WORKSHOP 7
Linear Static Analysis of a
Simply-Supported Truss
Objectives:
■ Create a finite element model by explicitly defining node
locations and element connectivities.
■ Define a MSC.Nastran analysis model comprised of CROD
elements.
■ Prepare a MSC.Nastran input file for a linear static analysis.
■ Visualize analysis results.
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-1
7-2 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 7 Simply-Supported Truss (Sol 101)
Model Description:
Figure 7.1 is a finite element representation of the truss structure
shown on Page 7-1. The nodal coordinates provided are defined in
the global cartesian coordinate system (MSC.Nastran Basic system).
The structure is comprised of truss segments connected by smooth
pins such that each segment is either in tension or compression. The
structure is pinned at Node 1 and supported by a roller at Node 7.
Point forces are applied at Nodes 2, 4, and 6.
Figure 7.1
[288,144,0]
4
2 3
[140,72,0] [432,72,0]
2 6
6 7
1 5 8 4
1 9 3 10 5 11 7
[0,0,0] [192,0,0] [384,0,0] [576,0,0]
Y
Z X
Figure 7.2 - Loads and Boundary Conditions
1500.
1500. 1300. 1500.
3456
1300. 1300.
3456 3456
12 3456 3456 2
Y
Z X
Table 7.1 - Model Properties
Cross-Sectional Area: 5.25 in2
Elastic Modulus: 1.76E+06 psi
Tension Stress Limit: 1900 psi
Compression Stress Limit: 1900 psi
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-3
Suggested Exercise Steps:
■ Open a new database.
■ Explicitly generate a finite element representation of the
truss structure without defining any geometry, i.e., the nodes
(GRID) and element connectivities (CROD) should be
defined manually.
■ Define material (MAT1) and element (PROD) properties.
■ Apply simply-supported boundary constraints (SPC1) and
point forces (FORCE).
■ Use the load and boundary condition sets to define a load
case (SUBCASE).
■ Prepare the model for a linear static analysis (SOL 101 and
PARAMs).
■ Generate an input file and submit it to the MSC.Nastran
solver.
■ Post-process results.
■ Quit MSC.Patran.
7-4 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 7 Simply-Supported Truss (Sol 101)
Exercise Procedure:
1. Create a new database called workshop7.db.
File/New...
New Database Name: workshop7
OK
In the New Model Preferences form set the following:
Tolerance: ◆ Default
Analysis Code: MSC/NASTRAN
Analysis Type: Structural
OK
Activate the entity labels by selecting the Show Labels button on the
toolbar.
Show Labels
NOTE:Whenever possible, toggle off the ❑ Auto Execute option by
left clicking the check box.
2. Create the nodes by manually defining their respective coordinates:
◆ Finite Elements
Action: Create
Object: Node
Method: Edit
❑ Associate with Geometry
Node Location List: [0, 0, 0]
Apply
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-5
Repeat the previous operation to create the remaining nodes. Refer
to the Figure 7.1 for the nodal coordinates.
Node Location List: [140, 72, 0]
Apply
Node Location List: [192, 0, 0]
Apply
Node Location List: [288, 144, 0]
Apply
Node Location List: [384, 0, 0]
Apply
Node Location List: [432, 72, 0]
Apply
Node Location List: [576, 0, 0]
Apply
Next, manually define the truss segment connectivities with BAR2
elements using our newly created nodes. Again, refer to Figure 7.1
for connectivity information.
◆ Finite Elements
Action: Create
Object: Element
Method: Edit
Shape: Bar
Topology: Bar2
Node 1 = Node 1
Node 2 = Node 2
Apply
7-6 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 7 Simply-Supported Truss (Sol 101)
Repeat the previous operation until all the truss segments have been
created.
Node 1 = Node 1
Node 2 = Node 2
Apply
Node 1 = Node 2
Node 2 = Node 4
Apply
Node 1 = Node 4
Node 2 = Node 6
Apply
Node 1 = Node 6
Node 2 = Node 7
Apply
Node 1 = Node 2
Node 2 = Node 3
Apply
Node 1 = Node 3
Node 2 = Node 4
Apply
Node 1 = Node 4
Node 2 = Node 5
Apply
Node 1 = Node 5
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-7
Node 2 = Node 6
Apply
Node 1 = Node 1
Node 2 = Node 3
Apply
Node 1 = Node 3
Node 2 = Node 5
Apply
Node 1 = Node 5
Node 2 = Node 7
Apply
The completed model resemble Figure 7.3.
