3-Day Short Course On

Finite Element Method

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Lectures by

Professor J. N. Reddy
(Texas A&M University, USA)

March 21st 23rd, 2013

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National Institute of Technology

Tiruchirappalli - 620 015,
Tamilnadu, India

A Three-Day* Short Course on

Finite Element Method

(with applications to heat transfer, solid and Fluid mechanics)

March 21-23, 2013, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
LECTURER
J. N. Reddy
Texas A&M University, College Station
e-mail: jnreddy@tamu.edu

COURSE COODINATOR
K. Baskar
National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
India - 620 015

ABOUT THE COURSE

BACKGROUND
The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a computational tool for solving a variety of practical
engineering problems that arise in different fields. It is recognized by developers and users
as one of the most powerful numerical analysis tools ever devised to analyze complex
problems of engineering. The underlying theory of the method is now well established, with
many books and courses providing adequate explanations of the theory. However, most
people using the method, via commercial software or in-house codes, do not often understand
the method as applied to engineering problems, especially in generating input data and
interpreting the results.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The major problem facing the engineering analyst contemplating the use of the finite
element technique lies in acquiring appropriate knowledge to provide assurance that the
finite element model produced gives a reasonably reliable representation of the "real life"
problems being analyzed. The present course is designed to bridge the gap between the
theoretical finite element knowledge and its industrial applications by providing sufficient
insights into the relationship between the physical phenomena, governing equations,
problem data (e.g., loads, boundary conditions, constitutive behavior, etc), and the finite
element model. The lecturers will discuss the intimate connection between these aspects as
well as issues such as element selection, mesh design, interpretation of results in light of
qualitative understanding of the problem being analyzed .
This course is intended to provide graduate students and researchers working in aerospace,
automotive, civil, mechanical engineering, and information technology as well as numerical
analysts and materials scientists with the theory and applications of linear finite element
analysis of problems from heat transfer, solid and structural mechanics, and fluid mechanics.
PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS
The course is aimed at students, analysts, and researchers who are involved with the
analysis of differential equations arising in engineering and applied science, and who are
using or plan on using commercially available finite element packages to analyze problems in
the aeronautical, automobile, mechanical, civil and other engineering disciplines.
Participants are assumed to have knowledge of the basic principles of engineering (i.e.,
undergraduate degree in engineering). Some knowledge of the finite element method is an
advantage, but not essential.

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING THE COURSE

Persons who have attended the course and followed the material should benefit in
strengthening their background in the following areas:

A strong understanding of the formulative steps involved in the finite element model
development of the equations of engineering and applied science, including certain
heat transfer, solid and structural mechanics and fluid flow problems.

Generation of finite element data (e.g., selection of elements and mesh, computation
of nodal forces), imposition of boundary conditions, post-computation of stresses and
strains, etc.), exploitation of problem symmetries, and interpretation and evaluation
of the results.

COURSE MATERIAL AND REFERENCE BOOK

A copy of the overheads used in the presentation of the course will be provided as a part of
the course material (by the organizers). The introductory finite element book by JN Reddy is
now available and the participants may purchase the book from local vendors. The reference
information on the book is Reddy, J. N., An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, Third
Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2006.

COURSE CONTENTS (actual coverage and sequence may differ depending

on the participants background)
Background: Introduction to numerical methods

Overview basic ingredients of the FEM

Comparison with alternative solution methodologies

The basic concepts in FEM one-dimensional problems

Axial deformations of a bar

Strong and weak forms
Essential vs. natural boundary conditions
Integral statements (Principle of the minimum potential energy)
Methods of approximations (Ritz & Galerkin methods)
Accuracy error measures
Finite element approximation functions (linear, quadratic, and
cubic elements)
Assembly of element equations
Illustrative examples and discussion of results in light of physical
response

Extension of the concepts to beams and two-dimensional problems

Flexure of beams and frames

Membrane and heat transfer-like (e.g., ground water flow) problems in 2D
2D Elements types (triangular and quadrilateral elements)
Computational examples

Numerical/computational issues

Subparametric, isoparametric, and superparametric formulations

Numerical integration
General modeling considerations

Eigenvalue and Time-Dependent problems

Free vibration of elastic systems

Transient Analysis

Solid and Structural Problems

Governing equations of plane elasticity problems

Elements types (triangular and quadrilateral elements)
Bending of thin and thick elastic plates
Examples

Axisymmetric and Three-dimensional problems

Axisymmetric problems
Heat transfer-type problems
Elasticity problems
Types of 3-D Finite elements (interpolation functions)

Introduction to 2D Flows of Viscous Incompressible Fluids

Governing equations
Mixed finite element model
Penalty finite element model
Numerical examples
Coupled fluid flow and hear transfer formulations

