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UNIT – 1

TOPIC
Unit-01/Lecture-01

What is the finite element method: (RGPV Examination/Dec-2013)

The finite element method (FEM) is a numerical technique for solving problems which are
described by partial differential equations or can be formulated as functional minimization. A
domain of interest is represented as an assembly of finite elements. Approximating functions in
finite elements are determined in terms of nodal values of a physical field which is sought. A
continuous physical problem is transformed into a discretized finite element problem with
unknown nodal values. For a linear problem a system of linear algebraic equations should be
solved. Values inside finite elements can be recovered using nodal values.

Two features of the FEM are worth to be mentioned:

1) Piece-wise approximation of physical fields on finite elements provides good precision even
with simple approximating functions (increasing the number of elements we can achieve any
precision).
2) Locality of approximation leads to sparse equation systems for a discretized problem. This
helps to solve problems with very large number of nodal unknowns.

Steps of the finite element solution procedure: (RGPV Examination/Dec-2013)

To summarize in general terms how the finite element method works we list main steps of the
finite element solution procedure below.
1. Discretize the continuum. The first step is to divide a solution region into finite elements. The
finite element mesh is typically generated by a preprocessor program. The description of
mesh consists of several arrays main of which are nodal coordinates and element
connectivities.
2. Select interpolation functions. Interpolation functions are used to interpolate the field
variables over the element. Often, polynomials are selected as interpolation functions. The
degree of the polynomial depends on the number of nodes assigned to the element.
3. Find the element properties. The matrix equation for the finite element should be established
which relates the nodal values of the unknown function to other parameters. For this task
different approaches can be used; the most convenient are: the variational approach and the
Galerkin method.
4. Assemble the element equations. To find the global equation system for the whole solution
region we must assemble all the element equations. In other words we must combine local
element equations for all elements used for discretization. Element connectivities are used
for the assembly process. Before solution, boundary conditions (which are not accounted in
element equations) should be imposed.
5. Solve the global equation system. The finite element global equation system is typically
sparse, symmetric and positive definite. Direct and iterative methods can be used for
solution. The nodal values of the sought function are produced as a result of the solution.
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6. Compute additional results. In many cases we need to calculate additional parameters. For
example, in mechanical problems strains and stresses are of interest in addition to
displacements, which are obtained after solution of the global equation system.

S.NO RGPV QUESTIONS Year Marks

Q.1 What is Finite Element Analysis? Also explain the steps Dec-2013 7
involved in analysis of any one application of FEM.
Q.2 With the help of flow chart explain the basic steps used in Dec-2012 10
Finite element problem formulation.
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Unit-01/Lecture-02

Structural Analysis:

Structural analysis is the prediction of the performance of a given structure under prescribed
loads and/or other external effects, such as support movements and temperature changes. The
performance characteristics commonly of interest in the design of structures are (1) stresses or
stress resultants, such as axial forces, shear forces, and bending moments; (2) deflections; and
(3) support reactions. Thus, the analysis of a structure usually involves determination of these
quantities as caused by a given loading condition. The objective of this text is to present the
methods for the analysis of structures in static equilibrium.
.
Role of structural analysis in structural engineering:

Structural engineering is the science and art of planning, designing, and constructing safe and
economical structures that will serve their intended purposes. Structural analysis is an integral
part of any structural engineering project, its function being the prediction of the performance
of the proposed structure. A flowchart showing the various phases of a typical structural
engineering project is presented in Fig. 1.2. As this diagram indicates, the process is an iterative
one, and it generally consists of the following steps:

1. Planning Phase: The planning phase usually involves the establishment of the functional
requirements of the proposed structure, the general layout and dimensions of the
structure, consideration of the possible types of structures (e.g., rigid frame or truss)
that may be feasible and the types of materials to be used (e.g., structural steel or
reinforced concrete). This phase may also involve consideration of non structural factors,
such as aesthetics, environmental impact of the structure, and so on. The outcome of
this phase is usually a structural system that meets the functional requirements and is
expected to be the most economical. This phase is perhaps the most crucial one of the
entire project and requires experience and knowledge of construction practices in
addition to a thorough understanding of the behavior of structures.
2. Preliminary Structural Design: In the preliminary structural design phase, the sizes of the
various members of the structural system selected in the planning phase are estimated
based on approximate analysis, past experience, and code requirements. The member
sizes thus selected are used in the next phase to estimate the weight of the structure.
3. Estimation of Loads: Estimation of loads involves determination of all the loads that can
be expected to act on the structure.
4. Structural Analysis: In structural analysis, the values of the loads are used to carry out an
analysis of the structure in order to determine the stresses or stress resultants in the
members and the deflections at various points of the structure.
5. Safety and Serviceability: Checks The results of the analysis are used to determine
whether or not the structure satisfies the safety and serviceability requirements of the
design codes. If these requirements are satisfied, then the design drawings and the
construction specifications are prepared, and the construction phase begins.

