Mechanical APDL Basic Analysis Guide - Ansys

Chapter 1: Getting Started with ANSYS
The ANSYS program has many finite-element analysis capabilities, ranging from a simple, linear, static analysis
to a complex, nonlinear, transient dynamic analysis. The analysis guides in the ANSYS documentation
set describe specific procedures for performing analyses for different engineering disciplines.
The process for a typical ANSYS analysis involves three general tasks:
1.1. Building the Model
1.2. Applying Loads and Obtaining the Solution
1.3. Reviewing the Results
1.1. Building the Model
Building a finite element model requires more of your time than any other part of the analysis. First, you
specify a jobname and analysis title. Then, you use the PREP7 preprocessor to define the element types,
element real constants, material properties, and the model geometry.
1.1.1. Specifying a Jobname and Analysis Title
This task is not required for an analysis, but is recommended.
1.1.1.1. Defining the Jobname
The jobname is a name that identifies the ANSYS job. When you define a jobname for an analysis, the jobname
becomes the first part of the name of all files the analysis creates. (The extension or suffix for these files'
names is a file identifier such as .DB.) By using a jobname for each analysis, you ensure that no files are
overwritten.
If you do not specify a jobname, all files receive the name FILE or file, depending on the operating system.
You can change the default jobname as follows:
• By using the initial jobname entry option when you enter the ANSYS program, either via the launcher
or on the ANSYS execution command.
• From within the ANSYS program, you can use either of the following:
Command(s): /FILNAME
GUI: Utility Menu> File> Change Jobname
The /FILNAME command is valid only at the Begin level. It lets you change the jobname even if you specified
an initial jobname at ANSYS entry. The jobname applies only to files you open after using /FILNAME and
not to files that were already open. If you want to start new files (such as the log file, Jobname.LOG, and
error file Jobname.ERR) when you issue /FILNAME, set the Key argument on /FILNAME to 1. Otherwise,
those files that were already open will still have the initial jobname.
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