WORKSHOP 13a

MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook 13a-1

Load Analysis of a Beam
(using a point force and moment)
Objectives:
I Construct a 1d representation of a beam.
I Account for induced moments from an off-center
compressive load applied on the tip.
I Prepare an MSC.Nastran input file for a linear static
analysis.
I Review analysis results.
I Recover element forces.
X
Y
Z
100 lbs
13a-2 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook
MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook 13a-3
WORKSHOP 13a Load Analysis of a Beam
Model Description: Part A (Beam w/ force and
moment)
Figure 13a-1 is a finite element representation of the beam
shown on the exercise title page. The material properties for the
model are specified in Table 13a.1. The beam cross section di-
mensions are specified in Table 13a.2.
Since the applied load does not act on the center of the beam
cross-section, a bending moment will be induced. One way to
account for this effect is to use 3D solid elements to model the
beam. However, because the geometry is well suited for a beam
model, this is not a desirable solution. Another possibility is to
decompose the load into an equivalent load at the centroid of the
beam x-section and add apply a moment to the model. Figure
13a.2 illustrates the loads and boundary conditions for the mod-
el.
Figure 13a.1 - Grid Coordinates and Element Connectivities
Figure 13a.2 - Loads and Boundary Conditions
X
Y
Z
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5
[0, 0, 0] [10, 0, 0] [20, 0, 0] [30, 0, 0] [40, 0, 0] [50, 0, 0]
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
123456
100.0
200.0
6
X
Y
Z
13a-4 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook
Table 13a.1 - Material Properties
Table 13a.2 - Element Properties
Hand Calculation:
Applied Moments
Elastic Modulus =
10E6 lb/in
2
Poissons Ratio = 0.3
Beam Dimensions
H 4.0 in.
W1 2.0 in.
W2 2.0 in.
t 0.1 in.
t1 0.15 in.
t2 0.15 in.
M
3
r f =
2 in ( ) 100 lb ( ) =
200 in lb ( ) =
MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook 13a-5
WORKSHOP 13a Load Analysis of a Beam
Suggested Exercise Steps:
I Open a new database.
I Generate a finite element representation of the beam
structure by meshing the curve with desired global edge
length.
I Define material (MAT1) and element (PBAR) properties.
I Apply fixed boundary constraints (SPC), a point force
(FORCE), and a moment (MOMENT).
I Prepare the model for a linear static analysis (SOL 101 and
PARAMs).
I Generate an input file and submit it to the MSC.Nastran
solver.
I Post-process results.
I Review the results.
13a-6 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook
Exercise Procedure:
1. Users who are not utilizing MSC.Patran for generating an input file
should go to Step 14 otherwise, proceed to Step 2.
1. Create a new database called lesson13a.db
In the New Model Preferences form set the following:
1. Activate the entity labels by selecting the Show Labels button on
the toolbar.
1. Also, activate the Node Size button.
1. Create the parent geometry.
File/New
New Database Name lesson13a
OK
Tolerance N Default
Analysis code: MSC/NASTRAN
OK
N Geometry
Action: Create
Object: Curve
Method: XYZ
Vector Coordinates List: <50, 0, 0 >
Origin Coordinates List: [0, 0, 0]
Apply
Show Labels
Node Size
MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook 13a-7
WORKSHOP 13a Load Analysis of a Beam
1. Mesh the parent geometry.
Figure 13a.3 - Nodal and Element Locations
2. Next, define a material using the specified modulus of elasticity and
Poissons ratio.
N Finite Elements
Action: Create
Object: Mesh
Type: Curve
Global Edge Length: 10
Element Topology: Bar2
Curve List: Curve 1
Apply
N Materials
Action: Create
Object: Isotropic
Method: Manual Input
X
Y
Z
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5
13a-8 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook
In the Current Constitutive Models data box, the line Linear Elastic
- [,,,,] - [Active] appear. Click on Cancel to close the form.
3. Define element properties for the analysis model.
Click the beam library icon:
Material Name: mat_1
Input Properties...
Constitutive Model: Linear Elastic
Elastic Modulus = 10e6
Poisson Ratio = 0.3
Apply
Cancel
N Properties
Action: Create
Dimension: 1 D
Type: Beam
Property Set Name: beam
Option(s): General Section
Input Properties...
Material Name m:mat_1
Bar Orientation < 0, 1, 0 >
I Associate Beam Section
Action: Create
MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook 13a-9
WORKSHOP 13a Load Analysis of a Beam
4. Verify element connectivities. To make this step easier, use the ele-
ment shrink option.

