01-Oct-17

ME- 413
Finite Element Method
Lect. # 1
Introduction to FEM

Dr. Nazeer Ahmad Anjum

Mechanical Engineering Program
University of Engineering Taxila
01-Oct-17 Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila 1

Course Contents 3 Recommended Books 4

1. Introduction to Finite Element Modeling A First Course in the Finite Element Method by Daryl Logan,
2. Introduction to the stiffness (displacement) Fifth Edition.
Method Applied finite Element Analysis for Engineers by Stasa
3. Development of Truss problems Fundamentals of the FEM for Heat and Fluid Flow by Roland
4. Development of Beam Problems W. Lewis
Introduction to finite element methods by Carlos A. Fellipa
5. Analysis of One Dimensional Elements The Finite Element Method in Engineering by S.S. Rao.
6. Analysis of Triangular Elements Finite Element Analysis (Theory and Application with ANSYS)
7. Development of Plane stress and Plane by Saeed Moaveni
strain Stiffness equation (Introduction to
two Dimensional Finite Element Analysis)
8. Variational principles and Ritzs Methods
9. Analysis of Heat Transfer
10.Analysis of Fluid flow in porous Media
11.Analysis of Thermal Stress
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17

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Introduction 5 Introduction 6

Why you need to study Analysis is the Key to

Finite Element Analysis? effective design.

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

FEM Todays Topics 7 Definition 8

Definition
Basic Terms The finite element method is a numerical
method for solving problems of engineering
Coordinate System and mathematical physics.
Discretization Useful for problems with complicated
geometries, loadings, and material
History properties where analytical solutions can not
Brief Description be obtained.
General Steps
Advantages
Computer Programs

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
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Node, DOF, Coordinate System 9 Stiffness Matrix 10

Node The Point of attachment of element to an
other element is called NODE.
Degrees of freedom The number of
independent coordinates necessary to specify the
configuration of a system.
Coordinate System Node point locations are
specified relative to a particular coordinate
system. The global coordinate system is usually
the Cartesian coordinate system with axes labeled
X,Y,Z. the three axis are mutually perpendicular.
Stiffness The stiffness K is defined as the force
necessary to produce a unit displacement or
The ratio of force to displacement. or
Is the resistance of an elastic body to deflection
by an applied force. The stiffness k of a body that deflects
a distance under an applied force P is:
k =P/
The structural stiffness matrix is a square,
symmetric matrix with dimension equal to the
number of degrees of freedom.

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

Coordinate System 11 Coordinate System 12

A method of representing points in a space of
given dimensions by coordinates. Y
y
Local Coordinate System Measurement
indicates into a local coordinate system or a local
Coordinate space. A simple example is using
house numbers to locate a house on a street; the Local Coordinate
street is a local coordinate system within a larger System
system composed of city townships, states,
countries, etc. x
Global Coordinate System This system is X
usually the traditional Cartesian coordinate
system.
Z
Global Coordinate System

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
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Elements 13 Nodes 14

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

Elements, Nodes & Coordinate System15 Frame of References 16

There are two types of frame of references
Y y 3 4 1. Local frame of reference When one of the
axis is always inclined at an angle. That is only
expected to function over a small region or a
2 restricted region of space or spacetime.
3
2. Global frame of reference This type of
1 reference is assembled with the whole
x
structure. It is not necessarily to align with the
1 5 axis. When the nodes are joined continuously
2
in an order, it is called GFR.
X

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
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Principles of FEA 17 Discretizations 18

The finite element method (FEM), or finite element analysis
(FEA), is a computational technique used to obtain The sub-division of a continuum or a large
approximate solutions of boundary value problems in element into a large number of small discrete
engineering. elements.
Boundary value problems are also called field problems. Model body by dividing it into an equivalent
The field is the domain of interest and most often represents system of smaller bodies or units (finite
a physical structure. elements) interconnected at points common to
The field variables are the dependent variables of interest two or more elements (nodes or nodal points)
governed by the differential equation. and/or boundary lines and/or surfaces.
The boundary conditions are the specified values of the
field variables (or related variables such as derivatives) on
the boundaries of the field.

