BEFORE you start ANSYS for the first time:

Customize the toolbar buttons (for convenience - optional, not required)

To start ANSYS:

Use the “ANSYS Product Launcher” from the Start Button in the Windows Toolbar

Product LAUNCHER Profile Setup:

·         Simulation Environment: ANSYS

o  License: ANSYS Academic Teaching Advanced

o  Older interface - has   more  options for simulation

----- OR -----

·         ANSYS Workbench (we don't use the Product Launcher for WB)

o  Uses the same License: ANSYS Academic Teaching DesignSpace
[specified w/utility "User License Preference"]

o  Newer interface  

Academic Model Limits:   256,000  nodes or elements

·         File Management Tab:

o        Set the working directory (use C:\TEMP)

o        WHY ? cannot start ANSYS with PWD on your P:\ drive; also, P:\ drive has quota

o        (Optional) set the jobname to 'plate1'

o        WHY ?   to maintain unique project identity - all files are named with 'jobname' 

·         Customization/Preferences Tab (use default settings):

o        Use Default Memory management

o        NO Custom ANSYS Executable

o        NO additional parameters

o        ANSYS Language: (en-us)

o        Graphics Device Name: win32

o        READ the START.ANS (startup) file at start-up

• High Performance Computing Setup Tab (use “None” which is the default)
   

• Finally, RUN (either the ANSYS program)  

Reading Assignment: ANSYS Help System, Mechanical APDL
    “Operations Guide,” Ch. 1, 2, 3.2-3.3, 4, 5, 7