CIE 309L Structural Engineering Software Application

By Dr. Muhammad Fahad Assistant Professor Earthquake Engineering Center

University of Engineering & Technology Peshawar

Lecture 1:

Overview and marks distribution

CE-401L_Fall_2009_CourseOutline.xls.

Introduction to FEM
Finite Element Analysis is a mathematical method based on Energy stored or released during any straining action. FEM is extensively used to model complicated elements which cannot be solved by conventional methods of Mechanics.

Distribution of Temperature in Piston Engine. Distribution of displ/stresses in paving slabs Flow of blood in veins & pumping of blood Extensively used in aerospace, earthquake, Biomedical, Automobile, Simulation of Magnetic flux in Alternators and counting

Introduction to FEM
Finite Elements can be visualized as small pieces of structures Difference between finite and infinitesimal used in calculus. In one FE a field quantity is allowed to have a simple spatial VARIATION, may be described by a polnomial terms in X2 , xy or Y2. Actual variation is different than assumed so FEM is an approximation Could be a good approximation or bad!!!

Introduction to FEM
Finite elements are connected at points called nodes. Total assembly is called F.E Structure or body or region. Particular arrangement of elements is called Mesh Numerically, FE mesh is represented by a system of algebraic equations to be solved for unknowns at nodes. Solution at node points when combined with the assumed field in any given element completely determines the spatial variation of the field in that element

Introduction to FEM

FEA has advantages over other numerical method techniques, including versatility and physical appeal.
Applicable to any field problem, heat transfer, stress analysis, magnetic fields No geometric restrictions, body/region can take any shape. Boundary conditions and loading are not restricted, e.g. in stress analysis any portion can be supported. Material properties are not restricted to isotropy and may change from one element to another Components having different behaviors and different mathematical descriptions can be combined FE structures resemble actual bodies Approximation is easily improved by grading the mesh

Solving a problem using FEM

Learning about the problem Preparing a mathematical model Discretizing it Having a computer for calculations And the most important Checking the results.

Learning about the problem

Analyst/ Engineer must understand the nature of the problem. Software does not understand the dimensions of the problem (to include linear or non-linear analysis, buckling.

Learning about the problem

Mathematical model

Deciding what features are important to model (just because computer speed is great doesnt mean one should model it). May ignore geometric irregularities, consider some loads as point loads, assume some supports as fixed, material may be idealized as linear or non-linear. Depending on these idealizations, the structure behaves as beam element, shell element or by equation of plain plasticity.. Usually first model always need refinements. (in meshing, loading or boundary ocnditions)

Learning about the problem

Preliminary Analysis
One Preliminary analysis should be obtained to using simple analytical calculations, some of this effort might improve the model. Subsequently it will be used to check computer (FE) results. Doing so, before FEA rather than after can reduce a natural tendency to find answers that support whatever FEA results have already been obtained, especially if the efforts involved are large.

Learning about the problem

Finite Element Analysis

Pre processing
Define geometry, material properties, loads and boundary conditions. Mesh of desired density is created, and type of formulation is considered.

Numerical Analysis

Post processing

Software generates matrix that describes the behavior of each element. Solves to determine unknowns Reactions, forces SFD and BMD etc The FEA solutions and quantities derived are listed or graphically displayed. This step is automated except that the designer must tell the software what lists or displays to prepare. Contours of stress, SFDs or BMDs

Learning about the problem

Check The RESULTS

First Examine the results qualitatively and ask if they look alright. check for obvious errors B.C almost always misrepresented: does the deform shape makes sense? If the FE shows some kind of deformations should there be any ? Or is it a modeling mistake. And soo many more things to consider!!!

Questions