6. Revised Structural Design: If the code requirements are not satisfied, then the member
sizes are revised, and phases 3 through 5 are repeated until all the safety and
serviceability requirements are satisfied.
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Unit-01/Lecture-03

Objectives:

 Describe the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) procedure.

 Identify the application and characteristics of FEA elements such as bars, beams, planar
elements, and common 3-D elements.
 Develop the stiffness equation for common FEA elements, and assemble element
stiffness equations in to a global equation.
 Identify and apply suitable boundary conditions to a global structural equation, and
reduce it to a solvable form.
 Set up and solve 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D structural problems using contemporary finite element
software.

Static Analysis:
Linear Static Analysis -

Linear: Linear means straight line. σ = εE is eq. of a straight line (y = mx) passing through origin.
“E” Elastic Modulus is slope of the curve & is a constant. In real life after crossing yield point
material follow non linear curve but software follows same straight line. Component brake into
two separate pieces after crossing ultimate stress but software based analyst never show failure
in this fashion. It shows single unbroken part with red color zone at the location of failure, Analyst
has to conclude whether the component is safe or failed by comparing the maximum stress
values with yield or ultimate stress.
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Static: There are two condition for static analysis

1. Force is static i.e. no variation with respect to time(dead weight)
2. Equilibrium condition – Summation of forces (Fx, Fy, Fz) and summation of moments (Mx,
My, Mz) = 0. FE model fulfils this condition at each and every node. For complete model
summation of external forces and moments is equal to reaction forces and moments
Practical Application: Most commonly used analysis. Aerospace, Automobile, Offshore, Civil Engg.
Industries perform nonlinear static analysis.
Commonly used software: Nastran, Ansys, Abaquas, I-deas NX, Radios, Cosmos, UG, Pro
Mechanica, Catia etc.
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Unit-01/Lecture-04

Dynamic Analysis:
Two basic aspects of dynamic analysis differ from static analysis:
• Dynamic loads are applied as a function of time.
• This time-varying load application induces time-varying response (displacements, velocities,
accelerations, forces, and stresses). These time-varying characteristics make dynamic analysis more
complicated and more realistic than static analysis.

Equations of Motion
The basic types of motion in a dynamic system are displacement u and the first and second
derivatives of displacement with respect to time. These derivatives are velocity and acceleration,
respectively, given below:

Dynamic and Static Degrees-of-Freedom:

Mass and damping are associated with the motion of a dynamic system. Degrees-of-freedom with
mass or damping are often called dynamic degrees-of-freedom; degrees-of-freedom with stiffness
are called static degrees-of-freedom. It is possible (and often desirable) in models of complex
systems to have fewer dynamic degrees-of-freedom than static degrees-of-freedom. The four basic
components of a dynamic system are mass, energy dissipation (damper), resistance (spring), and
applied load. As the structure moves in response to an applied load, forces are induced that are a
function of both the applied load and the motion in the individual components. The equilibrium
equation representing the dynamic motion of the system is known as the equation of motion.

Equation of Motion:
This equation, which defines the equilibrium condition of the system at each point in time, is
represented as:

Solution of the Equation of Motion:

The solution of the equation of motion for quantities such as displacements, velocities,
accelerations, and/or stresses—all as a function of time—is the objective of a dynamic analysis. The
primary task for the dynamic analyst is to determine the type of analysis to be performed. The
nature of the dynamic analysis in many cases governs the choice of the appropriate mathematical
approach. The extent of the information required from a dynamic analysis also dictates the
necessary solution approach and steps. Dynamic analysis can be divided into two basic
classifications: free vibrations and forced
vibrations. Free vibration analysis is used to determine the basic dynamic characteristics of the
system with the right-hand side of Equation 1-2 set to zero (i.e., no applied load). If damping is
neglected, the solution is known as un damped free vibration analysis.
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Free Vibration Analysis:

In un damped free vibration analysis, the SDOF equation of motion reduces to

Above eq. has a solution of the form

Natural Frequency
The natural frequency fn is defined by

The natural frequency is often specified in terms of cycles per unit time, commonly cycles per
second (cps), which is more commonly known as Hertz (Hz). This characteristic indicates the
number of sine or cosine response waves that occur in a given time period (typically one second).

