Introduction to Finite Element Analysis

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 Numerical Methods

Finite Element Method

Boundary Element Method

Finite Difference Method

Finite Volume Method

Meshless Method

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 What is the FEM?
FEM: Method for numerical solution of field problems
Description:
FEM cuts a structure into several elements (pieces of the structure) and
Reconnects elements at “nodes” as if nodes were pins or drops of glue that hold elements together
This process results in a set of simultaneous algebraic equations
Typical element
Number of degrees-of-freedom (DOF)

Continuum: Infinite
FEM: Finite
(This the origin of the name: Finite Element Method)
(attributed to Clough, 1960)
Typical node

A 2-D model of a gear tooth

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 Fundamental Concepts (1/6)

Many engineering phenomena can be expressed by Governing Equations and Boundary Conditions

Elastic Problems Governing Equation

Thermal Problems (Differential Equation)

Fluid Flow 𝐿𝐿 𝜙𝜙 + 𝑓𝑓 = 0
Aeroelastic Problems

Electrostatics

etc. Boundary Conditions

𝐵𝐵 𝜙𝜙 + 𝑔𝑔 = 0
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 Fundamental Concepts (2/6)

Example: Vertical machining center Geometry is very complex!

Elastic deformation
Thermal behavior
etc.

A Set of Simultaneous
Governing FEM Algebraic Equations
Equation 𝐿𝐿 𝜙𝜙 + 𝑓𝑓 = 0
Boundary
Conditions 𝐵𝐵 𝜙𝜙 + 𝑔𝑔 = 0 Approximate! 𝐾𝐾 𝑢𝑢 = 𝑓𝑓

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 Property Fundamental Concepts (3/6)

𝐾𝐾 𝑢𝑢 = 𝑓𝑓 𝑢𝑢 = 𝐾𝐾 −1 𝑓𝑓

Behavior Action

Property 𝑲𝑲 Behavior 𝒖𝒖 Action 𝒇𝒇

Elastic Stiffness Displacement Force
Thermal Conductivity Temperature Heat Source
Fluid Viscosity Velocity Body Force
Electrostatic Dielectric Permittivity Electric Potential Charge

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 Fundamental Concepts (4/6)

It is very difficult to make the algebraic equations for the entire domain, therefore
Divide the domain into a number of small, simple elements
A field quantity is interpolated by a polynomial over an element
Adjacent elements share the DOF at connecting nodes

Finite Elements

Finite Elements

Finite Elements
Small piece of structure

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 Fundamental Concepts (5/6)

Obtain the algebraic equations for each element (this is easy!)

Put all the element equations together

𝐾𝐾 𝑢𝑢 = 𝑓𝑓
Assembled for the full
structure/model

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 Fundamental Concepts (6/6)
Solving the equations, obtaining the unknown variables at nodes

𝐾𝐾 𝑢𝑢 = 𝑓𝑓 −1
𝑢𝑢 = 𝐾𝐾 𝑓𝑓

And next computing the derived parameters

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 Concepts - Summary

FEM uses the concept of piecewise polynomial interpolation

By connecting elements together, the field quantity becomes interpolated over the entire
structure in piecewise fashion

A set of simultaneous algebraic equations at nodes

Property
𝐾𝐾 Stiffness Matrix

𝐾𝐾 𝑢𝑢 = 𝑓𝑓 𝑢𝑢 Displacement Vector

Behavior Action 𝑓𝑓 Load Vector

Hooke’s Law

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 Brief History
The term Finite Element was first coined by Clough in 1960. In the early 1960s, engineers used the
method for approximate solutions of problems in stress analysis, fluid flow, heat transfer and other areas.
The first book on the FEM by Zienkiewicz and Chung was published in 1967
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the FEM was applied to a wide variety of engineering problems
Most commercial FEM Software Packages originated during this period
(Nastran, Abaqus, Adina, Ansys, Nisa, Sap, Non-Sap, …)
The number of references, literature, books, journals is nowadays approaching infinity …

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 Advantages of the FEM
Can readily handle very complex geometry: The heart and the power of the FEM

Can handle a wide variety of engineering problems: Solid mechanics, Fluidynamics, Heat transfer

Can handle complex restraints: Indeterminate structures can be solved

Can handle complex loading: Point Loads, Pressure Loads, Time or Frequency dependent Loads

The number of references, literature, books, journals is nowadays approaching infinity …

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 Disadvantages of the FEM
A general closed-form solution, which would permit one to examine system response to changes
in varoius parameters, is not produced

The FEM obtains only approximate solutions

The FEM has inherent errors

Mistakes by users can be fatal

It may appear easy to use

Users, sometimes, confuse models with drawings

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 Typical FEA Procedure by Commercial Software

User Pre Process Buid a FE model

Computer Process Solve a Numerical Analysis

User Post Process User: Analyse the Results

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 Pre Process (1/2)

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 Pre Process (2/2)

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 Process and Post Process

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 Responsibility of the User
Problem

Results obtained by ten reputable FEM codes and by Users regarded as expert

Boundary Conditions: Hinged supports

Load: Pressure Pulse
Unknown: Lateral mid point
displacement in the time domain

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 Errors Inherent in FEM Formulation

Geometry is simplified

Field quantity is assumed to be a polynomial over an element (which is not true)

Use very simple integration techniques (Gauss Quadrature)

+1
1 1
Area: � 𝑓𝑓 𝑥𝑥 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 ≈ 𝑓𝑓 + 𝑓𝑓 −
−1 3 3

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 Errors Inherent in Computing

The computer carries only a finite number of digits

e.g.) 2 = 1.41421356 𝜋𝜋 = 3.14159265

Numerical difficulties: e.g. Very Large Stiffness

𝑘𝑘1 ≫ 𝑘𝑘2 𝑘𝑘2 ≈ 0

𝑃𝑃 𝑃𝑃
𝑘𝑘1 + 𝑘𝑘2 − 𝑘𝑘1 𝑢𝑢2 = 𝑃𝑃 ⟹ 𝑢𝑢2 = ≈
𝑘𝑘2 0

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 Mistakes by Users

Elements are of the wrong type

e.g.) Shell elements are used where solid elements are needed

Distorted elements

Supports are insufficient to prevent all rigid-body motions

Inconsistent units (e.g. E = 200 Gpa, Force = 100 lbs)

Too large stiffness differences  Numerical difficulties

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