1.

1 Introduction to FEM :

• Finite element method is a numerical method.

• Used to solve physical problems governed by a differential equation/energy theorem.
• It considers all types of complexity namely varying shape boundary conditions, loading
and material properties.
• But this method provides an approximate solution.
• It has received importance in engineering field due to its diversity and flexibility as an
analysis tool.
• The physical problem is divided into small entities called elements.
 J.

1.3 General FEM Procedure :

There are eight steps in FEM :

Step 1: Discretization :
o This step involves sub-dividing the body into small bodies called finite
element.
o The intersections of the sides of the elements are called nodes.
o In this step the type and size of the element is decided.

Step 2: Selection of approximation models :

o In this step we choose a pattern for the distribution of unknown quantity.
o The nodes provide strategic points for writing mathematical functions to
describe the shape of the distribution of the unknown quantity over the
domain of the element.
~ - Finite Element Analysis (MU) 1-4
lntrOdu~
0 Due to ease of mathematical man ipul atio n poly ~

choice. {u} = [N] {q}

nom ials are
of Popu1 I
Step 3: Defi ne strain-displacement and stress-strain rela tion
ship s :
0 {E} = [B] { q} and {cr} = [D] [B] {q}
Where, [N] = Shap e function matrix

{q} = Nodal displacement matrix for a elem ent

{u} = Matrix of displacement of any point within the element
[B] = Strain - displacement matrix
[D] = Stress - strain matrix
{E} = Strain
{cr} = Stress
Step 4: Derivation of element equations :

o Governing equations are obtained by emp loyi ng laws

and principles.
o These equations were obtained in general term s and
henc e can be used for
all elements in the discretized body .
o The equation will be of form :

[K] {q} = {f}

Where
[K] = Elem ent stiffness matr ix

{f} = Nodal force vector/matrix

Ste ps: Assemble element equation to obtain global equation
s:
o Aim is to obtain equations for the entire body that
defi ne the behavior of
the entire body.

o These equations can be obtained by assembling the

elemental equations
obtained in step (4)
o Global equations :

[K] {Q} = {F}

Where
[K] = Global elemental stiffness matrix
~ Finite Element Analysis (MU) 1-5 Introduction

{Q} = Global nodal displacement matrix

{F} = Global nodal force matrix

Step 6: Application of boundary conditions :

o Equation obtained in step(5) cannot be solved because [K] is a singular

matrix.

o Singularity can be removed by specifying boundary conditions.

o The modified equations.

Step 7: Solution of modified global equations :

o Modified equations are solved either by gauss ·elimin~tion me_thod or any

other iterative method.
o ~t the end of this step we solve f~r Q1, Q2, Q3 ••• :etc

o These are called primary unknowns.

o Secondary unknowns are obtained from primary unknowns.

Step8: Interpretation of results :

o The final and important aim is to reduce the results from the use of FEM to
a form that can be readily used for analysis or design.

o Results can be obtained in graphical form.

1.3.1 Pre-processing and Postprocessing:

• • i
.

• Pre-processing involves the preparation of data, such as nodal coordin~tes, connectivity,

boundary conditions and loading and material information. /
I

• The processing stage involves stiffness generation, stiffness modific~tion and solution
· of equadons, resulting i~ the evaluation of n~dal variables. i
I
I

.The post-processing stage deals with'. the presentation of results. · /

.. . I , .. . ' .
Typically the defonned configuration, mode shapes, temperature and' stres·s distribution
are computed and displayed at this ~tage. II .
•

- --
:sdnc
 lc\?r Finite Element Analysis (MU) 1-6 lntrOd

1.4

Following are the few applications of FEM :

(i) · Static analysis of trusses, beams, frames, and .machine parts/structure:
(ii) Stress analysis of pressure vessels, flywheels, crankshafts, cams, linkages, gears
etc.
(iii) Analysis of potential flows, free surface flows, boundary layer flows, viscous
flows, etc.
(iv) Stress analysis of bones and teeth, load carrying capacity of implant and
prostheti
systems.
(v) Structural analysis in civil and aerospace engineering.
(vi) Steady state temperature distribution in solids and ~uids.
(vii) Crack and fracture problems under dynamic loads.
(viii) Transient behavior of electromechanical devices.
(ix) Analysis of casting, forming, welding am;l machining processes.
. .
(x) Analysis of nuclear pressure vessels ~nd nuclear reactor components..

1.5 Advantages of FEM ·:

.
(i) Finite element method can deal with .complex mater .
ial mode ls such as hpmogeneous,
(

heterogeneous, isotropic, anisotropic, nonlinear models. . '\.

' .- •,
(ii) Any complex geometry can be analyzed using finite
element metho d.
(iii) Any type of boundary conditions can be accommodated in .
FEM.
(iv) · Non-linearity' time-depende~t
pr~blems and a~y arbit r~ lo~ding conditions can be
handled easily. '. ' · .
(v) Finite element method can be used for any
type of physical problems.
(vi)FE formll:13tion and development of codes are possible. The formulation and
devel o~ .
codes for one class can be used for other class of proble m with little modification
s.
(~~ Softwares are available and are affordable.
_1_.e__D_l_sa
_d - ---=~--- --=-'--~:. .:. ::._~__.:.-__:.:\.: ..--
_ v__;a_n_ta.:. . ig!l!!.;e:..:s:. . .o: =..:f-=-F-=E=M:.:...:...:
(i) Parametric study is difficult as finite element method cannot· provide
solution. closed fo(lll

(ii) Skilled user, reliable program and computer are essential

(iii) Many input data are required and voluminous outp~t ~eeds to be sorted and ~alyz
ed.
(iv) To define a good model experience.an engineeringJ~dgemerit'is required.
(v) A general purpose program has extensive documentation ·which cann ot~ ignore
d.