Professional Highlights of J. N. Reddy

http://authors.isihighlycited.com/ and http://www.tamu.edu/acml
Dr. Reddy is a Distinguished Professor and inaugural holder of the Oscar
S. Wyatt Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M
University, College Station, Texas. Dr. Reddy is the author of over 480
journal papers and 17 text books on theoretical formulations and finiteelement analysis of problems in solid and structural mechanics (plates
and shells), composite materials, computational fluid dynamics,
numerical heat transfer, and applied mathematics. Professor Reddy is
internationally-known for his research on mechanics of composite
materials and for computational methods. The shear deformation plate
and shell theories that he developed and bear his name in the literature
are well known, and finite element models he developed have been
implemented into commercial software like ABAQUS, NISA, and
HYPERFORM. Such an eminent record of research has earned Dr. Reddy
numerous national and international awards, including the Charles Russ
Richards Memorial Award and the Worcester Reed Warner Medal of the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Nathan M. Newmark Medal from the American Society
of Civil Engineers; Award for Excellence in the Field of Composites, Distinguished Research Award
from the American Society for Composites, the Computational Solid Mechanics award from US
Association for Computational Mechanics, and the Archie Higdon Distinguished Educator Award
from the American Society of Engineering Education. Recently, Dr. Reddy presented the prestigious
The 2009 Landis-Epic Lecture at the University of Pittsburgh, and received Honoris Causa,
Honorary degree, from the Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal; and Honorary Doctoral degree
from Odlar Yurdu University, Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2011. In addition, Dr. Reddy is one of the very
few researchers in engineering around the world, who is recognized by ISI Highly Cited Researchers
(with over 10,000 citations and h-index of 50). Professor Reddy has had profound influence on the
careers of many students and young researchers who came in contact with him during his
professional career (not only as students and collaborators but also as participants in his short
courses, workshops and seminars during his visits to various institutions and conferences). Some
never met him but were influenced by his writings. A more complete resume can be found at
http://authors.isihighlycited.com/

and

http://www.tamu.edu/acml

Advisory Committee Members

1. Dr. S. Sundarrajan, Director, NIT-T
2. Dr. P. Jayabalan, Prof., Civil Engineering, NIT-T
3. Dr. K. Sankaranarayanasamy, Prof., Mechanical Engineering, NIT-T
4. Dr. N. Ammasaigoundan, Prof., Dept. of Electrical and Electronics Engg, NIT-T
5. Dr. G. Swaminathan, Prof., Civil Engineering & TEQIP Coordinator, NITT-T
6. Dr. R. Ponalagusamy, Prof., Department of Mathematics, NIT-T
7. Dr. S. Kumanan, Prof., Department of Production Engineering, NIT-T
8. Dr. Raman Sanakaranarayanan, Prof., Metallurgical & Materials Engg. , NIT-T
9. Dr. J. Sarat Chandra Babu, Prof., Chemical Engineering, NIT-T
10. Dr. Ramkalyan Ayyagari, Prof., Instrumentation and Control Engg. , NIT-T
11. Dr. R. Sundaravadivelu, Prof., Dept. of Ocean Engg., IIT(M), Chennai
Venue
Seminar Hall, Department of Civil Engineering, NIT, Tiruchirappalli.
(any change in venue will be intimated to the registered participants)
Course Timing: 9.00am to 5.00pm with tea/coffee/lunch breaks.
Important Dates
Last Date of receiving applications
Intimation to the participants
Course Dates

13th March 2013

14th March 2013
21st to 23rd March 2013

Registration
For Faculty members from academic institution
For Ph.D. Scholars
For Participants from Industry

Rs. 12,000/Rs. 8,000/Rs. 15,000/-

The Registration Fee includes access to attend all the sessions / lectures, course
materials, lunch / coffee / tea on all three days.
All payment shall be made in the form of Demand Draft in favor of The Director,
National Institute of Technology, Trichy payable at Trichy-15.
The DD together with registration form should be sent to the course coordinator.
NOTE: Admission Restricted to Registered Participants only.
Accommodation can be arranged upon the earlier request of the participant at their
cost.
Course Coordinator
Dr. K. Baskar, Coordinator
Associate Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
National Institute of Technology
Tiruchirappalli 620 015, Tamilnadu, India
Phone : 0431-2503161, Fax: 0431-2500133
Mobile : 9790180736
E-mail : kbaskar@nitt.edu

National Institute of Technology

Tiruchirappalli 620 015

3-Day Short Course on

Finite Element Method

21st 23rd March 2013

Registration Form
Name of the participant:..
Designation:.
Academic Qualification:..
Experience: ..
Name of Institution / Organization:..
Address for Communication:
.......

Mobile:..Fax:
E-Mail:..........................................................................
Do you need accommodation? YES/NO (at your cost)
Demand Draft Details:

To be paid in favor of The Director, National Institute of

Technology, Trichy
Amount:

DD No:..Date:

Drawn on (Bank)Payable at Trichy-15

Place:

Date:

Signature of participant:
(For Additional entries use photocopy of this Form)
Approval / permission from Institution
We approve the above applicant as a candidate for the short course on Finite
Element Method being organized by N.I.T. Trichy during 21st 23rd March 2013.
Authority Signature with seal