Kwame Nkrumah University of

Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

ME 456: Introduction to Finite

Element Method
Ing. Prof. Prince Yaw Andoh, PhD; MGhIE
Mobile: 0507970658
WhatsApp: 0507970658
Email: andohp_2@yahoo.com; pyandoh.coe@knust.edu.gh

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering
 Course Introduction
ME 456 Finite Element Method is a fourth year course offered in second
semester for BSc programme in Mechanical Engineering

Course Overview
⮚ You Will Be Taken Through The Following: The Introductory
Course In Finite Element Methods For Thermal, Stress And
Deformation Analysis Of Mechanical Elements.

⮚ It Covers Finite Element Theories, Problem Formulation And Use Of

All-purpose Finite Element Programmes. www.knust.edu.gh
 Course Objectives

On completion of the course it is expected that you will be able to:

⮚ Study the Analysis of trusses, beam, frame, plane stress, plane

strain, axisymmetric isoparametric, solid, thermal, and fluids
using finite element methods.

⮚ Study the commercial Finite Element software to solve

engineering problems

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 Course Outline

Lecture 1: Introduction

Lecture 2 : Bar Element

Lecture 3 : Beam Element

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 Assessment

Grades in this course will be based on hand-ins as follows:

1. Quiz:
6%
2. Assignment: 3%
3. Project: 21%
4. Final Exams: 70%

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 Schedules
Assignments
There will be three (3) group assignments, 1 from each lecture. The date
of submission is 2 weeks after each lecture

Quizzes
There will be three (3) quizzes, 1 from each lecture. Each quiz will take
place the second Saturday @ 10 pm after the end of each lecture. It will
be online examination and open from 10 pm to 12 am. It is 1 attempt. It
will cover the whole unit comprising of multiple choice, true/false and
numeric response

Final Exams
This will include all topical issues discussed during this course. Please,
review all group assignments, quizzes and mid semester exams as
preparation for your semester exams. The examination dates and venue
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will be communicated by the Examination officer in due course
appropriately.
 Project
There will be two case study for this project. They are:
CASE 1: Development of a general-purpose FEM software packages for
a Bar Elements

CASE 2: Development of a general-purpose FEM software packages for

a Beam Elements
GROUPINGS
1. The groupings will be based on their serial number
2. The serial number will be generated from their index number
3. Serial numbers with odd numbers will form group 1 and those with even
numbers will form group 2
4. 3 students will form subgroups generated from the groups
Selection of Case Study
1. Each sub group will select one of the case study using the ballot
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2. 20th - 27th of May, 2021 (Submission of Groups)

 Tasks
1. Develop a general-purpose FEM software package that can be
readily executed on microcomputers, including workstations and
PCs.

1. The FEM software can be coupled to CAD programs to facilitate

solid modeling and mesh generation.

1. The FEM software package should feature GUI interfaces, auto-

meshers, and sophisticated postprocessors and graphics to speed the
analysis and make pre and post-processing more user-friendly.

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 Submission

1. Introduction (Background, Multvation, Problem Statement and

Objectives) 8th June, 2021
2. Literature Review 22nd June, 2021
3. Methodology 13th July, 2021
4. Results and Discussion 3rd August, 2021
5. Final Report 17th August, 2021

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THANK YOU

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 LECTURE 1
INTRODUCTION

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Module Outline
❑ Definition
❑ Importance of FEA
❑ Basic Concepts
❑ Application of FEA
❑ Matrix Algebra
❑ Spring Element
❑ Spring System
❑ ANSYS Basic Program Structure

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 Definition
• Many problems in engineering and applied science are governed by
differential or integral equations.

• The solutions to these equations would provide an exact, closed-form

solution to the particular problem being studied.

• However, complexities in the geometry, properties and in the

boundary conditions that are seen in most real-world problems usually
means that an exact solution cannot be obtained or obtained in a
reasonable amount of time.

• Current product design cycle times imply that engineers must obtain
design solutions in a ‘short’ amount of time.
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 Definition
• Thus there is the need for a method to obtain approximate solutions
that can be readily obtained in a reasonable time frame, and with
reasonable effort.

• The FEM is one such approximate solution technique

• In the FEM, a complex region defining a continuum is discretized into

simple geometric shapes called elements.

• The properties and the governing relationships are assumed over these
elements and expressed mathematically in terms of unknown values at
specific points in the elements called nodes.

• An assembly process is used to link the individual elements

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to the
given system.
 Definition
• When the effects of loads and boundary conditions are considered, a
set of linear or nonlinear algebraic equations are usually obtained.
• Solution of these equations gives the approximate behavior of the
continuum or system.

• The continuum has an infinite number of degrees-of-freedom (DOF),

while the discretized model has a finite number of DOF. This is the
origin of the name, finite element method.

• The number of equations is usually rather large for most real-world

applications of the FEM, and requires the computational power of the
digital computer.

