ANSYS mechanical APDL for finite element analysis / Mary Kathryn Thompson, John M. Thompson.

Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Building the Model ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1. Specifying a Jobname and Analysis Title ................................................................................... 1
1.1.1.1. Defining the Jobname ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1.2. Defining an Analysis Title ................................................................................................. 2
1.1.1.3. Defining Units ................................................................................................................. 2
1.1.2. Defining Element Types ............................................................................................................ 2
1.1.3. Defining Element Real Constants .............................................................................................. 3
1.1.3.1. Creating Cross Sections ................................................................................................... 4
1.1.4. Defining Material Properties ..................................................................................................... 4
1.1.4.1. Linear Material Properties ................................................................................................ 4
1.1.4.2. Nonlinear Material Properties .......................................................................................... 7
1.1.4.3. Anisotropic Elastic Material Properties ............................................................................. 7
1.1.4.4. Material Model Interface .................................................................................................. 8
1.1.4.4.1. Accessing the Interface ........................................................................................... 8
1.1.4.4.2. Choosing Material Behavior .................................................................................... 8
1.1.4.4.3. Entering Material Data ............................................................................................ 9
1.1.4.4.4. Logging/Editing Material Data .............................................................................. 12
1.1.4.4.5. Example: Defining a Single Material Model ............................................................ 12
1.1.4.4.6. Example: Editing Data in a Material Model ............................................................. 13
1.1.4.4.7. Example: Defining a Material Model Combination .................................................. 14
1.1.4.4.8. Material Model Interface - Miscellaneous Items ...................................................... 15
1.1.4.5. Using Material Library Files ............................................................................................ 15
1.1.4.6. Format of Material Library Files ...................................................................................... 16
1.1.4.7. Specifying a Default Read/Write Path for Material Library Files ........................................ 16
1.1.4.8. Creating (Writing) a Material Library File ......................................................................... 16
1.1.4.9. Reading a Material Library File ....................................................................................... 17
1.1.5. Creating the Model Geometry ................................................................................................ 17
1.2. Applying Loads and Obtaining the Solution .................................................................................... 18
1.2.1. Specifying the Analysis Type and Analysis Options .................................................................. 18
1.2.2. Applying Loads ...................................................................................................................... 19
1.2.3. Specifying Load Step Options ................................................................................................. 20
1.2.4. Initiating the Solution ............................................................................................................. 20
1.3. Reviewing the Results ..................................................................................................................... 20
2. Loading ................................................................................................................................................. 21
2.1. Understanding Loads ...................................................................................................................... 21
2.2. Load Steps, Substeps, and Equilibrium Iterations .............................................................................. 22
2.3.The Role of Time in Tracking ............................................................................................................ 24
2.4. Stepped Versus Ramped Loads ........................................................................................................ 25
2.5. Applying Loads ............................................................................................................................... 26
2.5.1. Solid-Model Loads: Advantages and Disadvantages ................................................................ 26
2.5.2. Finite-Element Loads: Advantages and Disadvantages ............................................................. 27
2.5.3. DOF Constraints ..................................................................................................................... 27
2.5.4. Applying Symmetry or Antisymmetry Boundary Conditions .................................................... 28
2.5.5.Transferring Constraints .......................................................................................................... 29
2.5.5.1. Resetting Constraints ..................................................................................................... 30
2.5.5.2. Scaling Constraint Values ............................................................................................... 30
2.5.5.3. Resolution of Conflicting Constraint Specifications ......................................................... 31
2.5.6. Forces (Concentrated Loads) ................................................................................................... 32
2.5.6.1. Repeating a Force .......................................................................................................... 33
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2.5.6.2. Scaling Force Values ....................................................................................................... 33
2.5.6.3. Transferring Forces ........................................................................................................ 33
2.5.7. Surface Loads ......................................................................................................................... 34
2.5.7.1. Applying Pressure Loads on Beams ................................................................................ 35
2.5.7.2. Specifying Node Number Versus Surface Load ................................................................ 35
2.5.7.3. Specifying a Gradient Slope ........................................................................................... 36
2.5.7.4. Repeating a Surface Load .............................................................................................. 39
2.5.7.5.Transferring Surface Loads ............................................................................................. 39
2.5.7.6. Using Surface Effect Elements to Apply Loads ................................................................ 39
2.5.8. Applying Body Loads ............................................................................................................. 40
2.5.8.1. Specifying Body Loads for Elements ............................................................................... 41
2.5.8.2. Specifying Body Loads for Keypoints .............................................................................. 42
2.5.8.3. Specifying Body Loads on Lines, Areas and Volumes ....................................................... 43
2.5.8.4. Specifying a Uniform Body Load .................................................................................... 43
2.5.8.5. Repeating a Body Load Specification .............................................................................. 43
2.5.8.6.Transferring Body Loads ................................................................................................. 44
2.5.8.7. Scaling Body Load Values ............................................................................................... 44
2.5.8.8. Resolving Conflicting Body Load Specifications .............................................................. 44
