1. Chapter One
Introduction

2. Welcome!
Welcome to the ANSYS Workbench Simulation introductory training course!
This training course covers the basics of using Simulation in performing structural and thermal analyses.
It is intended for all new or occasional Simulation users, regardless of the CAD software used.
Although some aspects of interfacing with ANSYS will be covered, this course is not intended for users wishing to work primarily in the traditional ANSYS environment. Those users should consider taking Introduction to ANSYS Parts 1 and 2 Training courses.
This course covers the Simulation module of ANSYS Workbench. DesignModeler, DesignXplorer, FE Modeler, and CFX-Mesh modules of ANSYS Workbench are covered in separate classes.
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3. Course Objectives
To teach the basics of using Simulation in the following areas:
General understanding of the user interface, as related to geometry import, meshing, application of loads and supports, and postprocessing
Procedure for performing FEA simulations, including linear static, modal, and harmonic structural analyses and nonlinear steady-state thermal analyses
Utilizing parameters for ‘what-if’ scenarios
Interfacing with the ANSYS solver for more advanced functionality
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4. Course Materials
The Training Manual you have is an exact copy of the slides.
Workshop descriptions and instructions are included in the Workshop Supplement.
Copies of the workshop files are available (upon request) from the instructor.
Several advanced training courses are available on specific topics. See the training course schedule on the ANSYS homepage under “Training Services”.
DesignModeler and DesignXplorer Training Courses are also available, which cover usage of these other Workbench modules.
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5. A. About ANSYS, Inc. ANSYS, Inc. Developer of ANSYS family of products
Global Headquarters in Canonsburg, PA - USA (south of Pittsburgh)
Development and sales offices in U.S. and around the world
Publicly traded on NASDAQ stock exchange under “ANSS”
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6. … ANSYS Family of Products
ANSYS, Inc. Family of Products include the following:
ANSYS – Advanced nonlinear mechanical and multiphysics FEA solution capabilities
ANSYS Workbench – Complete environment for geometry modeling, mesh manipulation, structural/thermal analysis, and optimization, which is tightly integrated with CAD packages
CFX – State-of-the-art CFD solvers, including the coupled, parallel CFX-5 solver
ICEM CFD – Powerful meshing tools with general pre- and post-processing features, including ICEM CFD for generating complex CFD grids and AI*Environment for creating with sophisticated structural FEA meshes
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7. … ANSYS Support Distributors
ANSYS Support Distributors (ASDs)
Sales and support network for ANSYS
Over 75 offices worldwide
Local expertise for ANSYS consulting and training
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8. … ANSYS Support Coordinators
ANSYS Support Coordinator (ASC)
Contact for ANSYS at your company site
Focal point for ANSYS correspondence; software updates, error notices, newsletter and other mailings, etc.
For more information about ANSYS and the company:
Where you’ll find the Customer Portal, providing Service Pack updates, New Features training material, etc.
On-line documentation
Training manuals from other ANSYS courses
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9. … Technical Support
ANSYS, Inc. and ASDs provide a wide range of technical support, training, and consulting services.
Technical support, software updates, and access to the Customer Portal webpage are provided to companies who are under TECS (Technical Enhancements and Customer Support) maintenance
Your Support Provider (ASD): ________________________
Technical Support Phone: ______________________________
Technical Support ______________________________
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10. B. ANSYS Workbench Overview
What is ANSYS Workbench?
ANSYS Workbench is a new-generation solution from ANSYS that provides powerful methods for interacting with the ANSYS solver functionality. This environment provides a unique integration with CAD systems, and your design process, enabling the best CAE results.
ANSYS Workbench is comprised of five modules:
Simulation for performing structural and thermal analyses using the ANSYS solver
CFX-Mesh for generating a CFX-Pre mesh for the CFX-5 solver
DesignModeler for creating and modifying CAD geometry to prepare the solid model for use in Simulation or CFX-Mesh
DesignXplorer and DesignXplorer VT for investigating the effect of variations input to the response of the system
FE Modeler for translating a Nastran mesh for use in ANSYS
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11. … ANSYS Workbench Overview
DesignModeler
FE Modeler
CFX-Mesh
Simulation
DesignXplorer (VT)
ANSYS Workbench
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12. … Simulation Overview Analysis types available in Simulation:†
Linear Stress:
Determines deflections, stresses, factors of safety, etc. based on standard strength of materials concepts under static loading
Modal:
Determines natural frequencies of a system (free vibration), including the effects of loading on a pre- stressed structure.