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

Common Types of Elements 19 Discretizations Examples 20

One-Dimensional Elements Two-Dimensional Elements
Line Triangular, Quadrilateral
Rods, Beams, Trusses, Frames Plates, Shells, 2-D Continua

Three-Dimensional Elements
Tetrahedral, Rectangular Prism (Brick)
3-D Continua

Three-Dimensional
One-Dimensional Two-Dimensional Brick Elements
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
Frame Elements Triangular Elements
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Historical Background 21 Historical Background 22

It is difficult to document the exact origin of the FEM,
A book by Argyris in 1955 on energy theorems and
because the basic concepts have evolved over a period of
matrix methods laid a foundation for further
150 or more years.
developments in finite element studies.
Basic ideas of the finite element method originated from
advances in aircraft structural analysis. In the early 1960s, engineers used the method for
approximate solution of problems in stress analysis,
In 1941, Hrenikoff presented a solution of elasticity
fluid flow, heat transfer, and other areas.
problems using the frame work method.
The first book on finite elements by Zienkiewicz and
Courants paper, which used piecewise polynomial
Chung was published in 1967.
interpolation over triangular subregions to model
torsion problems, appeared in 1943. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, finite element analysis
was applied to nonlinear problems and large
Turner et al. derived stiffness matrices for truss, beam,
deformations.
and other elements and presented their findings in 1956.
The term finite element was first coined and used by
Clough in 1960.
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

Historical Background 23 Application of FEM 24

The 1970s marked advances in mathematical Grew out of aerospace industry.
treatments, including the development of new elements,
Post-WW II jets, missiles, space flight
and convergence studies.
Most commercial FEM software packages originated in Need for light weight structures
the 1970s (ABAQUS, ADINA, ANSYS, MARK, PAFEC) and Required accurate stress analysis
1980s (FENRIS, LARSTRAN 80, SESAM 80.) Paralleled growth of computers
Today, developments in distributed or multi-node computers Structural/Stress Analysis
and availability of powerful microcomputers have brought
Fluid Flow
this method within reach of students and engineers working
in small industries. Heat Transfer
The FEM is one of the most important developments in Electro-Magnetic Fields
computational methods to occur in the 20th century. Soil Mechanics
In just a few decades, the method has evolved from one Acoustics
with applications in structural engineering to a widely
utilized and richly varied computational approach for many
scientific and technological areas.
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
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Feature 25 Sign Convention F = Ku or () 26

Obtain a set of algebraic equations to F = The external force is positive to

solve for unknown nodal quantity the right and negative to the left.
(displacement).
u () = The displacement is positive
Secondary quantities (stresses and strains)
are expressed in terms of nodal values of to the right and negative to the left.
primary quantity

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

Advantages of General Purpose Programs

27 Finite Element Method Steps 28
Step 1 - Discretization: The problem domain is discretized
into a collection of simple shapes, or elements.
Easy input - preprocessor. Step 2 - Develop Element Equations: Element equations
Solves many types of problems are developed be applying laws of physics related to the
problem, and typically Galerkins Method or variational
Modular design - fluids, dynamics, heat, etc. principles.
Step 3 - Assembly: The element equations for each
Can run on PCs now. element in the FEM mesh are assembled into a set of global
Relatively low cost. equations that model the properties of the entire system.
Step 4 - Application of Boundary Conditions: Solution
High development costs. cannot be obtained unless boundary conditions are applied.
They reflect the known values for certain primary unknowns.
Less efficient than smaller programs, Imposing the boundary conditions modifies the global
Often proprietary. User access to code limited. equations.
Step 5 - Solve for Primary Unknowns: The modified
global equations are solved for the primary unknowns at the
nodes.
Step 6 - Calculate Derived Variables: Calculated using
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
the nodal values of theDr.primary variables.
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Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types