Forced Vibration Analysis

Forced vibration analysis considers the effect of an applied load on the response of the system.
Forced vibrations analyses can be damped or undamped. Since most structures exhibit damping,
damped forced vibration problems are the most common analysis types.

The type of dynamic loading determines the mathematical solution approach. From a numerical
viewpoint, the simplest loading is simple harmonic (sinusoidal) loading. In the undamped form, the
equation of motion becomes

In this equation the circular frequency of the applied loading is denoted by ω. This loading
frequency is entirely independent of the structural natural frequency ωn, although similar notation
is used.
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Unit-01/Lecture-05

Skeletal And Continuum Structure: (RGPV Examination/Dec-2012)

Many engineering structures are composed of a series of individual members which are connected
together at a number of points. Such structures are called skeletal structures, and the points at
which the individual members are joined are referred to as node points. The analysis of these
structures can be carried out by first considering the behavior of each individual element
independently and then assembling the elements together in such a way that the equilibrium of
forces and compatibility of displacement are satisfied at each nodal point. When a structure is
comprised of many members, this type of approach can become very laborious and involve a large
number of simultaneous equations for the solution. However, these problems can be solved very
well by computers due to the large number of repetitive steps involved in the solution (matrix-
method).
In addition to skeletal structures, the analysis of continuum structures is also often required. The
finite element method represents the extension of the matrix method for skeletal structures to the
analysis of continuum structures. In the finite element method, the continuum is idealized as a
structure consisting of a number of individual elements connected only at nodal points.

S.NO RGPV QUESTIONS Year Marks

Q.1 Explain skeletal & continuum structure with the help of suitable Dec 2012 10
example. Dec2010 10
Q.2
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Unit 1/Lecture 6

Modeling of infinite degree of freedom system into finite degree of freedom system
(Discretization):
All the real life problem or objects are continuous. Means there is no physical gap between any two
consecutive particles. As per material science, any object is made up of small particles, particles of
molecules, molecules of atoms and so on and they are bounded together by force of attraction.
Solving a real life problem with continuous material approach is difficult and basic of all numerical
methods is to simplify the problem by discretizing (discontinuation) it. In simple words nodes work
like atoms and with gap in between filled by an entity called as element. Calculations are made at
nodes and results are interpolated for elements.

For mechanical engineering point of view any component or system could be represented by three
basic elements –Mass[m], Spring[k], Damper[c]

All the numerical methods including Finite element follows discrete approach. Meshing (nodes and
elements) is nothing but discretization of a continuous system with infinite degree of freedoms to
finite degree of freedoms.

What is Degree Of Freedom?

A object is fixed at one end. Force is applied at point ”P”. Due to force object deforms and point P
get shifted to new position P’.

When we can say that we know the solution of above problem?

If and only we are able to define deformed position of each & every particle completely.
Minimum no. of parameters (motion, coordinates, temperature. etc.) required to define the
position of any entity completely in the space is known as degree of freedom (dof).

Consider following 2-d (planner) problem. Suppose origin at bottom left corner and is known. To
define position of A completely with respect to the origin we need two parameters i.e. X1 and Y1, in
other words 2 dofs (translation X and Y)
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Dof is a very important concept. In FEA we use it for individual calculation pointsi.e. nodes (total
dof for a given mesh model = number of nodes x dof per node) while theory of machine and
mechanism uses this concept for body as a whole.

It is not like always all the elements have 6 dofs per nodes. Degree of freedom depends on the type
of element (1-d, 2-d, 3-d), family of element (thin shell, plane stress, plane strain, membrane etc.)
and type of analysis {for structural analysis a thin shell element has 6 dof/node (displacement
unknown, 3 translations and 3 rotations) while the same element when used for the thermal
analysis has single dof/node (temperature unknown)}.

In above figure we can see a 2-d plane, in which a line AB exist. We suppose that point A at bottom
left corner and point B on top right corner. So in this figure we need 3 parameter to define the line
i.e. 2 translation and 1 rotation

In above figure there are total 6 degree of freedoms 3 translational (Ux, Uy, Uz) and 3 rotational (θx,
θy, θz).
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Unit 1/Lecture 7

Basic steps in finite element problem formulation:

There are two steps

Step 1) Writing governing equation – Problem definition or in other words formulating the
problem in the form of a mathematical equation
Step 2) Mathematical solution of governing equation
Final result is the summation of step 1 & step 2. Result will be 100% accurate when there is no
approximation at either of the steps (Analytical method).

