Introduction to

Finite Elements Method

Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

Definition
The finite element method is a
numerical method for solving problems
of engineering and mathematical
physics.
Useful for problems with complicated
geometries, loadings, and material
properties where analytical solutions
can not be obtained.
Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

Discretizations
Model body by dividing it into an
equivalent system of smaller bodies or
units (finite elements) interconnected at
points common to two or more
elements (nodes or nodal points)
and/or boundary lines and/or surfaces.

Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

Examples of Discretizations

Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

Examples of Discretizations

Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

Examples of Discretizations

Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

Brief History
Hrennikoff [1941]- McHenry [1943]:
application of lattice of line or 1D elements (bars and beams)
to model 3D solids and calculate stresses in them
Courant [1943]:
setting up solution of stresses in variational forms
Levy [1947, 1953]:
introducing flexibility(force) method & stiffness(displacement)
method
Argryis and Kelsey [1954]:
development of matrix structural analysis methods using
energy principle
Turner, Clough, Martin and Topp [1956]:
first treatment of 2D elements
Clough [1960]
first use of the term Finite Elements
Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

Brief History
Grew out of aerospace industry.
Post-WW II jets, missiles, space flight
Need for light weight structures
Required accurate stress analysis
Paralleled growth of computers

Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

Applications
Structural/Stress Analysis
Fluid Flow
Heat Transfer
Electro-Magnetic Fields
Soil Mechanics
Acoustics
Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

Features
Obtain a set of algebraic equations to
solve for unknown nodal quantity
(displacement).
Secondary quantities (stresses and
strains) are expressed in terms of nodal
values of primary quantities (nodal
displacements)
Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

10

Advantages
Irregular Boundaries
General Loads
Different Materials
Boundary Conditions
Variable Element Size
Easy Modification
Dynamics
Nonlinear Problems (Geometric or Material)
Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

11

General Steps
Discretize and Select Element Type
Select a Displacement Function
Define Strain/Displacement and Stress/Strain
Relationships
Derive Element Stiffness Matrix & Eqs.
Assemble Equations and Introduce B.C.s
Solve for the Unknown Degrees of Freedom
Solve for Element Stresses and Strains
Interpret the Results
Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

12

Computer Programs
Small Special Purpose Programs
n
n
n
n

Truss
Frame
Plane Stress
Heat Transfer

Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

13

Computer Programs
Large (Commercial) General Purpose Programs

ALGOR
ANSYS
COSMOS/M
MSC/NASTRAN
SAP90
ADINA
NISA

Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

14

Advantages of General
Purpose Programs
Easy input - preprocessor.
Solves many types of problems
Modular design - fluids, dynamics, heat, etc.
Can run on PCs now.
Relatively low cost.

Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

15

Disadvantages of General
Purpose Programs
High development costs.
Less efficient than smaller programs,
Often proprietary. User access to code limited.

Tuesday, February
01, 2011

Introduction to FEM
Dr.Eng. Mohammad R. KHEDMATI

16