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Finite Element Theory

The document provides an overview of the finite element method including defining the method, general steps, element types, deriving the stiffness matrix, assembling equations, and solving for unknowns. It also includes an example of applying the method to analyze a one-dimensional bar element subjected to forces.

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99 views25 pages

Finite Element Theory

The document provides an overview of the finite element method including defining the method, general steps, element types, deriving the stiffness matrix, assembling equations, and solving for unknowns. It also includes an example of applying the method to analyze a one-dimensional bar element subjected to forces.

Uploaded by

jpeg144
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Finite Element: Theory,

Applications & Implementation


Presented By:
Arthur Anconetani
Barbara Gault
Ryan Whitney

Finite Element Method (FEM)


A continuous function of a continuum (given

domain ) having infinite degrees of freedom


is replaced by a discrete model,
approximated by a set of piecewise
continuous functions having a finite degree of
freedom.

General Example

A bar subjected to some

excitations like applied force at


one end. Let the field quantity
flow through the body, which
has been obtained by solving
governing DE/PDE, In FEM the
domain is subdivided into
sub domain and in each sub
domain a piecewise
continuous function is
assumed.

Subdomain e

Domain divided with subdomains


with
degrees of freedom

General Steps of the FEM

1. Discretize & Select the Element Types


2. Select a Displacement Function
3. Define the Strain/Displacement & Stress/Strain
Relationships
4. Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix & Equations
5. Assemble the Element Equations to Obtain the Global
& Introduce Boundary Conditions
6. Solve for the Unknown Degrees of Freedom
7. Solve for the Element Strains & Stresses
8. Interpret the Results

Discretize & Select the Element Types


Divide the body into equivalent systems of finite
elements with nodes and the appropriate element
type
Element Types:

One-dimensional (Line) Element


Two-dimensional Element
Three-dimensional Element
Axisymmetric Element

One Dimensional Element

Select a Displacement Function


There will be a displacement function for each element

Pascals Triangle

Define Strain Displacement & Stress/Strain


Relationships
For one-dimensional;
Deformation in the x-direction,
strain is related to the
displacement
du d[N]

{d} [B]{d}
dx
dx
1
B 1 1
L

Matrix relating strain to


nodal displacement

Hookes Law is used for the


stress/strain relationship

xx To Stiffness Matrix

Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix &


Equations
Virtual work principle of a deformable body in equilibrium is

subjected to arbitrary virtual displacement satisfying compatibility


condition (admissible displacement), then the virtual work done by
external loads will be equal to virtual strain energy of internal
stresses.
Ue is the element internal energy
We is the element external energy
Please view the integration sheet

Stiffness Matrix

fe Element Force
ke Element Stiffness Matrix

E Young Modulus
A Cross Section Area
L - Length

de Element Displacement

Assemble Equations for Global Matrix &


Introduce Boundary Conditions

Combine each element stiffness matrix into


one, which is known as the global matrix
This is done by combining each [ke] into their
proper location on the global matrix

{F} = [K]{D}
Capital letters represent the same as the
element stiffness matrix, but for global matrix

Solve for Unknown DOFs


Using the global matrix with the boundary conditions, we
can now eliminate some variables and solve for the
unknowns, i.e. displacements, end forces

Solve for Element Strains & Stresses


Interpret Results
Solve for the stress using the equation below
To interpret the results use the FBD with your
found values or use the computer program Algor

FEM Steps (Displacement Method)


Discretize into finite elements, Identify nodes &

elements
Develop element stiffness matrices [ke] for all
elements
Assemble element stiffness matrices to get the
global stiffness matrix
Apply kinematic boundary conditions
Solve for displacements
Finally solve for element forces and stresses by
picking proper rows

Example

We combine the two stiffness matrices into the


global matrix.

Now that the displacement at u2 has been obtained, the end forces

and stress values can be obtained by reverting back to the individual


element stiffness matrices
For the stress, you only need to look at the individual node of the
stifness equation

Reactions

Element Forces

Element Stresses

Final Notes
For this case, the calculated stresses in
elements 1 & 2 are exact within the linear theory
for 1-D bar structures. Smaller finite elements
will not help
For tapered bars, averaged values of the crosssectional areas should be used for the elements.
The displacements must be found first to find the
stresses, since we are using the displacement
based FEM

Assignment
Write the displacement
functions for the
following elements:

Analyze the bar shown


below for:
(a) Displacement at B
(b) End Forces
(c) Average Stresses in
bar AB & BC

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