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Course Structure 

Hello learners,

I welcome you all to this comprehensive course on LS-DYNA. Objective of this course is to get started from very basic understanding of FEA and gradually get you well versed with LS-DYNA. LS-DYNA is one of the most best and popular explicit code out there. LS-DYNA is used in almost all the industries that you can imagine. In this course though we will be taking examples of only structural analysis from automotive domain.

Skills you will gain at the end of the course :

Read more

Course Structure 

Hello learners,

I welcome you all to this comprehensive course on LS-DYNA. Objective of this course is to get started from very basic understanding of FEA and gradually get you well versed with LS-DYNA. LS-DYNA is one of the most best and popular explicit code out there. LS-DYNA is used in almost all the industries that you can imagine. In this course though we will be taking examples of only structural analysis from automotive domain.

Skills you will gain at the end of the course :

  • You will learn different types of analysis and fundamental difference between them.

  • You will learn to setup a model in LS-PrePost, edit the model in Notepad++ and solving the model using LS-Dyna.

  • You will learn various aspect of material modelling in LS-Dyna.

  • You will get overall understanding of important concepts in explicit such as hourglassing, timestep and mass scaling.

Brief outline of the course is as following:

1. FEA/CAE basics and types of simulation

  •   Product life cycle management

  •   Branches of CAE

  •   Intuition of CAE

  •   Steps in CAE

  •   Types of analysis.

2. Introduction to LS-PrePost

  •   Deep dive into preprocessing using LS-PrePost.

  •   GUI of LS-PrePost.

  •   Handling a model using different approaches.

3. Keyword Arrangement in LS-Dyna

  •   Running a simple simulation

  •   File format and keyword structure in LS-Dyna.

  •   Keyword Arrangement : Nodes and Elements

  •   Keyword Arrangement : Parts, Section, Material

  •   LS-Dyna Manuals

  •   Example : Cube Under Pressure

  •   Keyword Arrangement : Database and Control

  •   Keyword Arrangement : Boundary and Constrained

4. Material Modelling for LS-Dyna

  •   Material Non-Linearity

  •   Conversion of Engineering Stress, Strain to True Stress, Strain

  •   Material : Important Keyword

    •   *Include

    •   Example : Include File Structure

    •   Introduction to Hourglass

    •   Examples on  Hourglassing and control

    •   TimeStep

    New topics and projects are coming soon

    If you have any doubt fell free to contact me.

    So Enroll now and start this exciting journey with me.

    Course Updates 

    1. Added new video on types of analysis

    2. Added new video on type dynamic analysis

    3. Added new video titled "Spot Weld using Beam9 and MAT100" under "Modelling Techniques for LS-DYNA" section

    4. Added new video titled "Implicit vs Explicit".

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understanding difference between implicit and explicit analysis.
  • Different types of analysis.
  • Fe model building using ls-prepost.
  • Contact and material modelling,
  • Spot weld modelling strategies for ls-dyna,
  • Concept of hourglass and timestep,
  • Non-linear dynamic analysis,
  • Various projects with post-processing strategies.

Syllabus

Theory of CAE
Product Lifecycle Management
Degrees of Freedom
Methods to Solve Engineering Problem
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on structural analysis examples from the automotive domain, making it directly applicable to professionals in that field
Covers FEA basics and gradually introduces LS-DYNA, which is helpful for learners with limited prior experience in explicit code
Requires using Notepad++ to edit the model, which may present a challenge for users unfamiliar with text-based editing
Explores material modeling in LS-Dyna, which is essential for accurate simulation of structural behavior under various loading conditions
Examines concepts like hourglassing, timestep, and mass scaling, which are crucial for understanding and controlling explicit dynamic simulations
Includes deck preparation in ANSA and Hypermesh, which are industry-standard pre-processing tools, enhancing practical skills

