YOUR COMPANY’S

GUIDE TO FINITE
ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Helping your organization understand
Finite Element Analysis as a tool for solving
complicated engineering problems.
INSIDE THIS GUIDE
CONTENTS
Finite Element Analysis 3
When to use Finite Element Analysis 4
The basic steps of Finite Element Analysis 5
Benefits of ASME training 10
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis 12
Advanced Finite Element Analysis 13
More about our courses 14
Let’s talk about it 15

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FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Originally developed Using the finite element method,
engineers divide complex geometry
for aerospace structural into simpler and more manageable
analysis, Finite Element parts called elements. The behavior of
these elements are then approximated,
Analysis (FEA) can help and the results combined to predict the
engineers simulate real- outcome for the entire structure.

world conditions and find FEA is designed to forego the need

for expensive and lengthy testing
vulnerabilities in their and prototyping by simulating the
design prototypes. performance of components before
they are built using software. FEA can
expedite the design and engineering
process, and ultimately improve the
integrity of any given structure because
this method allows engineers to study
the behavior of a product or structure
under several different conditions
without having to build multiple
physical prototypes.

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WHEN TO USE FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
FEA can be used in many situations — it’s particularly useful
when the physical testing of a structure is too time-consuming
and costly to undertake. A few examples of when an
engineering professional may elect to use FEA include:

Failure analysis Material selection Regulatory

To discover and analyze To compare the compliance
the root cause of a performance and To demonstrate
component failure and suitability of different compliance with certain
manufacturing defects. materials for a structure. regulations like safety
and performance.

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THE BASIC STEPS OF FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
There are six steps to Finite
Element Analysis — all (aside from
the first step in some cases) of
Step one: Step two: Step three:
which are necessary for successful
Definition of the Discretization. Development of the
structural analysis. By following solution field. finite element equations.
the six steps, engineers can be
sure that there’s proper definition,
accurate modeling and appropriate
validation of the structure or
component in question. Step four: Step five: Step six:
Adoption of loads and Solution for primary Post-processing.
boundary conditions. response variables.

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THE BASIC STEPS OF FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Step one: Step two:
Define the problem Discretize the structure
This step isn’t always necessary — simple A sufficiently large but finite set of points
models can be built by going directly is chosen, representing locations within
to the discretization process. For more the field. These points (the nodes) are then
complicated models, definition of the used to define the boundaries of discrete
solution field is a simplification step. subregions of the field (the elements).
These elements combine to approximate
Commercial software packages use a
the shape of the field and will, in the end,
frontend user interface to define the shape
provide the approximate equations to be
of the field as a solid model, which is then
solved for the primary response variables
replaced in the next step of analysis with a
(also known as the field variables).
finite element model.
Note on the term ‘finite’:
The solid model is made up of points, lines,
areas and volumes, serving only to define The term “finite element” reflects both
the shape of the field. Whereas the finite the fact that the element is finitely sized
element model consists of nodes and (neither grossly small nor overly large), and
elements, and contains all the necessary possesses a finite number of DOF. This
information for solving the problem. is a useful point to remember, in order to
understand the philosophy of the method.

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THE BASIC STEPS OF FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Step three:
Formulate element equations
Depending on the nature of the problem, there Example:
are a variety of ways to generate the elemental
equation set: The elemental equations take the form: kd = f

• The Direct Method uses the known d is a vector of degrees of freedom of the nodes
equations of, for example, strength of k is called the “stiffness matrix”
materials to generate element equations.
f is the vector of nodal “forces”
This is only possible for simple problems.
We refer to k as the “stiffness” matrix. In such a
• Functional Minimization is possible for
case, f is a vector of applied THERMAL loading.
indirect generation of equations. This
requires a function to be minimized (as, for Once the element equations are developed,
example, the principle of minimum total the global set is assembled in such a way as
potential energy). In practice, it is often to express interconnectedness of nodes. The
possible to recast a differential equation elements share nodes, so that the field contains
into an equivalent functional form to be no inappropriate gaps or overlaps.
minimized.
The resulting equations are algebraic, in the
• Methods of Weighted Residuals may be form: KD = F
used to develop an element for approximate
where components of D and F are to be found
solution of a differential equation, without
in the solution.
development of a functional form.

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THE BASIC STEPS OF FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Step four:
Assemble loads and
boundary conditions Example:
The global FE equations, KD = F are not In a thermal problem, the same idea
solvable with the exception of eigenproblems yields that we must sufficiently constrain
(for example, buckling and free vibration). temperature, so that the final temperature
field is forced to take an unambiguous value.
Even if the values of D are sufficiently known,
For example, it would not be possible to find
we can solve the global equations only if
“the” temperature distribution across a wall
we know enough terms from the vector of
with convection on one side (of known bulk
forces, F. Thus, the application of both loads
temperature and film coefficient), without
and boundary conditions is an essential part
knowing the temperature somewhere in or
of finite element analysis.
on the wall, as a boundary condition.
The actual nature of the loads and boundary
conditions which can be used will depend
on the element type chosen for the analysis,
and the problem to be solved.

