1 AEROSPACE AE2307: Finite Element

Method
Lecture 3: Element Types in FEM

3.1 Introduction to Element Types

Finite element analysis (FEA) relies on the discretization of the problem domain into simpler,
manageable parts known as finite elements. Depending on the dimensionality of the problem,
elements are categorized as 1D, 2D, or 3D. The choice of element type depends on the geometry,
nature of the problem, and the analysis to be performed (structural analysis, thermal analysis,
etc.).

3.2 1D Elements

1D elements are used to model simple structures where the geometry and loading conditions are
effectively reduced to one dimension. They are primarily used in problems such as trusses,
beams, and rods.

3.2.1 Bar Elements

• Application: Used to model axial forces in structures like trusses and frames.
• Degrees of Freedom (DOF): Each node has 1 DOF (displacement along the element’s
axis).
• Assumptions: Only axial forces are considered; no bending or shear forces.

Element Characteristics:

• Length is much greater than the cross-sectional dimensions.

• Material behaves according to Hooke’s Law (linear elasticity).

Bar Element Stiffness Matrix:

K=EAL[1−1−11]\mathbf{K} = \frac{EA}{L} \begin{bmatrix} 1 & -1 \\ -1 & 1

\end{bmatrix}K=LEA[1−1−11]

Where:

• EEE = Young’s modulus,

 • AAA = Cross-sectional area,
• LLL = Length of the bar.

Example: Truss members in bridges or cranes are modeled using bar elements.

3.2.2 Beam Elements

• Application: Used for structural members that carry bending moments, shear forces,
and axial forces.
• Degrees of Freedom (DOF): Each node typically has 2 DOFs (axial displacement and
rotation).
• Assumptions: Bending is the primary mode of deformation, with small rotations and
displacements.

Element Characteristics:

• Length is much larger than cross-sectional dimensions.

• Can carry axial forces, bending moments, and transverse loads.

Beam Element Stiffness Matrix: For a simple beam with axial force and bending:

K=EIL3[126L−126L6L4L2−6L2L2−12−6L12−6L6L2L2−6L4L2]\mathbf{K} = \frac{E
I}{L^3} \begin{bmatrix} 12 & 6L & -12 & 6L \\ 6L & 4L^2 & -6L & 2L^2 \\ -12 & -6L & 12 &
-6L \\ 6L & 2L^2 & -6L & 4L^2 \end{bmatrix}K=L3EI126L−126L6L4L2−6L2L2
−12−6L12−6L6L2L2−6L4L2

Where:

• III = Second moment of area,

• LLL = Length of the beam.

Example: Beams in building structures and airplane wings can be modeled using beam
elements.

3.3 2D Elements

2D elements are used for planar structures and surfaces where the stress distribution varies along
two dimensions. These elements are frequently employed in plane stress, plane strain, and shell
analyses.

3.3.1 Triangular Elements (T3 and T6)

• Application: Used for structural analysis of thin planar structures or when the domain
has an irregular geometry.
 • Degrees of Freedom (DOF): Each node has 2 DOFs (displacements in xxx and yyy
directions).
• Types:
o T3 (Linear): 3-node triangular element with linear shape functions.
o T6 (Quadratic): 6-node triangular element with quadratic shape functions.

Element Characteristics:

• Triangular elements are useful for meshing complex geometries due to their ability to
conform to irregular boundaries.

T3 Stiffness Matrix:

K=tE4(1−ν2)[a1b1c1a2b2c2a3b3c3]\mathbf{K} = \frac{t E}{4(1 - \nu^2)} \begin{bmatrix} a_1

& b_1 & c_1 \\ a_2 & b_2 & c_2 \\ a_3 & b_3 & c_3 \end{bmatrix}K=4(1−ν2)tEa1a2a3b1b2b3
c1c2c3

Where:

• ttt = thickness,
• EEE = Young’s modulus,
• ν\nuν = Poisson’s ratio,
• ai,bi,cia_i, b_i, c_iai,bi,ci are geometric constants based on the triangle’s coordinates.

Example: Used in modeling 2D stress in plates or membranes, such as wing surfaces.

