Calculation of deflection of truss using Abaqus software and Analytical Solution

Project Overview

This Abaqus tutorial is designed to help you understand how to calculate the deflection of a truss using the Abaqus software and the Analytical Solution.

In this example, the main objective is to calculate the deflection of point B using the Abaqus software and then compare the result with the corresponding result obtained from the Analytical Solution.

Problem Description

As shown in the figure, a 20,000-pound force is applied to point B of the truss.

The purpose of this problem is to determine the deflection of point B and verify the Abaqus result by comparing it with the result obtained from the Analytical Solution.

Analytical Solution

First, the reaction forces at points A and D are calculated. The reaction forces at the supports are equal to 10,000 Pounds.

Next, a cut is made through the truss in such a way that it passes through the AB and AC members. The forces acting on the cut section are then considered to determine the internal forces in these members.

By writing the equilibrium equation in the Y direction, the force in member AB is obtained as 26,000 Pounds.

Then, by writing the equilibrium equation in the X direction, the force in member AC is obtained as 24,000 Pounds.

After calculating the forces in the truss members, the Strain Energy of the whole truss is calculated. To obtain the total strain energy, the strain energy of each individual member is calculated and then all of the values are added together.

The deflection of point B obtained from the Analytical Solution is equal to 0.06496 in.

Abaqus Simulation

Next, the same truss problem is modeled and analyzed using the Abaqus software. The 20,000-pound force is applied to point B, and the resulting deflection of this point is obtained from the Abaqus results.

The deflection of point B obtained from the Abaqus software is equal to 0.06496 in.

Comparison of Results

Finally, the deflection of point B obtained from the Abaqus software is compared with the result obtained from the Analytical Solution.

The deflection of point B obtained from both methods is equal to 0.06496 in.

As observed, the result obtained from the Abaqus software is in very close agreement with the result obtained from the Analytical Solution.

What You Will Learn

• How to model a truss structure in Abaqus.
• How to apply a concentrated force to a truss.
• How to calculate reaction forces in a truss.
• How to determine internal forces in truss members.
• How to calculate strain energy of a truss.
• How to calculate truss deflection using the Analytical Solution.
• How to obtain the deflection of point B from Abaqus.
• How to compare Abaqus results with the Analytical Solution.

Key Features

• Truss deflection analysis.
• 20,000-pound force applied at point B.
• Calculation of reaction forces.
• Internal force calculation for truss members.
• F(ab) = 26,000 Pounds.
• F(ac) = 24,000 Pounds.
• Strain Energy Method.
• Analytical Solution.
• Abaqus numerical simulation.
• Deflection of point B.
• Comparison between Abaqus and Analytical Solution.
• Deflection of 0.06496 in obtained from both methods.
• Free Abaqus tutorial.