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Case study: Investigación de “Método de Elemento Finito”

Gabriela Alejandra Valadez López, Jimena García Macías, Paola Sarai Luévano

Gómez, Marya Andrea Martínez Carreón y Ángel Gabriel Serrano Villalpando

Department of Mechatronics, Universidad Tecnológica El Retoño

Mathematics for Engineering

Ing. Cristian Alexis Calvillo Arellano

March 10, 2024

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Table of contents
I. INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 3
II. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 4
2.1. FEM: Finite Element Method 4
2.2. Node 4
2.3 Discretization 4
2.4. Degrees of freedom 5
2.5. System rigidity matrix 5
2.6. Value interpolation 5
2.7. Continuum Mechanics. 5
2.8. Lagrangian and serendipitous 6
2.9. One-to-one correspondence. 6
III. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS 6
3.1. Application of the Method 6
3.2. Types of Shape Functions 6
3.3. Delimitations of the Method 7
3.4. Computational mechanics 7
3.5. Static vs. Dynamic Considerations 8
3.6. Lineal vs. No lineal 8
3.7. Methods of Discretization 9

3.8. Variants of the finite element method 9

IV. CONCLUSIONS 10
V. BIBLIOGRAPHY 11
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I. INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Most physical phenomena can be described or modeled by a set of differential equations

with their corresponding initial and boundary conditions. In most engineering problems it is not

possible to obtain an exact solution to the system of equations. Therefore, it is necessary to use

methods that allow us to obtain approximate numerical solutions to the numerical solutions

approximate to the real one.

The finite element method is one of the most widely used methods in engineering and

physics for approximating solutions of differential equations. Although it can be used in hand

calculations, it is when computers are used that it allows the resolution of problems on

complicated geometries. The variety of problems to which it can be applied is enormous, it is

used in the design and improvement of products and industrial applications, as well as in the

simulation of complex physical and biological systems. In engineering it allows calculations as

diverse as stresses, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, etc.

Although the finite element method as a mathematical formulation is relatively new, its

basic structure has been known for quite some time. In recent years it has undergone a great

development due to advances in computing. The widespread use of computers and the

phenomenal increase in computing power has allowed the FEM to develop incredible accuracy.

At the same time, a large amount of software has been appearing, more and more specialized

by subject, which allows to perform finite element calculations in a simple way. But make no

mistake, the correct use of this type of software requires a deep knowledge not only of the

program you are working with, but also of FEM principles. Only then will we be in a position to

guarantee that the results obtained in the analysis are in line with reality. [2]
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II. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

2.1. FEM: Finite Element Method

The finite element method is one of the most widely used methods in engineering and

physics for approximating solutions of differential equations. Although it can be used in hand

calculations, it is when computers are used that it allows the resolution of problems on

complicated geometries. [3]

The finite element method (hereinafter FEM) makes it possible to obtain an approximate

numerical solution for a body, structure or domain (when it is a continuous medium) - on which

certain differential equations are defined in weak or integral form that characterize the physical

behavior of the problem - by dividing it into a large number of non-intersecting subdomains

called "finite elements". [4]

2.2. Node

In a schematic or graphical representation in the form of a tree, each of the points of

origin of the various branches. [5]

In more general terms, a node is simply a connection point in any type of system or

structure, not just limited to computer networks. For example, in the context of data structures, a

node can be an individual element in a list, a tree, a graph, etc.

2.3 Discretization

In applied mathematics, discretization is the process of transferring continuous functions,

models, variables and equations to discrete counterparts. This process is usually carried out as

a first step to make them suitable for numerical evaluation and implementation on digital

computers. [6]
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2.4. Degrees of freedom

The degrees of freedom (GL) is the amount of information provided by the data that you

can "spend" to estimate the unknown population parameter values and calculate the variability of

those estimates. This value is determined by the number of observations in the sample and the

number of parameters in the model.

If you increase the sample size, you will get more information about the population and,

consequently, the degrees of freedom of the data will increase. If you add parameters to the

model (e.g., by increasing the number of terms in a regression equation), you will "waste"

information from the data and reduce the degrees of freedom available to estimate the variability

of the parameter estimates. [7]

2.5. System rigidity matrix

The matrix stiffness method is a design method applicable to hyperstatic member

structures that behave elastically and linearly. It is referred to as the direct stiffness method

(DSM), although it is also called the displacement method. [8]

2.6. Value interpolation

Interpolation is the process of estimating and inserting missing values in time series data.