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Reviews summary

Ls-dyna introduction for structural analysis

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in LS-Dyna for structural analysis. Many found the content very clear and easy to understand, appreciating the instructor's ability to explain complex topics very well, including implicit vs explicit analysis, timestep, and hourglassing. The course structure is logical, starting from basics and progressing effectively. While it's considered excellent for beginners and those refreshing knowledge, some reviewers feel it only scratches the surface for more advanced users, desiring more depth on advanced topics and more complex project examples. Learners also appreciate the recent updates added to the course.
Excellent introduction for newcomers.
"Very good course for beginners and those who want to refresh their knowledge."
"Fantastic course for someone new to LS-Dyna. It covers the essential topics step-by-step."
"Decent course, but it feels a bit basic. If you have some prior FEA experience, much of the initial content might be redundant."
Instructor adds new, relevant content.
"The recent updates adding spot weld and implicit analysis are a great addition."
"The recent updates are appreciated."
"It's good to see the course evolving with new topics."
Provides a strong basis in LS-Dyna.
"Solid foundational course for LS-Dyna. Covers core concepts..."
"Provides a good starting point. LS-PrePost workflow is shown well."
"A good primer on LS-Dyna. Explains explicit methods clearly."
"I gained a solid foundation from this course."
Content is clear and easy to understand.
"The course content is very clear and easy to understand. The instructor explains complex topics very well."
"Clear explanation on implicit vs explicit analysis. This helped clarify a lot for me. Material modelling section is also very good."
"The explanations on timestep and hourglassing are good."
"I found the explanations on keyword arrangement and material modeling particularly useful."
Could cover advanced topics further.
"Some parts could be more in-depth, especially regarding advanced material models or complex contact definitions."
"Would benefit from more complex project examples."
"The course is alright, but it feels like it only scratches the surface of LS-Dyna's capabilities."
"Could use more depth on post-processing or integrating with other pre/post tools beyond the basics shown."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A Detailed Introduction to LS-Dyna for Structural Analysis with these activities:
Review FEA Fundamentals
Reviewing FEA fundamentals will provide a solid base for understanding LS-DYNA's advanced features and analysis types.
Browse courses on Finite Element Analysis
Show steps
  • Review basic concepts of stress and strain.
  • Understand the principles of finite element discretization.
  • Familiarize yourself with different element types.
Read 'Crash Course in Finite Element Method'
Reading this book will help you understand the underlying principles of FEA, which are essential for using LS-DYNA effectively.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters on element types and formulations.
  • Work through the example problems.
LS-PrePost GUI Exercises
Practicing with LS-PrePost will improve your efficiency in model setup and result visualization.
Show steps
  • Import a sample model into LS-PrePost.
  • Practice creating and modifying nodes and elements.
  • Apply boundary conditions and loads.
  • Visualize the results of a simple analysis.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document a Simple LS-DYNA Simulation
Documenting a simulation reinforces your understanding of the process and helps you retain information.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple structural analysis problem.
  • Create a model in LS-PrePost.
  • Write a detailed report explaining the setup, analysis, and results.
Follow LS-DYNA Contact Modeling Tutorials
Contact modeling is a crucial aspect of LS-DYNA. Tutorials will help you master this skill.
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials on LS-DYNA contact modeling.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
  • Experiment with different contact parameters.
Project: Drop Test Simulation
Simulating a drop test will allow you to apply your knowledge of explicit dynamics and material modeling.
Show steps
  • Model a simple object in LS-PrePost.
  • Define material properties and contact conditions.
  • Set up the drop test simulation in LS-DYNA.
  • Analyze the results and write a report.
Read 'LS-DYNA Keyword User's Manual'
Familiarizing yourself with the LS-DYNA Keyword User's Manual will greatly enhance your ability to use the software effectively.
Show steps
  • Download the LS-DYNA Keyword User's Manual.
  • Browse the manual to understand the organization and content.
  • Refer to the manual when setting up simulations.

