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is to be determined.
Nodes are the selected finite points at which basic unknowns (displacements in
afinite no. by diving the solution regimes into small parts called elements.
5. What is convergence?
Convergence refers to how close the FEM solution is to the exact solution.
7. What is p-convergence?
In order to increase the accuracy of the solution, the complexity of the shape function
must be increased. Increasing the polynomial order increases the complexity of the
order to increase the accuracy of the solution, more elements must be added. This
means creating a finer mesh.
9. What is higher order elements?
If the interpolation polynomial is of the order two or more, the element is known as
not violate symmetry; this is achieved by the use of Pascal triangle for 2Dcases and
Pascal tetrahedron for 3D cases.
14. What are the steps involved in FEA?
1. Discretization of the continuum, 2. Selection of displacement models, 3. Deriving
of nodal displacements.
19. How to identify order of elements?
The maximum power of the variable in the interpolation polynomial gives the order or
the order can be obtained by no. of nodes present. Eg. a+bx+cx2 is second order.
20. Mention different types of elements.
Simplex elements, complex elements and multiplex elements; Based on their
geometry they are classified as 1D, 2D, 3D and axis symmetric elements.
21. Mention some application of FEA.
Stress analysis of bars, beams, trusses, buckling problems, Heat transfer problems,
displacements etc.
23. What are the methods to improve problem solution?
Use of higher order elements in order to get exact solutions.
stress directed perpendicular to the plane are assumed to be zero e.g. thin plate.
26. What is plane strain?
If the dimensions along longitudinal direction is very long and loading subjected
the situation into small elements (usually triangular) and apply a set of edge
constraints and then use a computer to solve for the area of concern for whatever the
value under investigation is e.g. temperature, flow rate, stress, shear, bending moment
etc. So Solid mechanics is the study of things as shear, stress, etc. and they use FEA as
a tool but FEA can be applied to many other fields e.g. fluid mechanics
thermodynamics, etc.
28. What are the packages available for FEA?
STAAD-PRO, GT-STRUDEL, NASTRAN, NISA and ANSYS.
Deformation and stress analysis of structural systems can be accomplished using the
principle of Minimum Potential Energy (MPE), which states that For conservative
structural systems, of all the kinematically admissible deformations, those
corresponding to the equilibrium state extremize (i.e., minimize or maximize) the total
potential energy. If the extremum is a minimum, the equilibrium state is stable.
31. Write potential energy equation for cantilever beam.
32. Mention Two different methods to approach the model of physical system.
FEM and FDM.
coordinate system.
35. What is shape function?
It is an interpolation function used to interpolate the variable at the nodes to the field
variable.
Function which relates the field variable at any point within the element to the field
-1 to +1.
40. Explain one point formula and Explain two point formula.
polynomial.
42. Mention two schemes to represent band width?
Node numbering along longer edge and shorter edge.
isotropic elements.
zero.
Sum of shape functions is unity.
The differentiation of shape function is a constant.
solutions to linear and nonlinear differential equations. If we use this method the finite
element equations can be derived directly from the governing differential equations
of the problem without any need of knowing the functional
50. Different methods to solve weighed residual problem.
Galerkin method, Collocation method, Sub domain method.
in equilibrium if and only if the IVW equals the EVW for every virtual displacement
field.
52. Mention some advantages of FEA over solid mechanics.
In classical methods exact equations are formed and exact solutions are obtained
whereas in finite element analysis exact equations are formed but approximate
solutions are obtained.
Solutions have been obtained for few standard cases by classical methods, whereas
assumptions and looks for the solutions: Shape, Boundary conditions, Loading.
To get the solution in the above cases, rectangular shapes, same boundary condition
along a side and regular equivalent loads are to be assumed. In FEM no such
assumptions are made. The problem is treated as it is.
When material property is not isotropic, solutions for the problems become very
difficult in classical method. Only few simple cases have been tried successfully by
researchers. FEM can handle structures with anisotropic properties also without any
difficulty.