If the time series intervals are regular but some values are simply not present, missing values

can be estimated by linear interpolation. [9]

2.7. Continuum Mechanics.

It is the branch of physics (specifically mechanics) that deals with continuous matter,

including both solids and fluids.[10]

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2.8. Lagrangian and serendipitous

The serendipity family of finite element spaces is among the most popular finite element

spaces for parallelepiped meshes in two, and, to a lesser extent, three dimensions. For each

such mesh and each degree r ≥ 1 they provide a finite element subspace with C0 continuity

which has a significantly smaller dimension than the Lagrangian family. [11]

2.9. One-to-one correspondence.

Given two sets A and B, where some elements of A are associated with some elements

of B, this relation is a correspondence.

A correspondence that satisfies image uniqueness is called a one-to-one

correspondence. [12]

III. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS

3.1. Application of the Method

The most intuitive way to understand the method, while also the most widespread, is its

application to a plate subjected to plane stress. The Finite Element Method (FEM) can be seen

as a structural generalization of matrix structural analysis to the analysis of continuous systems.

In fact, the method originated from applications to structural systems. [1]

3.2. Types of Shape Functions

Within each element, three types of nodes can be distinguished: Primary, Secondary, and

Intermediate. Shape functions fall into two main families based on node type:

Serendipitous: where only boundary nodes (primary and secondary) exist.

Lagrangian: which also includes intermediate nodes.

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Additionally, geometric interpolation allows for better fitting of elements to the body's

geometry, enabling curved-sided elements from a reference element. Distortion is not limited to

two-dimensional elements but extends to mapping two-dimensional elements to

three-dimensional ones. [1] Figure 1 shows the types of nodes in an element.

Figure 1. Types of nodes in an element

3.3. Delimitations of the Method

The field of mechanics, as shown in Figure 2, can be subdivided into three areas:

theoretical mechanics, applied mechanics, and computational mechanics. Computational

mechanics specifically addresses problems using numerical methods implemented in digital

computers (simulation). [1]

Figure 2. Branches of mechanics

3.4. Computational mechanics

Various branches of computational mechanics, as shown in Figure 3, focus on different

physical scales. Nanomechanics deals with molecular and atomic phenomena and is closely

linked to physics and chemistry. Micromechanics operates at the crystalline and granular level

and is applied in materials and microdevice design and fabrication. Continuum mechanics

studies bodies at the macroscopic level, treating microstructure as homogeneous. Traditional

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applications include solid and fluid mechanics, including structural mechanics and computational

fluid dynamics. [1]

Figure 3. Branches of computational mechanics

3.5. Static vs. Dynamic Considerations

Figure 4 shows branches of continuum mechanics. Problems within the continuum can

be subdivided based on whether inertial effects are considered. Static problems disregard or

neglect inertial forces, while dynamic problems explicitly account for the current time's

dependence due to inertial force calculations. [1]

Figure 4. Branches of continuum mechanics

3.6. Lineal vs. No lineal

Static problems can be classified into linear and nonlinear categories, as shown in Figure

5. Linear static analysis involves problems where the response is proportional to the cause,

while nonlinear problems deviate from this proportionality. [1]

Figure 5. Division of static problems

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3.7. Methods of Discretization

Static analyses can be classified based on discretization methods,as shown in Figure 6.

Converting the mathematical model of the continuum into a discrete model with a finite number

of degrees of freedom. The Finite Element Method (FEM) dominates spatial discretization for

linear problems, while finite difference methods remain important in fluid mechanics. Spectral

methods simplify problems by transforming spatial and/or temporal dimensions into spaces (e.g.,

frequency domain), while automatic meshing methods combine finite element techniques with

finite difference characteristics. [1]

Figure 6. Discretization methods

3.8. Variants of the finite element method

The term FEM encompasses a broad range of techniques sharing characteristics

described previously, Figure 7 shows finite element variants. Within the realm of structural

mechanics, variants include displacement formulation and stiffness-based solution, known as

the Direct Stiffness Method, especially relevant for computational analysis of linear static

problems. [1]
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Figure 7. Finite element variants

IV. CONCLUSIONS

Jimena García Macías: The Finite Element Method (FEM) stands as a comprehensive

methodology to address a wide variety of problems in engineering and physics. By dividing a

domain into finite elements and nodes, the FEM allows the discretization of complex systems,

facilitating their analysis using numerical techniques. This versatility is reflected in its ability to

model from flat stressed plates to three-dimensional systems, adapting to different geometries

and boundary conditions.

