CE 72.

12 Finite Element Methods in Engineering

Lecture 1: Course Introduction
Semester – January 2023

Dr. Chaitanya Krishna

Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering
School of Engineering and Technology (SET)

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Course management 2

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Introduction to the Course 3

• Title of this course is “Finite element methods in

Engineering”
• The course aims to equip structural engineers with
methodologies and methods related to FEM which are in
line with the fast development of computing technology.
• Students would gain experience in formulating
algorithms using MATLAB, MATHEMATICA, PYTHON or
FORTRAN and also use some FEM softwares and tools
that support FEM

3 Credits/ 45 hours/ 2 lectures/ week

January, 2023 - April, 2023: Wednesday, 8:30-10:00 and Friday, 13:30-15:00

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Course Objectives
• FEM is numerical analysis technique for obtaining
approximate solutions to wide variety of engineering
problems.
• The objective of this course is to introduce the
concepts of
• solid mechanics to develop finite element methods, its
formulation
• development of a computer program to model real
structural problems
• simulate and analyze engineering problems.
For: 5

1. Understanding the link between solid mechanics and

structural analysis

2. Developing finite element models

3. Formulating and solving mathematical models

4. Post-processing and interpreting solutions

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Course Outline (1)
I. Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
1. Basic concepts of finite element analysis
2. Review of structural analysis
3. Introduction to elasticity and solid mechanics
4. Steps in finite element analysis

II. Development of Finite Elements

1. Discretization
2. Element geometry
3. Interpolation function
4. Numerical integration scheme
5. Computation of stresses and strains
Course Outline (2)
III. General Structure of a FE Computer Implementation
1. Elasticity and FEM Formulations
2. Pre-processor module, solution module and post-
processor module
3. 2D Finite Element Method using Triangular and
Quadratic elements

IV. Application of Finite Element Method

1. Finite element analysis of time dependent problems
2. Non-linear analysis and solution techniques
Computer Tools 8

Mathworks Matlab GNU Octave

• Paid but student versions are
available • Free and open source but
• Matlab Live may be limited

You can also use excel*, mathematica, python, maxima, sagemath, etc.

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Teaching and Learning Methods
• Teaching and learning methods include lectures, hand-on
session, guest lectures, class discussions and course
project

• Time Distribution and Study Load

➢ Lecture hours= 30 h
➢ Hand-on or practical session on computer = 10 h
➢ Assignment = 10 h
➢ Self-study = 50 h
➢ Project = 10h
Evaluation Scheme
➢Mid-semester exam = 30%
➢Assignments and Project = 40%
➢Final Exam = 30%
Resources
Textbooks:
➢No designated textbook, but class notes and handouts
will be provided
Reference Books:
➢Olek C Zienkiewicz; Robert L Taylor; J.Z. Zhu (2013). The
finite Element Method: Its Basis and Fundamentals.
Butterworth-Heinemann
➢Bathe, K.J.(2006). Finite Element Procedures. Cambridge,
MA: Klaus-Jurgen Bathe.
Other books 12
• Beer, G. and Watson, J.O., Introduction to Finite and Boundary Element Methods for Engineers, John Wiley, 1993
• Bickford, W.B., A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Irwin, 1990.
• Burnett, D.S., Finite Element Analysis, Addison-Wesley, 1987.
• Chandrupatla, T.R. and Belegundu, A.D., Introduction to Finite Elements in Engineering, Prentice-Hall, 2002.
• Cook, R.D., Malkus, D.S. and Plesha, M.E., Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis, 3rd Ed., John Wiley, 1989.
• Desai, C.S., Elementary Finite Element Method, Prentice-Hall, 1979.
• Fung, Y.C. and Tong, P., Classical and Computational Solid Mechanics, World Scientific, 2001.
• Grandin, H., Fundamentals of the Finite Element Method, Macmillan, 1986.
• Huebner, K.H., Thorton, E.A. and Byrom, T.G., The Finite Element Method for Engineers, 3rd Ed., John Wiley, 1994.
• Knight, C.E., The Finite Element Method in Mechanical Design, PWS-KENT, 1993.
• Logan, D.L., A First Course in the Finite Element Method, 2nd Ed., PWS Engineering, 1992.
• Moaveni, S., Finite Element Analysis – Theory and Application with ANSYS, 2nd Ed., Pearson Education, 2003.
• Pepper, D.W. and Heinrich, J.C., The Finite Element Method: Basic Concepts and Applications, Hemisphere, 1992.
• Pao, Y.C., A First Course in Finite Element Analysis, Allyn and Bacon, 1986.
• Rao, S.S., Finite Element Method in Engineering, 3rd Ed., Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998.
• Reddy, J.N., An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, McGraw-Hill, 1993.
• Ross, C.T.F., Finite Element Methods in Engineering Science, Prentice-Hall, 1993.
• Stasa, F.L., Applied Finite Element Analysis for Engineers, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1985.
• Zienkiewicz, O.C. and Taylor, R.L., The Finite Element Method, Fourth Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1977, 1989.

