FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Introduction to Finite Element Method

Introduction

The infinite degree of freedom continuum system/problem (the number of independent variable
required to describe the state of the system) is reduced to finite degree of freedom system/problem
using some approximations. The complex continuum region is discretized into finite number of
small domains called elements connected through nodes and then analyzed.

Coordinate Systems
The type of coordinate system commonly used in Finite element methods are
1) Global Coordinate system 2) Local Coordinate system 3) Natural Coordinate system

Global coordinate system is the system of reference axis which refers to the entire body or
continuum as shown in figure -1a and 1b.

Local coordinate system is the system of reference axis which refers to an element as shown in
figure -2.
Y
1 2


0 x1 x2 X
X
Z FIGURE -1b FIGURE -2

1
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Natural coordinate system is local coordinate system which refers to an element whose value
does not exceed more than unity i.e. varies from -1 to +1 as shown in figure -3a.

1 2

 = -1  = +1

0 x1 l x2 x
Figure – 3a

Relation between local and global coordinate system can be expressed by replacing the global
coordinate x by natural coordinate x using relation
x = (x – x )/2 + (x + x )/2 or  = [2(x – x )/(x – x )] – 1
2 1 2 1 1 2 1

Natural coordinate system is local coordinate system which can also be represented in terms of
two natural coordinates out of which only one is independent as shown in figure -3b.
In which L = l /l and L = l /l where L + L = 1 Then x = L x + L x
1 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 2

1 2
 = -1 
 = +1
l1 l2
0 x1 l x2 X
Figure – 3b

Then the relation between global and local coordinate in matrix form is

1 1 1 L1
x = x1 x2 L2

If a variable is expressed in terms of li’s and if the integral has the power for L1 is ‘p’ and for L2
is ‘q’ then the integral over the region L1 and L2 can be expressed in terms of factorials as

p q p q 
lL 1L 2 = l
(p + q +1)

2
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
For plane the coordinate system is local natural coordinate system used to refer an element as
shown in figure - 4. In which L3

A = A1 + A2 + A3 and L1 = A1 / A, L2 = A2 / A, L3 = A3 / A
3
L1 + L2 + L3 = A1/A + A2/A + A3/A = 1
Relation between Cartesian and natural coordinates A1
A2 2
1 1 1 1 A3
L1 L2
x = x1 x2 x3
L2
y y1 y2 y3 1
L3 Figure - 4
L1

If a variable is expressed in terms of area coordinate system Ai’s and if the integral has the power
for L1 is ‘p’, for L2 is ‘q’ and for L3 is ‘r’ then the integral over the area can be expressed in
terms of factorials as

p q
 L 1L 2 L 3 =
r p q r 2A
A (p + q + r + 2)

For Solids, the coordinate system is local natural coordinate system used to refer an element as
L4
shown in figure - 5. In which
V = V1 + V2 + V3 + V4 and 4
(x , y , z )
L1 = V1/V, L2 = V2/V, L3 = V3/V , L4 = V4/V 4 4
(0,0,0,1)
4
(x , y , z )
3 3 3
P(x, y, z)
(0,0,1,0)
L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 = V1/V + V2/V + V3/V + V4/V = 1 or P(L1, L2, L3,L4)
L3
3

Relation between cartesian and natural coordinates

1 (x , y , z )
(x , y , z ) 2 2 2
L1 L1 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (0,1,0,0)
(1,0,0,0)
x = x1 x2 x3 x4 L2 Figure - 5 L2
y y1 y2 y3 y4 L3
z z1 z2 z3 z4 L4

If a variable is expressed in terms of volume coordinate system Vi’s and if the integral has the
power for L1 is ‘p’, for L2 is ‘q’, for L3 is ‘r’ and for L4 is ‘s’ then the integral over the volume can
be expressed in terms of factorials as

p q r s p q r s
 L 1L 2 L 3 L 4 = 6V
v (p + q + r + s + 3)

3
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Infinite to Finite
Transformation from Global (X) Coordinate to Natural () Coordinate system and vice versa can
be achieved from the relation  = [2(x – x1)/(x2 – x1)] - 1

1 2

 = -1 =
+1
0 x x X
1 2

Selection of Basic Unknown (Displacement is basic unknown in

Solid/Structural Mechanics)
Selection of variables within the element is usually written in terms of polynomials. Depending
upon the order of the polynomials the elements are defined as linear or higher order elements.
Integration of the polynomials of given order in the natural coordinate system is performed either
by Gaussian Quadrature Rule or by expressing in terms of factorials.

