Ansys provides a wide software suite for Multiphysics simulation and modelling of real world systems.
Although Ansys includes packages for computer aided design (Discovery and SpaceClaim), the mechanical team works only with SolidWorks for CAD modelling and makes use of Ansys Mechanical products for Finite Element Analysis of designed mechanical components.
Note that SolidWorks also provides a built in FEA simulation environment which is good enough for most basic analyses. Ansys will be used for more advanced / specialized FEA models requiring detailed analysis.
This document details the steps for getting started with Ansys software packages that are useful to the mechanical design workflow of UWRT projects.
Please reach out to the Mechanical leads if you run into any problems during this installation.
Requirements
Windows computer (Linux installation possible but not tested)
32GB of storage
Stable internet connection
Patience
Ansys Automated Installer
Go to the Ansys download page
Create an account using your student email address and proceed to login
Note: When creating an account, and you will encounter this field, reach . Reach out to one of the mechanical leads to get the team’s customer account number for our providing design team access to Ansys.
Fill in all other fields appropriately to create your Ansys account.
Upon successful login, click the above download link again. You will directed to this page
Ensure you have the latest release selected in the pulldown tab
Download the Ansys Automated Installer
Ansys Software Installation
Note that this installation will take up to 2 hours to complete, only begin at an appropriate time.
This installer pops up when you run the executable file.
Sign in via the browser redirect to proceed
Accept defaults or choose a desired location to store program files
The following software packages are applicable to our team projects, but you may explore others as desired.
Mechanical Products
Additive
Material Calibration
Autodyn
Motion
Complete the installation
Note: If you wish to explore Ansys integrated CAD + Simulation software, discovery is recommended
Team License Server
Ansys provides free licensees for our members as a student team. To access, you must setup your computer’s connection to the team license server.
Download ZeroTier and run the executable file
Enable any necessary permissions for the ZeroTier app
Connect to the team’s ZeroTier server
Open the zero tier app
The app runs in the background and can be found in the hidden items tab
Expand this tab and right click the ZeroTier icon
Select Join New Network.. Enter the team’s ZeroTier network ID: FADA62B015B44800 and join
You will need authorization from a Mechanical lead to be activated on the team license server network.
Activating Ansys License
Once ZeroTier is setup and authorized you will be able to connect Ansys to the team license server
Run the Ansys License Settings app as Administrator
Toggle the enable button and enter the following parameters
Port = 1055 Server 1 = 192.168.192.204
Click Test
A green check mark appears if you correctly setup and have been authorized to the ZeroTier server
Click save to complete setup
Congratulations! You have now successfully configured your design team access to Ansys.
Getting Started
Some beginner guides are linked below: