Lab Session 15: Coursework - Determine the nodal

deflection and Von Mises stress distribution of a 3D

structural member using Mechanical APDL and ANSYS
Workbench.
Problem Description:
A three dimensional structural problem is tackled. The problem is based on Example 13.3 Saeed
Muavini Finite Element Analysis, 3rd Edition.
A bracket as shown in the figure below is subjected to distributed load of 50 lb/in2 on the top
surface. It is fixed around the hole surfaces. The bracket is made of steel, with a modulus of
elasticity of 29x106lb/in2 and v= 0.3.

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Due Date: Friday, 10 July 2015, before 2:30pm

Students are to complete the tasks below and present their answers in a strictly six page report.
The report is to be written as concise bullet point sentences for each of the tasks. Note figures are
to be attached in an appendix and clearly referenced from within the report. Figures are not
included in the page limit. Use the standard MS-Word page layout and font. . This coursework
carries 40% of the total marks (i.e. 20/50) for this Lab. DO NOT TRY TO COPY AS
PLAGARISM WILL RESULT IN STRAIGHT ZERO 0.
Task 1:
Plot the deformed shape and also plot the von Mises stress distribution using Mechanical APDL.
You are allowed to use your book for this task.
Task 2.1:
Repeat Task 1 using ANSYS Workbench. You must outline the steps involved in making the
geometry and applying boundary conditions.
Task 2.2:
What steps were taken to improve the Mesh quality? Show the Mesh used in your final analysis
(Also state the number of nodes and elements used). What influence does the mesh has on
results?
Task 2.3:
Plot the deformed shape and also plot the von Mises stress distribution using ANSYS
Workbench. Compare these plots with the results obtained from Mechanical APDL.

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Due Date: Friday, 10 July 2015, before 2:30pm

Finite Element Analysis

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Assessment sheet for Lab Session 15

Students name:
Roll No.:
Section: MA Assessment is based on the following things
Problem Description in one paragraph (not
more than 5 lines)

Full marks
2

Task 1
Task 2.1

10
5

Task 2.2

Task 2.3

Overall presentation of report - Layout of

report and Clarity of writing
Total Marks

Marks obtained

3
30

Markers initials:
Date marked:

NOTE: The report should not exceed 6 pages (excluding front page).
Otherwise it will result in 5 mark penalty.

th

Due Date: Friday, 10 July 2015, before 2:30pm