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Modelling and Finite Element Analysis 12ME6DCMFE

Finite Element Analysis

Unit 1:Introduction to FEM, basic concept, historical background, general applicability, engineering
applications, general description ,comparison with other methods of analysis, commercial packagespreprocessor, solver and post processor . 3 Hrs

1.Explain steps involved in linear static finite element analysis.

2.Explain preprocessor,solver/processor and post processor applied to commercial finite
element package.
3.Discuss advantages and disadvantages of FEM
4.Compare the finite element method with the continuum method, clearly bringing out the
differences, advantages and disadvantages
5.Explain the continuum method of analysis bringing out the disadvantages in comparison
of Finite element method.
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Introduction to FEM, basic concept .What is FEA?

To heighten understanding of the behavior of a system, structure or a machine component, the analyst
has three standard tools .i.Analytical Methods, ii.Numerical Methods and iii.Experimental Techniques
Analytical method provides quick close form solutions, but they treat only simple geometries and
capture only the idealized structural theory.
Relative to analytical methods, numerical methods require very few restrictive assumptions and
can treat complex geometries. They are far more cost effective than experimental techniques. The
current interest in the engineering community for development and application of computational tools
based on numerical methods is thereby justified. The most versatile numerical method in the hands of
engineers is the finite element method. The goal of analysis is to verify a design prior to manufacture.
While there are several methods of engineering analysis, the most comprehensive is Finite Element
Analysis.
Using experimental techniques, representative or full scale models can be tested. Experimentation is
costly, however, both in terms of the test facilities, the model instrumentation and the actual test.
While the virtues of experimental solution of static, elastic, two-dimensional problems are now largely
overshadowed by analytical and numerical methods, problems involving three-dimensional geometry,
multiple-component assemblies, dynamic loading and inelastic material behavior are usually more
amenable to experimental analysis. In some cases, experimental methods are inevitable and are also
useful in validating solutions from numerical and analytical methods.
The finite element method is a Numerical method to solve field problems in engineering and science.
The technique has very wide application, and has been used on problems involving stress analysis,
fluid mechanics, heat transfer, diffusion, vibrations, electrical and magnetic fields, etc. The
fundamental concept involves dividing the body under study into a finite number of pieces
(subdomains) called elements (see Figure). Particular assumptions are then made on the variation of
the unknown dependent variable(s) across each element using so-called interpolation or
approximation functions. This approximated variation is quantified in terms of solution values at
special element locations called nodes. Through this discretization process, the method sets up an
algebraic system of equations for unknown nodal values which approximate the continuous solution.
Because element size, shape and approximating scheme can be varied to suit the problem, the method
can accurately simulate solutions to problems of complex geometry and loading and thus this
technique
has
become
a
very
useful
and
practical
tool.

Finite Element Analysis is a way to simulate loading conditions on a design and determine the
designs response to those conditions.
The design is modeled using discrete building blocks called elements.
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Each element has exact equations that describe how it responds to a certain load.The sum of the
response of all elements in the model gives the total response of the design.The elements have a finite
number of unknowns, hence the name finite elements.
The finite element model, which has a finite number of unknowns, can only approximate the response
of the physical system, which has infinite unknowns.
So the question arises: How good is the approximation?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. It depends entirely on what you are
simulating and the tools you use for the simulation. We will, however, attempt to give you
guidelines throughout this training course.

Physical

System

F.E.

Model

Most often the mathematical models result in algebraic, differential or integral equations or
combinations thereof. Seldom these equations can be solved in closed form (Exact form), and
hence numerical methods are used to obtain solutions. Finite difference method is a classical
method that provides approximate solutions to differential equations with reasonable
engineering accuracy. There are other methods of solving mathematical equations that are
taught in traditional numerical methods courses. Finite Element Method is one of the
numerical methods of solving differential equations. The FEM originated in the area of
structural mechanics, and has been extended to other areas of solid mechanics and later to
other fields such as heat transfer, fluid dynamics and electromagnetic devices. In fact FEM
has been recognized as a powerful tool for solving partial differential equations and integraldifferential equations. And in the near future it may become the numerical method of choice
in many engineering and applied science areas. One of the reasons for Fem.'s popularity is
that the method results in computer programs versatile in nature that can be used to solve
many practical problems with least amount of training. Obviously there is a danger in using
computer programs without proper understanding of the theory behind them, and that is one
of the reactions to have a thorough understanding of tile theory behind the Finite Element
Method.
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1.2 Historical background

Academic and industrial researchers created the finite element method of structural analysis during
the 1950s and 1960s.
The underlying theory is over 100 years old, and was the basis for pen-and-paper calculations in
the evaluation of suspension bridges and steam boilers.
1. In 1941 -Hrenik off presented a solution of elasticity problems using the
frame work method.
2. In 1943 -Courants paper, which used piecewise polynomial interpolation
over triangular subregions to model torsion problems. 1960 Clough
("Finite Element", plane problems).
3. In 1956 -Turner,et al derived stiffness matrices for truss, beam,& other
elements.
4. In 1960 -The term finite element was first coined & used by Clough.
5. In 1960-70s,Finite element analysis was applied to nonlinear problems &
large deformations.
6. 1970 Applications on mainframe computers
7. 1980 Microcomputers, pre- and postprocessors
8. 1990 Analysis of large structural systems
9. 1996 Partition of unity method(PUM) Melenk and Babuska
10. 1996 h-p Cloud Method of Duarte and Oden
11. 1996 Meshless methods by Belytschko et.al

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BMS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING VI SEMESTER MECHANICAL A Section.

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1.Explain steps involved in linear static finite element analysis.

Step1 Discretisation of the Structure
The first step in the finite Element method is to divide the structure or solution region into
subdivisions or elements. Hence the structure is to be modeled with suitable finite elements. The
number, type, size and arrangement of the elements are to be decided. These elements can be 1-D, 2D,3-D or axis symmetric .

Step 2 Selection of a proper interpolation or displacement model

Since the displacement solution of a complex structure under any specified load conditions cannot be
predicted exactly, we assume some sutiable solution within an element to approximate the unkown
solution. The assumed solution must be simple from a computational points of view, but it should
satisfy certain convergence requirements.In general ,the solution or the interpolation model is taken in
the form of a polynomial.
( Define the behaviours of the variables in each elements by a suitable shape
function.
Choose the displacemant at each nodal point as the unknown variable and use the shape functions
to describe how the geometry and variables changes over each elements (e.g. linear or quadratically
). The higher the order of the shape
function, the more nodel point are assigned to each
element. Accuracy of the
solutions can be improved either by using large number of simple
elements (H-convergence) or increasing the order of the shape functions (P convergence)

Step 3 Element strains and stresses

From the displacements, derive the strains and stresses within each element by using the straindisplacement relationship and Hooke law (constitutive equations). Compatibility equations are
automatically satisfied within each elements because the displacements are chosen as the unknown
variables.
Step 4 Derivation of element stiffness matrices and load
From the assumed displacement model, the stiffness matrix [ K e ] and the load vector F
element e are to be derived by using equilibrium conditions or a suitable variational principle

, of

Step 5 Assemblages of element equations to obtain the overall equilibrium equations

Since the structure is composed of several finite elements, the individual element stiffness matrices
and load vectors are to assembled in a suitable manner and the overall equilibrium equation can be
formulated as

K Q

F
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Where K is called the assembled stiffness matrix, Q is the vector of nodal displacement and F is
~

the vector of nodal forces for the complete structure. Since the summation of stiffness is carried out
only on elements sharing a particular node, the overall stiffness matrix will be sparsely populated
The assembled stiffness matrix is singular.
The process of finding the appropriate location for the individual element matrix in the Global matrix
is called Direct Stiffness Method.
Step 6 Imposition of the Boundary conditions.
These can take the form of prescribed displacement, sliding against a rigid surface, attached
spring, prescribed forces/ stresses or pressures. More complex boundary conditions occur in contact
problems.The constraints can be single point constraint or multipoint constraint.These constraint can
be handled by Elimination or Penalty approach.

Step 7 Solution for the unknown nodal displacements

After the incorporationof the boundary conditions, the equilbrium equations can be expressed as

K Q

F.

The modified stiffness matrix is non-singular.For linear problems, the vector Q can be solved very
easily using techniques such as Gauss Elimination method . But for nonlinear problems, the solution
has to be obtained in a sequence of steps, each step involving the modification of the stiffness matrix
[K] and /or the load vector F .
Step 8 Computation of element strains and stress
From the known nodal displacements Q , if required, the element strains and stresses can be computed
by using the neccesary equations of solid or structural mechanics. Also the reactions can be computed.
The terminology used in the above steps has to be modified if we want to extend the concept
to other fields. For example, we have to use the term continuum or domain in the place of structure,
field variable in place of displacement, characteristic matrix in place of stiffness matrix, and element
resultants in place of element strains.

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2. Explain preprocessor,solver/processor and post processor applied to

commercial finite element package.

Commercial FEA programs like ABAQUS(tm), ADAMS/FEA(tm), ADINA(tm), AFEMS(tm) ALGOR(tm),

ANSYS(R), AUTODYN(tm), C-MOLD(R) software CAMRAD II(R), CESAR-LCPC, Solidworks Simulation
(former COSMOS), NISA, IDEAS Simulation module, Pro-MECHANICA, NASTRAN, LS DYNA, SIMULIA,
COMSOL consists of three basic modules
1. Pre processor
2. Processor/Solver
3. Post processor.
PRE-PROCESSOR
1. Read control parameters
2. Read/Generate nodal coordinates and boundary conditions
3. Read/Generate elements connectivity and elements loads
4. Read material properties or constitutive matrices
5. Read nodal loads and loadings conditions
PROCESSOR/SOLVER
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Computer parameters for memory/file managemant

Computer elements matrices and vectors
From global matrices and vectors
Enforce SPC, MPC boundary conditions.
Solve governing matrix equations and compute the unknown values of
primary variables.
6. Compute additional derived variables such as reaction forces, element strains,
stresses and heat flow etc.
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POST PROCESSOR
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Print/plot deformed mesh over undeformed mesh

Print/plot contours of displacements
Print/plot contours of stresses
Display locations of max./min. stress
Print/plot contours of failure index
Animate dynamic model behaviour.
Sort element stresses in order of magnitude.
Produce color-coded temperature plots.

Applications of Finite element method .Used to solve problems in :

Solutions Using Either Strength of Materials or Theory of Elasticity are Normally Accomplished for
Regions and Loadings With Relatively Simple Geometry. Many Applicaitons Involve Cases with
Complex Shape, Boundary Conditions and Material Behavior. Therefore a Gap Exists Between What
Is Needed in Applications and What Can Be Solved by Analytical Closed-form Methods. This Has
Lead to the Development of Several Numerical/Computational Schemes Including: Finite Difference,
Finite Element and Boundary Element Methods
Finite element method is extensively used in Elastic continuum,Heat conduction,Electric & Magnetic
potential,Non-linear (Material & Geometric) -plasticity, creep,Vibration,Transient problems,Flow of
fluids,Combination of above problems,Fracture mechanics,Biomechanics,Enhanced multiphysics
capabilities like : Coupling between numerous physical phenomena. Ex: Fluid-structural interaction is
the most common example. Ex: Semiconductor circuits, EMI and thermal buildup vary with current
densities.

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Example FEM Application Areas

Automotive industry
Static analyses
Modal analyses
Transient dynamics
Heat transfer
Mechanisms
Fracture mechanics
Metal forming
Crashworthiness

Aerospace industry
Static analyses
Modal analyses
Aerodynamics
Transient dynamics
Heat transfer
Fracture mechanics
Creep and plasticity analyses
Composite materials
Aeroelasticity
Metal forming
Crashworthiness

Civil
Soil mechanics
Rock mechanics
Hydraulics
Fracture mechanics
Hydroelasticity

Why is FEA needed?

To reduce the amount of prototype testing
Computer simulation allows multiple what-if scenarios to be tested quickly and effectively.
To simulate designs that are not suitable for prototype testing
Example: Surgical implants, such as an artificial knee
The bottom line: Cost savings,Time savings reduce time to market!
Create more reliable, better-quality designs
FEM TO DESIGNERS:
Easily Applied to complex, irregular shaped objects composed of several different materials and
having complex boundary conditions.
Applied to steady state time dependent, Eigen Value problems.
Applicable to linear and non-linear problems.
Number of general-purpose Fem packages are available.
FEM can be coupled to CAD programs to facilitate Solid modeling and mesh generations.
Many Fem software packages feature GUI interfaces, automeshers and sophisticated post
processors and graphics to speed the analysis and makes Pre and post processing more user
friendly.
FEM TO DESIGN ORGANISATION:
Reduced Testing and Redesign costs thereby shortening of product development cycle.
Identify issues in designs before tooling is committed.
Refine components before dependencies to other components prohibit change.
Optimize performance before prototyping.
Discovers design problems before litigations.
Allows more time for designers to use engineering judgment and less time for further thinking.
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Modelling and Finite Element Analysis 12ME6DCMFE

Discuss advantages and disadvantages of FEM

ADVANTAGES OF FEM:
Can readily handle complex geometry
Can handle complex analysis types
Vibration,Transients,Nonlinear,Heat Transfer,Fluids
Can handle complex loading
Node-Based loading (Point Loads)
Element-based loading (Pressure, thermal, inertial forces)
Time or frequency dependent loading
Can handle complex restraints
Indeterminate structures can be analyzed