If structure consists of more than one material, it is difficult to use classical method,
the modulus of elasticity or Young's Modulus and may be written Young's Modulus,
or E=(Stress/Strain) It is this property that determines how much a bar will sag under
its own weight or under a loading when used as a beam within its limit of
proportionality. For steel, Young's Modulus is of the order of 205000 N/mm2.
Ratio of decrease in the thickness (lateral contraction of a body being pulled (under a
direct stress to corresponding linear strain within elastic limit. If p is any direct stress
below the elastic limit and e the corresponding linear strain, then E = p / e.
Modulus of Rigidity or Shear Modulus (G)Modulus of Rigidity is the ratio of shear
stress to shear strain within elastic limit. It is denoted by N,C or G. if q is the shear
stress within elastic limit and f the corresponding shear strain, then G = q / f.
Bulk Modulus (K)Bulk Modulus is the ratio of volumetric stress to volumetric strain
within the elastic limit. If pv is the volumetric stress within elastic limit and ev the
corresponding volumetric strain, we have K = pv / ev.
55. Which is the most accepted form of numerical integration in FEM?
Gaussian quadrature.
is called a beam.
Types include Cantilever beam, simply supported beam and over hanging beam.
is in motion and it involves the combined effects of conduction and fluid motion.
Radiation is the energy emitted by matter in the form of electromagnetic waves as
Adiabatic surfaces are surfaces which do not allow the flow of heat either into the
of vessel wall divided by the difference between the temperature in the interior of the
fluid and the temperature at the surface of the wall. Also known as convection
coefficient.
63. Define Thermal gradient & Thermal conductivity.
The rate of temperature change with distance.
Thermal conductivity is defined as the rate of heat transfer through a unit thickness
suddenly.
Types are modal analysis, harmonic analysis etc.
excitation.
Harmonic analysis is analysis done when a structure is subjected to cyclic loading.
dimension axial element, each node has only one DOF, i.e. each node can move only
in the x direction only.
utilizing a general set of subroutines, e.g., input data, integration, assembly, boundary
conditions, output, etc. About 90% of a FEM program is generic, which is fairly
common among most FEM codes they tend to use similar matrix solvers, quadrature
rules, and matrix assembly procedures; I/O is usually the major difference among
commercial FEM codes some are easy, and some are not so easy to learn and use.
70. How expensive is a FEM code?
FEM codes range from those that can be found for free on the web to others costing
many thousands of dollars. Those that run on PCs are generally inexpensive, yet
provide powerful tools for solving a number of large scale problems.
71. What kind of hardware do need to run a FEM code?
A PC with a sufficiently fast processor, at least2GB RAM, and at least 500 GB of hard disk
will permit many problems to be solved that once could only be run on mainframe computers.
A suggested PC level for major FEM calculations is one with 4 GB RAM, 1TBhard
disk, and running with Pentium 4/3.2 GHz or better processors would provide more
than adequate capabilities. The state-of-the-art in PC hardware is improving
constantly; in a few years, even these suggested requirements will seem obsolete.
72. Why is the p-version FEM important?
The FEM provides an approximate solution. In engineering practice it is important to
know not only the information one wishes to compute but also to have an indication
about the size of error of FEM approximation. The p-version FEM makes it
convenient and efficient to obtain error estimates in terms of the data of interest.
73. When was the p-version FEM developed?
Research on the p-version dates back to the late 1960's. Many important advances
occurred in the 1970's. The p-version FEM is a more recent technology than the hversion.
74. Does the p-version have clear advantages over the h-version?
Yes. For typical design problems in mechanical and civil engineering practice the
h-version?
In principle, any problem which can be solved by the h-version can be solved by the
77. Is there any connection between the FEM and the boundary element method (BEM)?
In the BEM, one reduces the order of the problem by one, i.e., a two-dimensional
requirements (both disk and RAM)! It is desired to find the minimum number of
elements that give you a converged solution.