Career center

Learners who complete A Detailed Introduction to LS-Dyna for Structural Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Stress Analyst
Stress analysts use CAE tools to evaluate the stresses and strains within a structure under various loading conditions. This course on LS-Dyna helps build a foundation for a stress analyst, particularly in industries using explicit analysis techniques. The course’s deep dive into FEA, LS-PrePost, material modeling, and keyword arrangement provides a comprehensive skill set. The focus on explicit analysis, including understanding hourglassing and timestep, are beneficial for a stress analyst working with dynamic or impact-related problems. The knowledge that they gain contributes to a better understanding of structural integrity.
Simulation Specialist
Simulation specialists are experts in using simulation software to model and analyze complex systems. This course on LS-Dyna helps the learner grow their understanding of structural analysis using explicit methods. The course's detailed coverage of FEA basics, LS-PrePost, keyword arrangement, and material modeling are all relevant to the role. The in-depth exploration of explicit analysis, including hourglassing, timestep, and contact modeling, equips a simulation specialist with hands-on skills for tackling challenging simulation problems. Skills in material non-linearity are also helpful.
CAE Engineer
CAE engineers use computer-aided engineering software to simulate and analyze designs. This course on LS-Dyna helps build a foundation for a CAE engineer focused on structural analysis, particularly in industries like automotive. The course's coverage of FEA basics, LS-PrePost for model setup, and material modeling are essential skills. The detailed exploration of keyword arrangement, explicit analysis, and techniques for handling hourglassing equips a CAE engineer with practical tools. CAE engineers would benefit from exposure to the types of structural analysis.
Finite Element Analyst
A finite element analyst uses software tools to simulate and analyze the behavior of structures and components under various conditions. This course on LS-Dyna helps build a foundation for this role, especially within industries like automotive, where LS-Dyna is heavily utilized for structural analysis. Familiarity with FEA basics, model setup using LS-PrePost, and material modeling as covered in this course are highly relevant. The course's deep dive into preprocessing, keyword arrangement, and understanding of explicit analysis concepts like hourglassing and timestep provide practical skills needed for a finite element analyst.
Computational Mechanics Engineer
Computational mechanics engineers develop and apply computational methods to solve engineering problems. This course on LS-Dyna adds to the knowledge base of this role, especially for projects involving structural analysis and explicit dynamics. The course's coverage of FEA basics, model setup using LS-PrePost, and material modeling are all relevant. Furthermore, the detailed exploration of keyword arrangement, explicit analysis, and techniques for handling hourglassing prepare a computational mechanics engineer for the challenges of realistic simulations. These engineers should be comfortable with the topics in this course.
Simulation Engineer
Simulation engineers design and implement simulations to predict the performance of systems or products. The knowledge gained from this course, particularly in using LS-Dyna for structural analysis, helps build a strong foundation in simulation techniques. The understanding of FEA basics, model setup in LS-PrePost, and material modeling are directly applicable. Furthermore, the course's focus on explicit analysis and addressing issues like hourglassing provide practical skills for a simulation engineer working with complex structural simulations. This course gives skills to do the detailed work of a simulation engineer.
Crash Test Engineer
Crash test engineers design and conduct crash tests to evaluate vehicle safety. This course on LS-Dyna is very useful, especially for engineers who use simulation to predict crash behavior. The knowledge of FEA basics, explicit analysis, and material modeling, as covered in this course, provides a foundation for crash simulation. The hands-on projects and post-processing strategies covered in the course may be valuable for a crash test engineer working on vehicle safety and performance. The various different types of analysis may prove helpful for the crash test engineer.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems, often using CAE tools. This course on LS-Dyna can be especially useful for mechanical engineers, especially those who need to perform structural analysis and simulations involving non-linear or transient behavior. This course provides a foundation by teaching FEA basics, model setup using LS-PrePost, and material modeling within the LS-Dyna environment. The explicit analysis techniques and projects covered in the course provide hands-on experience for a mechanical engineer.
Structural Design Engineer
Structural design engineers create designs for load-bearing structures, often using FEA software. This course on LS-Dyna may be useful for structural design engineers looking to enhance their simulation skills. The course provides an introduction to FEA, LS-PrePost, and material modeling, which can be valuable for analyzing structural behavior under various conditions. The explicit code presented may prove helpful in designing structural support. Specific topics such as material nonlinearity and timestep may be important for addressing the challenges of structural design.
Research and Development Engineer
Research and development engineers work on innovative projects, often involving simulations and analysis. This course on LS-Dyna is beneficial for R and D engineers involved in structural analysis, especially when exploring non-linear or dynamic behavior. By gaining expertise in FEA basics, LS-PrePost, and material modeling, the course provides a foundation for simulating and analyzing complex systems. Topics covered in the course like explicit analysis, material nonlinearity, and model setup may prove important for a research project.
Research Scientist
Research scientists conduct experiments and develop models to understand physical phenomena. This course on LS-Dyna may be helpful for research scientists working in areas related to structural mechanics and material behavior. The course provides a foundation in FEA, model setup using LS-PrePost, and material modeling, which can be useful for simulating and analyzing experimental results. While a research scientist typically holds an advanced degree, the explicit code provided could prove helpful in their endeavors. The course provides techniques that can be valuable.
Structural Engineer
Structural engineers are responsible for designing and analyzing structures to ensure their safety and stability, often using finite element analysis. This course on LS-Dyna may be useful, especially when designing components that may experience non-linear or dynamic loading conditions. The course provides an introduction to FEA, LS-PrePost, and material modeling, which may prove helpful for a structural engineer looking to expand their simulation capabilities, especially when the models could involve explicit code. Specific topics such as material nonlinearity and timestep are important considerations for dynamic structural problems.
Consultant
Consultants provide expert advice to companies on a variety of technical and business issues. This course on LS-Dyna may be helpful for consultants who specialize in structural analysis or CAE. The course provides exposure to FEA basics, LS-PrePost, and material modeling, which can be valuable for assessing and improving client's simulation workflows. Specific skills in the explicit code will help to maximize the accuracy of the structural analysis. The course's focus on practical skills and industry-standard tools may enhance their credibility as expert advisers.
Automotive Engineer
Automotive engineers design and develop vehicles and their components. This course on LS-Dyna may be helpful, especially for those involved in structural analysis and crash simulation. Since it is a detailed introduction to LS-Dyna for Structural Analysis, the automotive engineer might find helpful the discussion of FEA basics, model setup in LS-PrePost, and material modeling. The projects and post-processing strategies covered in the course may be valuable for an automotive engineer working on vehicle safety and performance.
Product Development Engineer
Product development engineers are involved in the design and testing of new products. This course on LS-Dyna may be valuable, particularly for engineers working on products where structural integrity and performance under stress are critical. The explicit code provided in this course helps the product development engineer determine product durability. By building foundational knowledge of FEA, LS-PrePost, and material modeling, the course provides essential skills for simulating and analyzing product behavior. Topics like hourglassing, timestep, and material nonlinearity can be very important.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A Detailed Introduction to LS-Dyna for Structural Analysis.
Provides a concise introduction to the Finite Element Method, covering essential concepts and practical applications. It is particularly useful for those new to FEA, offering a clear and accessible overview. While not specific to LS-DYNA, it builds a strong foundation for understanding the underlying principles. This book is more valuable as additional reading to build a strong foundation.

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