• The FEM has little practical value if the digital computer

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were not
available.
 Definition

• Advances in and ready

availability of computers and
software has brought the FEM
within reach of engineers
working in small industries, and
even students.

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 Importance of FEA
How can the FEM Help the Design Engineer?
• The FEM offers many important advantages to the design engineer:

• Easily applied to complex, irregular-shaped objects composed of

several different materials and having complex boundary
conditions.

• Applicable to steady-state, time dependent and Eigen value

problems.

• Applicable to linear and nonlinear problems.

• One method can solve a wide variety of problems, including

problems in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, chemical reactions,
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electromagnetic, biomechanics, heat transfer and acoustics, to name
a few.
 Importance of FEA
How can the FEM Help the Design Engineer?
• General-purpose FEM software packages are available at reasonable
cost, and can be readily executed on microcomputers, including
workstations and PCs.

• The FEM can be coupled to CAD programs to facilitate solid

modeling and mesh generation.

• Many FEM software packages feature GUI interfaces, auto-meshers,

and sophisticated postprocessors and graphics to speed the analysis
and make pre and post-processing more user-friendly.

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 Importance of FEA
How can the FEM Help the Design Organization?
• Simulation using the FEM also offers important business advantages to
the design organization:

• Reduced testing and redesign costs thereby shortening the product

development time.

• Identify issues in designs before tooling is committed.

• Refine components before dependencies to other components

prohibit changes.

• Optimize performance before prototyping. www.knust.edu.gh

 Advantages & Disadvantages of FEA
Advantages of the Finite Element
Method
Can readily handle complex geometry: Time or frequency dependent
The heart and power of the loading.
FEM. Can handle complex restraints:
Can handle complex analysis types: Indeterminate structures can
Vibration be analyzed.
Transients Can handle bodies comprised of non
Nonlinear homogeneous materials:
Heat transfer Every element in the model
Fluids could be assigned a different
Can handle complex loading: set of material properties.
Node-based loading (point Can handle bodies comprised of non
loads). isotropic materials:
Element-based loading Orthotropic
(pressure, thermal, inertial Anisotropic
forces).
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 Advantages & Disadvantages of FEA
Special material effects are Disadvantages of the Finite Element Method
handled: A specific numerical result is obtained for a specific
Temperature problem.
dependent
properties. A general closed-form solution, which would permit
Plasticity one to examine system response to changes in
Creep various parameters, is not produced.
Swelling
Special geometric effects The FEM is applied to an approximation of the
can be modeled: mathematical model of a system (the source of so-
Large called inherited errors.)
displacements.
Large rotations. Experience and judgment are needed in order to
Contact (gap) construct a good finite element model.
condition

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 Advantages & Disadvantages of FEA
A powerful computer and reliable FEM Susceptible to user-introduced
software are essential. modeling errors:
Poor choice of element types.
Input and output data may be large and Distorted elements.
tedious to prepare and interpret. Geometry not adequately
modeled.
Numerical problems:
Computers only carry a finite Certain effects not automatically
number of significant digits. included:
Round off and error Buckling
accumulation. Large deflections and
Can help the situation by not rotations.
attaching stiff (small) elements to Material nonlinearities .
flexible (large) elements. Other nonlinearities.

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Basic Concepts

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Basic Concepts

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Application of FEA

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Application of FEA

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 ANSYS Basic Program Structure
⮚Treatment of engineering problems generally contains three main
parts:
1. create a model,
2. solve the problem,
3. analyze the results.

⮚ANSYS, like many other FE-programs, is also divided into three main
parts (processors) which are called
1. preprocessor,
2. solution processor,
3. postprocessor.

⮚During the analysis you will communicate with ANSYS via a

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Graphical User Interface (GUI), which is described below and seen in
Figure.
ANSYS Basic Program Structure

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 ANSYS Basic Program Structure

⮚Utility menu: Here you can access and adjust properties of your
session, such as file controls, listing and graphic controls.

⮚ Toolbar: Buttons for commonly used commands.

⮚ Main menu: Here you can find the processors used when analysing
your problem.

⮚Graphics window: In the graphics window your model is displayed:

geometry, elements, visualisation of results and so forth.

⮚Input window: You can type commands in the input window.

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 ANSYS Basic Program Structure
Preprocessor
Within the preprocessor the model is set up. It usually includes a
number of steps in the following order:
1. Select the element type. The type of element to be used should be
selected for the whole part or unit under consideration

1. Define element section properties. The section is defined by its

sectional properties. Each element has to be assigned a particular
sectional modulus or area and sometimes its dimensions.