2.5.9. Applying Inertia Loads ........................................................................................................... 46
2.5.10. Applying Ocean Loads .......................................................................................................... 47
2.5.11. Applying Coupled-Field Loads .............................................................................................. 48
2.5.12. Axisymmetric Loads and Reactions ....................................................................................... 49
2.5.12.1. Hints and Restrictions .................................................................................................. 49
2.5.13. Loads to Which the Degree of Freedom Offers No Resistance ................................................ 50
2.5.14. Initial State Loading .............................................................................................................. 50
2.5.15. Applying Loads Using TABLE Type Array Parameters .............................................................. 50
2.5.15.1. Defining Primary Variables ........................................................................................... 51
2.5.15.2. Defining Independent Variables ................................................................................... 53
2.5.15.3. Operating on Table Parameters .................................................................................... 54
2.5.15.4.Verifying Boundary Conditions ..................................................................................... 54
2.5.15.5. Example Analysis Using 1-D Table Array ........................................................................ 54
2.5.15.6. Example Analysis Using 5-D Table Array ........................................................................ 54
2.5.16. Applying Loads Using Components and Assemblies .............................................................. 56
2.6. Specifying Load Step Options ......................................................................................................... 57
2.6.1. Setting General Options ......................................................................................................... 57
2.6.1.1. Solution Controls Dialog Box ......................................................................................... 57
2.6.1.2.The Time Option ............................................................................................................ 57
2.6.1.3. Number of Substeps and Time Step Size ......................................................................... 58
2.6.1.4. Automatic Time Stepping .............................................................................................. 58
2.6.1.5. Stepping or Ramping Loads ........................................................................................... 58
2.6.1.6. Other General Options ................................................................................................... 60
2.6.2. Setting Dynamics Options ...................................................................................................... 61
2.6.3. Setting Nonlinear Options ...................................................................................................... 62
2.6.4. Setting Output Controls ......................................................................................................... 63
2.6.5. Setting Biot-Savart Options .................................................................................................... 64
2.6.6. Setting Spectrum Options ...................................................................................................... 65
2.7. Creating Multiple Load Step Files .................................................................................................... 65
2.8. Defining Pretension in a Joint Fastener ............................................................................................ 66
2.8.1. Applying Pretension to a Fastener Meshed as a Single Piece .................................................... 66
2.8.2. Applying Pretension to a Fastener Meshed as Two Pieces ........................................................ 67
2.8.3. Example Pretension Analysis .................................................................................................. 67
2.8.4. Example Pretension Analysis (GUI Method) ............................................................................. 71
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Basic Analysis Guide
2.8.4.1. Set the Analysis Title ...................................................................................................... 71
2.8.4.2. Define the Element Type ................................................................................................ 71
2.8.4.3. Define Material Properties ............................................................................................. 72
2.8.4.4. Set Viewing Options ...................................................................................................... 72
2.8.4.5. Create Geometry ........................................................................................................... 73
2.8.4.6. Mesh Geometry ............................................................................................................. 74
2.8.4.7. Solution: Apply Pretension ............................................................................................. 75
2.8.4.8. Postprocessing: Pretension Results ................................................................................. 76
2.8.4.9. Solution: Apply Thermal Gradient ................................................................................... 76
2.8.4.10. Postprocessing: Pretension and Thermal Results ........................................................... 77
2.8.4.11. Exit ANSYS ................................................................................................................... 77
3. Using the Function Tool ........................................................................................................................ 79
3.1. Function Tool Terminology .............................................................................................................. 79
3.2. Using the Function Editor ................................................................................................................ 80
3.2.1. How the Function Editor Works ............................................................................................... 80
3.2.1.1. Selecting Primary Variables in the Function Editor .......................................................... 81
3.2.2. Creating a Function with the Function Editor .......................................................................... 82
3.2.3. Using Your Function ............................................................................................................... 83
3.3. Using the Function Loader .............................................................................................................. 83
3.4. Applying Boundary Conditions Using the Function Tool ................................................................... 84
3.5. Function Tool Example .................................................................................................................... 84
3.6. Graphing or Listing a Function ....................................................................................................... 89
3.6.1. Graphing a Function ............................................................................................................... 90
3.6.2. Listing a Function .................................................................................................................. 90
4. Initial State ............................................................................................................................................ 93
4.1. Specifying and Editing Initial State Values ........................................................................................ 93
4.1.1. Node-Based Initial State ......................................................................................................... 94
4.2. Initial State Application ................................................................................................................... 94
4.2.1. Initial Stress Application ......................................................................................................... 94
4.2.2. Initial Strain Application ......................................................................................................... 95
4.2.3. Initial Plastic Strain Application ............................................................................................... 96
4.2.4. Initial Creep Strain Application ............................................................................................... 96