Can handle bodies comprised of non homogeneous materials( Models Bodies Composed
of Composite and Multiphase Materials)
Every element in the model could be assigned a different set of material properties
Can handle bodies comprised of non isotropic materials
Orthotropic ,Anisotropic
Special material effects are handled
Temperature dependent properties,Plasticity,Creep,Swelling
Special geometric effects can be modeled
Large displacements,Large Rotations
DISADVANTAGES OF FEM:
A specific numerical result is obtained for a specific problem. A general closed form solution,
which would permit one to examine system response to changes in various parameters.
The FEM is applied to an approximation of the mathematical model of a system (The source of so
called inherited errors.)
Experience and judgment are needed in order to construct a good finite element model.
Numerical Problems
Computers only carry a finite number of significant digits.
Round off and error accumulation
Can help the situation by not attaching stiff (small) elements to flexible (large) elements
Susceptible to user introduced modeling errors
Poor choice of element types
Distorted elements
Geometry not adequately modeled
Certain effects not automatically included
Buckling,Large deflections and rotations,Material nonlinearties

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4. Explain the continuum method of analysis bringing out the

disadvantages in comparison of Finite element method.
Comparison between Continuum and FEM
CONTINUUM

FEM

Structure is considered as a single unit

Structure is discritised into no. of elements

called finite elements.
Material properties can be easily handled

Difficult and sometimes almost impossible

to handle changing material property in the
domain
Complex geometries are difficult to be
considered.
Trial functions sweep the entire domain. It
is difficult and some-times almost
impossible to obtain trial function.
Applied for simple problems
Solution can be exact with closed form
solution or can be approximate like
Rayleigh_Ritz method. Can be used as
check solutions as they are more accurate.

Finite Difference (FD) Method:

Complex geometries can be taken care

Shape functions are used to approximate
field variable over the element.
Can be applied to all varieties of problem.
Approximate method and needs
convergence studies.

Finite Element (FE) Method:

FD approximates an operator (e.g., FE uses exact operators but

the derivative) and solves a problem approximates the solution basis
on a set of points (the grid)
functions.
Also, FE solves a
problem on the interiors of grid
cells (and optionally on the
gridpoints as well).

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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Commercially

Available

FEM

Software

Software Package
Introduced
Comments
ABAQUS
1978
General purpose, with special emphasis on advanced linear and nonlinear structures and heat transfer applications.
ADINA 7.0
1975
Optimized for structural and heat transfer applications. Limited element library. Extensive material model library.
ALGOR
1984
First FEM package available for PC use.
ANSYS/LS-DYNA
N/A
For solving highly nonlinear structural dynamics problems (impact, large deformation, nonlinear materials, etc.)
ANSYS/MECHANICAL
1970
Probably the best-known and most widely-used FEM software. Complete structures/thermal/acoustics modleing.
ANSYS/Multiphysics
N/A
Coupled-field, multidisciplinary FEM program.
ELFEN
N/A
Includes linear and nonlinear buckling, modal analysis, transient heat transfer analysis, impact and fragmentation.
GENESIS
N/A
Fully integrated finite element analysis and numerical optimization software for structural analysis.
LUSAS
N/A
Includes automatic meshing, advanced non-linear analysis, and composites analysis.
MARC 6.2
1970
3D automated contact analysis capabilities suited for studying tough manufacturing problems, (metal forming/ etc.)
MSC/FEA
1971
MSC participated in the 1965 development of NASA's public-domain FEM code, NASTRAN.
MSC/NASTRAN for Windows
N/A
Handles stress, vibration, dynamic, nonlinear, heat transfer, and fluid flow analyses of mechanical components.
NISA/DISPLAY
1973
A family of general purpose FEM programs for PCs and workstations. Modular design.
PAM
1973
FEM software optimized to study restraint systems (PAM-SAFE), impacts (PAM-SHOCK) and metal forming.
SAMCEF
1965
One of the oldest FEM codes available. A powerful FEM package for structural and heat transfer analysis.
STARDYNE
1967
The world's first commercially available Finite Element Analysis software.
STARS
N/A
Integrated, general-purpose, finite element software. Developed by NASA.

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Selected FEM Resources on the Internet

http://www.ansys.net

http://www.engineeringzones.com - A website created to educate people in the latest engineering technologies,

manufacturing techniques and software tools. Exellent FEM links, including links to all commercial providers of
FEM software.

http://www.comco.com/feaworld/feaworld.html - Extensive FEM links, categorized by analysis type

(mechanical, fluids, electromagnetic, etc.)

http://www.engr.usask.ca/%7Emacphed/finite/fe_resources/fe_resources.html - Lists many public domain and

shareware programs.

http://sog1.me.qub.ac.uk/ - Home page of the the Finite Element Research Group at The Queen's University of
Belfast. Excellent set of FEM links.

http://www.tenlinks.com/cae/ - Hundreds of links to useful and interesting CAE cited, including FEM, CAE, free
software, and career information.

http://www.gorni.eng.br/ - Extensive FEM links.

http://www.nafems.org/ - National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards (NAFEMS).

http://www.6dof.com/

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