79. What is a banded matrix?
A matrix whose only
main
The greatest no. of coefficient of stiffness in any row of the stiffness matrix from and
including the leading diagonal to the outside right hand non-zero coefficient. The
main use of banded matrix lies in reducing the space required to store the given
matrix.
81. What are area coordinates?
Area coordinates
between 0 and 1 which is equal to the ratio of the area of triangular portion of
the element to the total area of the element.
82. What is an isoparametric element?
If geometry and the field (displacement) interpolation functions areof the same order,
then it is called isoparametric element. Their use enables the basic elements to be
mapped into distorted shapes which are of considerable importance for it allows the
generation of elements having curved sides or faces.
83. Define discretization?
It is a process in which the given body is sub divided in to an equivalent system of
finite elements.
84. What are the finite elements?
The geometrically complex region describing a continuum is discretized in to simple
determined in FEA. The properties and governing relationship are assumed over the
element and expressed mathematically in terms of un known value at specific points
on the elements are called as nodes. There are two types of nodes- External nodes
(primary and secondary), 2.internal nodes
variation method (such as theRayleigh Ritz method) and the other on the method of
weighted residuals (such as theGalerkin method).In the formulation based on the
variation method, the fundamental equations are derived from the stationary
conditions of the functional for the boundary-value problems. This formulation has an
advantage that the process of deriving functional is not necessary, so it is easy to
formulate the FEM based on the method of the weighted residuals.
90. Mention the stages of FEA?
In general, a finite-element solution may be broken into the following three stages.
o
(ii)
(iii)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
1. Graphical User Interfaceor GUI. which follows the conventions of popular Windows
and X-Windows based programs.
2.Command filesapproach has a steeper learning curve for many, but it has the
advantage that the entire analysis can be described in a small text file, typically inless
than 50lines of commandsand enables easy model modifications and minimal file
space requirements.
92. How files are organized in ANSYS?
A large number of files are created when ANSYS is run. If ANSYS is started without
specifying a job name, thename of all files created will be File.*, where the
represents various extensions described below. If a jobnameisspecified, say Beam,
then the created files will all have the file prefix, Beam again with various extensions:
1. beam.db database file (binary). This file stores the geometry, boundary conditions,
and any solutions.
2. beam.dbb backup of the database file (binary).
3. beam.err error file (text). Listing of all error and warning message
4. beam.out output of all ANSYS operations (text). This is what normally scrolls
inthe output window during ANSYS session.
5. beam.log log file or listing of ANSYS commands (text). Listing of all equivalent
93. What are advantages of FEA?
FEAs biggest advantage is its versatility. A variety of problems, involving
Another great advantage of FEA is its high accuracy of calculations. Once the
designers interpret the problem correctly and feed the respective data, no errors are
encountered in the plotted answers.
problem.
Voluminous computer outputs are generated, which has to be patiently digested and
interpreted.
The stress distribution also depends upon denseness of meshing. Stress values
may vary by 25% from fine mesh analysis to average mesh analysis.
Experience and good engineering judgment are needed in order to define a good
model.
95. Define stiffness & state the properties of stiffness matrix?
Banded one, symmetric, and order is NXN WHERE N= NO. OF DOF
96. What is the effect of size and number of elements on the solution by FEM.?
Smaller size and more no. of elements will result in more FEM accuracy.
97. What is interpolation function? What is a linear, quadratic, and cubic element?
Linear one
degree
,Quadratic---second
degree
polynomial
Cubic---
polynomial function.
100.
formulation?
parametric and
Super parametric
For
Isoparametric
----NG =ND.,
Sub-parametric
--
NG <ND,
Super
Local,
Natural,
Global,
Area,
Generalised co-ordinate systems.
102.
Shape functions of beam element tell formula H1, H2, H3and H4,
103.
A load carrying member subjected to tensile and compressive force only no shear.
104.
The versatility, ease of data input, and solution accuracy make the FEM one of the
best numerical methods for solving engineering problems. FEM programs are
the backbone of structural analyses, and are becoming more widely accepted for
problems in which geometries are complex.
105.
