CAE Industrial Training 2025

( Assignment 1 )

Name – Dhruv Sharma

Roll no – 2022UEE4653
Branch – Electrical Engineering
Section – 2
 ASSIGNMENT 1

Question 1: Ansys Workbench Interface Overview

Ansys Workbench Interface: Toolbox and Project Schematic
Ansys Workbench is a powerful platform that integrates various
simulation tools into a unified environment. Its graphical user
interface primarily consists of the Toolbox and the Project Schematic,
along with the Toolbar and Menu bar. These components facilitate
the setup, execution, and analysis of engineering simulations.
Toolbox Region: The Toolbox is typically located on the left side of
the Ansys Workbench interface. It serves as a repository for various
analysis systems and component systems. Users can drag and drop
these systems from the Toolbox onto the Project Schematic to begin
building their simulation workflow. The Toolbox is organized into
categories, making it easy to locate specific analysis types (e.g., Static
Structural, Fluid Flow, Modal) or component systems (e.g.,
Engineering Data, Geometry, Mesh).
Project Schematic Region: The Project Schematic is the central
canvas of the Ansys Workbench interface, usually occupying the
main area. It is where users visually construct their simulation
projects by arranging and connecting different analysis and
component systems. Each system in the Project Schematic is
represented by a block with various cells (e.g., Engineering Data,
Geometry, Model, Setup, Solution, Results). The connections
between these blocks indicate the flow of data and the
dependencies between different parts of the simulation. This
schematic view provides a clear and intuitive representation of the
entire analysis process, allowing users to manage complex
simulations efficiently.
Question 2: Exploring Ansys Systems in the Toolbox Region.
The Toolbox in Ansys Workbench contains a wide array of analysis
systems, each designed for specific types of engineering simulations.
Here's an exploration of some of the commonly used systems:
• Static Structural: This system is used for analyzing the effects of
static loads on structures or components. It helps in determining
stress, strain, deformation, and forces under steady loading
conditions.
• Steady-State Thermal: This system is employed to analyze
temperature distribution and heat transfer in a system when the
thermal conditions do not change with time. It's useful for
understanding heat conduction, convection, and radiation in a
stable thermal environment.
• Transient Thermal: Unlike steady-state thermal, this system is
used for analyzing temperature changes over time. It's crucial for
understanding how temperature evolves in a system during
heating or cooling processes, or when thermal loads vary with
time.
• Fluid Flow (Fluent/CFX): These systems are used for
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. They enable the
analysis of fluid behavior, including f low patterns, pressure
distribution, velocity, and temperature fields. Fluent and CFX are
two different solvers offered by Ansys, each with its strengths for
various fluid dynamics problems.
• Modal: The Modal analysis system is used to determine the
natural frequencies and mode shapes of a structure. This is
critical for understanding how a structure will vibrate and for
avoiding resonance conditions that could lead to structural
failure.
• Shape Optimization: This system helps in optimizing the shape of
a component to improve its performance based on defined
criteria, such as minimizing weight while maintaining structural
integrity or maximizing stiffness.
• Linear Buckling: This analysis system is used to predict the
buckling load and mode shape of a structure under compressive
loads. Buckling is a form of structural instability that can lead to
sudden failure, even if the stresses are below the material's yield
strength.
• Explicit Dynamics: This system is designed for simulating highly
nonlinear, transient dynamic events, such as impacts, crashes,
and explosions. It's particularly useful for problems involving large
deformations, material failure, and complex contact conditions.
• Harmonic Response: This system is used to determine the steady-
state response of a structure to sinusoidal (harmonic) loads. It
helps in understanding how a structure will behave under
continuous cyclic loading, which is important for designing
components subjected to vibrations.
• Random Vibration: This system analyzes the response of a
structure to random dynamic loads, such as those caused by
turbulent flow or seismic activity. It's used to predict the
 statistical behavior of stresses and displacements under such
conditions.
• Rigid Dynamics: This system is used for simulating the motion of
rigid bodies and the forces acting on them. It's often used for
multi-body dynamics analysis, where components are treated as
rigid and their interactions are studied.