For the polynomial function to be continuous in the element selection of polynomials should be
performed by considering the PASCAL’s triangle
1 1
x y  
x2 xy y2   
x3 x2y xy2 y3    
x4 x3y x2y2 xy3 y4     
x5 x4y x3y2 x2y3 xy4 y5      
……………………………………………………… …………………………………………………….

…..……………………………………………………………. …..……………………………………………………….

The variation of the basic unknown (Displacement / Temperature / Velocity Potential etc.) is
selected by an approximate function.
Simplex / Basic Element – Linear Functions
Higher Order Elements – Quadratic or Higher order function.

4
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
In finite element method it is always natural coordinate system will be considered for the element
formulation. Hence the variation of any variables can be expressed in terms of terms of the natural
,  and  coordinates.

In case of linear element any variable can be expressed by linear polynomials only as
() = 1 + 2 for 1-D element

(, ) = 1 + 2 + 3 for 2-D element

(, , ) = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 for 3-D element

In case of higher order element any variable can be expressed by higher order polynomials as
() = 1 + 2 + 32 + 43 +…………………….. for 1-D Element

(, ) = 1 + 2 + 3 + 42 + 5 + 62 +….…... for 2-D Element

(  ) = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 52 + 62 + 72 + 8 + ….. for 3-D Element

Any variable  is approximated over the parent element domain in natural coordinates using a
polynomial with respect to  as
() = 1+2 + 32 + 43 + ……….+ nn

Which can be written in the matrix form as {}= [1  2 3… n ] 1

2
3
.
.
n

In matrix form the above expression can be expressed as {} = [P]{}

Where {} are the coordinates constants to be determined.

The coordinates constants are determined form the conditions at the nodes i.e. at the ith node
whose coordinates are  = i, the unknown nodal variable are  = i then we get ‘n’ equation in
terms of i s which can written as

5
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

1= 1+21+312+a3 x13+a4x14 + ………. + n1n

= +++ + + ………. + n2n
= +++ + + ………. + n3n
= ++++ + ..……… + n4n
.……………………………………………………………….………….

..…………………………………………………………………………..

= +++ + + ………. + nnn

The above equation can be written in the matrix form as

      ...………. 1n 1

      ...………. 2n 2
      ...………. 3n 3
 =      ...………. 4n 4
. …………………………………. .
. …………………………………. .
      ...………. nn n

The above matrix is represented as

{q} = [C]{} where {q}T = {1, 2, 3, 4, …….. n} are the unknown nodal variables.
or
{q} = [C] {} Where {q}= 1 is the unknown variable
2
3
.
.
n

Then we have {} = [C]-1{q} Since {} = [P]{} = [P][C]-1{q} = [N]{q}

Where [N] = [P] [C]-1
Thus {} = [N]{q}

6
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Thus, the variation of the coordinates within the element can be expressed in terms of nodal
coordinates as
n
{x} = ∑i = 1 [Ni]{xi} = N1x1 + N2x2 + N3x3 + N4x4 ………
n
{y} = ∑i = 1 [Ni]{yi} = N1y1 + N2y2 + N3y3 + N4y4 ………
n
{z} = ∑i = 1 [Ni]{zi} = N1z1 + N2z2 + N3z3 + N4z4 ………
n
{X} = ∑i = 1 [Ni]{xi} = [N]{q}
Variation of the thickness within the element can be expressed in terms of nodal thickness as
n
{h} = ∑i = 1 [Ni]{hi} = N1h1 + N2h2 + N3h3 + N4h4 ………
n
{h} } = ∑i = 1 [Ni]{hi} = [N]{q}

