Define an Element Type

Define the element formulation to be used for the analysis.

There are several ANSYS elements that have layered functionality. For this tutorial, element type SOLSH190 is used. SOLSH190 is a 3-dimensional, 8-node layered solid shell. This element is commonly used to model plate-like structures.

1. Click Main Menu > Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete.
2. In the dialog box that appears, click Add.
3. Select Solid-Shell in the Library of Element Types dialog box. Click OK.
4. Click Close in the Element Types dialog box.

To store top and bottom section point data for all layers within each element, KEYOPT(8) is used.

5. Type KEYOPT,1,8,1 into the command prompt and press Enter.