Heat Transfer:
Steady-state thermal analyses to solve for temperature field and heat flux. Temperature-dependent conductivity and convection allowed. Thermal-stress analysis supported as well.
† The list here reflects analysis capabilities possible within the Simulation GUI. Note, however, that the ANSYS license used dictates what functionality is available to the user.
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13. … Simulation Overview
Analysis types supported by Simulation (cont’d):†
Harmonic:
Determines structural response of system under sinusoidal excitation as a function of frequency.
Linear Buckling:
Determines failure load or safety factor for buckling and its buckling mode shapes.
Shape Optimization:
Indicates areas of possible volume reduction based on load paths through the part using Topological Optimization technology.
Nonlinear Structural:
Calculates deflections and stresses of system under static loading, accounting for large deflection effects, plasticity, and contact nonlinearities.
† The list here reflects analysis capabilities possible within the Simulation GUI. Note, however, that the ANSYS license used dictates what functionality is available to the user.
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14. … Simulation Overview
Although the Simulation GUI will be discussed in detail in Chapters 2 & 3, it is useful to note that it is Tree-Driven:
Depending on what is highlighted on the Outline Tree, the available options in the Context Toolbar and Details View will change. The Graphics Window will also update to reflect the part of the branch selected.
The Tree represents the different aspects of the simulation.
All Workbench modules are Tree-Driven, so navigation through the GUI is done through selecting different branches of the “Tree.”
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Model shown is from a sample SolidWorks assembly.

15. … Simulation Overview
The user can also access regular ANSYS functionality not otherwise directly accessible from within Simulation
Command objects allow users to stay in the Simulation environment but access advanced features via ANSYS APDL. The information, stored in a “branch”, can be parameterized and is reused for each analysis.
The mesh and loads can also be transferred to regular ANSYS easily for further modeling, useful for users comfortable in the regular ANSYS environment
Both of the above topics are addressed in the Simulation Advanced Training Notes
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16. … Product Configuration
Types of licenses available for Simulation:
ANSYS DesignSpace Entra
All DesignSpace capabilities but for parts only.
ANSYS DesignSpace
Structural capabilities are linear static, modal, and buckling analyses of assemblies. Thermal and shape optimization included.
ANSYS Professional
Linear structural (including harmonic) and thermal analyses
ANSYS Structural
All structural capabilities, including linear and nonlinear
ANSYS Mechanical (including ANSYS Multiphysics)
All structural and thermal capabilities
(Other ANSYS licenses are supported for meshing only)
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17. … Product Configuration
Add-on licenses for Simulation:
Fatigue Module
Advanced Structural Meshing Module
Supported Operating Systems:
32-bit MS Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Professional
64-bit SUN Solaris 8
64-bit HP HP-UX B.11.0
FlexLM network licensing used for all ANSYS and ANSYS Workbench products
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18. … Product Configuration
Because each product has different capabilities, when applicable, features discussed will have a table showing supported licenses in the lower-left corner of the page:
“x” means full support
“/” means partial support
blank means no support
For ANSYS users, the details of underlying ANSYS commands used by Simulation are placed in an appendix. These pages are labeled with:
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19. … CAD System Support Simulation Geometry Interface support is below:
The Geometry Interface license can be run in reader mode for all licenses. The Geometry Interface can be run in plug-in mode for the CAD software listed under “Associative”
Detailed CAD support listing in Simulation online help
IGES Geometry Interface reader is free
On UNIX (Solaris, HP-UX), UG NX 1.0 is supported
For SolidWorks 2004, Service Pack 4 is required
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20. C. Starting Simulation There are two methods of launching Simulation:
Directly from CAD system
Launch Simulation from supported CAD systems under “ANSYS 9.0 > Simulation”
From within ANSYS Workbench
Launch Workbench in Windows via “Start Menu > Programs > ANSYS 9.0 > ANSYS Workbench”
Launch Workbench from supported CAD systems under “ANSYS 9.0 > Workbench”
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21. … Option 1: Directly from CAD
If Simulation is launched directly from a supported CAD system, the active part/assembly will be brought into Simulation automatically upon invoking “Simulation” from the ANSYS 9.0 pull-down menu, as illustrated below:
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22. … Option 2: From Workbench
Otherwise, a user may launch Workbench first:
From the main “Start” page, select “Simulation” icon to bring up a blank Simulation session
From the Context toolbar, select the active part/assembly under the “Geometry” branch to bring in the CAD geometry
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23. … Launching Simulation
For supported CAD systems, either method shown on the previous slides may be used to start Simulation.