If  is representing cross sectional area, then one can represent the variation of crosssectional
n
area within the element as {A} = ∑i = 1 [N] {Ai} = [N]{q}
Here {Ai} = A1
A2
.
.
An

In which A1, A2, . . . . . . . . An are the areas at 1st , 2nd , ………..nth nodes
Thus A() = N1 A1 + A2N2 + A3N3 + . . . . + AnNn

Variation of the displacement within the element can be expressed in terms of nodal
displacement as
n
{u} = ∑i = 1 [Ni]{ui} = N1u1 + N2u2 + N3u3 + N4u4 ………
n
{v} = ∑i = 1 [Ni]{vi} = N1v1 + N2v2 + N3v3 + N4v4 ………
n
{w} = ∑i = 1 [Ni]{wi} = N1w1 + N2w2 + N3w3 + N4w4 ………
n
{U} } = ∑i = 1 [N]{ui} = [N]{q}

In finite element formulation the unknown variable is always expressed in

terms of the shape function [N] and the unknown nodal field variable {q} as
{} = [N]{q}

7
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Selection of the Basic Unknown depends on Finite Element Formulation as

Sub-parametric Formulation.
Iso-parametric Formulation.
Super-parametric Formulation.

Consider linearly and higher order varying geometry members as shown in the figure
Linear Variation Higher order variation

 2
1 1 2 2 1  3 
 = -1  = +1  = − =  = +

Thus, any variation with the members can be expressed as


() =  +  () =  +  + 

In matrix form  =     =     
 


Which is written as  = P   = P 

1x1 1x2 2x1 1x1 1x3 3x1

Where each of i’s are known as coordinate constants which are unknown to be determined as
follows. For linear variation
At  = − (−) =  =  − 
At  = + (+) =  =  + 
Which can be written in the matrix form as
or q = C Then  = C−q
2x1 2x2 2x1 2x1 2x2 2x1

Substituting for  into  = P we get  = PC−q = q

Thus  = q where  = PC−
1x1 1x2 2x1 1x2 1x2 2x2

8
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Other conventional way of determining the unknown coordinate constants
At  = -1 (-1) = 1 = 1 - 2

At  = +1 (+1) = 2 = 1 + 2

Solving for i’s we get 1 = (1 + 2)/2 and 2 = (2 – 1)/2

Substituting these i’s into the equation () = 1 + 2 we get

() = (1 + 2)/2 + (2 – 1) /2 which can be rearranged in terms of i’s as

() = [(1 – )/2]1 + [(1 + )/2]2 = N11 + N22

Which is written in matric form as {} = [N1 N2] 1

2

or {} = [N]{q} Where N1 = (1 – )/2 and N2 = (1 + )/2

In which N1 and N2 are known as Shape functions

Similarly, for higher order variation

At  = -1 (-1) = 1 = 1 - 2 + 3

At  = +1 (+1) = 2 = 1 + 2 + 3

At  = 0 (0) = 3 = 1

Which can be written in the matrix form as

-1
or {q} = [C]{} Then {} = [C] {q}
3x1 3x3 3x1 3x1 3x3 3x1

-1
Substituting for  into {} = [P]{} we get {} = [P][C] {q} = [N]{q}
-1
Thus, {} = [N]{q} where [N] = [P] [C]
1x1 1x3 3x1 1x3 1x3 3x3

Other conventional way of determining the unknown coordinate constants

At  = -1 (-1) = 1 = 1 - 2 + 3

At  = +1 (+1) = 2 = 1 + 2 + 3

At  = 0 (0) = 3 = 1

Solving for i’s we get 1 = 3, 2 = (2 – 1)/2 and 3 = (1 + 2 –23)/2

9
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
2
Substituting these i’s into the equation () = 1 + 2 + 3 we get
2
() = 3 + (2 – 1)/2 + (1 + 2 –23) /2 which can be rearranged in terms of i’s as () =
2 2 2
[( – )/2]1 + [( + )/2]2 + [(1 –  )]3

() = N11 + N22 + N33

When written in matric form as {} = [N1 N2 N3] 1 or {} = [N]{q}

2
3

Where N1 = (2 – )/2, N2 = (2 + )/2 and N3 = (1 - 2) are shape function.