Question 3: Show Standalone Analysis Systems in the Project

Schematic.
In Ansys Workbench, the Project Schematic is where you build and
manage your simulation workflows. You can add standalone analysis
systems and arrange them in various configurations.
(a) A Standalone System
To show a standalone system in the Project Schematic, you
typically drag and drop an analysis system from the Toolbox to the
Project Schematic. For example, to add a Static Structural analysis
system:
1. Open Ansys Workbench: Launch the Ansys Workbench
application.
2. Locate the Toolbox: On the left side of the Workbench window,
you'll find the Toolbox pane.
3. Select an Analysis System: Expand the 'Analysis Systems' group
in the Toolbox. Find 'Static Structural' (or any other desired
analysis system).
4. Drag and Drop: Click and drag the 'Static Structural' system
from the Toolbox and drop it onto the empty space in the
Project Schematic. A new standalone 'Static Structural' system
will appear in the schematic, represented by a block with its
associated cells (Engineering Data, Geometry, Model, Setup,
Solution, Results). This standalone system is now ready for you
 to define its properties, import geometry, set up the
simulation, and analyze results.

(b) Two Independent Standalone Systems and their Configuration

To show two independent standalone systems and arrange
them in top-bottom and side-by-side configurations, you would
repeat the process of adding standalone systems and then
physically arrange them in the Project Schematic.

Adding Two Independent Standalone Systems:

1. Add the First System: As described above, drag and drop a
'Static Structural' system (or any other) from the Toolbox to
the Project Schematic.
2. Add the Second System: Drag and drop another analysis
system, for instance, a 'Fluid Flow (Fluent)' system, from the
Toolbox to a different empty area in the Project Schematic.
 Ensure you drop it in an empty space so it doesn't link to the
first system. You will now have two distinct, independent
analysis systems in your Project Schematic.

Arranging in Top-Bottom Configuration: Once you have two

independent systems, you can arrange them visually. The Project
Schematic allows for free placement of system blocks. To achieve a
top-bottom configuration, simply drag one system block and place it
directly above or below the other system block. The Workbench
interface will typically provide visual cues (like alignment lines) to
help you arrange them neatly.
Arranging in Side-by-Side Configuration: Similarly, to arrange them
in a side-by-side configuration, drag one system block and place it to
the left or right of the other system block. Again, the Workbench
interface will assist with alignment, making it easy to organize your
project visually. These arrangements are purely for visual
organization within the Project Schematic and do not inherently
change the independence of the systems unless you explicitly create
data links between them.
Question 4: Show the linked analysis systems in the project
schematic.
In Ansys Workbench, linking analysis systems allows for the transfer
of data between different simulation types, enabling multi-physics or
sequential analyses. This is a powerful feature for complex
engineering problems where the output of one analysis serves as the
input for another.
To show linked analysis systems by dropping a subsequent system
onto the Model cell of the first system to share data at the model
and above levels, follow these steps:
1. Start with a Base Analysis System: First, drag and drop an
initial analysis system from the Toolbox onto the Project
Schematic. A common example is a Static Structural system, as
its results (like deformation or stress) can often be used in
subsequent analyses.
2. Identify the Model Cell: Within the Project Schematic, locate
the Static Structural system block in the Model cell. This cell
typically represents the geometric and meshing information of
your simulation.
3. Drag and Drop a Subsequent System: From the Toolbox, select
another analysis system that can receive data from the Model
cell. For instance, you might choose a Modal analysis system (to
analyze vibrations based on the structural model) or a Thermal-
Electric system if you want to perform a coupled thermal-
electric analysis on the same model.
4. Link to the Model Cell: Instead of dropping the new system
into an empty space, drag the Modal (or Thermal-Electric )
system and hover its icon directly over the Model cell of the
Static Structural system. As you hover, Ansys Workbench will
typically highlight the that will be established. Model cell and
show a preview of the link .
5. Release to Create the Link: Release the mouse button. Ansys
Workbench will automatically create a link (represented by an
arrow or line) connecting the Model cell of the Static Structural
system to the corresponding input cell (often the Setup or
Model cell) of the newly added geometric and meshing data
from the Modal system. This signifies that the Static Structural
analysis will be shared with the Modal analysis.

Data Sharing at Model and Above Levels:

When you link systems at the Model cell level, it implies that
the geometric definition, meshing information, and potentially
other model-level settings (like material assignments if they are
defined at the model level) are transferred from the upstream
system to the downstream system. This ensures consistency in
the underlying model across different analyses. For example, if
you make changes to the geometry or mesh in the Static
Structural system, those changes will automatically propagate
 to the linked Modal system, saving time and reducing errors.
This linking capability is fundamental to performing integrated
simulations in Ansys Workbench, allowing for a streamlined
workflow when multiple physics or sequential steps are
involved in an engineering problem

Question 5: Explain the Use of Ansys System Cell Components.