1. Define materials. A material is defined by its material constants.

Every element has to be assigned a particular material.
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 ANSYS Basic Program Structure
4. Build geometry. Depending on whether the problem geometry is one,
two or three dimensional, the geometry consists of creating lines,
areas or volumes.

a. These geometries can then, if necessary, be used to create other

geometries by the use of boolean operations.

a. The key idea when building the geometry like this is to simplify
the generation of the element mesh.

a. Hence, this step is optional but most often used. Nodes and
elements can however be created from coordinates only.
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5. Generate element mesh. The problem is discretized with nodal
 ANSYS Basic Program Structure
Solution Processor
Here you solve the problem by gathering all specified information about
the problem:

1. Apply loads: Boundary conditions are usually applied on nodes or

elements.

a. The prescribed quantity can for example be force, traction,

displacement, moment, rotation.

a. The loads may also be edited from the preprocessor in ANSYS.

2. Obtain solution: The solution to the problem can be obtained if the

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whole problem is defined.
ANSYS Basic Program Structure
Postprocessor
Within this part of the analysis you can for
example:

1. Visualize the results: For example, plot the

deformed shape of the geometry or stresses.

1. List the results: It is possible to list the results

as tabular listings or file printouts.

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Matrix Algebra

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Matrix Algebra

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 Matrix Algebra

Row Vector

Column Vector

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Matrix Algebra

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Matrix Algebra

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Matrix Algebra

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Matrix Algebra

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Matrix Algebra

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Matrix Algebra

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Matrix Algebra

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Matrix Algebra

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Types of Element

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Types of Element

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Types of Element

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Spring Element

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Spring Element

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Spring Element

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Spring Element

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Spring System

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Spring System

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Spring System

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Spring System

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Spring System

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Spring System

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Spring System

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Example 1-1

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Example 1-1 Continues

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Example 1-1 Continues

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Example 1-1 Continues

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Example 1-1 Continues

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Example 1-2

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Example 1-2 Continues

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Example 1-2 Continues

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Example 1-2 Continues

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THANK YOU

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LECTURE 2
BAR ELEMENT

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 Module Outline
1. Linear Static Analysis
2. Stress and Strain
3. Stiffness Matrix-Direct Method
4. Stiffness Matrix-A Formal Approach
5. Distributed Load
6. Bar Elements in Two-Dimensional
7. Bar Elements in Three-Dimensional
8. Truss Tutorials

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Linear Static Analysis

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Stress and Strain

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Stress and Strain

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Stiffness Matrix-Direct Method

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Stiffness Matrix-Direct Method

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Stiffness Matrix-Direct Method

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Stiffness Matrix-Direct Method

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Stiffness Matrix-Formal Approach

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Stiffness Matrix-Formal Approach

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Stiffness Matrix-Formal Approach

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Stiffness Matrix-Formal Approach

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Stiffness Matrix-Formal Approach

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Stiffness Matrix-Formal Approach

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Example 2-1

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Example 2-1 Continues

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Example 2-1 Continues

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Example 2-1 Continues

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Example 2-2

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Example 2-2 Continues

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Example 2-2 Continues

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Example 2-2 Continues

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Example 2-2 Continues

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Distributed Load

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Distributed Load

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Distributed Load

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Distributed Load

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Bar Element in Two-Dimensional

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Bar Element in Two-Dimensional

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Bar Element in Two-Dimensional

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Bar Element in Two-Dimensional

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Bar Element in Two-Dimensional

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Bar Element in Two-Dimensional

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Bar Element in Two-Dimensional

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Bar Element in Two-Dimensional

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Example 2-3

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Example 2-3 Continues

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Example 2-4

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Example 2-4 Continues

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Example 2-4 Continues

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Example 2-4 Continues

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Example 2-4 Continues

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Example 2-4 Continues

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Example 2-4 Continues

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Bar Element in Three-Dimensional

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Bar Element in Three-Dimensional

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Truss Tutorials

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THANK YOU

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 LECTURE 3
BEAM ELEMENT

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 Module Outline

1. Simple Plane Beam Element

2. Direct Method
3. Formal Approach
4. 3-D Beam Element
5. Equivalent Nodal Loads of Distributed
Transverse Load
6. Analysis of Frame Structures
7. Beam Modeling
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Simple Plane Beam Element

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Simple Plane Beam Element

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Direct Method

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Direct Method

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Formal Approach

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Formal Approach

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Formal Approach

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Formal Approach

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Formal Approach

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3-D Element

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Example 3-1

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Example 3-1 Continues

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Example 3-1 Continues

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Example 3-1 Continues

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Example 3-1 Continues

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Equivalent Node Loads of Distributed
Transverse Load

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Equivalent Node Loads of Distributed
Transverse Load

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Example 3-2

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Example 3-2 Continues

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Example 3-2 Continues

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Example 3-2 Continues

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Example 3-2 Continues

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Example 3-2 Continues

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Example 3-3

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Example 3-3 Continues

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Example 3-3 Continues

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Analysis of Frame Structures

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Example 3-4

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Example 3-4 Continues

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Example 3-4 Continues

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Example 3-4 Continues

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Example 3-4 Continues

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Beam Tutorials

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THANK YOU

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