Thus, any variation within the members shown here can be expressed as
Linear Variation Higher order variation

 2
1 1 2 2 1  3 
 = -1  = +1  = − =  = +


() =  +  () =  +  + 
() = N11 + N22 () = N11 + N22 + N33
2
N1 = (1 – )/2 N1 = ( – )/2
2 2
N2 = (1 + )/2 N2 = ( + )/2 and N3 = (1 -  )

Theses members can model by one dimensional element as

1 2 1 3 2
 x
 = −  = +  = −  =   = +
0 x1 x2 X 0 x1 x3 x2 X
Linear Element Higher Order Element
The geometry and the unknown variable in an element can be defined in different ways such as
Geometry may be varying linearly and the unknown variable also varying linearly
Geometry may be of linear variation and the unknown variable of higher order.
Geometry may be of higher order variation and the unknown variable is linearly varying
Geometry may be of higher order variation and the unknown variable varying with higher order.
10
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Thus, when finite elements are formulated in such a way the variations of geometry and the
unknown variables are of either different order or of same order the formulations are named Super-
parametric, Iso-parametric and Sub-parametric formulations.

Sub-Parametric Elements: If the geometric function is of lower order than the unknown
variable during the element formulation such elements are called as sub-parametric elements.

Iso-Parametric Elements: If the geometric function and the unknown variable are of the
same order during the element formulation such elements are called as Iso-parametric elements.

Super-Parametric Elements: If the geometric function is of higher order than the

unknown variable during the element formulation such elements are called as super-parametric
elements.

Geometry Unknown Variable Formulation/Element

Lower order Higher order Sub-Parametric
Lower/Higher Lower/Higher
(same order) (same order) Iso-Parametric
Higher order Lower order Super-Parametric

Selection of these variable must follow certain criteria

1) The polynomial function should be continuous in the element and compatible across the
element.
2) The polynomial function should include the rigid body motion
3) The polynomial function should include constant strain state condition.
The above criteria are known as convergence criteria.
In an element formulation if all the above three criteria is satisfied then the element is called
conformed element.
If only the first two criteria are satisfied but not the third, then the element is said to be a non-
conforming element.
Non-conforming elements are accepted provided they pass the patch test.
11
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Different Types of Elements fall into Four Major Categories:
1) 1-D Line Elements
2) 2-D Planar Elements.
3) 3-D Solid Elements
4) Special Elements
Which are all used to define continuum geometry.

Selection of element depends on

1) The choice of finite element analysis such as 1-D or 2D or 3D finite element analysis.
2) Type of mechanical member/element/parts such as is it a bar or truss or beam or
membrane or solid or plate or shell etc.

Special Elements are used to apply Boundary Conditions.

Special elements might include gap elements to specify a gap between two pieces of geometry.
Spring elements are used to apply a specific spring constant at a specified node or set of nodes.
Rigid elements are used to define a rigid connection to in a model.

Commonly used Basic Element Linear Varying Unknown Variable)

1-D Bar / Link / Spar (Linear) Element
1-D Bar / Link element is a Line element which has 2 nodes considered to be placed parallel to
any one of the axis as shown in figure 5.

q q
1 2

1 2
X
X X
1 2
1- D Bar Element
Length of The Element le = x2 – x1

Figure - 5
1-D Bar / Link element has one degree of freedom at each node thus totally the element will have
two degrees of freedom. This element allows only translatory displacement and no rotation.
This element is used to analyze solid or structural members subjected to only axial tensile or
compressive load within elastic limit.

