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Lecture 1

The document provides an overview of the finite element method (FEM) and its applications in engineering, including stress analysis and dynamic responses of structures. It outlines the general procedure for conducting FEA, including preprocessing, solving, and postprocessing phases, and discusses the historical development of FEM. Additionally, it presents an example using a spring system and introduces ANSYS Workbench as a simulation platform for FEA.

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11 views27 pages

Lecture 1

The document provides an overview of the finite element method (FEM) and its applications in engineering, including stress analysis and dynamic responses of structures. It outlines the general procedure for conducting FEA, including preprocessing, solving, and postprocessing phases, and discusses the historical development of FEM. Additionally, it presents an example using a spring system and introduces ANSYS Workbench as a simulation platform for FEA.

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fake1616161
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© © All Rights Reserved
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ME 432 Finite Element

Methods 2
Prof.Dr. Ahmet ERKLİĞ
Introduction
The finite element method (FEM), or finite element analysis (FEA), is
based on the idea of building a complicated object with simple blocks,
or, dividing a complicated object into smaller and manageable pieces.
Why FEA?
Finite Element Applications in Engineering
The FEM can be applied in solving the mathematical models of many
engineering problems, from stress analysis of truss and frame
structures or complicated machines, to dynamic responses of
automobiles, trains, or airplanes under different mechanical, thermal,
or electromagnetic loading.
Examples of FEA using ANSYS Workbench
(a) wind load simulation of an offshore
platform
(b) modal response of a steel frame building
with concrete slab floors
(c) underhood flow and thermal management
(d) electric field pattern of antenna mounted
on helicopter
A Brief History of FEA
• The foundation of the FEM was first developed by Courant in the early 1940s.
• The stiffness method, a prelude of the FEM, was developed by Turner, Clough
et al., in 1956.
• The name “finite element” was coined by Clough in 1960.
• Computer implementation of FEM programs emerged during the early 1970s.
• 1980s—Microcomputers, development of pre- and postprocessors (GUI)
• 1990s—Analysis of large structural systems, nonlinear, and dynamic problems
• 2000s—Analysis of multiphysics and multiscale problems
A General Procedure for FEA
To conduct an FEA, the following procedure is required in general:
• Divide the CAD/geometric model into pieces to create a “mesh” (a
collection of elements with nodes).
• Describe the behavior of the physical quantities on each element.
• Connect (assemble) the elements at the nodes to form an approximate
system of equations for the entire model.
• Apply loads and boundary conditions (e.g., to prevent the model from
moving).
• Solve the system of equations involving unknown quantities at the nodes
(e.g., the displacements).
• Calculate the desired quantities (e.g., strains and stresses) at elements or
nodes.
In commercial FEA software, this procedure is typically rearranged into
the following phases:
• Preprocessing (build FEM models, define element properties, and
apply loads and constraints)
• FEA solver (assemble and solve the FEM system of equations,
calculate element results)
• Postprocessing (sort and display the results)
An Example in FEA: Spring System

Figure. One spring element.

Relationship between spring force F


and elongation Δ (In the linear portion
of the curve) is
An Example in FEA: Spring System
An Example in FEA: Spring System
A Spring System
For a system of multiple spring elements, we first write down the
stiffness equation for each spring and then “assemble” them together
to form the stiffness equation for the whole system. For example, for
the two-spring system shown in Figure,
Assembly of Element Equations: Direct Approach
Consider the equilibrium of forces at node 1,

at node 2,
and, at node 3,
An Alternative Way of Assembling the Whole
Stiffness Matrix
“Enlarging” the stiffness matrices for elements 1 and 2, we have

Adding the two matrix equations (i.e., using superposition), we have


Assembly of Element Equations: Energy
Approach
We can also obtain the result using an energy method, for example, the
principle of minimum potential energy. In fact, the energy approach is
more general and considered the foundation of the FEM. To proceed,
we consider the strain energy U stored in the spring system

However
The potential of the external forces is
Boundary and Load Conditions
Assuming that node 1 is fixed, and same force P is applied at node 2
and node 3, that is
u1 = 0 and F2 = F3 = P
we have from

which reduces
And F1 = −k1u2

Unknowns are

and the reaction force F1 (if desired).

Solving the equations, we obtain the displacements

and the reaction force F1= −2P


Thus, the total potential energy of the system is

which is a function of the three nodal displacements (u1,u2,u3). According


to the principle of minimum potential energy, for a system to be in
equilibrium, the total potential energy must be minimum, that is, dΠ = 0,
or equivalently,
Solution Verification
It is very important in FEA to verify the results you obtained through
either hand calculations or analytical solutions in the literature. The
following is a list of items to check based on common sense or
intuition, or analytical solutions if they are available.
• Deformed shape of the structure
• Equilibrium of the external forces (Reaction forces should balance
with the applied loads.)
• Order of magnitudes of the obtained values
Notes about the Spring Elements:
• Spring elements are only suitable for stiffness analysis.
• They are not suitable for stress analysis of the spring itself.
• There are spring elements with stiffness in the lateral direction, spring
elements for torsion, and so on.
Example Problem

Given: For the spring system shown above,

Find:
a. The global stiffness matrix
b. Displacements of nodes 2 and 3
c. The reaction forces at nodes 1 and 4
d. The force in the spring 2
Overview of ANSYS Workbench
ANSYS Workbench is a simulation platform that enables users to model
and solve a wide range of engineering problems using the FEA. It
provides access to the ANSYS family of design and analysis modules in
an integrated simulation environment.

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