Each analysis system in Ansys Workbench is composed of several
interconnected cells, each representing a specific stage in the
simulation workflow. Understanding the function of each cell is
crucial for effectively setting up and running simulations. Here's an
explanation of the common cell components:
(a) Engineering Data
The Engineering Data cell is where you define and manage the
materials used in your simulation. This includes specifying
material properties such as Young's Modulus, Poisson's Ratio,
density, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and other relevant
mechanical, thermal, or fluid properties. Ansys Workbench comes
with a default library of engineering materials, but you can also
create custom materials, import material data, or modify existing
ones. Changes made in the Engineering Data cell are propagated
 to other cells that depend on material properties, ensuring
consistency across the project.
(b) Geometry
The Geometry cell is used to import, create, or modify the
geometric model of the part or assembly you intend to analyze.
You can import CAD models from various software (e.g.,
SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo) or create simple geometries directly
within Ansys SpaceClaim (integrated with Workbench). This cell
allows for operations like cleaning up imported geometry, defining
parameters for design exploration, and preparing the model for
meshing. A well-prepared geometry is fundamental for accurate
simulation results
(c) Model/Mesh
The Model cell (often referred to as Model/Mesh or just Model) is
where you prepare the geometric model for analysis by defining
the physics, applying boundary conditions, and generating the
computational mesh. This cell typically opens the Mechanical
application within Ansys Workbench. Key functions include:
• Meshing: Dividing the continuous geometric model into discrete
elements (the mesh). The quality and density of the mesh
significantly impact the accuracy and computational cost of the
simulation. You can control mesh sizing, refinement, and type
(e.g., tetrahedral, hexahedral).
• Connections: Defining interactions between different parts of an
assembly, such as contacts, joints, or springs.
• Boundary Conditions: Applying loads, supports, and other
physical constraints to the model. This includes forces, pressures,
displacements, temperatures, heat f luxes, etc.
• Initial Conditions: Specifying the state of the system at the
beginning of a transient analysis (e.g., initial temperature, initial
velocity).
• Analysis Settings: Configuring the solver settings, such as time
steps for transient analyses, convergence criteria, and output
controls

(d) Setup
The Setup cell is where the solver is configured and the simulation
is prepared for execution. While some setup tasks are performed
in the Model cell (especially in Mechanical), the Setup cell often
involves more detailed solver-specific settings, particularly for
complex physics like CFD (e.g., in Ansys Fluent or CFX). This can
include:
• Solver Settings: Choosing the appropriate solver algorithms,
numerical schemes, and convergence criteria.
• Physics Models: Selecting and configuring specific physical
models (e.g., turbulence models, multiphase models, combustion
models).
• Material Properties (Advanced): Fine-tuning material properties
or defining more complex material behaviors not covered in the
Engineering Data cell.
• Solution Controls: Setting up parameters for the solution process,
such as under relaxation factors and iteration limits.

(e) Solution
The Solution cell is where the numerical simulation is executed.
When you update or run the Solution cell, Ansys Workbench
launches the appropriate solver (e.g., Mechanical APDL solver,
Fluent solver) to perform the calculations based on the defined
model, mesh, and setup settings. During the solution process, the
solver iteratively solves the governing equations until a converged
solution is obtained or the specified number of iterations is
reached. You can monitor the solution progress, convergence
plots, and residuals in real-time.
 (f) Results
The Results cell is used for post-processing and visualizing the
simulation outcomes. After the solution is complete, you can
access the results in the Ansys Post-Processor (e.g., Ansys
Mechanical APDL Post-Processor, CFD-Post). This cell allows you
to:
● Visualize Data: Generate contour plots, vector plots,
streamlines, and animations to visualize various quantities
like stress, strain, displacement, temperature, pressure, and
velocity.
● Extract Data: Obtain numerical values of results at specific
points, along paths, or on surfaces.
● Create Reports: Generate reports summarizing the
simulation setup and results.
● Perform Calculations: Derive new quantities from the
primary results.
The Results cell is crucial for interpreting the simulation findings
and making informed engineering decisions.

Question 6: Describing the Cell State of Indicator Icons.

