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Chapter 1 Intro (1)

The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique used to solve complex engineering problems involving intricate geometries and loading conditions where analytical solutions are not feasible. It involves dividing a physical body into smaller units called finite elements, interconnected at nodes, and is applicable in various fields such as structural analysis, heat transfer, and fluid flow. The method offers advantages like handling complex geometries and material properties, and follows a systematic solution process from discretization to result interpretation.

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3 views

Chapter 1 Intro (1)

The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique used to solve complex engineering problems involving intricate geometries and loading conditions where analytical solutions are not feasible. It involves dividing a physical body into smaller units called finite elements, interconnected at nodes, and is applicable in various fields such as structural analysis, heat transfer, and fluid flow. The method offers advantages like handling complex geometries and material properties, and follows a systematic solution process from discretization to result interpretation.

Uploaded by

Ruby Rose
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter 1

Introduction to
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
1-1 Definition
Finite element method is a numerical method that can be used
for solving engineering problems.
It is particularly useful for problems involving complex geometries, combined
loading and material properties, in which the analytical solutions are not available.
FAQ: Is this method accurate?... Yes, for simple problems and if material properties
and loading condition are modeled very close to the actual conditions. No,
especially when the problems to be solved are too complex.
Among the sources of error involved in this method are…
 Geometrical simplification;
 Interpolation function;
 Material properties;
 Round-off, etc.
1-2 Elements and Nodes
The physical body (continuum) is modeled by dividing it into an equivalent
assembly of smaller bodies or units, called the finite elements.
Elements are interconnected at points common to two or more elements or
boundary lines or surfaces, called nodes or nodal points.

Element Node

Note: Elements and nodes are important fundamentals to the finite element method.
1-3 Areas of Application
Some application areas of finite element method includes:
 Structural – Static Stress Analysis, Dynamics;
 Heat Transfer – Steady-state, Transient;
 Electromagnetic;
 Fluid Flow;
 Soil Mechanics;
 Acoustics, and
 Many more…
1-4 Advantages of FEM
Advantages of finite element method include:
 Handle bodies with complex geometries;
 Accept general loading conditions;
 Bodies different material properties;
 Various support conditions;
 Variable element type and size;
 Easy modification – reanalyze;
 Dynamics – Vibration; Shock loading – drop, crash;
 Nonlinear problems (geometric & material).
1-5 Solution Steps
Finite element solution generally follows the following steps:
1. Discretize (subdivide) body and select element type;
2. Select a displacement interpolation function;
3. Define strain-displacement and stress-strain relations;
4. Derive element stiffness matrix and write the system of linear
equations (SLEs) for the element;
5. Assemble the global system of equations and introduce the boundary
conditions;
6. Solve for the unknown nodal values (displacements, temperatures,
etc);
7. Evaluate element stresses and reaction at supports;
8. Interpret the results.
1-6 Types of Elements
1-7 Examples of 1-D Problems
FE model of 2-D truss structure. A flat plate under a uniaxial
tension.
Two dimensional analysis of flow around an airfoil.
Finer elements
size
Coarser elements
size

A hydraulic cylinder rod end is modeled using 120 2-D plane-strain


triangular elements, with 297 nodes. Symmetry condition is applied to
the whole rod end so that only half of the rod end needs to be modeled
and analyzed.
FE model of a rectangular plate with a central hole.
1-9 Examples of 3-D Problems- Complex Geometry and analysis
Side view of the model.

Finite element model of a ship hull – a halve model is seen.


FEM for Biomedical Applications
GROUP PROJECT
 Worth 15% of the total mark.
 Form groups comprising of maximum 5 members (to be
submitted in 3rd week).
 Choose any real world problem you wish to analyze. (Real
world is in 3-D!).
 Submit 1 page project proposal in the 7th week.
 Perform the modeling and simulation using finite element
software.
 Submit a brief report. Due date: Last day of the study week.

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