In today’s engineering world, structural analysis is a critical process used to evaluate the safety, durability, and efficiency of components and systems under various loads. Thanks to Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools, engineers can simulate real-world physical behaviors before producing physical prototypes, reducing both time and cost.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what structural analysis is, the differences between linear and nonlinear analysis, and how to implement them using Ansys Mechanical.
Structural analysis refers to the computational evaluation of how a physical structure behaves under external forces, such as loads, pressures, moments, and gravity. It helps engineers determine whether a structure can withstand operational conditions safely and efficiently.
🛡️ Ensures structural safety
🧪 Reduces prototyping costs
⏱️ Speeds up design processes
🧩 Enables material and weight optimization
📜 Ensures compliance with standards and regulations
Structural analysis problems are typically categorized into two main types:
Linear analysis assumes that materials behave elastically and that deformations are small enough for the geometry to remain effectively unchanged. This type of analysis is often the first step in design validation.
Key Features:
Stress-strain relationship is linear (Hooke’s Law)
Small deformations are assumed
Fast and computationally efficient
Use Cases:
Simple load-bearing parts
Preliminary material selection
Initial design verification
📌 Advantage: Fast computation with minimal resources
⚠️ Limitation: Cannot represent complex real-world behavior
Nonlinear analysis accounts for physical conditions where the relationship between load and response is not proportional. This includes material plasticity, large deformations, and contact interactions.
Three Main Nonlinear Behaviors:
Material Nonlinearity: Plastic deformation, viscoelasticity, creep, fracture
Geometric Nonlinearity: Large deformations, buckling, instability
Contact Nonlinearity: Friction, separation, sliding, opening/closing interfaces
Use Cases:
Crash simulations (automotive, defense)
Elastomeric parts (rubber seals, gaskets)
High-temperature structural performance
Assembly analysis with contact conditions
📌 Advantage: Accurately simulates real-world performance
⚠️ Limitation: Requires expertise and more computational resources
| Feature | Linear Analysis | Nonlinear Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Material Behavior | Elastic only | Elastic + Plastic + Complex models |
| Geometric Behavior | Small deformation assumption | Large deformation considered |
| Contact Behavior | Fixed or idealized | Realistic contact with friction/separation |
| Computational Time | Fast | Longer run time |
| User Expertise | Basic | Intermediate to advanced |
| Best Use Cases | Simple parts, initial design | Complex physics, safety-critical systems |
Ansys Mechanical is a powerful FEA (Finite Element Analysis) tool widely used for both linear and nonlinear simulations. Below is a standard workflow for structural simulation:
Geometry Definition: Using DesignModeler or SpaceClaim
Material Assignment: Define elastic, plastic, or hyperelastic properties
Meshing: Create a high-quality finite element mesh
Boundary Conditions and Loads: Apply forces, pressures, displacements, contacts
Solver Setup: Choose linear or nonlinear solution methods
Solving: Run the simulation
Post-Processing: Evaluate stresses, strains, safety factors with visual plots
Structural analysis is the backbone of safe, efficient, and innovative engineering design. Linear analysis is ideal for fast and simple validation, while nonlinear analysis provides deeper insight into real-world behavior. At Fetech Advanced Engineering, we leverage Ansys solutions to deliver high-fidelity simulations and help you make smarter design decisions.
🧠 Not sure which analysis type fits your project?
📞 Contact us and let’s turn your challenges into engineered solutions.