Analyzing Thin Structures Efficiently Using Ansys Mechanical - Lesson 2

Structures whose thickness is significantly smaller than the other two dimensions are referred to as thin structures and analyzing such structures poses some challenges. In this video, we address these challenges by discussing how to efficiently model thin structures as surface bodies and how to use shell elements to mesh them. Nodes of shell elements, in addition to having translational degrees of freedom, have three rotational degrees of freedom. This allows them to have both membrane and bending behavior. In addition, they have several attributes such as thickness, offset, local coordinate system etc. In this walkthrough workshop, we discuss each of these attributes in detail, and also some tips and tricks to keep in mind when using shell elements.
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0:00 - Intro
0:56 - Designation of "thin" geometry
2:19 - Introduction to shell elements
3:42 - Through-thickness stresses of shell elements
4:27 - Shell element coordinate system
6:15 - Specifying shell thickness and offset
9:16 - Demonstration using Midsurface Tool in Discovery
10:15 - Demonstration using Shared Topology in Discovery
13:04 - Demonstration using Element Orientation in Mechanical
15:31 - Demonstration defining contact between solid and surface bodies in Mechanical
17:52 - Treatment of Fixed Support for solid vs. shell bodies
18:22 - Considerations of Pressure loading on shell bodies
20:57 - Demonstration of Membrane and Bending Stress output in Mechanical

[@carlosibarra2898]

This video contains undoubtedly extremely valued information on how to model shell element; moreover, it explains step by step in a easy way all the key questions regarding the shell elements👏
I'm working to improve my skills in FEA and this kind of videos makes you feel that you are making a hugh improvement.

[@cypressmaccarthy8132]

Thank you for this excellent video. I have a question on two-way fsi that how to define connection between fluid and structure on the fluent, after the ansys mechanical have been processed the structure itself.

[@naderzamani5752]

Good video, thank you.

[@AnsysLearning]

Glad you liked it! Visit Ansys Innovation Courses for free courses, including videos, handouts, simulation examples with starting files, homework problems, and quizzes here: ansys.com/courses.

[@AtliTobiasson]

Do I need to define each contact region when going from shell bodies to solid bodies?