4.2.5. Initial State with State Variables Application ............................................................................ 97
4.2.6. Node-Based Initial Strain Application ...................................................................................... 97
4.3. Initial State File Format .................................................................................................................... 97
4.4. Using Coordinate Systems with Initial State ..................................................................................... 98
4.5. Initial State Limitations .................................................................................................................... 98
4.6. Example Problems Using Initial State ............................................................................................... 99
4.6.1. Example: Initial Stress Problem Using the IST File ..................................................................... 99
4.6.2. Example: Initial Stress Problem Using the INISTATE Command ............................................... 100
4.6.3. Example: Initial Strain Problem Using the INISTATE Command ................................................ 101
4.6.4. Example: Initial Plastic Strain Problem Using the INISTATE Command ..................................... 101
4.6.5. Example: Initial Creep Strain Problem Using the INISTATE Command ...................................... 103
4.6.6. Example: Initial Plastic Strain Problem Using the INISTATE with State Variables ....................... 105
4.6.7. Example: Node-Based Initial Strain Problem Using the INISTATE Command ............................ 107
4.7.Writing Initial State Values ............................................................................................................. 109
4.7.1. Example: Output From the INISTATE Command's WRITE Option ............................................. 109
5. Solution ............................................................................................................................................... 111
5.1. Selecting a Solver .......................................................................................................................... 111
5.2. Types of Solvers ............................................................................................................................ 113
5.2.1. The Sparse Direct Solver ....................................................................................................... 113
5.2.1.1. Distributed Sparse Direct Solver ................................................................................... 114
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Basic Analysis Guide
5.2.2.The Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (PCG) Solver ............................................................ 115
5.2.3.The Jacobi Conjugate Gradient (JCG) Solver .......................................................................... 117
5.2.4. The Incomplete Cholesky Conjugate Gradient (ICCG) Solver .................................................. 117
5.2.5. The Quasi-Minimal Residual (QMR) Solver ............................................................................. 117
5.3. Solver Memory and Performance .................................................................................................. 118
5.3.1. Running Solvers Under Shared Memory ................................................................................ 118
5.3.2. Using Large Memory Capabilities with the Sparse Solver ....................................................... 118
5.3.3. Disk Space (I/O) and Postprocessing Performance for Large Memory Problems ...................... 119
5.3.4. Memory Usage on Windows 32-bit Systems .......................................................................... 119
5.4. Using Special Solution Controls for Certain Types of Structural Analyses ......................................... 120
5.4.1. Using Abridged Solution Menus ........................................................................................... 120
5.4.2. Using the Solution Controls Dialog Box ................................................................................. 121
5.4.3. Accessing More Information ................................................................................................. 123
5.5. Obtaining the Solution .................................................................................................................. 124
5.6. Solving Multiple Load Steps .......................................................................................................... 124
5.6.1. Using the Multiple SOLVE Method ........................................................................................ 124
5.6.2. Using the Load Step File Method .......................................................................................... 125
5.6.3. Using the Array Parameter Method ....................................................................................... 125
5.7.Terminating a Running Job ............................................................................................................ 127
5.8. Restarting an Analysis ................................................................................................................... 127
5.8.1. Multiframe Restart ................................................................................................................ 128
5.8.1.1. Multiframe File Restart Requirements ........................................................................... 132
5.8.1.1.1. Multiframe Restart Limitations ............................................................................ 133
5.8.1.2. Multiframe Restart Procedure ...................................................................................... 133
5.8.2. Modal Analysis Restart .......................................................................................................... 135
5.8.3. VT Accelerator Re-run ........................................................................................................... 138
5.8.3.1. VT Accelerator Re-run Requirements ............................................................................ 138
5.8.3.2. VT Accelerator Re-run Procedure .................................................................................. 138
5.9. Singular Matrices .......................................................................................................................... 139
5.10. Stopping Solution After Matrix Assembly ..................................................................................... 140
6. An Overview of Postprocessing .......................................................................................................... 141
6.1. Postprocessors Available ............................................................................................................... 141
6.2.The Results Files ............................................................................................................................ 142
6.3.Types of Data Available for Postprocessing ..................................................................................... 142
7.The General Postprocessor (POST1) .................................................................................................... 145
7.1. Reading Results Data into the Database ......................................................................................... 145
7.1.1. Reading in Results Data ........................................................................................................ 145
7.1.2. Other Options for Retrieving Results Data ............................................................................. 146
7.1.2.1. Defining Data to be Retrieved ...................................................................................... 147
7.1.2.2. Reading Selected Results Information .......................................................................... 147
7.1.2.3. Appending Data to the Database ................................................................................. 147
7.1.3. Creating an Element Table .................................................................................................... 148
7.1.3.1. Filling the Element Table for Variables Identified By Name ............................................. 149
7.1.3.2. Filling the Element Table for Variables Identified By Sequence Number ......................... 149
7.1.3.3. Considerations for Defining Element Tables .................................................................. 149
7.1.4. Special Considerations for Principal Stresses ......................................................................... 150
7.1.5. Resetting the Database ........................................................................................................ 150
7.2. Reviewing Results in POST1 ........................................................................................................... 150
7.2.1. Displaying Results Graphically .............................................................................................. 151
7.2.1.1. Contour Displays ......................................................................................................... 151
7.2.1.2. Deformed Shape Displays ............................................................................................ 155
7.2.1.3. Vector Displays ............................................................................................................ 156
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Basic Analysis Guide
7.2.1.4. Path Plots .................................................................................................................... 156
7.2.1.5. Reaction Force Displays ............................................................................................... 157
7.2.1.6. Particle Flow and Charged Particle Traces ..................................................................... 157
7.2.1.7. Cracking and Crushing Plots ........................................................................................ 160
7.2.2. Surface Operations ............................................................................................................... 160
7.2.2.1. Defining the Surface .................................................................................................... 161
7.2.2.2. Mapping Results Data Onto a Surface ........................................................................... 162
7.2.2.3. Reviewing Surface Results ........................................................................................... 163
7.2.2.4. Performing Operations on Mapped Surface Result Sets ................................................ 163
7.2.2.5. Archiving and Retrieving Surface Data to a File ............................................................. 163
7.2.2.6. Archiving and Retrieving Surface Data to an Array Parameter ....................................... 164
7.2.2.7. Deleting a Surface ....................................................................................................... 164
7.2.3. Integrating Surface Results ................................................................................................... 164
7.2.4. Listing Results in Tabular Form .............................................................................................. 165
7.2.4.1. Listing Nodal and Element Solution Data ...................................................................... 165
7.2.4.2. Listing Reaction Loads and Applied Loads .................................................................... 166
7.2.4.3. Listing Element Table Data ........................................................................................... 167
7.2.4.4. Other Listings .............................................................................................................. 168
7.2.4.5. Sorting Nodes and Elements ........................................................................................ 169
7.2.4.6. Customizing Your Tabular Listings ................................................................................ 169
7.2.5. Mapping Results onto a Path ................................................................................................ 170
7.2.5.1. Defining the Path ......................................................................................................... 170
7.2.5.2. Using Multiple Paths .................................................................................................... 171
7.2.5.3. Interpolating Data Along the Path ................................................................................ 172
7.2.5.4. Mapping Path Data ...................................................................................................... 172
7.2.5.5. Reviewing Path Items .................................................................................................. 173
7.2.5.6. Performing Mathematical Operations among Path Items .............................................. 173
7.2.5.7. Archiving and Retrieving Path Data to a File ................................................................. 173
7.2.5.8. Archiving and Retrieving Path Data to an Array Parameter ............................................ 174
7.2.5.9. Deleting a Path ............................................................................................................ 175
7.2.6. Estimating Solution Error ...................................................................................................... 176
7.2.7. Using the Results Viewer to Access Results File Data .............................................................. 176
7.2.7.1.The Results Viewer Layout ............................................................................................ 177
7.2.7.1.1. Main Menu ......................................................................................................... 177
7.2.7.1.2. Toolbar ............................................................................................................... 178
7.2.7.1.3. Step/Sequence Data Access Controls ................................................................... 179
7.2.7.2. The Results Viewer Context-Sensitive Menus ................................................................ 180
7.3. Additional POST1 Postprocessing .................................................................................................. 182
7.3.1. Rotating Results to a Different Coordinate System ................................................................. 182
7.3.2. Performing Arithmetic Operations Among Results Data ........................................................ 184
7.3.3. Creating and Combining Load Cases ..................................................................................... 187
7.3.3.1. Saving a Combined Load Case ..................................................................................... 188
7.3.3.2. Combining Load Cases in Harmonic Element Models .................................................... 190
7.3.3.3. Summable, Non-Summable, and Constant Data ............................................................ 191
7.3.4. Mapping Results onto a Different Mesh or to a Cut Boundary ................................................ 192
7.3.5. Creating or Modifying Results Data in the Database .............................................................. 193
7.3.6. Splitting Large Results Files ................................................................................................... 193
7.3.7. Magnetics Command Macros ............................................................................................... 194
7.3.8. Comparing Nodal Solutions From Two Models or From One Model and Experimental Data
(RSTMAC) ..................................................................................................................................... 196
7.3.8.1. Matching the Nodes .................................................................................................... 196
7.3.8.2. Mapping the Nodes ..................................................................................................... 197
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7.3.8.3. Evaluate MAC Between Solutions at Matched/Mapped Nodes ...................................... 198
7.3.8.4. Match the Solutions ..................................................................................................... 199
7.3.8.5. Universal Format File Records ...................................................................................... 199
8. The Time-History Postprocessor (POST26) ......................................................................................... 201
8.1.The Time-History Variable Viewer ................................................................................................... 201
8.2. Entering the Time-History Postprocessor ....................................................................................... 204
8.2.1. Interactive ............................................................................................................................ 204
8.2.2. Batch ................................................................................................................................... 204
8.3. Defining Variables ......................................................................................................................... 204
8.3.1. Interactive ............................................................................................................................ 205
8.3.2. Batch ................................................................................................................................... 206
8.4. Processing Your Variables to Develop Calculated Data ................................................................... 208
8.4.1. Interactive ............................................................................................................................ 208
8.4.2. Batch ................................................................................................................................... 209
8.5. Importing Data ............................................................................................................................. 210
8.5.1. Interactive ........................................................................................................................... 210
8.5.2. Batch Mode .......................................................................................................................... 211
8.6. Exporting Data .............................................................................................................................. 212
8.6.1. Interactive Mode .................................................................................................................. 212
8.6.2. Batch Mode .......................................................................................................................... 212
8.7. Reviewing the Variables ................................................................................................................ 213
8.7.1. Plotting Result Graphs .......................................................................................................... 213
8.7.1.1. Interactive ................................................................................................................... 213
8.7.1.2. Batch ........................................................................................................................... 213
8.7.2. Listing Your Results in Tabular Form ...................................................................................... 214
8.7.2.1. Interactive ................................................................................................................... 214
8.7.2.2. Batch ........................................................................................................................... 215
8.8. Additional Time-History Postprocessing ........................................................................................ 215
8.8.1. Random Vibration (PSD) Results Postprocessing .................................................................... 216
8.8.1.1. Interactive ................................................................................................................... 216
8.8.1.1.1. Covariance .......................................................................................................... 216
8.8.1.1.2. Response PSD ..................................................................................................... 217
8.8.1.2. Batch ........................................................................................................................... 218
8.8.2. Generating a Response Spectrum ......................................................................................... 218
8.8.2.1. Interactive ................................................................................................................... 218
8.8.2.2. Batch ........................................................................................................................... 220
8.8.3. Data Smoothing ................................................................................................................... 220
8.8.3.1. Interactive ................................................................................................................... 220
8.8.3.2. Batch ........................................................................................................................... 220
9. Selecting and Components ................................................................................................................. 223
9.1. Selecting Entities .......................................................................................................................... 223
9.1.1. Selecting Entities Using Commands ...................................................................................... 225
9.1.2. Selecting Entities Using the GUI ............................................................................................ 225
9.1.3. Selecting Lines to Repair CAD Geometry ............................................................................... 226
9.1.4. Other Commands for Selecting ............................................................................................. 226
9.2. Selecting for Meaningful Postprocessing ....................................................................................... 227
9.3. Grouping Geometry Items into Components and Assemblies ......................................................... 228
9.3.1. Creating Components .......................................................................................................... 229
9.3.2. Nesting Assemblies .............................................................................................................. 229
9.3.3. Selecting Entities by Component or Assembly ...................................................................... 230
9.3.4. Adding or Removing Components ........................................................................................ 231
9.3.5. Modifying Components or Assemblies .................................................................................. 231
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Basic Analysis Guide
10. Getting Started with Graphics .......................................................................................................... 233
10.1. Interactive Versus External Graphics ............................................................................................. 233
10.2. Identifying the Graphics Device Name (for UNIX) ......................................................................... 233
10.2.1. Graphics Device Names Available ........................................................................................ 233
10.2.1.1. X11 and X11C ............................................................................................................ 234
10.2.1.2. 3D ............................................................................................................................. 234
10.2.2. Graphics Drivers and Capabilities Supported on UNIX Systems ............................................ 234
10.2.3. Graphics Device Types Supported on UNIX Systems ............................................................ 235
10.2.4. Graphics Environment Variables .......................................................................................... 235
10.3. Specifying the Graphics Display Device Type (for Windows) .......................................................... 236
10.4. System-Dependent Graphics Information .................................................................................... 237
10.4.1. Adjusting Input Focus ......................................................................................................... 237
10.4.2. Deactivating Backing Store ................................................................................................. 237
10.4.3. Setting Up IBM RS/6000 3-D OpenGL Supported Graphics Adapters .................................... 237
10.4.4. Displaying X11 Graphics over Networks .............................................................................. 237
10.4.5. HP Graphics Drivers ............................................................................................................ 238
10.4.6. Producing GraphicDisplays on an HP PaintJet Printer ........................................................... 238
10.4.7. PostScript Hard-Copy Option .............................................................................................. 239
10.4.8. IBM RS/6000 Graphics Drivers ............................................................................................. 239
10.4.9. Silicon Graphics Drivers ...................................................................................................... 239
10.4.10. Sun UltraSPARC Graphics Drivers (32 and 64 bit versions) ................................................... 239
10.5. Creating Graphics Displays .......................................................................................................... 240
10.5.1. GUI-Driven Graphics Functions ........................................................................................... 240
10.5.2. Command-Driven Graphics Functions ................................................................................. 240
10.5.3. Immediate Mode Graphics .................................................................................................. 240
10.5.4. Replotting the Current Display ............................................................................................ 241
10.5.5. Erasing the Current Display ................................................................................................. 241
10.5.6. Aborting a Display in Progress ............................................................................................ 241
10.6. Multi-Plotting Techniques ........................................................................................................... 241
10.6.1. Defining the Window Layout .............................................................................................. 241
10.6.2. Choosing What Entities Each Window Displays .................................................................... 242
10.6.3. Choosing the Display Used for Plots .................................................................................... 243
10.6.4. Displaying Selected Entities ................................................................................................ 243
11. General Graphics Specifications ....................................................................................................... 245
11.1. Using the GUI to Control Displays ................................................................................................ 245
11.2. Multiple ANSYS Windows, Superimposed Displays ....................................................................... 245
11.2.1. Defining ANSYS Windows ................................................................................................... 245
11.2.2. Activating and Deactivating ANSYS Windows ...................................................................... 245
11.2.3. Deleting ANSYS Windows ................................................................................................... 246
11.2.4. Copying Display Specifications Between Windows .............................................................. 246
11.2.5. Superimposing (Overlaying) Multiple Displays .................................................................... 246
11.2.6. Removing Frame Borders .................................................................................................... 246
11.3. Changing the Viewing Angle, Zooming, and Panning ................................................................... 246
11.3.1. Changing the Viewing Direction ......................................................................................... 247
11.3.2. Rotating the Display About a Specified Axis ........................................................................ 248
11.3.3. Determining the Model Coordinate System Reference Orientation ...................................... 248
11.3.4.Translating (or Panning) the Display .................................................................................... 248
11.3.5. Magnifying (Zooming in on) the Image ............................................................................... 248
11.3.6. Using the Control Key to Pan, Zoom, and Rotate - Dynamic Manipulation Mode ................... 248
11.3.7. Resetting Automatic Scaling and Focus ............................................................................... 249
11.3.8. Freezing Scale (Distance) and Focus .................................................................................... 249
11.4. Controlling Miscellaneous Text and Symbols ................................................................................ 249
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Basic Analysis Guide
11.4.1. Using Legends in Your Displays .......................................................................................... 249
11.4.1.1. Controlling the Content of Your Legends .................................................................... 250
11.4.1.2. Controlling the Placement of Your Contour Legend .................................................... 250
11.4.2. Controlling Entity Fonts ...................................................................................................... 251
11.4.3. Controlling the Location of the Global XYZ Triad ................................................................. 251
11.4.4.Turning Triad Symbols On and Off ....................................................................................... 251
11.4.5. Changing the Style of the Working Plane Grid ..................................................................... 251
11.4.6. Turning the ANSYS Logo On and Off ................................................................................... 252
11.5. Miscellaneous Graphics Specifications ......................................................................................... 252
11.5.1. Reviewing Graphics Control Specifications .......................................................................... 252
11.5.2. Restoring Defaults for Graphics Slash Commands ................................................................ 252
11.5.3. Saving the Display Specifications on a File ........................................................................... 252
11.5.4. Recalling Display Specifications from a File .......................................................................... 252
11.5.5. Pausing the ANSYS Program ............................................................................................... 252
11.6. 3-D Input Device Support ............................................................................................................ 252
12. PowerGraphics .................................................................................................................................. 255
12.1. Characteristics of PowerGraphics ................................................................................................. 255
12.2.When to Use PowerGraphics ........................................................................................................ 256
12.3. Activating and Deactivating PowerGraphics ................................................................................ 256
12.4. How to Use PowerGraphics ......................................................................................................... 256
12.5.What to Expect from a PowerGraphics Plot .................................................................................. 256
12.5.1.Viewing Your Element Model .............................................................................................. 256
12.5.2. Printing and Plotting Node and Element Results ................................................................. 257
13. Creating Geometry Displays ............................................................................................................. 259
13.1. Creating Displays of Solid-Model Entities ..................................................................................... 259
13.2. Changing the Specifications for Your Geometry Displays .............................................................. 260
13.2.1. Changing the Style of Your Display ...................................................................................... 260
13.2.1.1. Displaying Line and Shell Elements as Solids .............................................................. 260
13.2.1.2. Displaying Only the Edges of an Object ...................................................................... 261
13.2.1.3. Displaying the Interior Element Edges of an Object ..................................................... 261
13.2.1.4. Using Dashed Element Outlines ................................................................................. 261
13.2.1.5. Shrinking Entities for Clarity ....................................................................................... 261
13.2.1.6. Changing the Display Aspect Ratio ............................................................................. 261
13.2.1.7. Changing the Number of Facets ................................................................................. 262
13.2.1.8. Changing Facets for PowerGraphics Displays .............................................................. 262
13.2.1.9. Changing Hidden-Line Options .................................................................................. 262
13.2.1.10. Section, Slice, or Capped Displays ............................................................................. 262
13.2.1.11. Specifying the Cutting Plane .................................................................................... 262
13.2.1.12. Vector Versus Raster Mode ....................................................................................... 263
13.2.1.13. Perspective Displays ................................................................................................. 263
