INTRODUCTION TO FINITE 21/09/2016

ELEMENT ANALYSIS
METHODS FOR SOLVING ENGINEERING
PROBLEMS
As shown below, the Finite Element Method is one of several methods for solving
engineering problems
METHODS FOR SOLVING ENGINEERING
PROBLEMS
Classical Methods:
Closed-form solutions are available for simple problems such as bending of beams
and torsion of prismatic bars; and
Approximate methods using series solutions of governing differential equations are
used to analyze more complex structures such as plates and shells

The Classical Methods can only be used for structural problems with relatively simple geometry, loading, and
boundary conditions.
METHODS FOR SOLVING ENGINEERING
PROBLEMS
Numerical methods:
Boundary Element Method solves the governing differential equation for the
problem with integral equations over the boundary of the domain. Only the
boundary surface is meshed with elements.
Finite Difference Method replaces governing differential equations and boundary
conditions with corresponding algebraic finite difference equations
METHODS FOR SOLVING ENGINEERING
PROBLEMS
Finite Element Method (FEM)
Capable of solving large, complex problems with general geometry, loading, and
boundary conditions
Increasingly becoming the primary analysis tool for designers and analysts
The Finite Element Method is also known as the Matrix Method of Structural Analysis
in the literature because it uses matrix algebra to solve the system of simultaneous
equations.
WHAT IS THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD?
The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical approximation method. It is a
method of investigating the behavior of complex structures by breaking them
down into smaller, simpler pieces.

These smaller pieces of structure are called elements. The elements are connected to each other at
the nodes.

The assembly of elements and nodes is called a finite element model.

WHAT IS THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD?
FINITE ELEMENTS
Finite elements have shapes which are relatively easy to formulate and analyze.
The three basic types of finite elements are beams, plates, and solids.
ONE DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS
1D beam elements are used to model long, slender structural members, as
demonstrated in this communications tower finite element model
TWO DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS
2D plate elements are used to model thin structural members such as aircraft
fuselage skin or car body
THREE DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS
3D solid elements are used to model thick components such as the piston head
shown below
BUILDING A FINITE ELEMENT MODEL
The Finite Element Method
approximates the behavior of a
continuous structure with a finite
number of elements

As one increases the number of elements

(and hence, decreases the size of the
elements), the results become increasingly
accurate but the computing time also
increases
HOW DOES FEM WORK ?
Each node is capable of moving in six independent directions: three translations
and three rotations. These are called the degrees of freedom (DOF) at a node.
HOW DOES FEM WORK ?
The relationship between an element and its surrounding nodes can be described
by the following equation:

[ k ]e - is the elemental stiffness matrix, which is derived from geometry, properties, and element
properties.
{ f }e - is the elemental load vector and describes the forces acting on the element.
{ u }e - is the displacement vector. It is the unknown in this equation. It describes how the nodes are
moving as a result of the applied forces.
HOW DOES FEM WORK ?
Next, the elemental stiffness matrices are assembled into a global stiffness
matrix. The loads are also assembled into a global load vector. This results in the
following matrix equation for the overall structure:
HOW DOES FEM WORK ?
Next, apply the boundary condition to
the model (constrain the model).
Mathematically, this is achieved by
removing rows and columns
corresponding to the constrained
degrees of freedom from the global
matrix equation.
HOW DOES FEM WORK ?
Basic approach
A given problem is discretized by dividing the original domain into simply shape
elements

Elements are connected to each other by nodes

HOW DOES FEM WORK ?
Finally, the global matrix equation is
solved to determine the nodal
displacements.

Element strains and stresses are then

computed from the nodal displacements.
HOW DOES FEM WORK ?
Summary of the Finite Element Method:
HOW DOES FEM WORK ?
DEVELOPMENT OF FINITE ELEMENT
EQUATION
FEM Equations are Commonly Developed Using Direct, Variational-Virtual
Work or Weighted Residual Methods

Direct Method
Based on physical reasoning and limited to simple cases, this method is worth
studying because it enhances physical understanding of the process
DEVELOPMENT OF FINITE ELEMENT
EQUATION
Variational-Virtual Work Method
Based on the concept of virtual displacements, leads to relations between internal
and external virtual work and to minimization of system potential energy for
equilibrium

Weighted Residual Method

Starting with the governing differential equation, special mathematical operations
develop the weak form that can be incorporated into a FEM equation. This
method is particularly suited for problems that have no variational statement
COMMON APPROXIMATION SCHEMES
ONE-DIMENSIONAL EXAMPLES
Polynomial Approximation
Most often polynomials are used to construct approximation functions for each
element. Depending on the order of approximation, different numbers of element
parameters are needed to construct the appropriate function.

Linear Quadratic Cubic

TYPICAL FEA PROCEDURE BY
COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE
PREPROCESS
PREPROCESS
PROCESS AND POSTPROCESS
ADVANTAGES OF FINITE ELEMENT
ANALYSIS
Models Bodies of Complex Shape Time Dependent and Dynamic Effects Can Be
Included
Can Handle General Loading/Boundary
Conditions Can Handle a Variety Nonlinear Effects
Including Material Behavior, Large
Models Bodies Composed of Composite and
Deformations, Boundary Conditions, Etc.
Multiphase Materials
Can Handle a Wide Variety of Engineering
Model is Easily Refined for Improved Accuracy
Problems
by Varying Element Size and Type
(Approximation Scheme)
DISADVANTAGES OF FINITE ELEMENT
ANALYSIS
A general closed-form solution, which would permit one to examine system response to changes in
various parameters, is not produced.

The FEM obtains only "approximate" solutions.

The FEM has "inherent" errors.

Mistakes by users can be fatal.

EXAMPLES (MODELING)
EXAMPLES (MODELING)
EXAMPLES (ANALYSIS)
EXAMPLES (ANALYSIS)