How to model beam elements with different thicknesses 1

[brango]

Hello, I have a system that I want to model as 2D beam elements.

I already tried to model it, but I found out I can only specify one thickness for all the elements of "beam" type. The problem is that each element in my system has a different thickness.

So, how can I resolve this issue ? Do I have to create N beam elements and for each type specify a different thickness ? This would become very messy and subject to errors as the number of elements increases.

Thank you for any advice you can offer.

 

[meshparts]

Hello,

Specifying data for each element will be necessary. Now it depends on you, how much effort you will have do do just that. Depending on your geometry topology, you could write an APDL code to make the job much easier.

For example, if you know how the cross section varies along with the location (x,y) then first mesh all lines with same beam elements, then run a do loop and change the properties of elements according to their location. To do that see the help on (*DO), (EMODIF) and (*DIM,,TABLE).

Regards
Alex

 

[brango]

Thank you for your help.

I had no idea I could write code with ANSYS.

I will give it a try.

Thanks again.