Finite Element Analysis

Techniques

Advantages

Irregular Boundaries
General Loads
Different Materials
Boundary Conditions
Variable Element Size
Easy Modification
Dynamics
Nonlinear Problems (Geometric or Material)

Finite Element Method

Solve a set of algebraic equations to find
nodal quantity
Secondary quantities are derived from nodal
quantities
Discretization
Elements & Nodes
Results at finite locations (nodes)
Interpolation (shape) Functions

Discretization
Beam
Solid

Element Characteristic Shape

Point

Line

Area

Volume

FEM Steps
Preprocessing

Choose element type

Define Real Constants
Define Material Property
Create Geometric Model
Convert GM to FE Model
Apply Loads & BC

Solving
Post processing

1. Choose Element Type

Choose Proper Element Type depending on

Physics of Problem
2-D or 3-D
Characteristic Shape
DOF / Discipline
Coupled Field Analysis

2. Define Real Constants

Used for calculation of the element matrices
(data usually not available from node
location/material property)
c/s Area, MOI Beam Elements
Thickness, EFS Shell Elements

3. Define Material Property

Depends on the problem solved
Structural / Thermal ; Static/Dynamic (E,)/
(E,,)

Isotropic / Orthotropic
Linear / Non-linear
Plasticity, Nonlinear Elasticity, Viscoelasticity,
Hyperelasticity, Creep, Concrete, Swelling

Consistent Units

4. Create Geometric Model

Geometric Model

Consists of points, arcs, lines,

volumes
Plan the approach before you create
What are the objectives of your analysis?
Will you model all, or just a portion, of the physical
system?
How much detail will you include in your model?
What kinds of elements will you use?

5. Convert GM to FE Model

Meshing

Creates FE Model Elements & Nodes

Meshing methods
Free mesh (smartsize)
Mapped mesh
Manual mesh

Select element attributes

Element Shape
Degenerated element

6.
Loads
&
BC
DOF Constraint
Fix a dof to known value ( can be zero or nonzero)
Coupling of dof / Constraint equations

Force
Conc force applied at a node

Surface Load
Applied on element

Body Load
Weight, temperature, heat generation rates

Inertia Load
Coupled Field load
Temperature found in thermal analysis can be a input for
structural analysis

7. Solution
Define Analysis type & settings
Solve
Prepare Data
Element Formulation
Solution Procedures
Global Assembly
Solve [K]{x}={F}
Element Stress Recovery

8 Results
General postprocessor
Time History Postprocessor
Listing results
Contour plots
Animation

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Summary

Choose Element Type

Define Real Constant
Define Material Properties
Create Geometric model
Create FE Model
Apply Loads & BCs
Solve
Results

Preprocessing

Solution
Postprocessing