Lecture Notes: Introduction to Finite Element Method

Chapter 4. FE Modeling and Solution Techniques

Chapter 4. Finite Element Modeling and Solution Techniques

I. Symmetry
A structure possesses symmetry if its components are arranged in a periodic or reflective manner.

Types of Symmetry: Reflective (mirror, bilateral) symmetry Rotational (cyclic) symmetry Axisymmetry Translational symmetry ...

Examples:

1998 Yijun Liu, University of Cincinnati

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Lecture Notes: Introduction to Finite Element Method

Chapter 4. FE Modeling and Solution Techniques

Applications of the symmetry properties: Reducing the size of the problems (save CPU time, disk space, postprocessing effort, etc.) Simplifying the modeling task Checking the FEA results ...

Symmetry of a structure should be fully exploited and retained in the FE model to ensure the efficiency and quality of FE solutions.

Examples:

Cautions: In vibration and buckling analyses, symmetry concepts, in general, should not be used in FE solutions (works fine in modeling), since symmetric structures often have antisymmetric vibration or buckling modes.

1998 Yijun Liu, University of Cincinnati

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