Supported CAD systems were listed in the Table on Slide 1-18 under “Associative”
The second option should be used if the CAD system has not been started yet. The part/assembly file can be referenced inside a blank Simulation session via the Context Toolbar, “Geometry > From File…”
For static files (e.g., CATIA, IGES, SAT (ACIS), or Parasolid), the user must implement Option 2 and launch Workbench first. After a blank Simulation database is opened, the static file can be referenced via the Context Toolbar, under “Geometry > From File…”
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24. D. Workbench Projects
Because it is very useful for most users to understand that Simulation is a module within ANSYS Workbench, the basics of Workbench and project management will be discussed in this section.
When ANSYS Workbench is launched, a Start page will be displayed, similar to the one shown below
New sessions can be started by selecting the appropriate icons here
Existing databases can be opened by selecting the type of database first, then selecting previously-opened databases in the window or specifying a different database via the “Browse…” button
Options for Workbench modules can be defined via the “Options…” button, including the ANSYS license used for Simulation (see next slide)
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25. … Options Page
Before entering Simulation, the current and default licenses may be chosen through the “Options …” button
This is useful for organizations with multiple types of ANSYS licenses (e.g., DesignSpace, Structural, Mechanical, etc.)
Preferences for all Workbench modules can also be controlled through this dialog box
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26. … Workbench Databases
There are various types of files used by Workbench, each differentiated by the file extension:
.wbdb: Workbench Project database, which keeps track of all of the different types of Workbench databases in a “Project”
.dsdb: Simulation database, which has all the information necessary to perform a structural or thermal analysis in Simulation
.agdb: DesignModeler database, containing geometry data for use with Simulation or CFX-Mesh
.dxdb: DesignXplorer/DesignXplorer VT database, which investigate relationships between input and output parameters
.cmdb: CFX-Mesh database, containing a mesh prepared for import to CFX-Pre and to be solved with CFX-5
.fedb: FE Modeler database, which has mesh information from a Nastran or Simulation model, used to convert to ANSYS
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27. … Workbench and Simulation
The Workbench database is simply a ‘directory’ of a “Project.” A “Project” can be thought of as a collection of different CAD or Workbench files, which are associated together.
Whenever a Simulation database (.dsdb) is created, there will be an associated Workbench database (.wbdb) generated as well.
Saving the Workbench database is not required, but it is helpful in keeping track of various analyses, especially if multiple geometries are analyzed or if further analysis is performed with DesignXplorer.
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28. … Workbench and Simulation
If the Workbench “Project” tab is selected, the various Workbench databases and CAD geometries will be listed
The menu on right is context-sensitive. Depending on the file selected, options available will differ
If the Workbench project database (topmost) is selected, CAD geometries may be added.
If a CAD geometry branch is selected, it can be brought into Simulation.
If a Simulation database is selected, a DesignXplorer study can be started, or the mesh can be brought into FE Modeler or ANSYS.
From the Project page, Simulation (and other) databases may be deleted.
The right menu options differ, depending on what Project branch is selected.
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29. DesignModeler Overview
DesignModeler (DM) is a component of ANSYS Workbench.
A CAD-like parametric modeler with analysis modeling goals:
2D, 3D ,line and surface modeling capability
Performs unique geometry modification capabilities for simulation:
Feature Simplification
Spot Welds
Split Surfaces
Surface Model Extraction
Planar Body Extraction
Beam Modeling
Enclosure Operation
DesignModeler
AWE= ANSYS Workbench Environment
Note: depends on configured license options and software of course.
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30. . . . DesignModeler Overview
Much of the DM GUI is functionally the same as that of Simulation.
A complete DesignModeler Training course is available.
Display
Triad
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31. … Navigating Between Modules
The topmost tabs allow users to navigate between opened Workbench modules
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32. … Exiting Workbench
When exiting Workbench, the user will be prompted to save any files that have changed since the last save
In this example on the left, the highlighted Workbench database, DesignXplorer study, and DesignModeler geometry have changed since the last save, so the user is prompted to save all or none of the highlighted items.
If individual files are to be saved, this can be done within the appropriate Workbench module.
Changes to CAD geometry are not controlled within Workbench but through the CAD software.
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