Ansys simulation results closely match with the beam theory when a structure is modeled using beam elements. This is one of the many reasons for the widespread usage of this simplification. Generally, the solution in Ansys Mechanical is calculated in a cartesian coordinate system. In the case of a curved structure, such as curved beams and pressure vessels, it is more intuitive to visualize the results in the axial, radial, and circumferential directions. In this course, we will use a solved model of a curved beam with a rectangular cross-section under a moment and learn to post-process the results in the cylindrical coordinate system. This SimCafe Structural Course was developed by Dr. Rajesh Bhaskaran, Swanson Director of Engineering Simulation at Cornell University, and Benjamin J Mullen, in partnership with Ansys. It was last modified by Sebastien Lachance-Barrett. It serves as an e-learning resource to integrate industry-standard simulation tools into courses and provides a resource for supplementary learning outside the classroom. In this course, we will outline the detailed steps to post-process as well as discuss how to interpret the results using Ansys Mechanical.
For more ways to learn, check out the Cornell edX course, A Hands-on Introduction to Engineering Simulations at ansys.com/cornell.
Cornell University also offers a Fluid Dynamics Simulations Using Ansys online certificate authored by Dr. Rajesh Bhaskaran. Learn more here: https://ecornell.cornell.edu/fluiddynamics.
