ME 404

Lab 1: ABAQUS Tutorial Getting Started

Introduction: The finite element method is an extremely powerful technique for solving all sorts of engineering problems. It is also very computationally intense and complicated to execute. Because of this, most finite element analyses are performed using commercial software. This software is more of a specialty item than, say, word processors or even CAD. As a result, most codes are less userfriendly than other desktop software. In addition, to perform accurate predictions, many aspects of the analysis must be individually adjusted for each problem. In the end, it is up to the user to make these adjustments and confirm the software is working properly. The labs for this course are set up to introduce you to the mechanics of using commercial software. You will need to use the internal help system and manuals to figure out how to do certain actions, and as a result, will be more prepared to do this later in your career using whatever software package is available. In this first lab, you will individually work through the tutorials provided by the software manufacturer. This is always a good first step when learning new software. It will take you longer than the first lab period to get through the tutorials, but the benefits will be quicker labs later in the course. Because of the additional time required to work on this first lab, you will not have a separate homework assignment this week. Objectives: After completing this lab, you will be able to: Define basic terms used in ABAQUS (e.g., Module, Interaction, Model Tree). Perform simple bar, beam, solid, and shell stress analyses with ABAQUS. Know where to look for more help when using ABAQUS. Overview: ABAQUS/CAE is a graphical user interface (GUI) acting as a front-end for the full suite of ABAQUS FEA software. It is designed to look and feel somewhat like a basic CAD package. In order to understand how to use this system, you will work through several tutorials provided in the ABAQUS/Help system. Assignment: Open ABAQUS/CAE, by clicking the icon on the desktop. Select the Start Tutorial button in the Start Session window (see figure). Select the hyperlink for Getting Started with Abaqus: Interactive Edition. You may need to allow blocked content to move on.

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ME 404

Lab 1: ABAQUS Tutorial

Using the right arrow icon ( ) to move forward, work through the examples given in chapters 1-6 (Introduction through Using Beam Elements). Skim the text as you go. Make sure the results you obtain while doing the tutorials are IDENTICAL to the results shown in the manual. If not, figure out why or ask for help. As you read, come up with a working definition for the following terms: reduced integration, mesh convergence, shear locking, beam section points, continuum elements

Deliverables: At the start of your second lab period, turn in the following: A deformed von Mises contour plot of the solid element connecting lug deformed shape (section 4.3.2). Use a white background A time history plot of the von Mises stress near the built-in end of the solid element connecting lug (section 4.3.4). Use a white background A symbol plot of the principal stresses on the bottom surface of the shell element plate (section 5.5.2). Use a white background. A side view of the deformed shape of the beam element cargo crane (section 6.4.2). Use a white background. A bulleted list of your working definition for the terms in italics above.

Appendix
Getting Plots out of Abaqus One way to get ABAQUS FEA results into documents is to print your output to a TIFF, PDF, or Microsoft Document Image file (dont use screen capture since this will result in dark backgrounds). This image is easily imported into a document. NOTE: If you include a legend, it must be readable! File Print Destination File Format TIFF Play with the options to get the desired quality. DO NOT submit figures with dark backgrounds!

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