12
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

2-D Bar / Plane Truss Element

2 - D Bar / Link / Plane Truss Element is a line element which has 2 nodes and can be oriented at
an angle  with the x – axis in 2-D plane as shown in figure 6.
q
Y 4

q 2
2
q
3
(X2, Y2)

1 
q
1
(X1, Y1)

2- D Bar / Link / Plane Truss Element

Figure -6
2-D Bar / Link / Plane Truss Element have two degree of freedom at each node. Thus
totally the element will have four degrees of freedom. This element allows only translatory
displacement and no rotation.

3-D Bar / Space Truss Element

3 - D Bar / Link / Space Truss Element is a line element which has 2 nodes and can be oriented at
any angle in 3-D space as shown in figure 7.
Y q5

q2 2 q4
(x2, y2 z2)
q6
1 q1
(x1, y1 z1)
q3
X

Z
3- D Bar / Link / Space Truss Element
Figure - 7
13
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
3-D Bar / Link / Plane Truss Element have three degree of freedom at each node. Thus totally the
element will have six degrees of freedom. This element allows only translatory displacement and
no rotation.

Torsion Element
Torsion element is a line element which has 2 nodes the element is placed parallel to z axis in
cylindrical coordinate system as shown in figure -8.

q1 q2
R
1 2
z
z1 z2
Torsion Element
Figure - 8

Torsion element has one degree of freedom at each node i.e. rotational displacement about z –
axis. Thus, totally the element will have two degrees of freedom.

Beam Element
Beam element is a line element which has 2 nodes. The element is considered to be placed
parallel to any one of the axis as shown in figure 9.
q1 q3
Y q2
q4

1 2

X1 X2 X

Figure – 9 Beam Element

Length of The Element le = x2 – x1

This Beam element has two degree of freedom at each node. Thus, totally the element will have
four degrees of freedom. This element allows one translation and one rotational displacement at
each node.

14
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
2-D Beam / Plane Frame Element
2 - D Beam / Plane Frame Element is a line element which has 2 nodes and is oriented at an angle
 with the x – axis in 2-D x-y plane as shown in figure 10.
q5
Y

q2 2 q4
(x2, y2)
q6
 q
1
(x1, y1) 1
q3

X
Figure – 10
2- D Beam / Plane Frame Element

2-D Beam / Plane Frame Element has three degree of freedom at each node. Thus totally the
element will have six degrees of freedom. This element allows two translatory and one rotational
displacement at each node.

3-D Beam / Space Frame Element

3 - D Beam / Space Frame Element is a line element which has 2 nodes and can be oriented at any
angle in 3-D space as shown in figure 11.
y q q
8
11

(x2,y2z2)
q 2 q
2 7
q
5 q
10
q q
(x1,y1z1) q 9 12
1
1
q
q 4
q 6
x
3

z Figure – 11
3- D Beam / Space Frame Element

3-D Beam / Space Frame Element has six degree of freedom at each node. Thus, totally the element
will have twelve degrees of freedom. This element allows three translatory and three rotational
displacements at each node.

15
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Membrane elements for plane stress or plane strain analysis

2D Planar Membrane Element

2-D Planer Membrane Elements are triangular in shape with 3 nodes or quadrilateral in shape with
4 nodes with only 2 degrees of freedoms one each long x and y translation, at each nodes and are
normally created in the x-y plane. These elements will not support or transmit a moment or stress
normal to the surface. They support only translational degree of freedom and in-plane loading.
y v3 y
5
3 (x3, y3)
u3 6 4
v2
v1 2 (x2, y2) 1 2
u2 3
u
1 (x1, y1) 1 x
x 6- Node Triangular Membrane
3- Node Triangular Membrane Element
Element
Each node has 2 DOF. Totally the Each node has 2 DOF. Totally the
element has 6 DOF element has 12 DOF
Figure – 12 Basic and Higher Order Triangular Membrane Element

v3 y 7 6
y
v4 8
u
3 (x3, y3)3 5
u v2
4 (x4, y4) 4 u2 1 4
2 (x2, y2) 2
v1 3
u1
1 (x1, y1) x
x
4- Node Quadrilateral Membrane 8- Node Quadrilateral
Element Membrane Element
Each node has 2 DOF. Totally the Each node has 2 DOF. Totally the
element has 8 DOF element has 16 DOF
Figure – 13 Basic and Higher Order Quadrilateral Membrane Element