3.3.2 Quadrilateral Elements (Q4 and Q8)

• Application: Used for structural analysis of flat surfaces like plates and shells.
• Degrees of Freedom (DOF): Each node has 2 DOFs (displacements in xxx and yyy
directions).
• Types:
o Q4 (Linear): 4-node quadrilateral element with linear shape functions.
o Q8 (Quadratic): 8-node quadrilateral element with quadratic shape functions for
higher accuracy.

Element Characteristics:

• Quadrilateral elements are more accurate for modeling smooth, continuous domains and
regular shapes compared to triangular elements.

Q4 Stiffness Matrix:

K=E(1−ν2)[A11A12…A14A21A22…A24…………A41A42…A44]\mathbf{K} = \frac{E}{(1-
\nu^2)} \begin{bmatrix} A_{11} & A_{12} & \dots & A_{14} \\ A_{21} & A_{22} & \dots &
A_{24} \\ \dots & \dots & \dots & \dots \\ A_{41} & A_{42} & \dots & A_{44}
\end{bmatrix}K=(1−ν2)EA11A21…A41A12A22…A42…………A14A24…A44

Where:

• AijA_{ij}Aij are terms derived from the element’s geometry, material properties, and
shape functions.

Example: Used in structural analysis of aircraft fuselage panels or flat plates subjected to in-
plane loads.

3.4 3D Elements

3D elements are used for modeling solid structures, where stress and strain vary in three
dimensions. These are crucial for complex, volumetric structures in solid mechanics
applications.

3.4.1 Tetrahedral Elements

• Application: Used for 3D solid mechanics problems where the domain is irregular or
complex.
• Degrees of Freedom (DOF): Each node has 3 DOFs (displacements in xxx, yyy, and zzz
directions).
• Types:
o Tetrahedron (TET4): 4-node linear tetrahedral element.
o Tetrahedron (TET10): 10-node quadratic tetrahedral element for higher
accuracy.

Element Characteristics:

• Ideal for meshing complex geometries due to their flexibility in conforming to irregular
domains.
• Can model isotropic and anisotropic materials.

Tetrahedral Stiffness Matrix:

K=E(1+ν)(1−2ν)[BTDB]\mathbf{K} = \frac{E}{(1+\nu)(1-2\nu)} \begin{bmatrix} B^T D B

\end{bmatrix}K=(1+ν)(1−2ν)E[BTDB]

Where:

• BBB is the strain-displacement matrix,

• DDD is the material stiffness matrix.
Example: Used in modeling the solid structure of aircraft components like engine casings or
turbine blades.

3.4.2 Hexahedral Elements

• Application: Used for 3D solid mechanics problems with a regular geometry.

• Degrees of Freedom (DOF): Each node has 3 DOFs (displacements in xxx, yyy, and zzz
directions).
• Types:
o Hexahedron (HEX8): 8-node linear hexahedral element.
o Hexahedron (HEX20): 20-node quadratic hexahedral element for more accurate
modeling of stress distributions.

Element Characteristics:

• Hexahedral elements are preferred for modeling regular structures because of their
superior accuracy compared to tetrahedral elements in such domains.

Hexahedral Stiffness Matrix:

K=∫VBTDB dV\mathbf{K} = \int_V B^T D B \, dVK=∫VBTDBdV

Where:

• VVV is the volume of the element,

• BBB and DDD are the strain-displacement and material stiffness matrices, respectively.

Example: Used in solid mechanics problems like the structural analysis of engine blocks,
aircraft landing gear, or rocket nozzles.

3.5 Summary

In this lecture, we explored the various types of finite elements used in FEM:

• 1D Elements: Bar and beam elements used for modeling structures where axial forces
and bending moments are predominant.
• 2D Elements: Triangular and quadrilateral elements used in planar stress and strain
analyses, suitable for modeling thin-walled structures like plates and shells.
• 3D Elements: Tetrahedral and hexahedral elements used for solid mechanics problems,
particularly for modeling complex, volumetric structures in aerospace and other
industries.

Key Takeaways:
 • The choice of element depends on the nature of the problem (1D, 2D, or 3D) and the
required accuracy.
• Linear elements are simpler but less accurate, while higher-order elements offer
greater precision but are computationally more intensive.
• Understanding the appropriate use of element types is crucial for accurate and efficient
finite element modeling.

**3.6 Discussion Questions