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CE419 - Chapter1

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Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Objective
The objective of this course is to equip students with fundamentals of finite element principles so as to
enable them to understand the behavior of various finite element and to be able to select appropriate
elements to solve physical and engineering problems with emphasis on structural and geotechnical
engineering applications.

Upon completion of this course, student will be able to:

i. Analyse linear, axisymmetric and/or field problems in structural and geotechnical disciplines
using appropriate finite elements.
ii. Engage in further studies on advanced finite element procedures.

1.2 Course Content


Introduction to finite element method as applied to stress analysis problems; basic equations in
elasticity, matrix displacement formulation, element shapes, nodes, nodal unknowns and coordinate
system, shape functions, strain displacement matrix, methods for assembling stiffness equations e.g.
direct approach, Galerkin’s method, virtual work method, principle of minimum potential energy;
introduction to isoparametric formulation; discritization of a structure and mesh refinement, one
dimensional stress deformation and two dimensional plane stress and plane strain analysis of stress-
deformation problems; numerical integration and computer application.

1.3 Books
1.3.1 Text Book
i. Zienkiewicz, O.C. and Morgan, K., “Finite Elements and Approximation”, John Wiley and
Sons, 1983.
ii. Cook, R.D., “Finite Element Modelling for Stress Analysis”, John Wiley and Sons, 1995.

1.3.2 Reference Book


i. Bathe, K.J., “Finite Element Procedures”, 1996.
ii. J.N. Reddy, “An Introduction to the Finite Element Method”, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill
International Editions, Singapore.
iii. Grandin, H., “Fundamentals of the Finite Element Method”, Macmillan Publishing Company,
1986.
iv. Weaver, W. And Johnston, P.R., “Finite Elements for Structural Analysis”, Prentice-Hall,
1984.
v. Beer, G. And Watson, J.O., “Introduction to Finite and Boundary Element Methods for
Engineers”, John Wiley and Sons, 1992.

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 1


Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

1.4 Introduction
This course student with the fundamentals of finite element principles to enable them to understand
the behaviour of various finite elements and to be able to select appropriate elements to solve physical
and engineering problems with emphasis on structural engineering applications. It covers weak
formulation element shape function, isoparametric concepts, 1-D, 2-D, 3-D and axisymmetric
elements, field problems, modelling, and practical considerations of the finite element method.

This introductory lecture presents motivation and basic concept behind the finite element method
using simple examples.

Analytical solutions are available for only certain simplified situations. For most cases, numerical
methods are often incorporated. Reasons for adopting numerical method over analytical technique
include:

 The problem (e.g. structure) is complicated


 The geometry of the structure is complex
 The loading is not regular
 The boundary conditions are not simple
 The materials are non-homogenous and/or nonlinear
 There are more than one kind of material within the structure

1.5 What is FEM?


The finite element method (FEM), or finite element analysis (FEA), is based on the idea of building a
complicated object with simple blocks, or, driving a complicated object into small and manageable
pieces. Application of this simple idea can be found everywhere in everyday life, as well as in
engineering. Examples:

• Lego (kid's play) • Building blocks

Approximation of the area of a circle.

1 2
Area of one triangle: Si = R sin i
2

Area of the circle:


N
1 2  2 
A =  Si = R N sin   →  R as N → 
2

i =1 2  N 

where N = total number of triangles (elements)

Observation: Complicated or smooth objects can be represented by geometrically simple pieces


(elements).

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 2


Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

FEM is a numerical tool used to transform the differential equations (ODE or PDE) governing
physical or engineering problems into a set of algebraic equations. The latter can be efficiently solved
by computers.

For example, physical problems like axial deformation of a bar is associated with the 1-D second
order differential equations:

𝑑 𝑑𝑢
(𝐴𝐸 ) + 𝑓(𝑥) = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

where, u is the longitudinal displacement, A is the cross-sectional area of the bar, E is the Young's
modulus and f(x) is force per unit length.

