Comparative study of results obtained by analysis of structures using ANSYS, STAAD and MATLAB
Mihirr Sose · IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering · 2013
The analysis of complex structures like frames, trusses and beams is carried out using the Finite Element Method (FEM) in software products like ANSYS and STAAD.The aim of this paper is to compare the deformation results of simple and complex structures obtained using these products.The same structures are also analyzed by a MATLAB program to provide a common reference for comparison.STAAD is used by civil engineers to analyze structures like beams and columns while ANSYS is generally used by mechanical engineers for structural analysis of machines, automobile roll cage, etc.Since both products employ the same fundamental principle of FEM, there should be no difference in their results.Results however, prove contradictory to this for complex structures.Since FEM is an approximate method, accuracy of the solutions cannot be a basis for their comparison and hence, none of the varying results can be termed as better or worse.Their comparison may, however, point to conservative results, significant digits and magnitude of difference so as to enable the analyst to select the software best suited for the particular application of his or her structure.