Paola Sarai Luévano Gómez: FEM is applied to a wide range of engineering and

physics problems, from the analysis of simple structures to the simulation of complex

phenomena in nature. Its generality lies in its ability to model systems in two or three

dimensions, as well as its ability to handle heterogeneous materials and complicated boundary

conditions. This makes it an essential tool for the design and analysis of structures, the

optimization of manufacturing processes and the prediction of behavior under extreme

conditions.

Marya Andrea Martínez Carreón: In FEM, shape functions play a fundamental role in

approximating solutions within each finite element. These functions are classified into two main

families: serendipitous, which only include boundary nodes, and Lagrangian, which can also
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include intermediate nodes. The choice of appropriate shape functions depends on the geometry

and boundary conditions of the problem at hand. In addition to shape functions, discretization of

the model is crucial for obtaining accurate and efficient results.

Ángel Gabriel Serrano Villalpando: Despite its versatility and ability to model a wide

variety of physical systems, FEM has some limitations and delimitations. For example, FEM is

most suitable for problems where deformations are small and constitutive relations are linear.

For highly nonlinear problems or those involving large deformations, more advanced numerical

approaches may be necessary, such as nonlinear finite element methods or dynamic finite

element methods. In terms of areas of application, FEM is used in a wide variety of engineering

and physics fields.

Gabriela Alejandra Valadez López: In the analysis of physical systems, it is important

to distinguish between static and dynamic problems, as well as between linear and nonlinear

problems. Static problems involve equilibrium conditions, where external forces are balanced by

internal forces, while dynamic problems involve the consideration of acceleration and inertial

forces. Additionally, problems can be linear or nonlinear depending on the relationship between

input and output variables. FEM can be applied to both types of problems, but the formulation

and solution may vary significantly depending on the case.

V. BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] Mendieta León., R. (2020). Investigación de “Método de elemento finito”. Universidad

Politécnica de Puebla.

https://www.studocu.com/es-mx/document/universidad-politecnica-de-puebla/ingenieria-asistida-

por-computadora/metodo-de-elemento-finito-rml/8391165

[2] Mirlisenna, G. (November 18th, 2022). ¿Qué es el método de elementos finitos y

cómo es utilizado en la simulación? ESSS.

https://www.esss.co/es/blog/metodo-de-los-elementos-finitos-que-es/
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[3] colaboradores de Wikipedia. (March 2nd, 2024). Método de los elementos finitos.

Wikipedia, la Enciclopedia Libre.

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9todo_de_los_elementos_finitos

[4] Ingeoexpert. (November 14th 2020). Fundamento y origen del Método de los

Elementos Finitos (MEF) - Ingeoexpert.

https://ingeoexpert.com/articulo/fundamento-y-origen-del-metodo-de-los-elementos-finitos-mef/

[5] Conozca el «DLE». (n. d.). Real Academia Española.

https://www.rae.es/diccionario-lengua-espanola-rae-buscadores/google

[6] colaboradores de Wikipedia. (n. d.). Discretización. Wikipedia, la Enciclopedia Libre.

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discretizaci%C3%B3n

[7] ¿Qué son los grados de libertad? - Minitab. (n. d.). (C) Minitab, LLC. All Rights

Reserved. 2023.

https://support.minitab.com/es-mx/minitab/21/help-and-how-to/statistics/basic-statistics/supportin

g-topics/tests-of-means/what-are-degrees-of-freedom/

[8] colaboradores de Wikipedia. (December 13th 2022). Método matricial de la rigidez.

Wikipedia, la Enciclopedia Libre.

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9todo_matricial_de_la_rigidez#:~:text=El%20m%C3%A9t

odo%20matricial%20de%20la,el%20m%C3%A9todo%20de%20los%20desplazamientos.

[9] IBM documentation. (n. d.).

https://www.ibm.com/docs/es/spss-modeler/18.5.0?topic=series-interpolation-values-in-netezza-t

ime#:~:text=La%20interpolaci%C3%B3n%20es%20el%20proceso,estimarse%20mediante%20l

a%20interpolaci%C3%B3n%20lineal.

[10] WebHome < Main/MC < FoSwikI. (n. d.). https://cimec.org.ar/foswiki/Main/MC/

[11] Arnold, D., & Awanou, G. (March 11th 2011). The Serendipity Family of Finite

Elements. Found Comput Math. https://www-users.cse.umn.edu/~arnold//papers/serendipity.pdf

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[12] Fundamentos de la Matemática/Tipos de correspondencias - Wikilibros. (n. d.).

https://es.m.wikibooks.org/wiki/Fundamentos_de_la_Matem%C3%A1tica/Tipos_de_corresponde

ncias