9/6/2018 Dr. Nazeer A.

 Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila 1

ME‐ 413
Finite Element Method
Lect. # 1
Introduction to FEM

Dr. Nazeer Ahmad Anjum
Mechanical Engineering Program
University of Engineering Taxila
 Course Contents 3
1. Introduction to Finite Element Method
2. Introduction to the stiffness (displacement)
Method
3. Development of Truss Equations and solving the
problems
4. Development of Beam Equations and solving the
Problems
5. Analysis of One Dimensional Elements
6. Analysis of Triangular Elements
7. Development of Plane stress and Plane strain
Stiffness equation (Introduction to two Dimensional
Finite Element Analysis)
8. Variational principles and Ritz’s Methods
9. Analysis of Heat Transfer
10.Analysis of Fluid flow in porous Media
11.Analysis of Thermal Stress 9/6/2018

Recommended Books 4
Course Books
1. A First Course in the Finite Element Method by Daryl L.
Logan, Fifth Edition.
2. Applied finite Element Analysis for Engineers by Stasa.
3. Finite Element Analysis (Theory and Application with
ANSYS) by Saeed Moaveni

Reference Books
1. Fundamentals of the FEM for Heat and Fluid Flow by
Roland W. Lewis
2. Introduction to finite element methods by Carlos A.
Fellipa
3. The Finite Element Method in Engineering by S.S. Rao.

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
9/6/2018
 Course 
Learning  CLO Statement PLO Bloom
Outcomes
Have a good understanding of the
principles of current finite element
modelling techniques applied to solid
CLO‐1 mechanics, dynamics heat transfer, and PLO‐1 C1, C2
acoustics Awareness of the Principles and
Methodology of FEM. (Engineering
Knowledge)
Be equipped with basic understanding of
the mathematical representation of the
CLO‐2 various processes involving stresses in PLO‐1 C1, C2
structures, vibration of structures, transfer
and conservation of heat
9/6/2018 Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila 5

Course
Learning CLO Statement PLO Bloom
Outcomes
Have a deep understanding of limitations
and applications of current techniques and
CLO-3 PLO-2 C4
codes to solve complex engineering
problems
Have to develop analytical cognitive skills
and improve problem solving skills in the
CLO-4 PLO-3 C5
areas of solid mechanics, dynamics heat
transfer, and acoustics using FEA
CLO-5 Undertake a self-directed project to use PLO-5 C4
FEA as a tool to solve an engineering
problem

9/6/2018 Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila 6
 Introduction 7

Why you need to study 
Finite Element Analysis?

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
9/6/2018

Introduction 8

Analysis is the Key to 
Effective Design.

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
9/6/2018
 uniform loading

• Approximate method
• Geometric model
Element • Node
Fixed boundary

Finite element  • Element
Cantilever
model plate
• Mesh
in plane strain
• Discretization

Node
Problem: Obtain the 
stresses/strains in the 
plate

9/6/2018 Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

FEM Today’s Topics 10

Definition
Basic Terms
Coordinate System
• Discretization
History
Brief Description
General Steps
Advantages
Computer Programs

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
9/6/2018
 Definition 11
The finite element method is a numerical
method for solving problems of engineering
and mathematical physics.
Useful for problems with complicated
geometries, loadings, and material
properties where analytical solutions can not
be obtained.

Continuous system Discrete system

Time-independent PDE Linear algebraic eq.
Time-dependent PDE ODE

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
9/6/2018

Node, DOF, Coordinate System 12

• Node “The Point of attachment of element to an
other element is called NODE.”
– Degrees of freedom “The number of
independent coordinates necessary to specify the
configuration of a system.”
• Coordinate System “Node point locations are
specified relative to a particular coordinate
system. The global coordinate system is usually
the Cartesian coordinate system with axes labeled
X,Y,Z. the three axis are mutually perpendicular.

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
9/6/2018
 Stiffness Matrix 13
• Stiffness “The stiffness K is defined as the force
necessary to produce a unit displacement” or
• “The ratio of force to displacement.” or
• “Is the resistance of an elastic body to deflection
by an applied force. The stiffness k of a body that deflects
a distance δ under an applied force P is:”

k =P/
• “The structural stiffness matrix is a square,
symmetric matrix with dimension equal to the
number of degrees of freedom.”

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
9/6/2018

Methods of Solution 14

Methods

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
9/6/2018
 Methods of Solution 15
A. Classical methods
They offer a high degree of insight, but the problems are
difficult or impossible to solve for anything but simple
geometries and loadings.
B. Numerical methods
(I) Energy: Minimize an expression for the potential energy of
the structure over the whole domain.
(II) Boundary element: Approximates functions satisfying the
governing differential equations not the boundary
conditions.
(III) Finite difference: Replaces governing differential equations
and boundary conditions with algebraic finite difference
equations.
(IV) Finite element: Approximates the behavior of an irregular,
continuous structure under general loadings and constraints
with an assemblyDr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
of discrete elements. 9/6/2018