FINITE ELEMENT METHODS

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

TOOLS OF DESIGN ANALYSIS

DESIGN ANALYSIS

REAL
OBJECTS

MODELS

PHYSICAL
MODELS

MATHEMATICAL
MODELS

ANALYTICAL

NUMERICAL

FINITE ELEMENT
METHOD

FINITE DIFFERENCE
METHOD

BOUNDARY
ELEMENT METHOD
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NUMERICAL TOOLS OF DESIGN ANALYSIS

Structural design analysis problems are described by a set of partial differential equations and belong to
the class called boundary value field problems. Such problems can be solved approximately by different
numerical methods.
Finite Element Method
Based on the variational formulation of a boundary value problem. In the FEM the
unknowns are approximated by functions generated from polynomials. The polynomials
are defined on standard elements (such as triangles and rectangles) which are then
mapped onto elements with (possibly) curved sides or faces and the continuity of the
mapped polynomials is enforced. These functions are effective for the reasons of
numerical efficiency. The solution domain must be divided (meshed) into elements that can
be mapped from the standard elements using mapping functions.
For reasons of numerical efficiency and versatility, most commercial analysis
systems are based on the Finite Element Method commonly called Finite Element
Analysis (FEA)
Finite Difference Method
Based on the differential formulation of a boundary value problem. This results in a
densely populated, often ill-conditioned matrix leading to numerical difficulties.
Boundary Element Method
Based on the integral equation formulation of a boundary value problem. This also results
in densely populated, non-symmetric matrix. Boundary Element Methods are efficient only
for compact 3D shapes.
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BASIC STEPS IN THE FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Step 1

Creation of a mathematical model

An idealization of a real object accounting for geometry, loads, supports and material properties leads to a
formulation of a boundary value problem described by a set of governing partial differential equations. Most often
these equations are impossible to solve analytically and an approximate numerical method must be used.
Step 2

Deciding on the solution method

For reasons of numerical efficiency and generality we select the Finite Element Method.
Step 3

Approximating solution with piecewise polynomials

In order to represent solution with piecewise polynomials, we divide the body into simple shape sub domains
(elements) and define our polynomials (also called shape functions), with yet unknown factors a i , bi ,ci (also
called nodal degrees of freedom) in each of element separately.

u a p
x

i 1

ix

u b p
y

i 1

iy

u c p
z

i 1

iz

In the finite element method, nodal degrees of freedom are nodal displacements or temperatures.
Notice that by selecting certain polynomial order, we impose displacement pattern in each element. Working
with the first order polynomial (linear) we agree on linear displacement field, while second order polynomial will
return second order displacement field etc.
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BASIC STEPS IN THE FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Continuous body - mathematical model

Discretized body finite element model

Step 4
Finding nodal displacements
Now we use the principle of minimum total potential energy (the state of minimum total potential energy is
also the state of equilibrium) to find this set of a i , bi ,ci factors that minimizes the total potential energy of the
body. This is also the new state of equilibrium under load. Knowing a i , bi ,ci we can now calculate discertized
displacement anywhere in the body. Notice that displacements are primary unknowns and are calculated first.
Of course the accuracy of the results will depend on how well the exact solution can be approximated by the
particular design of the mesh and selection of the polynomial degrees.
Step 5
Finding strains and stresses
Once displacements have been found, we calculate strains as derivatives of displacements. Knowing strains
and material properties we can now find stresses.
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BASIC STEPS IN THE FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Idealization of geometry
(if necessary)

Type of
analysis

Material
properties

Restraints

Loads

MATHEMATICAL
MODEL

CAD geometry

Simplified geometry

CAD

FEA Pre-processing

BASIC STEPS IN THE FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Numerical solver

Discretization

MATHEMATICAL
MODEL

FEA model
FEA Pre-processing

FEA results
FEA Solution

FEA Post-processing

FEA EQUATIONS

[F] = [K]*[d]

[F]

vector of nodal loads

known

[K]

stiffness matrix

known

[d]

vector of nodal displacements

unknown

CAD GEOMETRY AND FINITE ELEMENTS

GEOMETRY

3D

2D

GEOMETRIC

ELEMENTS

ENTITY MESHED

CREATED

Volume

Solids

Surface

Shells

Curve

Beams

Plane

Beams

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DEGREES OF FREEDOM, SHAPE FUNCTIONS

1st order
tetrahedral element

Before
deformation

After
deformation

2nd order
tetrahedral element

Before
deformation

After
deformation

Degrees of freedom
Everything there is to know about the behaviour of this element under load can be calculated as soon as x, y
and z displacements of all nodes defining that element are found. x, y and z displacements components fully
describe node displacement for these 3D tetrahedral elements. x, y and z displacements are the three degrees
of freedom of each node.
Shape functions
The displacement at any point within the element is a function of nodal displacements. This function is called
shape function. In the first order element the shape function is a linear combination of nodal displacement, in
the second order element this a second order function etc.

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DEGREES OF FREEDOM

With only one node restrained the

element spins in three directions.

With two nodes restrained the element

spins about the line connecting two nodes.

With three nodes restrained the

element wont move.

Nodes of solid elements do not have rotational degrees of freedom.

DOF.SLDASM
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DEGREES OF FREEDOM

Tetrahedral solid element

3 D.O.F. per node

Triangular shell element

6 D.O.F. per node

First order elements

Linear displacement
Constant stress

Second order elements

Second order displacement
Linear stress

Most often used element

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TYPES OF ELEMENTS AND DEGREES OF FREEDOM

Solids
x, y and z nodal displacement components fully describe
behavior of each node. Each node has 3 D.O.F

Shells and beams

x, y and z displacements are not sufficient to describe what
is happening to each node while element deforms. Also
needed are rotations about x, y and z axis so each node
has 6 D.O.F.

