Introduction to Finite element method

Prof. G.Sreeram Reddy

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Vidya Jyothi Institute of Technology
1. Introduction
The single most important concept in understanding FEA is the basic understanding
of various finite elements that we employ in an analysis. Elements are used for
representing a real engineering structure, and therefore, their selection must be a
true representation of geometry and mechanical properties of the structure. Any
deviation from either the geometry or the mechanical properties would yield
erroneous results.
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 small and manageable pieces. Application of this simple idea can be
found everywhere in everyday life, as well as in engineering.
Why Finite Element Method?
Design analysis: hand calculations, experiments, and computer simulations
FEM/FEA is the most widely applied computer simulation method in engineering
Closely integrated with CAD/CAM applications
...
Applications of FEM in Engineering
Mechanical/Aerospace/Civil/Automobile Engineering
Structure analysis (static/dynamic, linear/nonlinear)
Thermal/fluid flows
Electromagnetics
Geomechanics
Biomechanics
...

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

A Brief History of the FEM

1943 ----- Courant (Variational methods)
1956 ----- Turner, Clough, Martin and Topp (Stiffness)
1960 ----- Clough (Finite Element, plane problems)
1970s ----- Applications on mainframe computers
1980s ----- Microcomputers, pre- and postprocessors
1990s ----- Analysis of large structural systems
FEM in Structural Analysis (The Procedure)
Divide structure into pieces (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
whole structure
Solve the system of equations involving unknown quantities at the nodes (e.g.,
displacements)
Calculate desired quantities (e.g., strains and stresses) at selected elements
Computer Implementations
Preprocessing (build FE model, loads and constraints)
FEA solver (assemble and solve the system of equations)
Postprocessing (sort and display the results)
Available Commercial FEM Software Packages
ANSYS (General purpose, PC and workstations)
SDRC/I-DEAS (Complete CAD/CAM/CAE package)
NASTRAN (General purpose FEA on mainframes)
ABAQUS (Nonlinear and dynamic analyses)
COSMOS (General purpose FEA)
ALGOR (PC and workstations)

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

 PATRAN (Pre/Post Processor)

HyperMesh (Pre/Post Processor)
Dyna-3D (Crash/impact analysis)
...

The elements used in commercial codes can be classified in two basic categories:
1. Discrete elements: These elements have a well defined deflection equation that
can be found in an engineering handbook, such as, Truss and Beam/Frame
elements. The geometry of these elements is simple, and in general, mesh
refinement does not give better results. Discrete elements have a very limited
application; bulk of the FEA application relies on the Continuous-structure elements.
2. Continuous-structure Elements: Continuous-structure elements do not have a
well define deflection or interpolation function, it is developed and approximated by
using the theory of elasticity. In general, a continuous-structure element can have
any geometric shape, unlike a truss or beam element. The geometry is represented
by either a 2-D or 3-D solid element the continuous- structure elements. Since
elements in this category can have any shape, it is very effective in calculation of
stresses at a sharp curve or geometry, i.e., evaluation of stress concentrations.
Since discrete elements cannot be used for this purpose, continuous structural
elements are extremely useful for finding stress concentration points in structures.

As explained earlier, for analyzing an engineering structure, we divide the structure

into small sections and represent them by appropriate elements. Nodes always
define geometry of the structure and elements are generated when the applicable
nodes are connected. Results are always obtained for node points and not for
elements - which are then interpolated to provide values for the corresponding
elements. For a static structure, all nodes must satisfy the equilibrium conditions
and the continuity of displacement, translation and rotation.

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

Most structural analysis problems can be treated as linear static problems, based
on the following assumptions
1. Small deformations (loading pattern is not changed due to the deformed shape)
2. Elastic materials (no plasticity or failures)
3. Static loads (the load is applied to the structure in a slow or steady fashion)
Linear analysis can provide most of the information about the behavior of a
structure, and can be a good approximation for many analyses. It is also the bases
of nonlinear analysis in most of the cases.
In the following sections, we will get familiar with characteristics of the basic finite
elements.
1.1Structures & Elements
Most 3-D structures can be analyzed using 2-D elements, which require relatively
less computing time than the 3-D solid elements. Therefore, in FEA, 2-D elements
are the most widely used elements. However, there are cases where we must use 3D solid elements. In general, elements used in FEA can be classified as:
- Trusses
- Beams
- Plates
- Shells
- Plane solids
- Axisymmetric solids
- 3-D solids
Since Truss element is a very simple and discrete element, let us look at its
properties and application first.
1.2 Truss Elements
The characteristics of a truss element can be summarized as follows:

Truss is a slender member (length is much larger than the cross-section).

It is a two-force member i.e. it can only support an axial load and cannot
support a bending load. Members are joined by pins (no translation at the
constrained node, but free to rotate in any direction).

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

The cross-sectional dimensions and elastic properties of each member are

constant along its length.
The element may interconnect in a 2-D or 3-D configuration in space.
The element is mechanically equivalent to a spring, since it has no stiffness
against applied loads except those acting along the axis of the member.
However, unlike a spring element, a truss element can be oriented in any
direction in a plane, and the same element is capable of tension as well as
compression.

Fig: 2 A Truss Element

1.3 Stress Strain relation:

As stated earlier, all deflections in FEA are evaluated at the nodes. The stress and
strain in an element is calculated by interpolation of deflection values shared by
nodes of the element. Since the deflection equation of the element is clearly
defined, calculation of stress and strain is rather simple matter. When a load F is
applied on a truss member, the strain at a point is found by the following
relationship.