29 Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types
30
Primary line elements consist of bar (or truss) and beam
The most common three-dimensional elements are
elements.
tetrahedral and hexahedral (or brick) elements; they are
They have a cross-sectional area but are usually used when it becomes necessary to perform a three-
represented by line segments. dimensional stress analysis.
The basic three dimensional elements have corner nodes
only and straight sides, whereas higher-order elements
with mid-edge nodes (and possible mid-face nodes) have
curved surfaces for their sides

The simplest line element (called a linear element) has

two nodes, one at each end, although higher-order
elements having three nodes or more (called quadratic,
cubic, etc. elements) also exist.
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types

31 Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types
32

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

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Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types
33
The axisymmetric element is developed by rotating a
triangle or quadrilateral about a fixed axis located in
the plane of the element through 360.
This element can be used when the geometry and
loading of the problem are axisymmetric.
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
Step 2 - Select a Displacement Function35
Step 2 involves choosing a displacement function within
each element.
The function is defined within the element using the
nodal values of the element.
Linear, quadratic, and cubic polynomials are
frequently used functions because they are simple to work
with in finite element formulation.
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
01-Oct-17
Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types
34
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
Step 2 - Select a Displacement Function36
The functions are expressed in terms of the nodal
unknowns (in the two-dimensional problem, in terms of an
x and a y component).
Hence, the finite element method is one in which a
continuous quantity, such as the displacement
throughout the body, is approximated by a discrete model
composed of a set of piecewise-continuous functions
defined within each finite domain or finite element.
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
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Step 3 Define the strain/Displacement &
Stress/Strain Relationships 37
Strain/displacement and stress/strain relationships
are necessary for deriving the equations for each finite
element.
For one-dimensional small deformation, say in the x
direction, we have strain x, related to displacement u by
Stresses must be related to the strains through the
stress/strain law (generally called the constitutive
law). The simplest of stress/strain laws, Hookes law,
often used in stress analysis, is given by:
x E x
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
Step 4 -Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix
and Equations 39
Work or Energy Methods - To develop the stiffness
matrix and equations for two and three-dimensional
elements, it is much easier to apply a work or energy
method.
The principle of virtual work (using virtual
displacements), the principle of minimum potential
energy, and Castiglianos theorem are methods
frequently used for the purpose of derivation of element
equations.
We will present the principle of minimum potential
energy (probably the most well known of the three energy
methods mentioned here)
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
01-Oct-17
Step 4 -Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix
and Equations 38
Direct Equilibrium Method - According to this
method, the stiffness matrix and element
equations relating nodal forces to nodal
displacements are obtained using force
equilibrium conditions for a basic element, along
with force/deformation relationships.
This method is most easily adaptable to line or
one-dimensional elements (spring, bar, and
beam elements)
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
Step 4 -Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix
and Equations 40
Methods of Weighted Residuals - The methods of
weighted residuals are useful for developing the element
equations (particularly popular is Galerkins method).
These methods yield the same results as the energy
methods, wherever the energy methods are applicable.
They are particularly useful when a functional such as
potential energy is not readily available.
The weighted residual methods allow the finite element
method to be applied directly to any differential
equation
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
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Step 5 Assemble the Element Equations and Step 6 Solve for the Unknown Degrees of
Introduce Boundary Conditions 41 Freedom (or Generalized Displacements)
The individual element equations generated in Step 4 can Once the element equations are assembled and
42
now be added together using a method of superposition modified to account for the boundary conditions, a set
(called the direct stiffness method) whose basis is nodal of simultaneous algebraic equations that can be written
force equilibrium (to obtain the global equations for the in expanded matrix form as:
whole structure).
F1 K11 K12 K1n d1
Implicit in the direct stiffness method is the concept of
F2 K 21 K 22

K 2n d


2

continuity, or compatibility, which requires that the Fn K n1 K n 2

K nn dn

structure remain together and that no tears occur

anywhere in the structure. where n is the structure total number of unknown nodal
degrees of freedom.
The final assembled or global equation written in matrix
form These equations can be solved for the ds by using an
elimination method (such as Gausss method) or an
F K d
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
iterative method (such as Gauss Seidels method)
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

Step 7 Solve for the Element Strains and Process Flow in a Typical FEM Analysis44
Stresses 43 Start
Problem Analysis and
Stop
For the structural stress-analysis problem, important Definition design decisions

secondary quantities of strain and stress (or moment

and shear force) can be obtained in terms of the Pre-processor Processor Post-processor

displacements determined in Step 6. Generates

Prints or plots
Reads or generates element shape
contours of stress
nodes and elements components.
functions
(ex: ANSYS) Prints or plots
Calculates master
Step 8 Interpret the Results Reads or generates element equations
contours of
displacements.
material property Calculates
Evaluates and
data. transformation
prints error
The final goal is to interpret and analyze the results for Reads or generates matrices
Maps element
bounds.
use in the design/analysis process. boundary conditions
(loads and equations into Step 6
global system
constraints.)
Determination of locations in the structure where large Assembles
element equations
deformations and large stresses occur is generally Step 1, Step 4 Introduces
boundary
important in making design/analysis decisions. conditions
Steps 2, 3, 5
Performs solution
procedures
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
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Step 1: Discretization - Mesh Generation45 Step 4: Boundary Conditions 46

Displacements: DOF constraints usually specified at
model boundaries to define rigid supports.
surface model
airfoil geometry 3
4 5 11
Forces and Moments: Concentrated loads on nodes
2

usually specified on the model exterior.

1
12
(from CAD program) 14
13

Pressures: Surface loads usually specified on the model

exterior.
mesh
generator Temperatures: Input at nodes to study the effect of
ET,1,SOLID45
N, 1, 183.894081 , -.770218637 , 5.30522740 thermal expansion or contraction.
N, 2, 183.893935 , -.838009645 , 5.29452965
.
.
TYPE, 1
Inertia Loads: Loads that affect the entire structure (ex:
E, 1, 2, 80, 79, 4, 5, 83, 82
E,
.
2, 3, 81, 80, 5, 6, 84, 83
acceleration, rotation).
.
.

meshed model
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

47
Step 4: Boundary Conditions (Thermal Loads) Boundary Conditions (Other Loads) 48

Speed, temperature and hub fixity applied to

sample problem.

300 FE Modeler used to apply speed and hub

Nodes from 300
FE Modeler
275
275
constraint.
250
250 bf, 1,temp, 149.77
225 bf, 2,temp, 149.78
225 antype,static
Temp .
200
.
omega,10400*3.1
mapper 200
. 416/30
175
bf, 1637,temp, 303.64 d,1,all,0,0,57,
bf, 1638,temp, 303.63 1
Thermal 150
Soln Files 150
175

Y X

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
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The Basic Finite Element Equation (Examle)49 The Basic Finite Element Equation (Examle)50

A single degree of freedom translational

spring will be used to introduce the force- Force Displacement Relationship
displacement equation that is continuously For Single Degree of freedom
encountered in the finite element method. Linear Spring
In addition, the spring will also be used to
introduce the concept of stiffness and
degrees of freedom. Force Displacement Relationship
For Single Degree of freedom
Non-Linear Spring

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET,
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17
Taxila 01-Oct-17 Taxila 01-Oct-17

The Basic Finite Element Equation (Examle)51
Force-Displacement Relationship for Single
Degree of Freedom (SDOF) Linear Spring
52
The figure below shows a transnational spring which only
needs one coordinate to specify its position. The
displacement u defines the horizontal movement
(translation) of point P due to a horizontal external force F
applied at that point. Therefore, the spring system shown
has a single (one) degree of freedom.