2D plane stress, plane strain, axi-symmetric

x and y displacement fully describe behavior of each node.
Each node has two degrees of freedom.
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STRESS

TYPICAL ANALYSIS ASSUMPTIONS: LINEAR MATERIAL MODEL

Linear material model

[K] = const
Non-linear material model
Linear
range

[K] const
STRAIN

The linear material behavior complies with Hookes law:

= E

in tension

= G

in shear

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TYPICAL ANALYSIS ASSUMPTIONS: SMALL DISPLACEMENTS

[K] = const

[K] const

To comply with assumptions of small displacements theory, the displacement must not change the stiffness in a significant way.
Note that displacements dont have to be large to significantly change the stiffness.
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3D STATE OF STRESS

State of stress expressed by six

stress components.

State of stress expressed by

three principal stresses.

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VON MISES STRESS CRITERION

The maximum von Mises stress criterion is based on the von Mises-Hencky theory, also known as the
shear-energy theory or the maximum distortion energy theory. The theory states that a ductile material
starts to yield at a location when the von Mises stress becomes equal to the stress limit. In most cases,
the yield strength is used as the stress limit.

von Mises 0.5 * [( x y ) 2 ( y z ) 2 ( z x ) 2 ] 3 * ( xy 2 yz 2 zx 2 )

von Mises 0.5 * [( 1 2 ) 2 ( 2 3 ) 2 ( 3 1 ) 2 ]

Factor of safety (FOS) = limit / von Mises

THE MAXIMUM SHEAR STRESS CRITERION

Also known as Tresca yield criterion, is based on the Maximum Shear stress theory. This theory predicts
failure of a material to occur when the absolute maximum shear stress (max) reaches the stress that
causes the material to yield in a simple tension test. The Maximum shear stress criterion is used for
ductile materials.

max is the greatest of ,

Where:

12 = (1 2)/2;

3 = (- )/2;

Hence:
Factor of safety (FOS) = limit /(2*max)

13 = (1- )/2

THE MAXIMUM NORMAL STRESS CRITERION

Also known as Coulombs criterion is based on the Maximum normal stress theory. According to this
theory failure occurs when the maximum principal stress reaches the ultimate strength of the material for
simple tension.
This criterion is used for brittle materials. It assumes that the ultimate strength of the material in tension
and compression is the same. This assumption is not valid in all cases. For example, cracks decrease the
strength of the material in tension considerably while their effect is smaller in compression because the
cracks tend to close.
Brittle materials do not have a specific yield point and hence it is not recommended to use the yield
strength to define the limit stress for this criterion.
This theory predicts failure to occur when:

1 limit
where 1 is the maximum principal stress. Hence:
Factor of safety (FOS) = limit / 1

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THE MOHR-COULOMB STRESS CRITERION

Is based on the Mohr-Coulomb theory also known as the Internal Friction theory. This criterion is used
for brittle materials with different tensile and compressive properties. Brittle materials do not have a
specific yield point and hence it is not recommended to use the yield strength to define the limit stress
for this criterion.
This theory predicts failure to occur when:

1 TensileLimit if 1 > 0 and > 0

- CompressiveLimit if 1 < 0 and < 0
1 / TensileLimit + / CompressiveLimit < 1 if 1 0 and 0
The factor of safety is given by:
Factor of Safety (FOS) = {1 / TensileLimit + / CompressiveLimit }(-1)

COMMON TYPES OF ANALYSES

STRUCTURAL
Linear static
Nonlinear static
Modal (frequency)
Linear buckling

THERMAL
Steady state thermal
Transient thermal

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 Finite Element Analysis is a mathematical representation

of a physical system comprising a part/assembly (model),
material properties, and applicable boundary conditions
{collectively referred to as pre-processing}, the solution
of that mathematical representation {solving}, and the
study of results of that solution {post-processing}. Simple
shapes and simple problems can be, and often are, done
by hand. Most real world parts and assemblies are far too
complex to do accurately, let alone quickly, without use of
a computer and appropriate analysis software.

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Pre-Processing
To do this, FEA software typically uses a CAD representation of the physical model and breaks it
down into small pieces called finite elements (think of a 3-D puzzle). This process is called
meshing. The higher the quality of the mesh (collection of elements), the better the mathematical
representation of the physical model. The primary purpose of an element is to connect nodes with
predictable mathematical equations based on stiffness between nodes; the type of element used
often depends upon the problem to be solved. The behavior of each element, by itself, is very well
understood. By combining the behaviors of each element using simultaneous equations, one can
predict the behavior of shapes that would otherwise not be understood using basic closed form
calculations found in typical engineering handbooks.

There are many different types and classes of elements, most created for specialized purposes
(cable, piping, beams, truss structures, e-mag, etc.). A one-dimensional element represents line
shapes, such as beams or springs. A 2D element, also known as a quadrilateral element, will
represent triangles and squares. 3D elements represent solid shapes and are usually in 2 basic
shapes: brick (hexahedrons or hex) and pyramids (tetrahedrons or tets).

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 Example of a simple part whose structural behavior would be

difficult to predict using equations by hand.

The same part broken into small blocks (meshed into elements) each with
well-defined behaviors capable of
being summed (solved) and easily interpreted (post-processed).
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