying a New PGR File in POST1

5.3.2. Appending to an Existing PGR File in POST1

5.4. Additional POST1 Postprocessing

5.4.1. Rotating Results to a Different Coordinate System

5.4.2. Performing Arithmetic Operations Among Results Data

5.4.3. Creating and Combining Load Cases

5.4.4. Mapping Results onto a Different Mesh or to a Cut Boundary

5.4.5. Creating or Modifying Results Data in the Database

5.4.6. Splitting Large Results Files

5.4.7. Magnetics Command Macros

6. The Time-History Postprocessor (POST26)

6.1. The Time-History Variable Viewer

6.2. Entering the Time-History Postprocessor

6.2.1. Interactive

6.2.2. Batch

6.3. Defining Variables

6.3.1. Interactive

6.3.2. Batch

6.4. Processing Your Variables to Develop Calculated Data

6.4.1. Interactive

6.4.2. Batch

6.5. Importing Data

6.5.1. Interactive

6.5.2. Batch Mode

6.6. Exporting Data

6.6.1. Interactive Mode

6.6.2. Batch Mode

6.7. Reviewing the Variables

6.7.1. Plotting Result Graphs

6.7.2. Listing Your Results in Tabular Form

6.8. Additional Time-History Postprocessing

6.8.1. Random Vibration (PSD) Results Postprocessing

6.8.2. Generating a Response Spectrum

6.8.3. Data Smoothing

7. Selecting and Components

7.1. Selecting Entities

7.1.1. Selecting Entities Using Commands

7.1.2. Selecting Entities Using the GUI

7.1.3. Selecting Lines to Repair CAD Geometry

7.1.4. Other Commands for Selecting

7.2. Selecting for Meaningful Postprocessing

7.3. Grouping Geometry Items into Components and Assemblies

7.3.1. Creating Components

7.3.2. Nesting Assemblies

7.3.3. Selecting Entities by Component or Assembly

7.3.4. Adding or Removing Components

7.3.5. Modifying Components or Assemblies

8. Getting Started with Graphics

8.1. Interactive Versus External Graphics

8.2. Identifying the Graphics Device Name (for UNIX)

8.2.1. Graphics Device Names Available

8.2.2. Graphics Drivers and Capabilities Supported on UNIX Systems

8.2.3. Graphics Device Types Supported on UNIX Systems

8.2.4. Graphics Environment Variables

8.3. Specifying the Graphics Display Device Type (for Windows)

8.4. System-Dependent Graphics Information

8.4.1. Adjusting Input Focus

8.4.2. Deactivating Backing Store

8.4.3. Setting Up IBM RS/6000 3-D OpenGL Supported Graphics Adapters

8.4.4. Displaying X11 Graphics over Networks

8.4.5. HP Graphics Drivers

8.4.6. Producing GraphicDisplays on an HP PaintJet Printer

8.4.7. PostScript Hard-Copy Option

8.4.8. IBM RS/6000 Graphics Drivers

8.4.9. Silicon Graphics Drivers

8.4.10. Sun UltraSPARC Graphics Drivers (32 and 64 bit versions)

8.5. Creating Graphics Displays

8.5.1. GUI-Driven Graphics Functions

8.5.2. Command-Driven Graphics Functions

8.5.3. Immediate Mode Graphics

8.5.4. Replotting the Current Display

8.5.5. Erasing the Current Display

8.5.6. Aborting a Display in Progress

8.6. Multi-Plotting Techniques

8.6.1. Defining the Window Layout

8.6.2. Choosing What Entities Each Window Displays

8.6.3. Choosing the Display Used for Plots

8.6.4. Displaying Selected Entities

9. General Graphics Specifications

9.1. Using the GUI to Control Displays

9.2. Multiple ANSYS Windows, Superimposed Displays

9.2.1. Defining ANSYS Windows

9.2.2. Activating and Deactivating ANSYS Windows

9.2.3. Deleting ANSYS Windows

9.2.4. Copying Display Specifications Between Windows

9.2.5. Superimposing (Overlaying) Multiple Displays

9.2.6. Removing Frame Borders

9.3. Changing the Viewing Angle, Zooming, and Panning

9.3.1. Changing the Viewing Direction

9.3.2. Rotating the Display About a Specified Axis

9.3.3. Determining the Model Coordinate System Reference Orientation

9.3.4. Translating (or Panning) the Display

9.3.5. Magnifying (Zooming in on) the Image

9.3.6. Using the Control Key to Pan, Zoom, and Rotate - Dynamic Manipulation Mode

9.3.7. Resetting Automatic Scaling and Focus

9.3.8. Freezing Scale (Distance) and Focus

9.4. Controlling Miscellaneous Text and Symbols

9.4.1. Using Legends in Your Displays

9.4.2. Controlling Entity Fonts

9.4.3. Controlling the Location of the Global XYZ Triad

9.4.4. Turning Triad Symbols On and Off

9.4.5. Changing the Style of the Working Plane Grid

9.4.6. Turning the ANSYS Logo On and Off

9.5. Miscellaneous Graphics Specifications

9.5.1. Reviewing Graphics Control Specifications

9.5.2. Restoring Defaults for Graphics Slash Commands

9.5.3. Saving the Display Specifications on a File

9.5.4. Recalling Display Specifications from a File

9.5.5. Pausing the ANSYS Program

9.6. 3-D Input Device Support

10. PowerGraphics

10.1. Characteristics of PowerGraphics