Examples of Linear Spring Stiffness

01-Oct-17 Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila 01-Oct-17 Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

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Advantages of the Finite Element Method53
The finite element method has been applied to numerous
problems, both structural and non-structural. This method
has a number of advantages that have made it very popular.
Model irregularly shaped bodies quite easily
Handle general load conditions without difficulty
Model bodies composed of several different materials
because the element equations are evaluated individually
Handle unlimited numbers and kinds of boundary
conditions
Vary the size of the elements to make it possible to use
small elements where necessary
Alter the finite element model relatively easily and cheaply
Include dynamic effects
Handle nonlinear behavior existing with large deformations
and nonlinear materials.
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
Course Contents 55
Thanks For Your Attention
More slides for your
interest
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
01-Oct-17
Advantages of the Finite Element Method
54
The systematic generality of FEM procedure makes it a
powerful and versatile tool for a wide range of problems.
FEM is simple, compact and result oriented and hence
widely popular among engineering community.
FEM can be easily coupled with CAD programs in various
streams of engineering.
Availability of large number of Computer software
packages and literature makes FEM a versatile and
powerful numerical method
The finite element method of structural analysis enables
the designer to detect stress, vibration, and thermal
problems during the design process and to evaluate
design changes before the construction of a possible
prototype.
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
Role of simulation in design: Boeing 777
56
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
Source: Boeing Web site (http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/gallery/images/commercial/). 01-Oct-17
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Role of simulation in design: Boeing 777 Role of simulation in design: Boeing 777
57 58
The Boeing 777 is the first jetliner to be 100 percent digitally Boeing based its CAD system on CATIA (short for Computer-
designed using three-dimensional solids technology. aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) and ELFINI
Throughout the design process, the airplane was (Finite Element Analysis System), both developed by Dassault
"preassembled" on the computer, eliminating the need for a Systemes of France (Dassault systems acquired ABAQUS in
costly, full-scale mock-up. 2005 and ABAQUS+CATIA is known as SIMULIA) and licensed
The 230 000 kg plane is the biggest twin-engine aircraft ever in the United States through IBM. Designers also used EPIC
to fly-it can carry 375 passengers 7400 km-and from its first (Electronic Preassembly Integration on CATIA) and other
service flight in June 1995, has been certified for extended- digital preassembly applications developed by Boeing. Much of
range twin-engine operations. the same technology was used on the B-2 program.

Boeing invested more than $4 billion (and insiders say much
more) in CAD infrastructure for the design of the Boeing 777
and reaped huge benefits from design automation. The more
than 3 million parts were represented in an integrated
database that allowed designers to do a complete 3D virtual
mock-up of the vehicle.
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
To design the 777, Boeing organized its workers into 238
cross-functional "design build teams" responsible for specific
products. The teams used 2200 terminals and the computer-
aided three dimensional interactive application (CATIA) system
to produce a "paperless" design that allowed engineers to
simulate assembly of the 777.
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17

Another success ..in failure: Airbus A380

59 Drag Force Analysis of Aircraft 60

Question
What is the drag force distribution on the aircraft?

Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila

http://www.airbus.com/en/aircraftfamilies/a380/ Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

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San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge 61 San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge 62

Before the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake

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After the earthquake
Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17 01-Oct-17

San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge 63 Crush Analysis of Ford Windstar 64

Question
A finite element model to analyze the What is the load-deformation relation?
bridge under seismic loads
Courtesy: ADINA Dr.R&D
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Engine Thermal Analysis 65 Radiation Therapy of Lung Cancer 66

Picture from
http://www.adina.com

Question
What is the temperature distribution in the engine http://www.simulia.com/academics/research_lung.html
block? Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, NED, UET, Taxila
01-Oct-17
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01-Oct-17

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