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THE BASIC STEPS OF FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Step five: Step six:
Solve the equations Evaluate the results
After application of loads and boundary The field variable has, by now, been
conditions, a set of algebraic equations approximated at all nodal locations. The
emerges, which has a non-singular final step in the computational portion
stiffness matrix and known force vector. of FEA is generation of secondary
This set is solvable using standard (higher order) variables. In a structural
mathematical or computational tools. problem, FEA solves for displacements.
The result is the set of all of the unknown
Post-processing allows solutions for
nodal degrees of freedom.
unknown forces, strains, stresses.
Supplementing this set with the known In other problems, the secondary
nodal DOF (i.e. the boundary conditions) variables are other things.
yields the set of all nodal DOF.

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KEY BENEFITS OF ASME TRAINING
FOR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Training of personnel Better collaboration Quality assurance

Every organization that takes Corporate training for FEA With a better understanding of
part in FEA training benefits empowers employees to FEA, engineering professionals
from gaining a deeper work better together in their can create better and more reliable
understanding of the FEA problem solving as they designs that not only meet safety
fundamentals, software and develop common skills in requirements, but also reflect first-
techniques, which they can then applying FEA to their designs. class design industry standards.
apply throughout their work.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We asked our expert Scott When should I be using Finite Element In what ways does Finite Element
Steinbring some of our Analysis, and when is it not appropriate? Analysis help me to plan ahead
most frequently asked Finite element analysis can be used at any stage of during the design stage?
questions about FEA. product development. An FE model can be used to Incorporated into most commercial FE applications is
predict in-service performance during the design the ability to optimize designs and/or perform design
phase and, in some instances, to predict effectiveness sensitivity analyses. Given a preliminary design, the
of the manufacturing phase, and can be used to software can predict the performance of that design
predict performance of the final designed object. under assumed service conditions and provide
Post-design, finite element analysis is appropriate valuable feedback with respect to its capabilities.
in cases where physical prototype testing is overly Faults and inefficiencies can then be identified and
costly, cumbersome or time consuming. A properly rectified. Many models can easily and quickly be
verified finite element model can in many cases serve created as variations on the initial theme, including
as a surrogate for a physical model, allowing for low- changes of material, geometry or load states, and can
cost and rapid design validation. be submitted and assessed side-by-side. The result
can provide very valuable feedback with respect to
Of course, finite element analysis is a “tool in the likely fruitful paths for improvement.
bag,” so to speak, and can never replace engineering
Scott Steinbrink
judgment; it is an approximation technique that
Scott Steinbrink holds a PhD in Engineering is as good as the information provided to the
Mechanics from Virginia Tech, and currently computer and thus to be used cautiously in fields of
teaches Mechanical Engineering at Gannon
knowledge that are not well understood by the FE
University, Erie, PA. At Gannon, Scott
specializes in design and solid mechanics,
analyst. It supplements – not replaces – the input of
for each of which Finite Element Analysis experienced engineers and technologists.
is an essential tool. He also teaches (for
the past 25 years) the introductory and
advanced FEA courses at Gannon.

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INTRODUCTION TO
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
This course explains Topics covered You will learn to:
introductory FEA concepts • Provide examples of all
Module 1: Introduction.
underlying the creation the steps necessary to
conduct a successful FEA
of elements to make from start to finish.
accurate approximations. Module 2: Details of the method.
• Explain the concepts
underlying the creation
of elements which are
Module 3: Introduction to Abaqus. used to make accurate
approximations.
More advanced topics in element • Use finite element
Module 4:
generation. software for more
advanced structural,
thermal analysis and
Module 5: Additional Abaqus capabilities. basic modal analysis.

Module 6: Practical advice for competent FEA.

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ADVANCED
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Based on practical Topics covered You will learn to:
application of Abaqus • Identify command-line
Module 1: Abaqus Command Line Inputs.
software, this course input for Abaqus.
builds on the introductory • Describe structural
dynamics, including
level course to provide Module 2: Nonlinear FEA.
modal and harmonic
a fuller understanding of response analyses.

how Abaqus works, as Module 3: Contact problems in Abaqus. • Identify Structural

Dynamics II, featuring
well as FEA in general. transient dynamic
analysis.
Module 4: Structural Dynamics.
• Explain nonlinear
structural analyses.
Additional Capabilities of FEA,
Module 5: • Demonstrate design
with reference to Abaqus.
optimization in Abaqus.

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MORE DETAILS ABOUT OUR COURSES
ASME is a world-class ASME Learning & Development
provides technical and management
provider of mechanical courses to teach engineering
engineering courses codes, standards and best practices
to individuals and teams across a
committed to delivering range of disciplines.
accredited, high-quality, Courses are designed for
engineers of all levels from early
trustworthy training to career engineers to experienced
you and your team— engineers. And, thanks to the
reopening of our sites, our courses
backed by a globally can be accessed either virtually or
recognized independent in-person – with the ability to tailor
content to include specific use
third party, IACET. cases and pain points for corporate
training customers with eight or
more learners.

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LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
ASME is the go-to expert All ASME courses include
real-world examples so that
in both fundamentals learnings can be applied to
and applications of Finite projects that your company
Element Analysis, and is working on. With ASME
our courses are designed Corporate Training, your team
can address your unique
to help professionals challenges with an expert in a
remain consistent in their private and confidential setting.
usage throughout the
engineering process.
Get in touch today to inquire about
ASME Corporate Training.

[email protected] go.asme.org/evolve

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