Finite Element Primer for Engineers:

Part 2 A

Mike Barton & S. D. Rajan

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 Content
s

• Introduction to the Finite Element Method

(FEM)
• Steps in Using the FEM (an Example from
Solid Mechanics)
• Examples
• Commercial FEM Software
• Competing Technologies
• Future Trends
• Internet Resources
• References

2
 FEM Applied to Solid Mechanics
Problems
• A FEM model in solid
mechanics can be thought
of as a system of
assembled springs. When
a load is applied, all
elements deform until all
Create elements forces balance.
of the beam • F = Kd
• K is dependant upon
Young’s modulus and
Poisson’s ratio, as well
as the geometry.
Nodal displacement and forces
dxi 1
dxi 2 • Equations from discrete
elements are assembled
dyi 1 1 2 together to form the global
dyi 2
stiffness matrix.
4 3
• Deflections are obtained by
solving the assembled set
of linear equations.
3
• Stresses and strains are
 Classification of Solid-Mechanics
Problems
Analysis of
solids

Stat Dynamics
Elementary ic Advanced

Behavior of Solids Stress Stiffening

Large Displacement
Geometric
Instability
Linear Nonlinear
Fracture
Plasticity
Material
Viscoplasticity
Geometric
Classification of solids

Skeletal Systems Plates and Shells Solid Blocks

1D Elements 2D Elements 3D Elements
Trusses Plane Stress Brick Elements
Cables Plane Strain Tetrahedral Elements
Pipes Axisymmetric General Elements
Plate Bending
Shells with flat 4
elements
 Governing Equation for Solid Mechanics
Problems
• Basic equation for a static analysis is as follows:
[K] {u} = {Fapp} + {Fth} + {Fpr} + {Fma} + {Fpl} + {Fcr}
+ {Fsw} + {Fld}
[K] = total stiffness matrix
{u} = nodal displacement
{Fapp} = applied nodal force load vector
{Fth} = applied element thermal load vector
{Fpr} = applied element pressure load vector
{Fma}= applied element body force vector
{Fpl} = element plastic strain load vector
{Fcr} = element creep strain load vector
{Fsw} = element swelling strain load vector
{Fld} = element large deflection load vector
5
 Six Steps in the Finite Element
• Method
Step 1 - Discretization: The problem domain is
discretized into a collection of simple shapes, or
elements.
• Step 2 - Develop Element Equations: Developed
using the physics of the problem, and typically
Galerkin’s Method or variational principles.
• Step 3 - Assembly: The element equations for each
element in the FEM mesh are assembled into a set
of global equations that model the properties of the
entire system.
• Step 4 - Application of Boundary Conditions:
Solution cannot be obtained unless boundary
conditions are applied. They reflect the known
values for certain primary unknowns. Imposing the
boundary conditions modifies the global 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 the nodal values of the primary variables.
6
 Process Flow in a Typical FEM
Analysis
Problem Analysis and
Start Stop
Definition design decisions

Processor
Pre-processor Post-processor
• Generates
• Reads or element shape • Prints or plots
generates nodes functions contours of
and elements (ex: • Calculates stress
ANSYS) master components.
• Reads or element • Prints or plots
generates equations contours of
material property • Calculates displacements.
data. transformation • Evaluates and
• Reads or matrices prints error
generates • Maps element bounds.
equations into
boundary
global system
Step 6
conditions (loads
and constraints.) • Assembles
element
equations
Step 1, Step 4 • Introduces Steps 2, 3, 5
boundary
conditions
• Performs 7
solution
 Step 1: Discretization - Mesh
Generation

surface model
airfoil geometry 3 4 511
1 2
(from CAD program) 12
14
13

mesh
generator

ET,1,SOLID45
N, 1, 183.894081 , -.770218637 , 5.30522740
N, 2, 183.893935 , -.838009645 , 5.29452965
.
.
TYPE, 1
E, 1, 2, 80, 79, 4, 5, 83, 82
E, 2, 3, 81, 80, 5, 6, 84, 83
.
.
.

meshed model
8
Step 4: Boundary Conditions for a Solid Mechanics
Problem
• Displacements DOF constraints
usually specified at model boundaries
to define rigid supports.
• Forces and Moments Concentrated
loads on nodes usually specified on the
model exterior.
• Pressures Surface loads usually
specified on the model exterior.
• Temperatures Input at nodes to study
the effect of thermal expansion or
contraction.
• Inertia Loads Loads that affect the
entire structure (ex: acceleration,
9
 Step 4: Applying Boundary Conditions (Thermal
Loads)

Nodes 300

from 300

FE
275

Modeler
275

250

250
bf, 1,temp, 149.77
225

225
bf, 2,temp, 149.78
.
Temp 200
.
mapper 200
.
175
bf, 1637,temp, 303.64
bf, 1638,temp, 303.63
Thermal
Soln 150

Files 150

175

10
 Step 4: Applying Boundary Conditions (Other
Loads)
• Speed, temperature and hub fixity applied to
sample problem.
• FE Modeler used to apply speed and hub
constraint.

antype,static
omega,10400*3.1416/30
d,1,all,0,0,57,1

Y X

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PRODUCE ELEMENT PLOT I N DSYS = 0

PREP7: