how to choose an element type in ansys

[yooku]

Pls am overwhelmed by the numerous element types available in ansys (FEA) software. what is the criteria and how do i get the best for modelling of a steel equal angle bar. Am really interested in why -the reason behind the choice- i shd choose a particular element not the answer

 

[BAretired]

Maybe you should visit the Ansys Forum.



BA

 

[BAretired]

That link did not work. Try thread569252688

BA

 

[BAretired]

That doesn't work either. Use the search function using "element type" and you should get a number of threads on the subject.

BA

 

[BAretired]

This should work:
thread569-252688

BA

 

[271828]

What do you want the element to model? Build up a series of example problems going from something extremely simple to about as far as you can go with manual calcs. Know what you want the results to be. Read the documentation to find out which elements seem to fit. Experiment with the program until you're satisfied that the elements and are doing what you want and settle on one that way.

I really don't think there is a substitute for that sort of approach.

BTW, this part of the process is worth a lot of time. I just assigned a small research project that should take about 150 hours. I gave him a series of mandatory verification problems that will probably take 50 of those.