Fig:3 Truss member in Tension

where, = strain at a point

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

u = axial displacement of any point along the length L

By hooks law,
/ =E
Where, E = youngs modulus or modulus of elasticity.
From the above relationship, and the relation,
F = A
the deflection, L, can be found as
L = FL/AE

(1)

Where, F = Applied load

A = Cross-section area
L = Length of the element

1.4 Treatment of Loads in FEA

For a truss element, loads can be applied on a node only. If loads are distributed on
a structure, they must be converted to the equivalent loads that can be applied at
nodes. Loads can be applied in any direction at the node, however, the element can
resist only the axial component, and the component perpendicular to the axis,
merely causes free rotation at the joint.
1.5 Finite Element Equation of a Truss Structure
In this section, we will derive the finite element equation of a truss structure. The
procedure presented here is the basis for all FEA analyses formulations, wherever helement are used.
Analogues to the previous chapter, we will use the direct or equilibrium method for
generating the finite element equations. Assembly procedure for obtaining the
global matrix will remain the same.
In FEA, when we find deflections at nodes, the deflections are measured with
respect to a global coordinate system, which is a fixed frame of reference.
Displacements of individual nodes with respect to a fixed coordinate system are
desirable in order to see the overall deformed structural shape. However, these
deflection values are not convenient in the calculation of stress and strain in an

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

element. Global coordinate system is good for predicting the overall deflections in
the structure, but not for finding deflection, strain, and stress in an element. For
this, its much easier to use a local coordinate system. We will derive a general
equation, which relates local and global coordinates.

In Figure 4, the global coordinates x-y can give us the overall deflections measured
with respect to the fixed coordinate system. These deflections are useful for finding
the final shape or clearance with the surroundings of the structure. However, if we
wish to find the strain in some element, say, member 2-7 in figure 4, it will be easier
if we know the deflections of node 2 and 3, in the y direction. Thus, calculation of
strain value is much easier when the local deflection values are known, and will be
time- consuming if we have to work with the x and y values of deflection at these
nodes. Therefore, we need to establish a trigonometric relationship between the
local and global coordinate systems. In Figure 4, x y coordinates are global,
whereas, x y are local coordinates for element 4-7

Fig:4 Local and Global Coordinates

1.6 Relationship Between Local and Global Deflections

Let us consider the truss member, shown in Figure 5. The element is inclined at an
angle , in a counter clockwise direction. The local deflections are 1 and 2. The
global deflections are: u1, u2, u3, and u4. We wish to establish a relationship
between these deflections in terms of the given trigonometric relations.

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

Fig :5 Local and global deflections

By trigonometric relations, we have,

1 = u1 cos + u2 sin = c u1 + s u2
2 = u3 cos + u4 sin = c u3 + s u4
where, cos = c, and sin = s
Writing the above equations in a matrix form, we get,

(2)
Or, in short form, [ ]

=[ T] [

u]

Where T is called Transformation matrix.

Along with equation (2), we also need an equation that relates the local and global
forces.

1.7 Relationship Between Local and Global Forces

By using trigonometric relations similar to the previous section, we can derive the
desired relationship between local and global forces. However, it will be easier to
use the work-energy concept for this purpose. The forces in local coordinates are:
R1 and R2, and in global coordinates: f1, f2, f3, and f4, see Figure 3.6 for their
directions.

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

Since work done is independent of a coordinate system, it will be the same whether
we use a local coordinate system or a global one. Thus, work done in the two
systems is equal and given as,

W = T
R = uT f, or in an expanded form,

Substituting

= T

in the above equation, we get,

Equation (3) can be used to convert local forces into global forces and vice versa.

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

Fig:6 Local and Global Forces

1.8 Finite Element Equation in Local Coordinate System

Now we will derive the finite element equation in local coordinate system. This
equation will be converted to global coordinate system, which can be used to
generate a global structural equation for the given structure. Note that, we cannot
use the element equations in their local coordinate form, they must be converted to
a common coordinate system, the global coordinate system.
Consider the element shown below, with nodes 1 and 2, spring constant k,
deflections 1, and 2, and forces R1 and R2. As established earlier, the finite
element equation in local coordinates is given as,

Fig:7 A Truss Element

Recall that, for a truss element, k = AE/L
Let ke = stiffness matrix in local coordinates, then,

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

1.9 Finite Element Equation in Global Coordinates

Using the relationships between local and global deflections and forces, we can
convert an element equation from a local coordinate system to a global system.
Let kg = Stiffness matrix in global coordinates.
In local system, the equation is: R = [ke]{ }

(A)

We want a similar equation, but in global coordinates. We can replace the local
force R with the global force f derived earlier and given by the relation:
{f} = [TT ]{R}
Replacing R by using equation (A), we get,

{f} = [TT] [[ke]{ }],

and can be replaced by u, using the relation = [T]{u}, therefore,
{f} = [TT] [ke] [T]{u}
{f} = [kg] { u}
Where, [kg] = [TT] [ke] [T]
Substituting the values of [T] T, [T], and [ke], we get,

Simplifying the above equation, we get,

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.

This is the global stiffness matrix of a truss element. This matrix has several
noteworthy characteristics:
The matrix is symmetric
Since there are 4 unknown deflections (DOF), the matrix size is a 4 x 4.
The matrix represents the stiffness of a single element.
The terms c and s represent the sine and cosine values of the orientation of
element with the horizontal plane, rotated in a counter clockwise direction
(positive direction).
References:
Lecture Notes by R. B. Agarwal.
Lecture notes :FEM - Yijun Liu, University of Cincinnati.
Introduction to finite elements in engineering by T R chandrupatla.
Concepts and applications of FEA : Robert D Cook.

Introduction to FEM: Prof.G.Sreeram Reddy @vjit.