16
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

y 7 y 10 9
6 11 8
8
12 7
9
10 5 6
1
2
1 2 3 5
3
4
4
x x

10 - NODED TRIANGULAR 12 - NODED QUADRILATERAL

MEMBRANE ELEMENT MEMBRANE ELEMENT
Each node has 2 DOF. Totally the Each node has 2 DOF. Totally the
element has 20 DOF element has 24 DOF

These elements are used to analyze plane stress and plane strain problems.

Finite Elements for Axisymmetric Bodies

Z
Z w3 5
3 (r3, z3)
u3 4
w2 6
u2
w1 2 (r2, z2) 2
1
u 3
1 (r1, z11)
R
R

3- Node Axisymmetric Triangular 6- Node Triangular

Ring Element Axisymmetric Ring Element
Each node has 2 DOF. Totally the Each node has 2 DOF. Totally
element has 6 DOF the element has 12 DOF

17
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Z
Z

7 10 9 8
6 7
8 11
9 10 6
12
5 5
1 2 1 2 3
3 4
4 R
R
10 - Node Triangular Axisymmetric 12 - Node Quadrilateral
Ring Element Axisymmetric Ring Element
Each node has 2 DOF. Totally the element Each node has 2 DOF. Totally the
has 20 DOF element has 24 DOF

3-D Solid Element

Basic (Linear) Elements for Three Dimensional Problems

3-D Solid Elements are Tetrahedron in shape with 4 nodes or Hexahedron in shape with 8 nodes
with 3 degrees of freedoms one each along x ,y and z translation, at each nodes and are normally
created in the x-y-z plane. These elements will not support or transmit a moment or torque. They
support only translational degree of freedom.
y
v3
3 (x3,
y ) u3

v4
v2
u4
4 (x4, y4) u2
v1
2 (x2, y2)
u1
1 (x1, y1)
x
Figure – 14
4- Node Tetraheadran Element
z

18
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

y
v8
v7
u8 (x7, y7)
(x8v,5y8) 8
7 u 7
(x5, y5) 5 u5 v6
v4 u
u4 6 (x , y ) 6 v
6 6 3
v1 3 (x3, y3)
4 (x4, y4) u3
u1 v2
1 (x1, y1)
u2
2 (x2, y2)

x
Figure – 15
8- Node Hexahedron Element
z

Higher order Elements for Three Dimensional Problems

Higher order 3-D Solid (Tetrahedron or Hexahedron) Elements will 3 degrees of freedoms one
each along x, y and z translation at each node. The unknown variable function may vary with
higher order polynomials. The edges and the surface may be straight or curved. These elements
will not support or transmit a moment or torque. They support only translational degree of freedom

y 15 14
y 16 13
7 12
10 11 19
10 9 20
9 7
4 6
5 17 8
8 18 5
6 3
2 4
1 2
1 3
x x

z z
Figure – 16 Figure – 17
10- Node Tetrahedron Element 20- Node Hexahedron Element
Each node has 3 DOF. Totally the Each node has 3 DOF. Totally
element has 30 DOF the element has 60 DOF
19
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Special Elements.
1. Special elements might include gap elements to specify a gap between two parts of the
component
2. Spring elements are used to apply a specific spring constant at a specified node or set of
nodes.
3. Rigid elements are used to define a rigid connection to transfer the displacement/force form
one node to the other node.
4. Contact Elements.

20
Dr. Jagadish. T, Former Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BIT, Bengaluru
Presently Director, Research and Development, DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru