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Finite Element Method 1: DR Jiawa Lu

This document provides an introduction to the finite element method (FEM). It discusses: 1. FEM involves discretizing a continuum into smaller finite elements connected at nodes. Stress distributions are obtained by analyzing each element. 2. FEM results like displacement are discontinuous and accuracy depends on number of elements. A mesh convergence study examines the relationship between mesh number and maximum displacement. 3. Common element types include 1D springs, 2D trusses, and 2D triangles. The stiffness matrix captures element stiffness and its symmetric properties. Assembling element matrices forms the global stiffness matrix used to solve for displacements.

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Shuhang Chen
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84 views25 pages

Finite Element Method 1: DR Jiawa Lu

This document provides an introduction to the finite element method (FEM). It discusses: 1. FEM involves discretizing a continuum into smaller finite elements connected at nodes. Stress distributions are obtained by analyzing each element. 2. FEM results like displacement are discontinuous and accuracy depends on number of elements. A mesh convergence study examines the relationship between mesh number and maximum displacement. 3. Common element types include 1D springs, 2D trusses, and 2D triangles. The stiffness matrix captures element stiffness and its symmetric properties. Assembling element matrices forms the global stiffness matrix used to solve for displacements.

Uploaded by

Shuhang Chen
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Finite element method 1

Dr Jiawa Lu
Introduction

1.Crack propagation
2.Stress contour
What does FE results look like?
FE software
• Structural analysis for trusses and frames, thermal, fluid, dynamic,
electrical, magnetic and acoustic problems
• ABAQUS, Ansys, Hypermesh, etc.
An Example

• Beam with sinusoidal load q(x), analytical deflection w(x) is also


sinusoidal
• FE Results are discontinuous and the accuracy of the FE solution
depends on the number of elements.
How does FEM work?
• To discretize a domain/continuum into a number of smaller ‘finite elements’
• These finite elements are appropriately connected on their boundaries at
‘nodes’
• The stress distribution in the whole plate can be obtained by analysing each
of the small elements in turn.
• The domain in which matter exists at every point is called a continuum. It
can be assumed as having infinite number of connected particle edges and
elements.
2D triangular element example
• The simplest two-dimensional continuum element
is a 3-node triangle with straight-line sides.
• L=0.5m, B=0.01m, h=0.025m, P=5000N
2D triangular element example

What is the relationship between the mesh number and max displacement?
-mesh convergence study
Element shapes

2.9
Outlines of finite element method
• Element types
1D spring element
2D truss element
2D triangular element
• Principles
Force equilibrium
Principle of virtual work
1D spring element

• The uniaxial bar can only carry loads in the axial


direction A
• Model the bar as a spring of stiffness k1=EA/L.
• The displacement, u, is used as the only P1 E P2

independent variable in FE formulation


• Assume that node 1 and 2 are subjected to L u2

displacement u1 and u2, and nodal force F1 and


u1
F2
1D spring element

• Vector quantities are denoted with


braces { }, two dimensional arrays
This can be expressed in the matrix form as are contained in brackets [ ].
• the stiffness matrix is always
symmetrical.
Spring assembly
•To perform analysis of real problems, we need to combine more than one
element with different stiffness
•Model the bar as two springs with stiffness k1 and k2.
Spring assembly
•Model the bar as two springs with stiffness k1 and k2.
Spring assembly
Spring assembly

F    K u  k1 k1 0 
 
Force Vector  K    k1 k1  k2 k2 
Displacement Vector
(one for each DOF) Stiffness Matrix (one for each DOF)  0  k2 k2 
(DOF x DOF)

Note that the system stiffness matrix is


(1) symmetric, as is the case with all linear systems referred to
orthogonal coordinate systems;
(2) singular, since no constraints are applied to prevent rigid
body motion of the system.
Worked example
Two steel rods are connected together and loaded at the connection, determine
the displacement of the point where the load is applied: (E = 200 GPa)
1. Determine AE/L
2. Construct the element stiffness matrices
3. Combine to form the global stiffness matrix
4. Apply the boundary conditions
5. Solve for displacements
Worked example
1. Determine AE/L
A = πr2 = π x (5x10-3)2 = 7.8540 x 10-5 m2
E = 200 x 109 N/m2
L = 80 x 10-3 m
k = AE/L = 1.9635 x 108 N/m
Worked example
2. Construct the element stiffness matrices
• Element 1:

• Element 2:
Worked example
3. Combine to form the global stiffness matrix
Worked example
4. Apply the boundary conditions

u1=u3=0
F2=80kN

F2 = 3.9270×108 u 2
Worked example
5. Solve for the displacement
80000 = 3.9270×108u2

80000
𝑢2 =
3.9270 × 108

u2= 2.0372×104 m = 0.203 mm


Exercise
• Two dissimilar rods are connected together
and loaded. Using the stiffness matrix
approach, calculate the displacement at the
interface and the forces at the supports.
Esteel = 200 GPa, Ealuminium = 70 GPa.
Conceptual questions
• Displacement, stress, strain, Which is more accurate?
• What does assembly mean?
• What’s the method to determine the displacement between the
nodes?
• Why a mesh convergence study is necessary?
Next lecture
• 2D truss element

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