10.2. When to Use PowerGraphics

10.3. Activating and Deactivating PowerGraphics

10.4. How to Use PowerGraphics

10.5. What to Expect from a PowerGraphics Plot

10.5.1. Viewing Your Element Model

10.5.2. Printing and Plotting Node and Element Results

11. Creating Geometry Displays

11.1. Creating Displays of Solid-Model Entities

11.2. Changing the Specifications for Your Geometry Displays

11.2.1. Changing the Style of Your Display

11.2.2. Applying Styles to Enhance the Model Appearance

11.2.3. Controlling Numbers and Colors

11.2.4. Displaying Loads and Other Special Symbols

12. Creating Geometric Results Displays

12.1. Using the GUI to Display Geometric Results

12.2. Options for Creating Geometric Results Displays

12.3. Changing the Specifications for POST1 Results Displays

12.3.1. Controlling Displaced Shape Displays

12.3.2. Controlling Vector Symbols in Your Results Display

12.3.3. Controlling Contour Displays

12.3.4. Changing the Number of Contours

12.4. Q-Slice Techniques

12.5. Isosurface Techniques

12.6. Controlling Particle Flow or Charged Particle Trace Displays

13. Creating Graphs

13.1. Graph Display Actions

13.2. Changing the Specifications for Graph Displays

13.2.1. Changing the Type, Style, and Color of Your Graph Display

13.2.2. Labeling Your Graph

13.2.3. Defining X and Y Variables and Their Ranges

14. Annotation

14.1. 2-D Annotation

14.2. Creating Annotations for ANSYS Models

14.3. 3-D Annotation

14.4. 3-D Query Annotation

15. Animation

15.1. Creating Animated Displays Within ANSYS

15.2. Using the Basic Animation Commands

15.3. Using One-Step Animation Macros

15.4. Capturing Animated Display Sequences Off-Line

15.5. The Stand Alone ANIMATE Program

15.5.1. Installing the ANIMATE Program

15.5.2. Running the ANIMATE Program

15.6. Animation in the Windows Environment

15.6.1. How ANSYS Supports AVI Files

15.6.2. How the DISPLAY Program Supports AVI Files

15.6.3. Other Uses for AVI Files

16. External Graphics

16.1. External Graphics Options

16.1.1. Printing Graphics in Windows

16.1.2. Exporting Graphics in Windows

16.1.3. Printing Graphics in UNIX

16.1.4. Exporting Graphics in UNIX

16.2. Creating a Neutral Graphics File

16.3. Using the DISPLAY Program to View and Translate Neutral Graphics Files

16.3.1. Getting Started with the DISPLAY Program

16.3.2. Viewing Static Images on a Terminal Screen

16.3.3. Viewing Animated Sequences on a Screen

16.3.4. Capturing Animated Sequences Offline

16.3.5. Exporting Files to Desktop Publishing or Word Processing Programs

16.3.6. Editing the Neutral Graphics File with the UNIX GUI

16.4. Obtaining Hardcopy Plots

16.4.1. Activating the Hardcopy Capability of Your Terminal on UNIX Systems

16.4.2. Obtaining Hardcopy on External Devices Using the DISPLAY Program

16.4.3. Printing Graphics Displays on a Windows-Supported Printer

17. The Report Generator

17.1. Starting the Report Generator

17.1.1. Specifying a Location for Captured Data and Reports

17.1.2. Understanding the Behavior of the ANSYS Graphics Window

17.1.3. A Note About the Graphics File Format

17.2. Capturing an Image

17.2.1. Interactive

17.2.2. Batch

17.3. Capturing Animation

17.3.1. Interactive

17.3.2. Batch

17.4. Capturing a Data Table

17.4.1. Interactive

17.4.2. Batch

17.5. Capturing a Listing

17.5.1. Interactive

17.5.2. Batch

17.6. Assembling a Report

17.6.1. Interactive Report Assembly

17.6.2. Batch Report Assembly

17.6.3. Report Assembly Using the JavaScript Interface

17.7. Setting Report Generator Defaults

18. File Management and Files

18.1. File Management Overview

18.1.1. Executing the Run Interactive Now or DISPLAY Programs from Windows Explorer

18.2. Changing the Default File Name

18.3. Sending Output to Screens, Files, or Both

18.4. Text Versus Binary Files

18.4.1. ANSYS Binary Files over NFS

18.4.2. Files that ANSYS Writes

18.4.3. File Compression

18.5. Reading Your Own Files into the ANSYS Program

18.6. Writing Your Own ANSYS Files from the ANSYS Program

18.7. Assigning Different File Names

18.8. Reviewing Contents of Binary Files (AUX2)

18.9. Operating on Results Files (AUX3)

18.10. Other File Management Commands

19. Memory Management and Configuration

19.1. ANSYS Work and Swap Space Requirements

19.2. How ANSYS Uses its Work Space

19.3. How and When to Perform Memory Management

19.3.1. Allocating Memory to ANSYS Manually

19.3.2. Changing the Amount of ANSYS Work Space

19.3.3. Changing Database Space From the Default

19.4. Using the Configuration File

19.5. Understanding ANSYS Memory Error Messages