Finite Element Method

By: Muhammad Usman - Lecturer

Department of Mechanical Engineering, UOL, Lahore

 Course Contents
1. Introduction to FEM & its Applications
2. FEM Terminology, Elements Types and their Properties
3. Basic Concepts of Equilibrium & Compatibility
4. Factors Affecting Element Performance & Sources of Errors
5. 1D, 2D & 3D (optional) FEM Problems
6. Direct Formulation & Energy Method
7. Variational Principles and Ritz’s Methods
8. Co-ordinate Transformations: Global CS, Local CS & Natural CS
9. Shape Functions & Iso-parametric Formulation
10. Eigen Value & Boundary Value Problems
11. Convergence of FEM Results
12. Static Structural Analysis
13. Dynamic & Transient Analysis
14. Modal & Harmonic Analysis
15. Heat Transfer Problems
Recommended Books

1.A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Daryl Logan, Fifth Edition.
2.Finite Element Analysis Theory and Applications with ANSYS by Saeed
Moaveni, Fourth Edition
3.An Introduction to Finite Element Method by JN Reddy, Third Edition
4.The Finite Element Method and Applications in Engineering Using ANSYS by
Madenci
5.A First Course in Finite Elements by Jacob Fish
6.Finite Element Analysis Applications by Zhuming Bi
7.Finite Element Analysis by George Buchanan
8.Finite Element Analysis by Lakshmi Narasaiah
9.Finite Element Applications by Okereke & Keates
10.Finite Element Modeling For Stress Analysis by Robert Cook
11.Fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis by David Hutton
12.Introduction to Finite Elements in Engineering by TR Chandrupatla-3rd Ed.
13.The Finite Element Method by AJ Davies, 2nd Ed.
14.The Finite Element Method in Engineering by SS Rao, 4th Ed.
Marks Distribution:

Assignments (10%)

Quizzes (10%)

Midterm Exam (20%)

Final Exam (40%)

Laboratory (20%)
 Introduction

Why do we need to study Finite

Element Analysis?
 Introduction
 The finite element method is a numerical method (approximate
solution) for solving problems (involving continuous variables)
of engineering
 Numerical methods are techniques to approximate
mathematical procedures. Approximations are needed because
we either cannot solve the procedure analytically e.g. the
standard normal cumulative distribution function or because
the analytical method is intractable e.g. solving a set of a
thousand simultaneous linear equations for a thousand
unknowns for finding forces in a truss.
 Typical problem areas of interest in engineering and
mathematical physics that are solvable by use of the finite
element method include structural analysis, heat transfer, fluid
flow, mass transport, and electromagnetic potential
 Introduction
 For problems involving complicated geometries, loadings, and
material properties, it is generally not possible to obtain
analytical mathematical solutions.
 Analytical solutions are those given by a mathematical
expression that yields the values of the desired unknown
quantities at any location in a body and are thus valid for an
infinite number of locations in the body.
 These analytical solutions generally require the solution of
ordinary or partial differential equations, which, because of the
complicated geometries, loadings and material properties, are
not usually obtainable.
 Hence we need to rely on numerical methods, such as the finite
element method, for acceptable solutions.
 The finite element formulation of the problem results in a
system of simultaneous algebraic equations for solution.
 Introduction
 These numerical methods yield approximate values of the unknowns
at discrete numbers of points in the continuum.
 Hence this process of modeling a body by dividing it into an
equivalent system of smaller bodies or units (finite elements)
interconnected at points common to two or more elements (nodal
points or nodes) and/or boundary lines and/or surfaces is called
discretization.
 In the finite element method, instead of solving the problem for the
entire body in one operation, we formulate the equations for each
finite element and combine them (assembly process) to obtain the
solution of the whole body.
 Briefly, the solution for structural problems typically refers to
determining the displacements at each node and the stresses within
each element making up the structure that is subjected to applied
loads.
 In nonstructural problems, the nodal unknowns may, for instance, be
temperatures or fluid pressures due to thermal or fluid fluxes.
 Introduction

uniform loading
Fixed boundary

Element
Finite element
Cantilever plate
model
in plane strain

Node
Problem: Obtain the
stresses/strains in the
plate
Matrix Notation
 Finite Element Analysis Methods
Force/Flexibility Method
It uses internal forces as the unknowns of the problem. To obtain the
governing equations, first the equilibrium equations are used. Then
necessary additional equations are found by introducing
compatibility equations. The result is a set of algebraic equations for
determining the redundant or unknown forces.

