Finite Element method

Dr. P. J. Guruprasad
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai
Mumbai 400076

August 1, 2019

Department of Aerospace Engineering 1

. Indian Institute of Technology .
 Introduction

Engineering
The branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines,
machines, and structures. (source: Oxford dictionary )
1 involves conducting physical experiments
2 idealization of the system and development of mathematical model
3 numerical simulation and analysis
4 multidisciplinary optimization

Analysis
A detailed examination of anything complex in order to understand its nature or to determine
its essential features. (source: Merriam-Webster dictionary )
1 identifying the problem and nature of the response to be determined
2 selection of an appropriate mathematical model or models (for example, if the problem is
multidisciplinary in nature)
3 development of analytical, semi-analytical or numerical strategy for obtaining the solution
4 assessment of the solution and its implications on the engineering problem/system of interest

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 Introduction

Mathematical Model
In engineering the mathematical models of systems are governed by differential or integral
form.
Note: integral and differential forms can be shown to be equivalent in solid mechanics problems

Model may be complex due to geometry, physical properties of the system, boundary and/or
initial conditions.
Analytical and semi-analytical solution techniques may not be sufficient to determine desired
response(s) of systems
Development of an adequate model (as a replacement to the complex model) using a finite
number of well-defined components or sub-systems
Specifically, in solid mechanics, simplified model of real continuum using finite number of well
defined interconnected elements leading to an equivalent discrete problem
Over the past several decades several discretization techniques have been developed that
involve approximation which, approaches in the limit the continuum solution as the number of
discrete variables increase

Department of Aerospace Engineering 3

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 Discrete system model

In this method an adequate model of a system is obtained using a finite number of

well-defined sub-systems.

Simple discrete problem

The deformation in the bar is obtained as

u2 − u1
ε=
L(e)

Stress in the bar is given by the Hooke’s law as

u2 − u1
σ = E (e) ε = E (e)
L(e)

Axial resultant force is obtained by integrating of stress

across the thickness as

u2 − u1
N = A(e) σ = A(e) E (e)
Figure: Spring/bar element with two nodes L(e)

Static equilibrium of axial forces lead to

(e) (e) u2 − u1
R2 = −R1 = A(e) σ = A(e) E (e)
L(e)

This can be written as

! !
(e) (e)
A(e) E (e) /L(e) −A(e) E (e) /L(e)
 
R1 u1
(e) =
R2 −A(e) E (e) /L(e) A(e) E (e) /L(e) (e)
u2

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 Discrete problem
The general form can be written as
Ku = R
Properties of K, known as stiffness matrix:
1 diagonal elements are positive (force and displacement are along the same direction)
2 diagonal elements are always non-zero (unless it is an unstable structure)
3 symmetric
4 sum of elements along any column or row is zero
5 if proper node numbering is carried out then the matrix is banded

Solution
No. of joints as nodes as shown in the figure
Write the elemental static equilibirum equation in terms
of local displacements
Consider the compatibility condition to relate local and
global displacements

(1) (1) (2) (2) (3) (3)

u1 = u1 ; u2 = u2 ; u2 = u1 ; u3 = u2 ; u2 = u1 ; u4 = u2

Figure: Spring problem Express equilibrium of forces at node 1 to 4

     (1)
F1 k1 −k1 0 0 u1 Node1 : R1 = F1
 P  −k1 k1 + k2 + k3 −k2 −k3 
 u2 
 
 = (1) (2) (3)
F 3   0 −k2 k2 0  u3  Node2 : R2 +R1 + R1 = P
F4 0 −k3 0 k3 u4 (2)
Node3 : R2 = F3
(3)
Node4 : R2 = F4

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