Figure 7.3
4
2 3
2 6 7 6
1 5 8 4
1 9 3 10 5 11 7
Z X
3. Define a material using the specified modulus of elasticity and
allowable stresses.
◆ Materials
Action: Create
7-8 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 7 Simply-Supported Truss (Sol 101)
Object: Isotropic
Method: Manual Input
Material Name: mat_1
Input Properties...
Constitutive Model: Linear Elastic
Elastic Modulus = 1.76E6
OK
Apply
Constitutive Model: Failure
???
Tension Stress Limit =
(Enter material limit)
???
Compression Stress Limit =
(Enter material limit)
OK
4. Reference the material that was created in the previous step. Define
the properties of the truss segments using the specified cross-
sectional data.
◆ Properties
Action: Create
Object: 1D
Method: Rod
Property Set Name: rod
Input Properties...
Material Name: m:mat_1
???
Area:
(Enter cross-sectional area)
OK
Select Members: Elm 1:11
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-9
Add
Apply
5. Visually verify element connectivities. To make this process easier,
scale down the elements by 10%. Use the Display/Finite
Elements... option.
Display/Finite Elements...
FEM Shrink: 0.10
Apply
Cancel
6. Create two constraints and apply them to the analysis model. These
boundary conditions represent the simply-supported ends of the
truss.
6a. The left-hand support is defined as follows:
◆ Loads/BCs
Action: Create
Object: Displacement
Method: Nodal
New Set Name: pin
Input Data...
Translation < T1 T2 T3 > < 0, 0, >
OK
Select Application Region...
Geometry Filter: ◆ FEM
Select Nodes: Node 1
Add
OK
Apply
7-10 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 7 Simply-Supported Truss (Sol 101)
6b. The right-hand constraint is located at the opposite end of the truss.
◆ Loads/BCs
Action: Create
Object: Displacement
Method: Nodal
New Set Name: roller
Input Data...
Translation < T1 T2 T3 > <, 0, >
OK
Select Application Region...
Geometry Filter: ◆ FEM
Select Nodes: Node 7
Add
OK
Apply
The displacement constraints are shown in Figure 7.4.
Figure 7.4
4
2 3
2 6 7 6
1 5 8 4
1 9 3 10 5 11 7
12 2
Y
Z X
7. Apply forces to the upper joints of the truss as shown in Figure 7.2.
Vertical forces of 1500 lbs and horizontal forces of 1300 lbs should
be applied at the proper nodes.
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-11
7a. First, define the vertical forces.
◆ Loads/BCs
Action: Create
Object: Force
Method: Nodal
New Set Name: force_1
Input Data...
Force < F1 F2 F3 > <, -1500, >
OK
Select Application Region...
Geometry Filter: ◆ FEM
Select Nodes: Node 2:6:2
Add
OK
Apply
The vertical forces should resemble Figure 7.5.
Figure 7.5
1500.
4
1500. 2 3 1500.
2 6 7 6
1 5 8 4
1 9 3 10 5 11 7
Z X
7b. Define the horizontal loads.
◆ Loads/BCs
Action: Create
7-12 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 7 Simply-Supported Truss (Sol 101)
Object: Force
Method: Nodal
New Set Name: force_2
Input Data...
Force < F1 F2 F3 > < -1300,, >
OK
Select Application Region...
Geometry Filter: ◆ FEM
Select Nodes: Node 2:6:2
Add
OK
Apply
The forces should resemble Figure 7.6.
Figure 7.6
1985.
4
1985. 2 3 1985.
2 6 7 6
1 5 8 4
1 9 3 10 5 11 7
Z X
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-13
7c. Reset the display by selecting the Reset Graphics icon on the Top
Menu Bar.
Reset Graphics
To display only the horizontal forces, change the Action on the
Load/BCs form to Plot Markers.
◆ Loads/BCs
Action: Plot Markers
Select the Force_force_2 set in the Assigned Load/BC Sets box by
highlighting it. Also apply the markers to the current group
default_group.
Assigned Load/BC Sets: Force_force_2
Select Groups: default_group
Apply
The display should appear as follows:
Figure 7.7
4
1300.
2 3
2 6 7 6
1300. 1300.
1 5 8 4
1 9 3 10 5 11 7
Y
Z X
8. Create a load case that references the forces and boundary
conditions that have already been defined.