Displacement/Stiffness Method
It assumes the displacements of the nodes as the unknowns of the
problem. For instance, compatibility conditions requiring that
elements connected at a common node, along a common edge, or on
a common surface before loading remain connected at that node,
edge, or surface after deformation takes place are initially satisfied.
Then the governing equations are expressed in terms of nodal
displacements using the equations of equilibrium and an applicable
law relating forces to displacements.
 Finite Element Analysis Methods

Variational Method (Minimum PE)

It includes a number of principles. One of these principles is the
theorem of minimum potential energy that applies to materials
behaving in a linear-elastic manner.

Variational Method (Virtual Work)

This principle applies more generally to materials that behave in a
linear-elastic fashion, as well as those that behave in a nonlinear
fashion. The principle of virtual work is described in Appendix E
(Pg. No. 878) for those choosing to use it for developing the general
governing finite element equations that can be applied specifically to
bars, beams, and two- and three-dimensional solids in either static or
dynamic systems.
 Finite Element Analysis Steps

The decisions regarding dividing the structure or continuum into finite

elements and selecting the element type(s) to be used in the analysis, the
kinds of loads to be applied, and the types of boundary conditions or
supports to be applied (step 1) are made by the analyst. The other steps i.e.
2 through 7, are carried out automatically by a computer program.

Step 1: Discretize and Select the Element Types

It involves dividing the body into an equivalent system of finite elements
and choosing the most appropriate element type. The decision of total
number of elements used and their variation in size and type within a given
body is based upon analyst’s expertise. The elements must be made small
enough to give usable results and yet large enough to reduce computational
time.
Small elements are generally desirable where the results are changing
rapidly, such as where changes in geometry occur; large elements can be
used where results are relatively constant.
 Finite Element Analysis Steps
 The primary line elements consist of bar (or truss) and beam elements.

 They have a cross-sectional area but are usually represented by line segments.

 In general, the cross-sectional area within the element can vary but we will
consider it to be constant.

 These elements are often used to model trusses and frame structures

 The simplest line element (called a linear element) has two nodes, one at each
end, although higher-order elements having three or more nodes also exist

 The basic two-dimensional (or plane) elements are loaded by forces in their
own plane (plane stress or plane strain conditions).

 They are triangular or quadrilateral elements. The simplest two-dimensional

elements have corner nodes only (linear elements) with straight sides or
boundaries
 Finite Element Analysis Steps
 The most common three-dimensional elements are tetrahedral and
hexahedral/brick elements; they are used when it becomes necessary to
perform a three-dimensional stress analysis.

 The basic three-dimensional elements have corner nodes only and straight
sides

 Whereas higher-order elements with mid-edge nodes (and possible midface

nodes) have curved surfaces for their sides

 The axisymmetric element is developed by rotating a triangle or quadrilateral

about a fixed axis located in the plane of the element through 360º.

 This type of element can be used when the geometry and loading of the
problem are axisymmetric.
 Discretization Examples

Three-Dimensional
One-Dimensional Two-Dimensional Brick Elements
Frame Elements Triangular Elements
 Finite Element Analysis Steps
Step 2: Select a Displacement Function

It involves choosing a displacement function within each element

The function is defined within the element using the nodal values of the element.

Linear,quadratic, and cubic polynomials are frequently used functions. However,

trigonometric series can also be used.

For a two-dimensional element, the displacement function is a function of the

coordinates in its plane (say, the x-y plane).

The same general displacement function can be used repeatedly for each element

Hence in FEM a continuous quantity, such as the displacement throughout the

body, is approximated by a discrete model composed of a set of piecewise-
continuous functions defined within each finite element
 Finite Element Analysis Steps
Step 4: Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations
Initially,
the development of element stiffness matrices and element equations
was based on the concept of stiffness influence coefficients.

