Application of ANSYS in teaching FEM on the example of a loaded Mars rover chassis

The aim of the paper is to present the idea of using ANSYS software in teaching engineering students the finite element method. ANSYS is an extremely sophisticated engineering tool used in almost every engineering company nowadays. It is introduced to almost all engineering students during their studies. Using ANSYS knowingly requires perfect understanding of the finite element method that is responsible for ANSYS work. This paper presents how this professional software can help students master FEM. The first part of the paper introduces the finite element method. It also suggests a way of using ANSYS in teaching FEM on the example of a twodimensional restrained beam calculated in a simple computer program. The second part illustrates the effectiveness of ANSYS with sample FEM analysis of a planetary rover’s chassis and presents basic fuctionalities of ANSYS Workbench Mechanical. Conducted calculations provide useful data about the model’s suitability for its purpose and possibility of modifications