1.6 Basic Steps in FEM


 Discretize the problem domain into a finite number of elements (subdomains)
 Construct the approximate trial functions in each element.
 To transform the governing differential equations into a set of algebraic equations for each
element apply - variational principle, energy theorem, virtual work method, integral or weak
formulations, weighted residual methods (Galerkin, collocation, subdomain, least square).
 Assemble the contribution from each element to form the overall governing equations of the
whole problem including the imposition of the boundary conditions.
 Solve the governing algebraic equations.
 Post-process the desired results, like deformation, strains, stresses, forces, bending moments,
etc.

1.7 Why FEM?


 FEM is a versatile tool.
 FEM/FEA is the most widely applied computer simulation method in engineering.
 Closely integrated with CAD/CAM applications. High level of computerization.
 Availability of high-speed computers.
 Easily adaptable to accommodate changes in design.

1.8 Solving Engineering Problems Using FEM


In engineering, there are three approaches to solve problems:

▪ Displacement-based (displacement are unknowns)


▪ Force-based (stresses are the primary unknowns)
▪ Mixed formulation (some displacements and stresses are unknowns)

An illustration of the first approach using three different methods will be given herein.

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 3


Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

1.9 Applications of FEM


• Mechanical / Aerospace / Civil / Automobile Engineering
• Structural analysis (static / dynamic, linear / non-linear)
• Thermal / fluid flows
• Electromagnetics
• Geomechanics
• Biomechanics

1.9.1 Examples

Figure 1.1 Analysis of truss bridge, Australia.

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 4


Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

Figure 1.2 Finite Element Analysis of a steel frame structure.

Figure 1.3 CFD and FEM analysis

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 5


Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

Figure 1.4 FEA of arch bridge

Figure 1.5 Finite Element Analysis of a RCC structure.

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 6


Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

Figure 1.6 Hotel tower concrete framing and lateral system (Image credit: The Singapore Engineer
2009)

1.9.1.1 Polymeric Gel Deformation


FE analysis of polymeric gel deformation may be used to explain the formation of phyllotactic lattice
and tiling patterns in plants.

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 7


Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

Figure 1.7 Swelling of Corona Membrane Gel in equilibrium.

Figure 1.8 Simulation of deformation pattern of leaf growing via membrane gel swelling.

1.9.1.2 Penetration and/or Perforation


Penetration and/or perforation of various structures by high velocity projectile impact can be studied
using the finite element method.

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 8


Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

Figure 1.9 Time history plot of the perforation process of 6 mm thick Weldox 460 E steel plate with
effective plastic strain contour.

1.9.1.3 Automobile Crash


Automobile crash simulation including collision of vessels and offshore structures may be studied by
the finite element method.

Figure 1.10 Computer simulation of automobile crash.

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 9


Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

Figure 1.11 Post-processing of the full frontal impact of a SUV.

Figure 1.12 FEM modelling of a vehicle.

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 10


Introduction to Finite Element Method Chapter 1

1.10 Finite Element Software


• Finite element software is now used in every engineering consulting companies, including
those involving structures, soil, hydraulics, pavement, manufacturing, aircraft, ships, chemical,
electronics and offshore companies.
• These programs are applicable for problems with arbitrary shapes, loads and boundary
conditions.
• They also contain elements library of different shapes, types and physical properties.

1.10.1 Computer Implementations:


• Preprocessing (build FE model, loads and constraints)
• FEA solver (assemble and solve the system of equations)
• Postprocessing (sort and display the results)

1.10.2 Example of FE packages:


STRUDL (1965), NASTRAN (1966), PAFEC (1969), SESAM (1969), ANSYS (1970), SAP (1970),
DIANA (1972), ADINA (1975), FEAP (1975), DYNA2D & DYNA3D (1978), ABAQUS (1979),
COSMOS/M (1982), ALGOR (1984), LSDYNA, SAP2000, ETABS, GTSTRUDL, etc.

1.11 Why not directly use the FE software but go through an FE course?
 Many types of elements are available to solve different problems and practitioners must
understand how various elements behave to use them and interpret the results properly.
 Treatment of loads and boundary conditions in the program must be understood.
 Users must know the limitations, such as material models, so that the problem is appropriately
modelled.

LT COL MD JAHIDUL ISLAM, PHD 11

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