1.

Introduction
Finite element analysis, utilizing the finite element method (FEA), is a product
of the digital age, coming to the fore with the advent of digital computers in the
1950s. It follows on from matrix methods and finite difference methods of analysis,
which had been developed and used long before this time. It is a computer-based
analysis tool for simulating and analyzing engineering products and systems.
The basic principles underlying the FEA are relatively simple. Consider a
body or engineering component through which the distribution of a field variable, e.g.
displacement or stress, is required. Examples could be a component under load,
temperatures subject to a heat input, etc. The body, i.e. a one-, two- or three-
dimensional solid, is modelled as being hypothetically subdivided into an assembly of
small parts called elements – ‘finite elements’. The word ‘finite’ is used to describe
the limited, or finite, number of degrees of freedom used to model the behavior of
each element. The elements are assumed to be connected to one another, but only at
interconnected joints, known as nodes.
The simulations are of continuous field systems subject to external influences
whereby a variable, or combination of dependent variables, is described by
comprehensive mathematical equations. Examples include:
 Stress
 Strain

 Fluid pressure

 Heat transfer

 Temperature

 Vibration

 Sound propagation

 Electromagnetic fields

 Any coupled interactions of the above.

2. History of Finite Element Analysis
Finite Element Analysis is a simulation concept developed from the
theoretical basis established by the finite element method (FEA), which was founded
with the publication of a set of scientific papers in the 1940s.
The scientific pillars of the finite element method are a direct result of the
need to solve complex elasticity and structural analysis problems in civil and
aeronautical engineering. The first development can be traced back to the work of A.
Hrennikoff in 1941 and R. Courant in 1943. Although these pioneers used different
perspectives in their finite element approaches, they each identified the one common
and essential characteristic: mesh discretization of a continuous domain into a set of
discrete sub-domains, usually called elements. Another fundamental mathematical
contribution to the FEA is represented by the book “An Analysis of the Finite
Element Method” by Gilbert Strang and George Fix, first published in 1973. Since
then, FEA has been generalized for the numerical modeling of physical systems in
many engineering disciplines including electromagnetism, heat transfer, and fluid
dynamics.
Milestones:

• Hrennikoff and Courant developed mesh discretization methods for

solving elasticity and structural analysis problems in civil and
1941-42 aeronautical engineering.

• Ray W. Clough published the first paper on the finite element method
(FEA). The term “finite elements” was coined in a 1960 article.
1956

• General Motors and IBM build the computer system DAC-1 (Design
Augmented by Computers) to facilitate the design of cars.
1959

• William Fetter from Boeing coins the term “computer graphic” for his
human factors cockpit drawings.
1960

• NASTRAN (NASA Structural Analysis) is developed as structural

analysis solver tool.
1965
 • FIESTA, the first professional FEA p-version code, was initiated by
Alberto Peano from ISME.
1977

• PROBE, developed by Barna Szabo and Kent Myers, was the first
‘industrial’ implementation of p-version FEA for research and aerospace
1982 applications.

• MECHANICA was developed by RASNA Corp.

1987

• P-version FEA was proven to be the most efficient for plasticity by A.

Duster.
2001

• ASME Guide for Verification and Validation in Computational Solid

2006 Mechanics is released.

• NASA released a standard for development of models and simulations.

2008
3. Current Trends in Finite Element Analysis

 Vehicle crash analysis

Finite element analysis (FEA) of vehicle crash uses explicit analysis. The
requirement for a crash simulation is regulated through specific accident scenarios
and safety targets. The objective of vehicle crash design is to allow energy absorption
to take place throughout the vehicle.
 Brake modeling
Brake design and simulation aims to avoid failure under thermal or structural
loading. Finite element analysis of drum brake assembly is made, considering the
friction between assemblies as well as the relative sliding between brake shoe and
brake block, brake block and friction plate. The simulation of automobile’s braking is
relatively authentic, drum brake’s stress and displacement deformation at work is
analyzed.
 Orthogonal metal cutting process
The orthogonal metal cutting process is analyzed with the finite element
method under plane strain conditions. Frictional interaction along the tool–chip
interface is modeled with a modified Coulomb friction law, and chip separation is
based on a critical stress criterion and is simulated using a nodal release procedure.
Finite element solutions of temperature, stress, strain, and strain rate fields have been
obtained for a range of tool rake angle and friction coefficient values.
 Structural engineering
Structural analysis involves determining the behavior of a structure when it is
subjected to loads, such as those resulting from gravity, wind, or even in extreme
cases natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes). Using basic concepts of applied
mathematics, any built structure can be analyzed—buildings, bridges, dams or even
foundations.
 Implant dentistry
Finite element analysis (FEA) has been used extensively to predict the biomechanical
performance of various dental implant designs as well as the effect of clinical factors
on implant success. By understanding the basic theory, method, application, and
limitations of FEA in implant dentistry, the clinician will be better equipped to
interpret results of FEA studies and extrapolate these results to clinical situations.
4. Future of Finite Element Analysis

 The Use of Mixed Finite Element Methods for Viscoelastic Fluid Flow Analysis
The numerical analysis of non‐Newtonian viscoelastic flows is a challenging
task, and requires accurate, efficient, and robust computational methods. In this work,
mixed finite element methods are used for that purpose. They are introduced within
the context of closed‐form differential constitutive models.

