Lecture 1 : Introduction to FEA

Mr Mohd Fareez Edzuan Bin Abdullah

Mr Muhamad Fadzli Bin Ashari
 Course Overview
This course provides an overview of how a finite
element analysis (FEA) tool can be utilized to solve
engineering problems such as stress-strain, vibrations
and heat transfer modeling.
Objectives

1. Grasp the idea and application of Finite

Element Analysis (FEA)
2. Know 3 types of formulation approaches in
finite element problems
3. Able to identify basic steps to solve finite
element problems
 How to solve engineering problems?

What will happen if an armor piercing bullet is

to penetrate an aluminum plate from an initial
degree of 60°?
How to solve it?
How to solve engineering problems?
 Engineering problems are mathematical models of
physical situation which are differential equations with
corresponding boundaries and/or initial conditions
 Make the problems simpler
 Discrete complex shape geometry to simpler shapes
 Use computational approach to solve complex solutions
How to solve engineering problems?
 What is FEA?
 A complex problem is divided into a smaller and
simpler problems that can be solved by using the
existing knowledge of mechanics of materials and
mathematical tools
 Applications of this idea can be find everywhere
Why FEA?
 It’s a design analysis ; hand calculations,
experiments and computer simulations
 Most widely applied computer simulation method in
engineering
 Integrated with CAE/CAM applications

mesh analysis results

FEA Example Results
Basic Steps in the FEM

 Approaches to formulating finite element

problems are;
 Direct formulation
 The minimum total potential energy formulation
 Weighted residual formulations

 Note that the basic steps involved in any finite

element analysis approach will be;
 Preprocessing Phase
 Solution Phase
 Postprocessing Phase
Direct Formulation
 Solution were assumed from engineering
knowledge
 3 basic steps to solve FEA;
 Preprocessing Phase
1. Discrete domain into nodes and elements
2. Assume solution to approximates behavior of an element
3. Develop equations for an element
4. Assemble the elements to present entire problem
5. Apply boundary conditions
 Solution Phase
6. Solve a system of algebraic equations simultaneously
 Postprocessing Phase
7. Obtain other important information
 Example 1 : Direct Formulation
Consider a bar with a variable cross section
supporting a load P. The bar is fixed at one end and
carries the load P at the other end.

Let us designate the width of the bar at the top by

ω1, at the bottom ω2, its thickness by t, and its
length by L. The bar’s modulus of elasticity will be
denoted by E and we will neglect the weight of the
bar.

We are interested in approximating how much the

bar will deflect at various points along its length
when it is subjected to the load P.
1 Preprocessing Phase
 Subdividing problems into nodes and elements.
 Approximate four segments.
2 Preprocessing Phase

Assume solutions from prior knowledge
 
Bar deflection when force F is applied
Stress

Strain

Modulus elasticity

Force similar to

Stiffness where
2 Preprocessing Phase
 Assume five equations for five nodes

 Rearrange based on displacement

2 Preprocessing Phase
  Presenting in matrix form

 Since bar is fixed then

[stiffness matrix]{displacement matrix} = {load matrix}

3 Preprocessing Phase

  Develop equations for an element

 Internal forces
 Displacement
 4 Preprocessing Phase
 Assemble the local stiffness matrix to present
the entire problem
4 Preprocessing Phase
 Assemble all elements to obtain global
stiffness matrix
5 Preprocessing Phase

  Apply boundary condition and external load

P is applied to node 5

[stiffness matrix]{displacement matrix} = {load matrix}

6 Solution Phase
 Complete global matrix by finding stiffness for each
element.
 Given that, E=10.4 x 106 lb/in2, w1=2 in, w2=1 in, L=10
in and P=1000 lb
6 Solution Phase
  Since and P = 1000 lb

 It can be reduced to 4 x 4 matrix form

 Displacement can be obtained

7 Postprocessing Phase

  Stress σ, strain ε and reaction force R can be

calculated by obtained value of nodal
displacement and stiffness k
Other Formulations
 Minimum Total Potential Energy Formulation
 Common approach in generating finite element
model in solid mechanics where external loads
applied cause the body to deform.

 Weighted Residual Formulations

 Based on assuming an approximate solution for
the governing equation with Galerkin approach is
the mostly used
Conclusions
1. Complex engineering problem can be
discrete into simpler finite element form
consist of nodes and element
2. Finite element problems formulation by
direct, the minimum potential energy and
weighted residual
3. The basic steps involved in any FEA
formulation are preprocessing phase,
solution phase and pastprocessing phase