13.2.2. Applying Styles to Enhance the Model Appearance ............................................................. 263
13.2.2.1. Applying Textures to Selected Items ........................................................................... 263
13.2.2.2. Creating Translucent Displays ..................................................................................... 263
13.2.2.3. Changing Light-Source Shading ................................................................................. 264
13.2.2.4. Adding Background Shading and Textures ................................................................. 264
13.2.2.5. Using the Create Best Quality Image Capability .......................................................... 264
13.2.3. Controlling Numbers and Colors ........................................................................................ 266
13.2.3.1.Turning Item Numbers On and Off .............................................................................. 266
13.2.3.2. Choosing a Format for the Graphical Display of Numbers ............................................ 267
13.2.3.3. Controlling Number and Color Options ...................................................................... 267
13.2.3.4. Controlling Color Values ............................................................................................. 267
13.2.4. Displaying Loads and Other Special Symbols ...................................................................... 267
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13.2.4.1.Turning Load Symbols and Contours On and Off ......................................................... 267
13.2.4.2. Displaying Boundary Condition Values Next to a Symbol ............................................ 268
13.2.4.3. Displaying Boundary Condition Symbols for Hidden Surfaces .................................... 268
13.2.4.4. Scaling Vector Load Symbols ...................................................................................... 268
13.2.4.5.Turning Other Symbols On and Off ............................................................................. 268
14. Creating Geometric Results Displays ................................................................................................ 269
14.1. Using the GUI to Display Geometric Results ................................................................................. 269
14.2. Options for Creating Geometric Results Displays .......................................................................... 270
14.3. Changing the Specifications for POST1 Results Displays ............................................................... 271
14.3.1. Controlling Displaced Shape Displays ................................................................................. 271
14.3.2. Controlling Vector Symbols in Your Results Display .............................................................. 272
14.3.3. Controlling Contour Displays .............................................................................................. 272
14.3.4. Changing the Number of Contours ..................................................................................... 273
14.4. Q-Slice Techniques ...................................................................................................................... 274
14.5. Isosurface Techniques ................................................................................................................. 275
14.6. Controlling Particle Flow or Charged Particle Trace Displays ......................................................... 275
15. Creating Graphs ................................................................................................................................ 277
15.1. Graph Display Actions ................................................................................................................. 277
15.2. Changing the Specifications for Graph Displays ........................................................................... 278
15.2.1. Changing the Type, Style, and Color of Your Graph Display ................................................... 278
15.2.2. Labeling Your Graph ........................................................................................................... 279
15.2.3. Defining X and Y Variables and Their Ranges ....................................................................... 280
15.2.3.1. Defining the X Variable .............................................................................................. 280
15.2.3.2. Defining the Part of the Complex Variable to Be Displayed .......................................... 280
15.2.3.3. Defining the Y Variable .............................................................................................. 280
15.2.3.4. Setting the X Range .................................................................................................. 280
15.2.3.5. Defining the TIME (or, For Harmonic Analyses, Frequency) Range ................................ 280
15.2.3.6. Setting the Y Range ................................................................................................... 281
16. Annotation ........................................................................................................................................ 283
16.1. 2-D Annotation ........................................................................................................................... 283
16.2. Creating Annotations for ANSYS Models ...................................................................................... 284
16.3. 3-D Annotation ........................................................................................................................... 285
16.4. 3-D Query Annotation ................................................................................................................. 285
17. Animation .......................................................................................................................................... 287
17.1. Creating Animated Displays Within ANSYS ................................................................................... 287
17.2. Using the Basic Animation Commands ........................................................................................ 287
17.3. Using One-Step Animation Macros .............................................................................................. 288
17.4. Capturing Animated Display Sequences Off-Line ......................................................................... 289
17.5.The Stand Alone ANIMATE Program ............................................................................................. 290
17.5.1. Installing the ANIMATE Program ......................................................................................... 290
17.5.2. Running the ANIMATE Program .......................................................................................... 290
17.6. Animation in the Windows Environment ...................................................................................... 291
17.6.1. How ANSYS Supports AVI Files ............................................................................................ 292
17.6.2. How the DISPLAY Program Supports AVI Files ...................................................................... 292
17.6.3. Other Uses for AVI Files ....................................................................................................... 293
18. External Graphics .............................................................................................................................. 295
18.1. External Graphics Options ........................................................................................................... 295
18.1.1. Printing Graphics in Windows ............................................................................................. 295
18.1.2. Exporting Graphics in Windows .......................................................................................... 295
18.1.2.1. PNG Format ............................................................................................................... 296
18.1.2.2. ClearType and Reverse Video ..................................................................................... 296
18.1.2.3. Create Exportable Graphics ........................................................................................ 296
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Basic Analysis Guide
18.1.2.4. Export Windows Metafiles .......................................................................................... 296
18.1.3. Printing Graphics in Linux ................................................................................................... 297
18.1.4. Exporting Graphics in Linux ................................................................................................ 297