 Coupling of Boundary Element Methods and Finite Element Methods

For the numerical treatment of elliptic boundary value problems, the coupling
of boundary element methods (BEM) and finite element methods (FEA) is widely
used. Usually, the FEA is applied in a bounded subdomain, whereas the BEM
subdomain may be unbounded, but without inhomogeneous or nonlinear material
behavior. FE/BE coupling is being used for elliptic interface problems from a
mathematical perspective.

 A Deep Learning Approach to Estimate Stress Distribution

Structural finite-element analysis (FEA) has been widely used to study the
biomechanics of human tissues and organs, as well as tissue-medical device
interactions, and treatment strategies. However, patient-specific FEA models usually
require complex procedures to set up and long computing times to obtain final
simulation results. The DL model is designed and trained to take the input of FEA and
directly output the aortic wall stress distributions, bypassing the FEA calculation
process.
5. Steps in Finite Element Analysis

Step 1. Discretization of real continuum or structure – (Establish the FE mesh)

Step 2. Identify primary unknown quantity

 Element displacements for stress analysis

 Element temperature for heat conduction analysis
 Element velocities for fluid dynamic analysis

Step 3. Interpolation functions and the derivation of Interpolation functions

Primary unknown quantities in FEA are for those in the elements, but
elements are interconnected at nodes, so it is important to establish relationship for the
quantities in the elements with the associated nodes. Mathematical expressions of
interpolation functions:
{φ(r)} = {N(r)} {φ}
where {Φ(r)} = Element quantity, {Φ} = Nodal quantity, N(r) = Interpolation function

Step 4. Derivation of Element equation

There are generally two methods to derive the element equations:

1) The Rayleigh-Ritz method for stress analysis of solid structure using the potential
energy in deformed solids as the functional to be minimized, and
2) The Galerkin method for heat conduction analysis of solids and fluid dynamic
analysis with identifiable distinct differential equations and boundary conditions

Element equations of the form: [Ke]{q}= {Q}

where [Ke] = Element matrix

 {q} = Vector of primary unknown quantities at the nodes of the element

{Q} = Vector of element nodal actions (e.g., forces)

Step 5. Derive overall Stiffness Equation

[K]{q} = {R}

where [K] = overall stiffness

M = total number of elements in the discretized FE mesh

{R} = assemblage of resultant vector of nodal actions

Step 6. Solve for primary unknowns

Primary unknown quantities are solved by the following equations:

{qb} = [Kbb]-1 ({Rb} – [Kba]{qa})

Step 7. Solve for secondary unknowns

The secondary unknown quantities in FE analysis in mechanical engineering can

be obtained by the primary unknown quantities solved by the FE analysis.

Step 8. Display and Interpretation of Results

Results of FEA usually are presented in the following forms: Tabulations, Graphics:
static and animation

Interpretation of results:

(1) von-Mises stress in the output of FEA of stress analysis of solid structure
represents the stress in elements with multi-axial stresses induced by the applied load.
This stress needs to be kept below the “yield stress” of the material to avoid plastic
deformation, and kept below the allowable stress of the material in order to avoid
structure failure

(2) Nodal displacements will relate to the deformation of the solid structure, which
should be kept below the allowable amount set by the design requirement.
6. Applications of Finite Element Analysis

1. Mechanical engineering: In mechanical engineering, FEA applications include

steady and transient thermal analysis in solids and fluids, stress analysis in solids,
automotive design and analysis and manufacturing process simulation.
2. Geotechnical engineering: FEA applications include stress analysis, slope stability
analysis, soil structure interactions, seepage of fluids in soils and rocks, analysis of
dams, tunnels, bore holes, propagation of stress waves and dynamic soil structure
interaction.
3. Aerospace engineering: FEA is used for several purposes such as structural
analysis for natural frequencies, modes shapes, response analysis and aerodynamics.
4. Nuclear engineering: FEA applications include steady and dynamic analysis of
reactor containment structures, thermo-viscoelastic analysis of reactor components,
steady and transient temperature-distribution analysis of reactors and related
structures.
5. Electrical and electronics engineering: FEA applications include electrical
network analysis, electromagnetics, insulation design analysis in high-voltage
equipment, dynamic analysis of motors and heat analysis in electrical and electronic
equipment.
6. Metallurgical, chemical engineering: In metallurgical engineering, FEA is used
for the metallurgical process simulation, moulding and casting. In chemical
engineering, FEA can be used in the simulation of chemical processes, transport
processes and chemical reaction simulations.
7. Meteorology and bio-engineering: In the recent times, FEA is used in climate
predictions, monsoon prediction and wind predictions. FEA is also used in bio-
engineering for the simulation of various human organs, blood circulation prediction
and even total synthesis of human body.