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General Discription of FEM, Applications and Limitations

The document provides an overview of the Finite Element Method (FEM), a numerical technique used to solve complex engineering problems by approximating solutions to differential equations and boundary value problems. It outlines the process of FEM, including discretization, element interpolation, assembly, and post-processing, while discussing its advantages, limitations, and various applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. The document emphasizes the systematic and structured nature of FEM, making it a versatile tool in engineering analysis.

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13 views16 pages

General Discription of FEM, Applications and Limitations

The document provides an overview of the Finite Element Method (FEM), a numerical technique used to solve complex engineering problems by approximating solutions to differential equations and boundary value problems. It outlines the process of FEM, including discretization, element interpolation, assembly, and post-processing, while discussing its advantages, limitations, and various applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. The document emphasizes the systematic and structured nature of FEM, making it a versatile tool in engineering analysis.

Uploaded by

jagankoialapu07
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Finite Element Method

P.CHINNA RAO
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR(C)
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
RGUKT-AP
SRIKAKULAM CAMPUS
Lecture Objectives

• Introduction to Finite Element Method


• General description of Finite Element Method
• Applications and Limitations
Methods to understand and solve engineering problems

Analytical Numerical Experimental


• Classical method, 100% • Mathematical representation • Actual measurement
• Approximate and assumptions • Time consuming and expensive
accurate results setup
made
• Closed form solution • Real life complex problems • Applicable only if physical
prototype is available
• Applicable only for simple • Results can't be believe blindly, • Results can't be believe blindly
certain results must be validate and maintain minimum of 3 to
problems like cantilever with experimental and/or 5 prototypes must be tested
and simply supported analytical methods • Strain gauges, sensors and
beams, etc. • FEM, BEM, FVM, FDM accelerometers
Finite Element Method-Introduction

 Finite Element Method (FEM) is a powerful numerical technique for solving real-life engineering
problems.

 Challenges in Real Life engineering Problems:


 Nature often operates through gradients, and FEM enables us to model and understand these
gradients in various physical systems.
 Many real-life problems can be mathematically represented by differential equations,
describing the rates of change and interactions within a system.
 In engineering problems, alongside differential equations, we encounter additional constraints
known as boundary conditions.
 The combination of differential equations and boundary conditions gives rise to what is known
as a Boundary Value Problem (BVP).
 BVPs are crucial in engineering as they represent situations where the behavior of a system is
defined not only by its internal dynamics but also by its interaction with the surrounding
environment.
Finite Element Method-Introduction

 FEM provides a systematic and efficient approach to solving BVPs numerically, allowing
engineers to simulate and analyze complex systems with accuracy.

 FEM is a numerical method used to obtain an approximate solution for given Boundary Value
problems

Differential
Linear System
Equations +
Finite Element Method of Equations
Boundary
like Ax+B
Conditions

 These Linear System of Equations are solving using computer ( Gauss Elimination Algorithm for
Example)
Finite Element Method-Process
Finite Element Method
 Numerically Integrate (solve) Differential Equations (DEs) or Partial Differentials Equations (PDs)

 Finite Element Method is Very General and Very Flexible

o A particular Partial Differential equations or Differential Equations, we can integrate under some
special conditions. There are several ways like variable separable method, but each method is
applicable for limited set of conditions.

o But Finite Element Method is more or less insensitive to the form or type of PD because the
philosophy which it rests is very generic so it does not matter with type of equation or it is
homogenous/non homogenous.

 Finite Element Method is Highly systematic and Structured process

o A lot of time when we solve Des/PDs in general methods we guess the solutions. These type of
guesses w cannot implemented in computers. Because computer cannot guess solution.

o In context of FEM, it does not relay on intuitions, FEM is very systematic, structured and well
defined algorithms which drives the solution. So we can easily automate it.
Finite Element Method-General Description

1. Develop set of Governing Equations

o Equations of Equilibrium

o Strain Displacement relations

o Stress –Strain relations


2. Solve those Governing equations

o Exact Solutions: Solutions has to


a. Satisfy the governing equation exactly and at all points in area of interest
b. All the boundary conditions are exactly satisfied.
• If solution is Exact, Error is Zero

o Approximate Solutions:
o Analytical: we gain some formulas as solutions
o Numerical: we get numerical values for unknowns in domain

o Finite Element Method is Numerical method


Finite Element Method-Objective

 The main objective of Finite Element Method is to approximate the solution of a differential
equation by dividing the domain into smaller, simpler elements.
Finite Element Method-Key Components

1. Discretization:
• Break down the physical domain into finite elements
(subdomains or regions).

2. Element Interpolation:
• Represent the behavior of each element using interpolation
functions.

3. Assembly:
• Assemble the system equations from the contributions of
individual elements.

4. Solution:
• Solve the system of equations to obtain the numerical solution.

5. Post-Processing:
• Interpret and visualize the results in a meaningful way.
Steps in Finite Element Analysis

1. Problem Definition:
• Clearly define the physical problem and establish boundary conditions.
2. Discretization:
• Divide the domain into elements and nodes.
3. Element Type and Properties:
• Choose appropriate element types and define material properties.
4. Nodal Connectivity:
• Establish how elements are connected through nodes.
5. Interpolation Functions:
• Determine how the field variables vary within each element.
6. Equation Formulation:
• Formulate the equilibrium equations based on the principles of mechanics.
7. Assembly:
• Combine individual element equations to form the global system.
8. Solution:
• Solve the system of equations for unknown nodal values.
9. Post-Processing:
• Evaluate and interpret the results in terms of engineering quantities of interest.
Finite Element Method-Advantages

 Versatility:
• Applicable to a wide range of engineering disciplines.

 Accuracy:
• Provides accurate solutions for complex problems.

 Flexibility:
• Can model irregular geometries and complex boundary
conditions.

 Cost-Effectiveness:
• Reduces the need for physical prototypes and testing.
Finite Element Method-Limitations

• Mesh Dependence:

• Results may be sensitive to mesh quality and density.

• Assumptions:

• Accuracy depends on the appropriateness of assumptions made.

• Computational Resources:

• Can be computationally intensive for large-scale problems.


Finite Element Method-Applications

o Aerospace Industry

o Automotive Industry

o Electrical (Transformer, Relays, etc.)

o Electronics (Integrated circuits, Appliances, etc.)

o Power Industry (Nuclear, Thermal)

o Construction

o Healthcare (Implants, Devices, etc.)

Fun Fact: FEM also used in Chocolate


Industry
Top 10 Finite Element Method (FEM) software used by engineers

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