5. Create constraints and apply them to the analysis model.
Type: Standard Shape
New Section Name: beam_section
H 4.0
W1 2.0
W2 2.0
t 0.1
t1 0.15
t2 0.15
Calculate/Display
Close
OK
OK
Select Members: Elm 1:5
Add
Apply
Display/Finite Elements...
FEM Shrink: 0.15
Apply
N Loads/BCs
Action: Create
Object: Displacement
Type: Nodal
13a-10 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook


Figure 13a.4 - Displacement Constraints
New Set Name: fixed
Input Data...
Translations < T1 T2 T3 > <0, 0, 0>
Rotations < R1 R2 R3 > <0, 0, 0>
OK
Select Application Region...
Geometry Filter: N FEM
Select Nodes: Node 1
Add
OK
Apply
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 123456 6
X
Y
Z
MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook 13a-11
WORKSHOP 13a Load Analysis of a Beam
6. The beam element are modeled at the neutral axis of the actual 3-D
beam. Since the axial load is offset from the neutral axis, there is an
induced bending moment at the end of the beam. This bending
moment is applied with the axial force below (See Hang Calcula-
tion).
To verify both the moment and the force, change the view to
Isoview_1 by selecting this icon:
N Loads/BCs
Action: Create
Object: Force
Method: Nodal
New Set Name: load
Input Data...
Force < F1 F2 F3 > < -100, 0, 0 >
Moment < M1 M2 M3 > < 0, 0, 200 >
OK
Select Application Region...
Geometry Filter: N FEM
Select Nodes: Node 6
Add
OK
Apply
Iso 1 View
13a-12 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook
Figure 13a.5 - The resultant forces will be displayed as follows:
7. Next observe the beam in 3D to visualize where the force and
moment are being applied.
Display/Loads/BC/Elem. Props...
Beam Display 3D: Full-Span + Offsets
Apply
Cancel
X
Y
Z
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
123456
100.0
200.0
MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook 13a-13
WORKSHOP 13a Load Analysis of a Beam
Figure 13a.6 - 3D representation of the beam
8. Generate an input file for analysis.
Click on the Analysis radio button on the Top Menu Bar and
complete the entries as shown here.
A MSC.Nastran input file called lesson13a.bdf will be generated.
This process of translating the model into an input file is called the
Forward Translation. The Forward Translation is complete when the
Heartbeat turns green. MSC.Patran Users should proceed to step 15.
N Analysis
Action: Analyze
Object: Entire Model
Method: Analysis Deck
Job Name: lesson13a
Apply
X
Y
Z
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
123456
100.0
200.0
6
13a-14 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook
Generating an input file for MSC.Nastran Users:
9. MSC.Nastran users can generate an input file using the
data from 13a-3. The result should be similar to the output
below (lesson13a.dat):
ID SEMINAR, lesson13a
SOL 101
TIME 600
CEND
TITLE = MSC.Nastran job
ECHO = NONE
MAXLINES = 999999999
SUBCASE 1
$ Subcase name : Default
SUBTITLE=Default
SPC = 2
LOAD = 2
DISPLACEMENT(SORT1,REAL)=ALL
SPCFORCES(SORT1,REAL)=ALL
STRESS(SORT1,REAL,VONMISES,BILIN)=ALL
BEGIN BULK
PARAM POST -1
PARAM PATVER 3.
PARAM AUTOSPC YES
PARAM INREL 0
PARAM ALTRED NO
PARAM COUPMASS -1
PARAM K6ROT 0.
PARAM WTMASS 1.
PARAM,NOCOMPS,-1
PARAM PRTMAXIM YES
$ Elements and Element Properties for region : beam
PBAR 1 1 .97 2.64660 .200308 .005783 + A
+ A 2. 1. -2. 1. -2. -1. 2. -1. + B
+ B .381443 .618557 0.
CBAR 1 1 1 2 0. 1. 0.
CBAR 2 1 2 3 0. 1. 0.
CBAR 3 1 3 4 0. 1. 0.
CBAR 4 1 4 5 0. 1. 0.
CBAR 5 1 5 6 0. 1. 0.
$ Material Record : mat_1
MAT1 1 1.+7 .3
$ Nodes of the Entire Model
GRID 1 0. 0. 0.
GRID 2 10. 0. 0.
GRID 3 20. 0. 0.
GRID 4 30. 0. 0.
GRID 5 40. 0. 0.
GRID 6 50. 0. 0.
MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook 13a-15
WORKSHOP 13a Load Analysis of a Beam
$ Loads for Load Case : Default
SPCADD 2 1
LOAD 2 1. 1. 1 1. 3
$ Displacement Constraints of Load Set : fixed
SPC1 1 123456 1
$ Nodal Forces of Load Set : load
FORCE 1 6 0 100. -1. 0. 0.
$ Nodal Forces of Load Set : load
MOMENT 3 6 0 200. 0. 0. 1.
$ Referenced Coordinate Frames
ENDDATA
13a-16 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook
SUBMITTING THE INPUT FILE FOR MSC.Nastran
and MSC.Patran USERS:
10. Submit the input file to MSC.Nastran for analysis.
10a. To submit the MSC.Patran .bdf file, find an available UNIX
shell window. At the command prompt enter nastran
lesson13a.bdf scr=yes. Monitor the run using the UNIX ps
command.
10b. To submit the MSC.Nastran .dat file, find an available UNIX
shell window and at the command prompt enter nastran
lesson13a scr=yes. Monitor the run using the UNIX ps
command.
11. When the run is completed, edit the lesson13a.f06 file and search for
the word FATAL. If no matches exist, search for the word WARN-
ING. Determine whether existing WARNING messages indicate
modeling errors.
11a. While still editing lesson13a.f06, search for the word:
D I S P L A C E (spaces are necessary).
M
S
C
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a
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1
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5