◆ Load Cases
7-14 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 7 Simply-Supported Truss (Sol 101)
Action: Create
Load Case Name: truss_lbcs
Load Case Type: Static
Assign/Prioritize Loads/BCs
Select Individual Loads/BCs Displ_pin
Displ_roller
(Select from Menu) Force_force_1
Force_force_2
OK
Apply
* NOTE: Do not to enter any load more than one time into the
spreadsheet. Doing so will result in increasing the load
by a factor equal to the number of times the load is
entered into the spreadsheet. The increase in factor can
be shown in two different manners. First, the LBC Scale
Factor may show a value greater than one, or second, the
spreadsheet may contain repeated entries of the same
load. Either condition will result in erroneous loading
conditions.
Reset the display by selecting the Reset Graphics icon on the Top
Menu Bar.
Reset Graphics
Plot the Load/BCs markers and post them to the current group.
◆ Loads/BCs
Action: Plot Markers
Select all the Load/BC sets in the Assigned Load/BC Sets box by
highlighting all of them. Post the markers to the current group.
Displ_pin
Assigned Load/BCs Sets: Displ_roller
Force_force_1
Force_force_2
Select Groups: default_group
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-15
Apply
The display should appear similar to the figure below:
Figure 7.8
1985.
4
1985. 2 3 1985.
2 6 7 6
1 5 8 4
1 9 3 10 5 11 7
12 2
Y
Z X
9. Deactivate the entity labels by using the Display/Entity Color/
Label/Render... option.
Display/Entity Color/Label/Render...
Hide All Entity Labels
Apply
Cancel
Reset the display by selecting the Reset Graphics icon on the Top
Menu Bar.
Reset Graphics
Display the model in its unscaled state using the Display/Finite El-
ements... option.
Display/Finite Elements...
FEM Shrink: 0.0
7-16 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 7 Simply-Supported Truss (Sol 101)
Apply
Cancel
10. Generate an input file for analysis.
Click on the Analysis radio button on the Top Menu Bar and com-
plete the entries as shown here.
◆ Analysis
Action: Analyze
Object: Entire Model
Method: Analysis Deck
Job Name: truss
Solution Type...
Solution Type: ◆ Linear Static
Solution Parameters...
■ Database Run
■ Automatic Constraints
Data Deck Echo: Sorted
0.00259
Wt.- Mass Conversion =
(For English units)
OK
OK
Subcase Select...
Subcases For Solution Sequence: truss_lbcs
Default
Subcases Selected:
(Click on this to deselect)
OK
Apply
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-17
An MSC.Nastran input file called truss.bdf will be generated. This
process of translating the model into an input file is called the For-
ward Translation. The Forward Translation is complete when the
Heartbeat turns green.
7-18 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 7 Simply-Supported Truss (Sol 101)
Submitting the Input File for Analysis:
11. Submit the input file to MSC.Nastran for analysis.
11a. To submit the MSC.Patran.bdf file for analysis, find an
available UNIX shell window. At the command prompt
enter: nastran truss.bdf scr=yes. Monitor the run using
the UNIX ps command.
11b. When the run is completed, edit the truss.f06 file and
search for the word FATAL. If no matches exist, search
for the word WARNING. Determine whether existing
WARNING messages indicate modeling errors.
11c. While still editing truss.f06, search for the word:
D I S P L A C E (spaces are necessary).
What are the components of the displacement vector for GRID 7
(translation only)?
Disp. X =
Disp. Y =
Disp. Z =
Search for the word:
S I N G L E (spaces are necessary).
What are the components of the reaction force at GRID 1?
Force X =
Force Y =
Force Z =
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-19
Search for the word:
S T R E S S (spaces are necessary).
What is the margin of safety for CROD 2?
M.S. =
What is the Axial Stress for CROD 7?
Axial Stress =
7-20 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 7 Simply-Supported Truss (Sol 101)
12. MSC.Nastran Users have finished this exercise.
MSC.Patran Users should proceed to the next step.
13. Proceed with the Reverse Translation process, that is, attaching the
truss.xdb results file into MSC.Patran. To do this, return to the
Analysis form and proceed as follows:
◆ Analysis
Action: Attach XDB
Object: Result Entities
Method: Local
Select Results File...
Filter
Selected Results File truss.xdb
OK
Apply
When the translation is complete and the Heartbeat turns green, bring
up the Results form.
◆ Results
Action: Create
Object: Quick Plot
Choose the desired result case in the Select Result Cases list and se-
lect the result(s) in the Select Fringe Result list and/or in the Select
Deformation Result list. And hit Apply to view the result(s) in the
viewport.
To reset the display graphics to the state it was in before post-pro-
cessing the model, remember to select the Reset Graphics icon.
Reset Graphics
Quit MSC.Patran after completing this exercise.
MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 7-21
7-22 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
