Calculation of the Strain energy due to bending for the steel beam using the Abaqus software and Analytical Solution

Project Overview

This tutorial focuses on calculating the strain energy due to bending for a steel beam using the Abaqus software and the Analytical Solution.

The strain energy obtained from the two methods is compared to evaluate the agreement between the Abaqus simulation and the Analytical Solution.

Problem Description

In this problem, a 20-kip force is applied to both ends of the beam. The beam has a length of 90 inches and is supported at two points, B and C.

The objective is to calculate the strain energy due to bending and compare the result obtained from the Abaqus software with the result obtained from the Analytical Solution.

Analytical Solution

First, the strain energy due to bending is calculated using the Analytical Solution. The strain energy obtained from the Analytical Solution is equal to 321.84.

Abaqus Simulation

The same steel beam is then modeled and analyzed using the Abaqus software. The strain energy due to bending is obtained from the Abaqus results.

The strain energy obtained from the Abaqus software is equal to 323.242.

Comparison of Results

Finally, the strain energy results obtained from the Abaqus software and the Analytical Solution are compared.

As observed, the results obtained from the Abaqus software are precisely concordant with those of the Analytical Solution.

What You Will Learn

• How to model a steel beam in Abaqus.
• How to apply forces to both ends of the beam.
• How to define supports at points B and C.
• How to calculate strain energy due to bending using the Analytical Solution.
• How to obtain the strain energy from Abaqus.
• How to compare Abaqus results with the Analytical Solution.

Key Features

• Steel beam bending analysis.
• Strain energy calculation.
• 20-kip forces applied to both ends of the beam.
• 90-inch beam length.
• Two supports at points B and C.
• Analytical Solution.
• Abaqus numerical simulation.
• Comparison of Abaqus and Analytical Solution results.
• Free Abaqus tutorial.