In Ansys Workbench, the state of each cell in the Project Schematic is
indicated by a small icon. These icons provide a quick visual summary
of the cell's status, helping users understand what actions are
needed or if a particular step in the workflow is complete and up-to-
date. Here are the common cell state indicator icons and their
meanings:
• Up-to-date (Green Checkmark): This icon indicates that the cell
has been successfully processed, and its data is current and valid.
No further action is required for this cell.
• Attention Required (Yellow Lightning Bolt or Question Mark):
This icon signifies that the cell requires attention or an update.
This could be due to changes in an upstream cell, missing input,
or a need for user interaction (e.g., to define a parameter or
complete a setup). The data in this cell might be outdated or
incomplete.
• Refresh Required (Yellow Circular Arrows): This icon means that
the cell's data is out-of-date and needs to be refreshed. This
typically occurs when an upstream cell has been modified, and
the current cell needs to re-process its inputs to reflect those
changes.
• Update Required (Yellow Circular Arrow with a Plus Sign):
Similar to Refresh Required, this icon indicates that the cell needs
to be updated. It often appears when a new input is available or a
previous step has been completed, and the current cell is ready to
proceed with its calculations or data processing.
• Solved (Green Checkmark with a small triangle): This icon
indicates that the solution process for this cell has been
completed successfully. This is typically seen on the Solution cell
after the solver has finished its calculations.
• Failed (Red X): This icon indicates that the processing of the cell
has failed. This could be due to various reasons, such as errors in
the setup, convergence issues during the solution, or insufficient
computational resources. You would need to investigate the error
messages to resolve the issue.
• Pending (Grey Question Mark): This icon indicates that the cell is
waiting for an action to be performed or for data to become
available from an upstream cell. It's a neutral state, signifying that
the cell is not yet ready for processing but is not in an error state.
• Interrupted (Orange Square): This icon indicates that the
processing of the cell was interrupted, either manually by the
user or due to an unexpected event. The results from an
interrupted process may be incomplete or invalid.
 Understanding these cell states is essential for efficient workflow
management in Ansys Workbench, allowing users to quickly
identify where attention is needed and what the current status of
their simulation project is.

Question 7: Open the Engineering Data Cell and Add a New

Material.
To open the Engineering Data cell, explore various data sources, and
add a new material with specific properties in Ansys Workbench,
follow these steps:
1. Open Ansys Workbench: Launch the Ansys Workbench
application.
2. Start a New Project or Open an Existing One: You can either
start a new project or open an existing one. If you start a new
project, you might need to drag an analysis system (e.g., Static
 Structural) from the Toolbox to the Project Schematic to make
the Engineering Data cell available.
3. Open the Engineering Data Cell: In the Project Schematic,
locate the Engineering Data cell of your analysis system.
Double-click on this cell. This action will open the Engineering
Data tab or window, which is a dedicated environment for
managing material properties.
4. Explore Various Data Sources: Once in the Engineering Data
environment, you will see several options to explore existing
material libraries and data sources:
Outline of Schematic A (or your current system): This
section shows the materials currently associated with your
project.
Engineering Data Sources: On the left-hand side, you will
typically find a section labeled "Engineering Data Sources."
This is where you can access various pre-defined material
libraries provided by Ansys. These libraries include:
• General Materials: Contains common engineering materials
like structural steel, aluminum alloys, etc.
• Nonlinear Materials: For materials with non-linear
behavior.
• Composite Materials: For composite structures.
• Fluid Materials: For fluid flow simulations. And many more,
depending on your Ansys installation and licenses. You can
click on these data sources to browse the materials
available within them.
5. Add a New Material: To add a new material, you can either
create a new one from scratch or duplicate an existing one and
modify it. For this task, we will create a new one:
In the "Outline of Schematic A" section (or similar, depending
on your Workbench version), you will see a row that says "Click
here to add New Material". Click on this row.
 A new material entry will appear, and you can type in a name
for it (e.g., "My Custom Material").
6. Define Isotropic Elasticity Properties:
After naming your new material, you need to add its properties.
In the "Toolbox" section on the left (within the Engineering
Data environment), expand "Physical Properties" or "Linear
Elastic Properties" (the exact categorization might vary slightly).
Drag and drop "Isotropic Elasticity" onto your newly created
material in the "Properties of Outline Row" section.
Once "Isotropic Elasticity" is added, you will see fields for
Young's Modulus and Poisson's Ratio.
Young’s Modulus: Enter 13 GPa in the Young’s Modulus field.
Ensure the units are correctly set to GPa (Gigapascals). If not, you
can usually change the units by clicking on the unit dropdown next
to the value.
Poisson’s Ratio: Enter 0.29 in the Poisson’s Ratio field.

7. Save the Material: Ansys Workbench automatically saves

changes within the Engineering Data environment as you make
them. However, it's good practice to ensure your project is
saved regularly by clicking the "Save" icon in the main
Workbench window or by going to File > Save Project .

By following these steps, you can successfully add a new

custom material with specified isotropic elasticity properties to
your Ansys Workbench project, making it available for use in
your simulations.