It presupposes a background in structural analysis.

The alternative methods that do not require this special background are presented
below

Direct Equilibrium or Stiffness Method

The stiffness matrix and element equations relating nodal forces to nodal
displacements are obtained using force equilibrium conditions for a basic element,
along with force/deformation relationships

As this method is most easily adaptable to line or one-dimensional elements, so it

will be illustrated for spring, bar, and beam elements, respectively in upcoming
chapters
 Finite Element Analysis Steps

Work or Energy Methods

The principle of virtual work outlined in Appendix E is applicable for any

material behavior

The principle of minimum potential energy and Castigliano’s theorem are

applicable only to elastic materials.

Furthermore, the principle of virtual work can be used even when a potential
function does not exist.

However, all three principles yield identical element equations for linear-elastic
materials.

Thus which method to use for this kind of material in structural analysis is
largely a matter of convenience and personal preference
 Finite Element Analysis Steps

Methods of Weighted Residuals

The methods of weighted residuals are useful for developing the element
equations; particularly popular is Galerkin’s method

Thesemethods yield the same results as the energy methods wherever the energy
methods are applicable

They are especially useful when a functional such as potential energy is not
readily available

The weighted residual methods allow the finite element method to be applied
directly to any differential equation.

Galerkin’s method, least square method, sub-domain methods will all be used in
Chapter 3 to solve a one-dimensional bar problem for which a known exact
solution exists for comparison
 Finite Element Analysis
PREPROCESSING
1. Create a geometric model
2. Develop the finite element model

Solid model Finite element model

 Finite Element Analysis
FEM analysis scheme

Step 1: Divide the problem domain into non overlapping regions

(“elements”) connected to each other through special points
(“nodes”)
Element
Node

Finite element model

FEM analysis scheme

Step 2: Describe the behavior of each element

Step 3: Describe the behavior of the entire body by putting together

the behavior of each of the elements (this is a process known as
“assembly”)

POSTPROCESSING

Compute Stress, strain, moment etc

 Preprocessing
Step 1

Step 2
Analysis
Step 3

Postprocessing

The Analysis phase alone has 3 steps (which we will be most

interested in the rest of this course)
 Approximate Methods of Analysis
Approximating Methods:

Generally used approximating methods are as follow:

Finite Difference Method

Methods of Weighted Residuals

i. Collocation Method
ii. Galrekin’s Method
iii. Subdomain Method
iv. Least Square Method

Rayleigh –Ritz Method

Finite Element Method

Finite Volume Method

Introduction
Introduction
 Role of Simulation in Design:
Boeing 777

Source: Boeing Web site (http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/gallery/images/commercial/).

The Boeing 777 is the first jetliner to be 100 percent digitally
designed using three-dimensional solids technology. Throughout the
design process, the airplane was "preassembled" on the computer,
eliminating the need for a costly, full-scale mock-up.
The 230 000 kg plane is the biggest twin-engine aircraft ever to fly-it
can carry 375 passengers 7400 km-and from its first service flight in
June 1995, has been certified for extended-range twin-engine
operations.
Boeing invested more than $4 billion (and insiders say much more)
in CAD infrastructure for the design of the Boeing 777 and reaped
huge benefits from design automation. The more than 3 million parts
were represented in an integrated database that allowed designers to
do a complete 3D virtual mock-up of the vehicle.
Boeing based its CAD system on CATIA (short for Computer-aided
Three-dimensional Interactive Application) and ELFINI (Finite
Element Analysis System), both developed by Dassault Systemes of
France (Dassault systems acquired ABAQUS in 2005 and
ABAQUS+CATIA is known as SIMULIA) and licensed in the
United States through IBM. Designers also used EPIC (Electronic
Preassembly Integration on CATIA) and other digital preassembly
applications developed by Boeing. Much of the same technology was
used on the B-2 program.
To design the 777, Boeing organized its workers into 238 cross-
functional "design build teams" responsible for specific products.
The teams used 2200 terminals and the computer-aided three
dimensional interactive application (CATIA) system to produce a
"paperless" design that allowed engineers to simulate assembly of the
777.
General Purpose Commercial FEA Packages