The recent introduction of BEM and meshlessmethods would appear to indicate the
eventual obsolescence of the FEM. However, these newer methods are still years
away from being developed to the point of wide spread applicability found in FEM.
The FEM will be around for many years to come. Recent advances with the inclusion
of spectral schemes and adaptivity make it especially attractive now.
106.
The FEM is a novel numerical method used to solve ordinary and partial differential
equations. The method is based on the integration of the terms in the equation to be
solved, in lieu of point discretization schemes like the finite difference method. The
FEM utilizes the method of weighted residuals and integration by parts (Green-Gauss
Theorem) to reduce second order derivatives to first order terms. The FEM has been
used to solve a wide range of problems, and permits physical domains to be modeled
directly using unstructured meshes typically based upon triangles or quadrilaterals in
2-D and tetrahedrons or hexahedrals in 3-D. The solution domain is discretized into
individual elements these elements are operated upon individually and then solved
globally using matrix solution techniques.
107.
use of finite difference schemes; Southwell used such methods in his book published
in the mid 1940s. The beginnings of the finite element method actually stem from
these early numerical methods and the frustration associated with attempting to use
finite difference methods on more difficult, geometrically irregular problems.
Beginning in the mid-1950s, efforts to solve continuum problems in elasticity using
small, discrete "elements" to describe the overall behaviour of simple elastic bars
began to appear, and such techniques were initially applied to the aircraft industry.
Actual coining of the term "finite element" appeared in a paper by Clough in 1960.
The early use of finite elements lay in the application to structural-related problems.
However, others soon recognized the versatility of the method and its underlying rich
mathematical basis for application in non-structural areas. Since these early works,
rapid growth in usage of the method has continued since the mid-1970s. Numerous
articles and texts have been published, and new applications appear routinely in the
literature.
108.
The versatility of the FEM, along with its rich mathematical formulation and
robustness makes it an ideal numerical method for a wide range of problems. The
ability to model complex geometries using unstructured meshes and employing
elements that can be individually tagged makes the method unique. The ease of
implementing boundary conditions as well as being able to use a wide family of
element types is a definite advantage of the scheme over other methods. In addition,
Can the FEM handle a wide range of problems, i.e., solve general PDEs?
While the FEM was initially developed to solve diffusion type problems, i.e., stress-
strain equations or heat conduction, advances over the past several decades have
enabled the FEM to solve advection-dominated problems, including incompressible as
well as compressible fluid flow. Modifications to the basic procedure (utilizing forms
of up winding for advection, i.e., Petrov-Galerkin and adaptive meshes) allow general
advection-diffusion transport equations to be accurately solved for a wide range of
problems.
110.
Is there any connection between the FEM and the boundary element
method (BEM)?
In the BEM, one reduces the order of the problem by one, i.e., a two-dimensional
domain is reduced to a line integral a three-dimensional domain becomes a twodimensional surface. The BEM only requires the discretization of the boundaries of
the problem domain no internal meshing is required, as in the FDM, FVM, and
FEM schemes. The BEM requires two applications of the Green-Gauss Theorem
(versus one in the FEM and employing Galerkins Method). The method is ideal for
handling irregular shapes and setting boundaries that may extent to (near) infinity.
One can place interior nodes within the BEM to obtain internal values easily. The
BEM works quite effectively for linear differential equations principally elliptic
equations. However, if one desires to solve nonlinear advection-diffusion transport
equations, the method becomes very cumbersome and computationally demanding
BEM matrices are dense, and do not readily permit efficient, sparse matrix solvers to
be used as in the FEM.
111.
interpolation order during the solution process. The method is particularly effective in
fluid flow, heat transfer, and structural analysis. The use of mesh refinement has been
Are there any recommended commercial FEM packages that are versatile
it just depends on how comfortable the user is with the I/O part of the program.
COMSOL, as mentioned before, is quite easy and very versatile handling a wide
range of problem classes including fluid flow (with turbulence), heat transfer,
structural analysis, electrodynamics, and general PDEs including species transport,
chemical reactions, and groundwater/porous media flows.