I am trying to bend a  circular rod(alloy steel) to something like a U shaped bend and then use the FEA results to compare different rib designs.

The problem is that whenever i create a regular circular bar extrude it and then apply material, add fixtures and apply load, the bar does not bend more than 20 degrees.

I have tried different fixtures, applying different loads, at different points but still it does not bend much.

I have tried increasing the loads(Force) to huge numbers and it takes forever to run but still there is no significant bending.

I know i am messing up somewhere and i am a complete novice with FEA in solidworks.

Is there some way i can bend the bar to a U shape? Is there a particular way the rod has to be fixed or supported? Do i have to define the mterial properties manually?

I am using the nonlinear mode in solidworks simulation.