Introduction to Finite

Element Methods
Dr R Meenakumari
Professor
KEC
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Introduction
Field of electrical engg
Theoretical electricity/electromagnetism
Laws and principles of electromagnetism

Applied electricity/electromagnetism
Construction of mathematical models of physical
phenomena

Computational electromagnetism
Solving specific problems by simulation through
numerical methods

Ken Youssefi

Mechanical

Why FEM analysis?

Complex geometry
Mixed set of materials involved. Will have
nonlinear characteistic also.
Mixed phenomena
Electromagnetic aspects
Thermal aspects
Mechanical aspects
Dynamical aspects

Numerical solution is the best one

Ken Youssefi

Mechanical

Steps involved in analysis

Modelling
Selection of aspects ( For eg: steady state or transient
state etc.,,)

Selection of numerical methods

Finite difference method
Linear problems with regular geometry and time dependent
system

Boundary element method

Without meshing
Moment method
Montocarlo method Linear cases and simple geometry
Finite element method
Most widely used method both for linear and
nonlinear no restrictions on the geometry

Ken Youssefi

Mechanical

History of FEM?
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was first developed in 1943 by R.
Courant, who utilized the Ritz method of numerical analysis and
minimization of variational calculus.
A paper published in 1956 by M. J. Turner, R. W. Clough, H. C.
Martin, and L. J. Topp established a broader definition of
numerical analysis. The paper centered on the "stiffness and
deflection of complex structures".
By the early 70's, FEA was limited to expensive mainframe
computers generally owned by the aeronautics, automotive,
defense, and nuclear industries. Since the rapid decline in the cost
of computers and the phenomenal increase in computing power,
FEA has been developed to an incredible precision.
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What is FEM?
Mathematical method for solving ordinary
and partial differential equation
Able to solve complex problem that can be
represented by differential equation
A very important tool for those application
which involved engineering design

Ken Youssefi

Mechanical

FEA Applications

Structural strength design

Structural interaction with fluid flows
Analysis of shock(underwater & in materials)
Acoustics
Thermal analysis
Crash simulation
Electrical analysis
Electromagnetic evaluations
Metal forming
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FEM in Electrical Engineering

Used to analyse linear electric and magnetic
behavior
Evaluation of electric, magnetic and thermal
effects
May be static, harmonic or transient in nature

FEA Applications
Rotating machines
DC machines, Synchronous machines, induction
machines, Stepper motor, PM motors, BLDC
motors, SRM motors etc.,

Energy transfer and conversion modules

Transformers, Cables, High voltage devices,
insulators

Electrical actuators
Linear motors, Electromagnetic brakes, magnetic
bearings
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FEA Applications
Sensors
Capacitive and inductive , speed

Field generators
Magnetic recording
Mass spectrometer

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Analysis Types
Magnetostatic anlaysis
Magnetic analysis of solenoids, electric motors,
magnetic disk drives
Magnetic flux density, field intensity, forces,
torque, inductance and flux linkage

Transient Electromagnetic analysis

Transient or steady state analysis designing for
various AC or DC devices
Time functions of magnetic flux density, field
intensity, forces, torque
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Analysis Types
Time harmonic electromagnetic analysis
Analysis of magnetic fields caused by
alternating currents
Electric current , Voltage, generated Joule heat,
impedances and inductances

Electrostatic analysis
Fuses, transmission lines etc.,
Voltages, electric fields, capacitances

Current flow analysis

Variety of conductive system
Voltages, current densities, power loss
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Analysis Types
Thermal analysis
Design of many electrical and mechanical
systems
Temperature distribution, thermal gradients,heat
loss

Stress analysis
Design of many electrical and mechanical
components
Displacements, strains and stresses

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Which differential equation in EE?

2D or 3D analysis ?
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Basics of Finite Element Analysis

Consider a cantilever beam shown.

Finite element analysis starts with an approximation of the region of

interest into a number of meshes (triangular elements). Each mesh is
connected to associated nodes (black dots) and thus becomes a finite
element.

Ken Youssefi

Mechanical

15

Symmetries for analysis

Plane symmetry

Axial symmetry

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Basics of Finite Element Analysis

After approximating the object by finite elements,
each node is associated with the unknowns to be
solved.
For the cantilever beam the displacements in x and
y would be the unknowns.
This implies that every node has two degrees of
freedom and the solution process has to solve 2n
degrees of freedom.
Once the displacements have been computed, the
strains are derived by partial derivatives of the
displacement function and then the stresses are
computed from the strains.
Ken Youssefi

Mechanical

17

Finite Element Analysis

FEA is a mathematical representation of a physical system
and the solution of that mathematical representation

FEA requires three steps

Pre-Processing
Solving Matrix (solver)
Post-Processing

Ken Youssefi

Mechanical

18

FEA Pre-Processing
Mesh
Mesh is your way of communicating geometry to
the solver, the accuracy of the solution is primarily
dependent on the quality of the mesh.
The better the mesh looks, the more accurate the
solution is.
A good-looking mesh should have well-shaped
elements, and the transition between densities
should be smooth and gradual without skinny,
distorted elements.
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CAD Modeling for FEA

CAD and FEA activities should be coordinated at the early stages
of the design process to minimize the duplication of effort.

CAD models prepared by the design group for

eventual FEA.
CAD models prepared without consideration of
FEA needs.
CAD models unsuitable for use in analysis due to
the amount of rework required.
Analytical geometry developed by or for analyst
for sole purpose of FEA.

Ken Youssefi

Mechanical

20

FEA Pre-Processing
Boundary Conditions

In FEA, the name of the game is boundary

condition, that is calculating the load and figuring
out constraints that each component experiences in
its working environment.
Garbage in, garbage out
The results of FEA should include a complete
discussion of the boundary conditions.

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Boundary Conditions
Linear Static Analysis
Boundary conditions are assumed constant from
application to final deformation of system and all loads
are applied gradually to their full magnitude.

Dynamic Analysis
The boundary conditions vary with time.

Non-linear Analysis
The orientation and distribution of the boundary
conditions vary as displacement of the structure is
calculated.

Ken Youssefi

Mechanical

22

Boundary Conditions
A solid face should always have at least three points in
contact with the rest of the structure. A solid element
should never be constrained by less than three points and
only translational DOFs must be fixed.

Accuracy
The choice of boundary conditions has a direct impact
on the overall accuracy of the model.
Over-constrained model an overly stiff model due
to poorly applied constraints.

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Summary of Pre-Processing
Build the geometry
Make the finite-element mesh
Add boundary conditions; loads and
constraints
Provide properties of material
Specify analysis type (static or dynamic,
linear or non-linear, plane stress, etc.)
These activities are called finite element modeling.
Ken Youssefi

Mechanical

24

Solving the Model - Solver

Once the mesh is complete, and the properties and
boundary conditions have been applied, it is time to solve
the model. In most cases, this will be the point where you
can take a deep breath, push a button and relax while the
computer does the work for a change.

Multiple Load and Constraint Cases

In most cases submitting a run with multiple load cases will
be faster than running sequential, complete solutions for
each load case.
Final Model Check

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View Animated
Displacements

Post-Processing

Does the shape of deformations make sense?

No

Yes

Review Boundary
Conditions

View Displacement
Fringe Plot
Are magnitudes in line with your expectations? No
Yes

Review Load Magnitudes

and Units

View Stress
Fringe Plot
Is the quality and mag. Of stresses acceptable? No

Review Mesh Density

and Quality of Elements

Yes

View Results Specific

To the Analysis
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FEA - Flow Chart

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Thank You
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