18.2. Creating a Neutral Graphics File ................................................................................................... 297
18.3. Using the DISPLAY Program to View and Translate Neutral Graphics Files ...................................... 298
18.3.1. Getting Started with the DISPLAY Program .......................................................................... 298
18.3.2.Viewing Static Images on a Terminal Screen ........................................................................ 299
18.3.3.Viewing Animated Sequences on a Screen .......................................................................... 299
18.3.4. Capturing Animated Sequences Offline .............................................................................. 300
18.3.5. Exporting Files to Desktop Publishing or Word Processing Programs .................................... 300
18.3.5.1. Exporting Files on a Linux System ............................................................................... 300
18.3.5.2. Exporting Files on a Windows System ......................................................................... 300
18.3.6. Editing the Neutral Graphics File with the Linux GUI ............................................................ 301
18.4. Obtaining Hardcopy Plots ........................................................................................................... 301
18.4.1. Activating the Hardcopy Capability of Your Terminal on Linux Systems ................................ 301
18.4.2. Obtaining Hardcopy on External Devices via the DISPLAY Program ...................................... 301
18.4.3. Printing Graphics Displays on a Windows-Supported Printer ................................................ 301
19. The Report Generator ....................................................................................................................... 303
19.1. Starting the Report Generator ..................................................................................................... 303
19.1.1. Specifying a Location for Captured Data and Reports .......................................................... 304
19.1.2. Understanding the Behavior of the ANSYS Graphics Window ............................................... 304
19.1.3. A Note About the Graphics File Format ............................................................................... 304
19.2. Capturing an Image .................................................................................................................... 304
19.2.1. Interactive .......................................................................................................................... 304
19.2.2. Batch ................................................................................................................................. 305
19.3. Capturing Animation .................................................................................................................. 305
19.3.1. Interactive .......................................................................................................................... 305
19.3.2. Batch ................................................................................................................................. 306
19.4. Capturing a Data Table ................................................................................................................ 306
19.4.1. Interactive .......................................................................................................................... 306
19.4.1.1. Creating a Custom Table ............................................................................................ 307
19.4.2. Batch ................................................................................................................................. 307
19.5. Capturing a Listing ...................................................................................................................... 309
19.5.1. Interactive .......................................................................................................................... 309
19.5.2. Batch ................................................................................................................................. 310
19.6. Assembling a Report ................................................................................................................... 310
19.6.1. Interactive Report Assembly ............................................................................................... 310
19.6.2. Batch Report Assembly ....................................................................................................... 312
19.6.3. Report Assembly Using the JavaScript Interface .................................................................. 312
19.6.3.1. Inserting an Image ..................................................................................................... 312
19.6.3.2. Inserting an Animation .............................................................................................. 313
19.6.3.3. Inserting a Data Table ................................................................................................ 314
19.6.3.4. Inserting a Listing ...................................................................................................... 314
19.7. Setting Report Generator Defaults ............................................................................................... 315
20. File Management and Files ............................................................................................................... 317
20.1. File Management Overview ......................................................................................................... 317
20.1.1. Executing the Run Interactive Now or DISPLAY Programs from Windows Explorer ................ 317
20.2. Changing the Default File Name .................................................................................................. 318
20.3. Sending Output to Screens, Files, or Both ..................................................................................... 318
20.4.Text Versus Binary Files ................................................................................................................ 319
20.4.1. ANSYS Binary Files over NFS ................................................................................................ 319
20.4.2. Files that ANSYS Writes ....................................................................................................... 319
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Basic Analysis Guide
20.4.3. File Compression ................................................................................................................ 322
20.5. Reading Your Own Files into the ANSYS Program ......................................................................... 322
20.6.Writing Your Own ANSYS Files from the ANSYS Program ............................................................... 323
20.7. Assigning Different File Names .................................................................................................... 324
20.8. Reviewing Contents of Binary Files (AUX2) ................................................................................... 325
20.9. Operating on Results Files (AUX3) ................................................................................................ 325
20.10. Other File Management Commands .......................................................................................... 325
21. Memory Management and Configuration ........................................................................................ 327
21.1.Work and Swap Space Requirements ........................................................................................... 327
21.2. How the Program Uses Work Space ............................................................................................. 328
21.3. How and When to Perform Memory Management ....................................................................... 329
21.3.1. Determining When to Change the Work Space .................................................................... 329
21.3.2. Changing the Amount of Work Space .................................................................................. 329
21.3.3. Changing the Amount of Database Space ........................................................................... 330
21.4. Using the Configuration File ........................................................................................................ 331
21.5. Understanding Memory Error Messages ...................................................................................... 335
Index ........................................................................................................................................................ 337
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