This textbook offers theoretical and practical knowledge of the finite element method. The book equips readers with the skills required to analyze engineering problems using ANSYS®, a commercially available FEA program. Revised and updated, this new edition presents the most current ANSYS® commands and ANSYS® screen shots, as well as modeling steps for each example problem. This self-contained, introductory text minimizes the need for additional reference material by covering both the fundamental topics in finite element methods and advanced topics concerning modeling and analysis. It focuses on the use of ANSYS® through both the Graphics User Interface (GUI) and the ANSYS® Parametric Design Language (APDL). Extensive examples from a range of engineering disciplines are presented in a straightforward, step-by-step fashion. Key topics include: • An introduction to FEM • Fundamentals and analysis capabilities of ANSYS® • Fundamentals of discretization and approximation functions • Modeling techniques and mesh generation in ANSYS® • Weighted residuals and minimum potential energy • Development of macro files • Linear structural analysis • Heat transfer and moisture diffusion • Nonlinear structural problems • Advanced subjects such as submodeling, substructuring, interaction with external files, and modification of ANSYS®-GUI Electronic supplementary material for using ANSYS® can be found at http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4899-7550-8. This convenient online feature, which includes color figures, screen shots and input files for sample problems, allows for regeneration on the reader’s own computer. Students, researchers, and practitioners alike will find this an essential guide to predicting and simulating the physical behavior of complex engineering systems."

This user-friendly book provides the reader with a theoretical and practical knowledge of the finite element method (FEM) and with the skills required to analyze engineering problems with ANSYS®. A self-contained, introductory text, it minimizes the need for additional reference material, covering the fundamental topics in FEM as well as advanced topics concerning modeling and analysis with ANSYS®. Extensive examples from various engineering disciplines are presented in a step-by-step fashion, focusing on the use of ANSYS® through both the Graphics User Interface (GUI) and the ANSYS® Parametric Design Language (APDL). Additional materials for this book, including the "input" files for the example problems, as well as the colored figures and screen shots, allowing them to be regenerated on the reader’s own computer, may be downloaded from http://extras.springer.com.

Covering theory and practical industry usage of the finite element method, this highly-illustrated step-by-step approach thoroughly introduces methods using ANSYS.

Over the past two decades, the use of finite element method as a design tool has grown rapidly. Easy to use commercial software, such as ANSYS, have become common tools in the hands of students as well as practicing engineers. The objective of this book is to demonstrate the use of one of the most commonly used Finite Element Analysis software, ANSYS, for linear static, dynamic, and thermal analysis through a series of tutorials and examples. Some of the topics covered in these tutorials include development of beam, frames, and Grid Equations; 2-D elasticity problems; dynamic analysis; composites, and heat transfer problems. These simple, yet, fundamental tutorials are expected to assist the users with the better understanding of finite element modeling, how to control modeling errors, and the use of the FEM in designing complex load bearing components and structures. These tutorials would supplement a course in basic finite element or can be used by practicing engineers who may not have the advanced training in finite element analysis.

Uses a Step-By-Step Technique Directed with Guided Problems and Relevant Screen Shots Simulation use is on the rise, and more practicing professionals are depending on the reliability of software to help them tackle real-world mechanical engineering problems. Finite Element Simulations Using ANSYS, Second Edition offers a basic understanding of the