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Exposure to Important tools 13

• Structural • Visualization • FEM Package

toolkit-Paraview
analysis-Ftools

• Programming –
Meshing-GMSH Matlab/C++/Fortran • Special tool -
AEM

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Examples of FEM software 14

• For General purposes:

NASTRAN, ANSYS, ADINA, ABAQUS, etc.
• For structural analysis, particularly in Civil Engineering:
SANS, SAP, STAAD, GT STRUDL, etc.
• For building structures:
ETABS, BATS etc.
• For geotechnical design:
PLAXIS
• For conducting researches on earthquake engineering:
DRAIN-2D, DRAIN-3D, RUAOMOKO, OpenSees etc.
 15

Open the Black Box

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 16

Preface

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Structural Engineering 17

Source: CVR Murthy

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Behaviour Modelling 18

Behavior of a
Structure

Simulation Experiment

Simplifications and Replicate conditions of the

assumptions of the real structure (possibly on a smaller
structure scale) and observe the behavior
of the model

Mathematical Model Physical Model

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Why FEM? 19

Mathematical
Models

Analytical Solution Numerical Solution

Techniques Techniques

Closed-form •Finite difference methods

Solutions •Finite element methods
•Boundary element methods
Only possible for simple •Mesh-free methods
geometries and boundary •etc.
conditions

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Advantages of FEM 20

• Models bodies of complex shape

• Can handle general loading/boundary conditions
• Models bodies composed of composite and multiphase
materials
• Model is easily refined for improved accuracy by varying
element size and type (approximation scheme)
• Time dependent and dynamic effects can be included
• Can handle a variety nonlinear effects including material
behavior, large deformations, boundary conditions, etc.

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Learning Components of FEM 21

1.Introduction to FEA: This could include an overview of the

history and development of FEA, as well as a discussion of the
basic principles and concepts behind FEA.
2.Element types: There are many different types of elements
that can be used in FEA, including bar elements, beam
elements, shell elements, and solid elements. You could
discuss the properties and applications of each type of
element.
3.Modeling techniques: You could discuss the various
techniques that are used to create FEA models, including
meshing, boundary conditions, and loads.
4.Solving the problem: You could discuss the different types of
algorithms that are used to solve FEA problems, including
direct and iterative methods.
5.Post-processing: After solving an FEA problem, it is important
to analyze the results in order to understand the behavior of
the system.
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Steps in FEA of Structure (1) 22

1. Discretization: The first step in using the FEM is to

divide the structure or material being analyzed into
small, manageable pieces called "finite elements".

2. Element formulation: Each finite element is then

formulated mathematically, typically using a set of
shape functions that describe the behavior of the
element in terms of nodal degrees of freedom.
[𝐵]{𝑢} = {ⅇ}

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Steps in FEA of Structure (2) 23

3. Assembly: Once all of the elements have been

formulated, they are assembled together to create a global
system of equations that describes the behavior of the
entire structure or material.
[𝐾]{𝑢} = {𝑓}
[K] = Stiffness or Property Matrix, {U} = Nodal Displacement Vec, {F} = Nodal Force Vec

4. Boundary conditions: The global system of equations is

then modified to take into account the specific boundary
conditions that apply to the problem at hand.

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Steps in FEA of Structure (3) 24

5. Solution: The global system of equations is then solved

using numerical methods. The solution provides
information on the displacement (usually).

𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒;
( 𝐾 𝑢 − 𝑓 = 0)

6. Post-processing: Once the solution is obtained, it is

necessary to interpret the results and create visualizations
that help to understand the behavior of the system.

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Steps in FEA of Structure (4) 25

7. Validation (optional): Compare the numerical results

obtained by the FEM with analytical solutions or
experimental data to ensure the accuracy and reliability of
the FEM model.

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Recap of CE 72.11 26

• The finite element equation must incorporate the

appropriate physics of the problem
• For problems in structural solid mechanics, the
appropriate physics comes from either strength of
materials or theory of elasticity
• Methods of FEM formulations
1.Direct Method: Based on physical reasoning, limited to simple
cases. Enhances physical understanding
2.Variational-Virtual Work Method: Based on virtual
displacements, leads to minimization of system potential
energy for equilibrium.
3.Weighted Residual Method: Uses special mathematical
operations to develop the "weak form" suitable for problems
with no variational statement.

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