Solid Mechanics with Numerical Methods

Week 2: Introduction to Numerical Methods and Finite Element Analysis

Course: Solid Mechanics with Numerical Methods (Finite Element Analysis)

Contents
1 Overview of Numerical Methods 2

2 Introduction to the Finite Element Method (FEM) 2

2.1 Steps Involved in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3 Discretization of Structures 2
3.1 Types of Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

4 Shape Functions 3

5 Stiffness Matrix Formulation 3

6 Boundary Conditions 3

7 Numerical Integration in FEM 3

8 Summary 4

9 Exercises 4

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1 Overview of Numerical Methods
Numerical methods are mathematical techniques used to approximate solutions to complex problems that
cannot be solved analytically. In engineering, these methods are particularly useful for solving problems
involving differential equations, integration, and large systems of equations. One of the most powerful
numerical methods used in solid mechanics is the Finite Element Method (FEM).

2 Introduction to the Finite Element Method (FEM)

Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique used to find approximate solutions to bound-
ary value problems in engineering. It divides a complex problem into smaller, simpler parts called finite
elements. These elements are then solved independently and reassembled to find an approximate solution
to the original problem.

2.1 Steps Involved in Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

The general process of finite element analysis involves the following steps:

1. Discretization of the Domain: The structure or domain is divided into smaller elements, typically
triangles or quadrilaterals in 2D or tetrahedra and hexahedra in 3D.
2. Selection of Shape Functions: A shape function is chosen for each element, defining how the
variable (e.g., displacement) behaves inside the element.
3. Formulation of the Element Equations: Using the governing equations (e.g., equilibrium equa-
tions), the stiffness matrix and load vector for each element are formulated.
4. Assembly of Global System of Equations: The individual element equations are assembled
into a global system of equations.
5. Application of Boundary Conditions: Boundary conditions, such as fixed supports or applied
forces, are imposed to define how the structure interacts with its environment.
6. Solution of the System of Equations: The system of equations is solved to obtain the unknown
displacements, stresses, or other quantities of interest.
7. Post-processing: The results (e.g., stress distribution, deformation) are visualized and interpreted.

3 Discretization of Structures
In FEM, the first step is to discretize the structure or domain into smaller elements. This process is called
meshing. Each element is connected by nodes, and the solution of the entire structure is approximated
by solving for these nodes.

3.1 Types of Elements

Finite elements can take various shapes and forms, depending on the geometry and dimensions of the
problem. The most commonly used elements are:

• 1D Elements: Used for problems like trusses or beams where the domain can be approximated as
one-dimensional.
• 2D Elements: Used for plane stress or plane strain problems. Commonly used elements are
triangles and quadrilaterals.
• 3D Elements: Used for three-dimensional problems like solids and shells. Commonly used elements
are tetrahedra and hexahedra.
4 Shape Functions
Shape functions are mathematical functions used to approximate the solution inside an element. They
describe how the displacement or stress varies within the element. For linear elements, the displacement
can be linearly interpolated between the nodes using the shape functions.
For a 1D linear element, the shape functions are typically:
x2 − x x − x1
N1 (x) = , N2 (x) =
x2 − x1 x2 − x1
where x1 and x2 are the nodal positions, and N1 and N2 are the shape functions.

5 Stiffness Matrix Formulation

The stiffness matrix, denoted as K, is a key component in finite element analysis. It relates the forces
applied to the displacements of the nodes within an element. For a 1D bar element, the stiffness matrix
is derived from the equilibrium equation:
 
EA 1 −1
K=
L −1 1
where:
• E is the Young’s modulus.
• A is the cross-sectional area.
• L is the length of the element.
The stiffness matrix for each element is assembled into a global stiffness matrix for the entire structure,
which can then be solved to find the displacements at the nodes.

6 Boundary Conditions
Boundary conditions specify how the structure is constrained or loaded. There are two main types of
boundary conditions:
• Dirichlet Boundary Conditions: Specify the displacement at a node (e.g., a fixed support).
• Neumann Boundary Conditions: Specify the force or stress at a node (e.g., an applied load).
Applying boundary conditions is essential to ensure that the finite element model accurately represents
the real-world problem.

7 Numerical Integration in FEM

Numerical integration is often required in finite element analysis, particularly for higher-order elements.
The most commonly used method is Gauss quadrature, which allows for efficient and accurate integra-
tion of functions over an element.
For example, the integral of a function f (x) over an interval [a, b] can be approximated by:
Z b n
X
f (x) dx ≈ wi f (xi )
a i=1

where:
• xi are the integration points.
• wi are the weights associated with each integration point.

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8 Summary
In this week’s lecture, we covered the basic concepts of finite element analysis, including:

• Introduction to the Finite Element Method (FEM) and its importance in engineering.

• Discretization of structures using finite elements.

• The role of shape functions in approximating the solution.

• Stiffness matrix formulation and its significance.

• The application of boundary conditions in FEA.

• Numerical integration techniques, such as Gauss quadrature.

These concepts form the foundation for more advanced topics in FEM, which we will explore in the
coming weeks.

9 Exercises
1. Consider a 1D bar element of length L = 2 m, cross-sectional area A = 0.005 m2 , and Young’s modulus
E = 200 GPa. Calculate the stiffness matrix for the element. 2. A truss element has nodal coordinates
(0, 0) and (1, 0). Write the shape functions for this element. 3. Derive the global stiffness matrix for a
two-element 1D structure with equal lengths and boundary conditions where one end is fixed and a force
is applied at the other end.