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1
3
a
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1
7

W
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H
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P

1
3
a

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a
d

A
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a
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s
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f

a

B
e
a
m
D I S P L A C E M E N T V E C T O R

POINT ID. TYPE T1 T2 T3 R1 R2 R3
1 G 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
2 G -1.030928E-04 3.778421E-04 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.556842E-05
3 G -2.061856E-04 1.511368E-03 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.511368E-04
4 G -3.092783E-04 3.400579E-03 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.267052E-04
5 G -4.123711E-04 6.045473E-03 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.022737E-04
6 G -5.154639E-04 9.446052E-03 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.778421E-04
13a-18 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook
Comparison of Results:
12. Compare the results obtained in the .f06 file with the results on the
previous page:
Also compare the results in the .f06 file with the following hand
calculations applicable to node #6.
Deflection from the axial load:

Deflection from the bending moment:
Rotation at the end:

T1
P L
A E
-----------
100 50
0.97 10
6
10 ( )
-------------------------------------- = =
T1
5.15E 4 in =

T2
M L
2

2 I E
-----------------
200 50
2

2 2.65 ( ) 10
6
10 ( )
-------------------------------------------------- = =
T2
9.43E 3 in =

R3
M L
E I
------------
200 50
10
6
10 ( ) 2.65 ( )
------------------------------------------ = =
R3
3.77E 4 rad =
MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook 13a-19
WORKSHOP 13a Load Analysis of a Beam
13.MSC.Nastran Users have finished this exercise.
MSC.Patran Users should proceed to the next step.
14. Proceed with the Reverse Translation process, that is, importing the
lesson13a.xdb results file into MSC.Patran. To do this, return to the
Analysis form and proceed as follows:
You may reset the graphics if you click on this icon:
15. When the translation is complete and the Heartbeat turns green,
bring up the Results form.
Find the deformation in the X-direction.
N Analysis
Action: Attach XDB
Object: Result Entities
Method: Translate
Select Results File...
Selected Results File lesson13a XDB
Ok
Apply
N Results
Action: Create
Object: Deformation
Select Result Case(s) Default, Static Subcase
Select Deformation Result Displacements, Translational
Show As: Component
I XX K YY K ZZ
Apply
Reset Graphics
13a-20 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook
Figure 13a.7 - The Display Should Appear as Below:
Note: Compare the results to what was found in the .f06 file on page
13a-17.
15a. Find the deformation in the Y-direction.
N Results
Action: Create
Object: Deformation
Select Result Case(s) Default, Static Subcase
Select Deformation Result Displacements, Translational
Show As: Component
J XX I YY K ZZ
Apply
MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook 13a-21
WORKSHOP 13a Load Analysis of a Beam
Figure 13a.8 - The Display Should Appear as Below:
Note: Compare the results to what was found in the .f06 file on page 13a-
17.
15b. Find the resultant deformation.
N Results
Action: Create
Object: Deformation
Select Result Case(s) Default, Static Subcase
Select Deformation Result Displacements, Translational
Show As: Resultant
Apply
13a-22 MSC.Nastran 105 Exercise Workbook
Figure 13a.9 - The Display Should Appear as Below:
Note: Compare the results to what was found in the .f06 file on page 13a-
17.
The resultant is simply:
Continue to lesson 13b after completing this exercise.

T1
2

T2
2
+ =
Resultant
5.15
04
10 ( )
2
9.43
03
10 ( )
2
+ =
9.44
03
10 =