This course provides an overview of how a finite

element analysis (FEA) tool can be utilized to solve

engineering problems such as stress-strain, vibrations
and heat transfer modeling.
1. Grasp the idea and application of Finite
Element Analysis (FEA)
2. Know 3 types of formulation approaches in
finite element problems
3. Able to identify basic steps to solve finite
element problems
What will happen if an armor piercing bullet is
to penetrate an aluminum plate from an initial
degree of 60?
How to solve it?
 Engineering problems are mathematical models of
physical situation which are differential equations with
corresponding boundaries and/or initial conditions
Make the problems simpler
Discrete complex shape geometry to simpler shapes
Use computational approach to solve complex solutions
 A complex problem is divided into a smaller and
simpler problems that can be solved by using the
existing knowledge of mechanics of materials and
mathematical tools
Applications of this idea can be found almost
everywhere
 Its a design analysis ; hand calculations,
experiments and computer simulations
Most widely applied computer simulation method in
engineering
Integrated with CAE/CAM applications

mesh analysis results

Physical
Problems
Engineers Job!

Establish
Model

Software Job!

Solve the
Model

Interpret
Results
 Methods for formulating finite element equations of a
physical system are;
Direct formulation (Direct Equilibrium Method)
Force/Flexibility method uses internal forces as unknown of the problems
Displacement/Stiffness method uses displacements of the nodes as unknown
The minimum total potential energy formulation (Variational Method)
easier to derive FE equations for 2D & 3D elements
Weighted residual formulations (Weighted Residual Method)

Note that the basic steps involved in any finite element

analysis approach will be;
Preprocessing Phase
Solution Phase
Postprocessing Phase
 Solution were assumed from engineering
knowledge
3 basic steps to solve FEA;
Preprocessing Phase
1. Discrete domain into nodes and elements
2. Assume solution to approximates behavior of an element
3. Develop equations for an element
4. Assemble the elements to present entire problem
5. Apply boundary conditions
Solution Phase
6. Solve a system of algebraic equations simultaneously
Postprocessing Phase
7. Obtain other important information
Consider a bar with a variable cross section
supporting a load P. The bar is fixed at one end
and carries the load P at the other end.

Let us designate the width of the bar at the top by

1, at the bottom 2, its thickness by t, and its
length by L. The bars modulus of elasticity will be
denoted by E and we will neglect the weight of the
bar.

We are interested in approximating how much the

bar will deflect at various points along its length
when it is subjected to the load P.
 Subdividing problems into nodes and elements.
Approximate four segments.
 Assume solutions from prior knowledge
Bar deflection when force F is applied

Stress =


Strain =


Modulus elasticity =
We can relate the force in
the spring directly to the
deformation
Force = ( ) similar to =

(+1 + )
Stiffness = where =
2
 Static equilibrium requires that sum of the forces
acting on each node be zero.
Assume five equilibrium equations for five nodes

Rearrange based on nodal

Free body diagram of the nodes

 Presenting in matrix form

[stiffness matrix]{displacement matrix} = {load matrix}

 Develop equations for an element
Internal forces , +1
Displacement , +1
 Assemble the local stiffness matrix to present
the entire problem
 Assemble all elements to obtain global
stiffness matrix
 Apply boundary condition 1 = 0 and
external load P is applied to node 5

[stiffness matrix]{displacement matrix} = {load matrix}

Note: In solid mechanics problems, the finite element formulation will always
lead to the above general form.
 Complete global matrix by finding stiffness for each
element.
Given that, E=10.4 x 106 lb/in2, w1=2 in, w2=1 in, t =
0.125 in, L=10 in and P=1000 lb

A A1 0.21875 0.25)
E.g : k (1) 2 E (10.4 10 6 ) 975 10 3 Ib/in
2 2(2.5)
 Since 1 = 0 and P = 1000 lb

It can be reduced to 4 x 4 matrix form

Displacement can be obtained

 Stress , strain and reaction force R can be
calculated by obtaining value of nodal
displacement and stiffness k

u3 u 2 0.002210 0.001026)
Example : ( 2)
E (10.4 10 6 ) 4925 Ib/in
2

2.5
 Minimum Total Potential Energy Formulation
Common approach in generating finite element
model in solid mechanics where external loads
applied cause the body to deform.

Weighted Residual Formulations

Based on assuming an approximate solution for
the governing equation with Galerkin approach is
the mostly used
1. Complex engineering problem can be
discrete into simpler finite element form
consist of nodes and element
2. Finite element problems formulation by
direct, the minimum potential energy and
weighted residual
3. The basic steps involved in any FEA
formulation are preprocessing phase,
solution phase and postprocessing phase