Formulation of finite element equations

Several approaches can be used to transform the physical formulation of the problem to its finite
element discrete analogue. If the physical formulation of the problem is known as a differential
equation then the most popular method of its finite element formulation is the Galerkin method.
If the physical problem can be formulated as minimization of a functional then variational
formulation of the finite element equations is usually used.

Galerkin method:
Let us use simple one-dimensional example for the explanation of finite element formulation using
the Galerkin method. Suppose that we need to solve numerically the following differential
equation:

with boundary conditions

where u is an unknown solution. We are going to solve the problem using two linear one-
dimensional finite elements as shown in Fig. 1.1.
Fist, consider a finite element presented on the right of Figure. The element has two nodes and
approximation of the function u(x) can be done as follows:

where Ni are the so called shape functions

which are used for interpolation of u(x) using its nodal values. Nodal values u1 and u2 are
unknowns which should be determined from the discrete global equation system.
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After substituting u expressed through its nodal values and shape functions, in the differential
equation, it has the following approximate form:

Where à is a nonzero residual because of approximate representation of a function inside a finite

element.
The Galerkin method provides residual minimization by multiplying terms of the above equation
by shape functions, integrating over the element and equating to zero:

Use of integration by parts leads to the following discrete form of the differential equation for the
finite element:

Usually such relation for a finite element is presented as:

In solid mechanics [k] is called stiffness matrix and ffg is called load vector. In the considered
simple case for two finite elements of length L stiffness matrices and the load vectors can be easily
calculated:

The above relations provide finite element equations for the two separate finite elements. A global
equation system for the domain with 2 elements and 3 nodes can be obtained by an assembly of
element equations. In our simple case it is clear that elements interact with each other at the node
with global number 2. The assembled global equation system is:
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Comparison of finite element solution and exact solution.

After application of the boundary condition u(x = 0) = 0 the final appearance of the global equation
system is:

Nodal values ui are obtained as results of solution of linear algebraic equation system. The value of
u at any point inside a finite element can be calculated using the shape functions. The finite
element solution of the differential equation is shown in Fig. 1.2 for a = 1; b = 1;L = 1 and R = 1.

Exact solution is a quadratic function. The finite element solution with the use of the simplest
element is piece-wise linear. More precise finite element solution can be obtained increasing the
number of simple elements or with the use of elements with more complicated shape functions. It
is worth noting that at nodes the finite element method provides exact values of u (just for this
particular problem). Finite elements with linear shape functions produce exact nodal values if the
sought solution is quadratic. Quadratic elements give exact nodal values for the cubic solution etc.
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Unit 1/Lecture 8
(RGPV Examination/Dec-2013)
A Finite Element analysis consist of three separated stages; Pre-processing, processing, and post
processing. A complete finite element analysis is a logical interaction of these three stages.

Preprocessing:
As the name indicates, preprocessing is something you do before processing your analysis. The
Preprocessing involves the preparations of data, such as nodal coordinates, connectivity,
boundary conditions and loading and material information.
The preparation of data require considerable effort if all data are to be handled manually. If the
model is small, the user can often just write a text file and feed it into the processor, but as the
complexity of the model grows and the number of elements increase, writing the data manually
can be very time consuming and error-prone. Its therefore necessary with a computer pre-
processor which help with mesh plotting and boundary conditions plotting.

For an example of a simple preprocessor, see the Java-applet on these pages. Her you can change
loads, boundary conditions, mesh and element properties and material. All this is done graphically
to minimize the chance of error. The only limitation is that you cannot draw your own geometry,
you have to select one of the pre generated geometries.

Processing
The processing stage involves stiffness generation, stiffness modification, and solution of
equations, resulting in the evaluation of nodal variables. This is a typical "black box"-operation, as
the user will see little of what’s going on. You feed data from the preprocessor, and you get data
out.
You are now ready for post processing

Post processing
The post processing stage deals with the representation of results. Typically, the deformed
configuration, mode shapes, temperature, and stress distribution are computed and displayed at
this stage.

For an example of a simple postprocessor, see the Java applet on these pages. Here you can, after
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analysis of a model, view the deformed model, and inspect stresses and displacements, both in
the controid of elements and the nodal values, and see contour plotting of these data.

S.NO RGPV QUESTION YEAR MARKS

Q.1 Explain the following three stages of solving a finite element Dec-2013 7
problem, through commercial software – Pre-processing,
Solution, Post processing.
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REFERENCCE

BOOK AUTHOR PRIORITY

Practical Application of FEA Nitin S. Gokhale 1
2
Structural Analysis Aslam Kassimali
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