Finite Element Analysis

Stresses in Beams and Arches

The first two figures below were created with a photoelastic device using crossed Polaroid lenses, while the next figure was created with Ansys. The left figure represents the stress in a post-and-beam design developed by the ancient Greeks while the right design shows stresses in the arch developed by the Romans. The two designs are the about the same shape and support the same load. However, the full views show that the maximum stresses in the arch are only half those in the lintel. Red areas delineate the highest stresses while blue areas show the lowest stresses. To see a 600KB animation of the deformation, ¤ click here.

Photoelastic stresses in a Beam Photoelastic stresses in an Arch
Stresses in Arch and Beam

Cantilever beam without hole
Cantilever beam with hole
Assignment 10, Stresses in a plate with hole.

ES 421 | Ansys | Example index

Last revised: March 19, 2002 -- Copyright © 1997-2002 ARMiller