FINITE ELEMENT METHODS

(BDA 31003)

Lecture Module 1:
Introduction

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

Deputy Dean (Research, Development & Publications)

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

Course Objectives

1. The aim of the subject is to introduce

basic finite element methods and its
relevant applications to the solution
of engineering problems.
2. It will provide a sufficient knowledge
in using application FEM based
software creatively for professional
works.

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students

should be able to:
1. develop computational model based on
standard element stiffness matrices,
2. solve numerically problems in
bar/truss/frame structure, heat transfer and
fluid flow,
3. execute problem solving methods using the
available finite element methods software,
4. discuss in group to improve model acquired
by using resources from finite element
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

solution.
 What you can do…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geUCvKayhHE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLJMDn_2-d8

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

What you can do…Heat Transfer

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

List of Finite Element
Software
https://www3.technologyevaluation.com/sd/c
ategory/finite-element-analysis-fea

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 References


Saeed Moaveni, 2008. Finite Element Analysis, 3rd edition, Pearson
Education International.

N.S. Ottosen & H. Petersson, 1992. Introduction to the Finite Element
Method, Prentice Hall.

G.R. Buchanan, 1995. Schaum’s Outline Series, Theory and Problems of
Finite Element Analysis, McGraw-Hill.

J.N. Reddy, 2006. An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, 3rd
edition, McGraw Hill
 K.J. Bathe, 1996. Finite Element Procedures, Prentice Hall.

L.J. Segerlind, 1997. Analisis Unsur Terhingga Gunaan, diterjemahkan oleh
Muhamad Her Jantan, Penerbit UTM.
 Tirupathi R. Chandrupatla & Ashok D.Belegundu, 2002. Introduction to

Finite Elements in Engineering, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail
 Subject Delivery

 Lecturing and Tutoring

Explaining theories, methods and understanding related to the
topics.
Discussing sample problems related to the topics

 Software Application on Laboratory Session (A)

Application of finite element methods using FEM software
https://lisafea.com/

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Assessment Scheme

 Students attendance *

Group Assignment (20%)

Test 1 (15%)

Test 2 (15%)

Examination (50%)

* Attendance must not less than 80%

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Lecture Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
2. MATRIX ALGEBRA
3. AXIAL and TORSIONAL ELEMENTS
4. TRUSS 2D/3D ELEMENTS
5. BEAM, GRID AND FRAME ELEMENTS

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Lecture Contents

1. ONE DIM HEAT TRANSFER PROBLEM

2. TWO DIM STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
3. TWO DIM HEAT TRANSFER
ELEMENTS
4. FLUID FLOW NETWORK PROBLEM
5. THREE DIM SOLID ELEMENTS

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Lab Sessions

 Doing example problems

(Guided by the instructor)
 Project / Group tasks

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 INTRODUCTION

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

What is Finite Element Method

The finite element method is a numerical analysis

technique.

The basic principle in FEM is the object of interest (to

analysed) is divided into certain number of regions.

Each region is referred to as ELEMENT and the process

of subdividing a domain into a finite number of elements
is referred to as DISCRETISATION.

Elements are connected at specific points, called

NODES, and the assembly process requires that the
solution be continuous along common boundaries of
adjacent elements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cxbRMOrSf4
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail
DISCRETISATION

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

Background History of Discretization
and Convergence

Calculating area under the curve

∫ f xdx
a

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIRmtiByRJ0

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 External approach Internal approach

Exact solution

Number of elements

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Example of Calculation

Result Result
Number of lines
From Inside From Outside

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Discretization

Object/domain/model

Element

Node

SMALLER ELEMENT
MORE ACCURATE

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Element and Node
Element is used to represent the geometry of the object

Node represents the motion flexibility of the point in the object, which is
called the DEGREE OF FREEDOM

Ty

Ry

y
Rx Maximum DOF: 6 per node
x Tx 3 translations: Tx, Ty, Tz
z 3 rotations: Rx, Ry, Rz
Rz

Tz

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Response / Output
follows the defined DOF

Node of element has

only axial
translation

FEM model

Responded with
deformation
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail
 Response / Output
follows the defined DOF

Node of element has

only axial
translation

FEM model

No response showed

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Line Elements

Axial element Torsional element

Truss 2D Element Truss 3D Element

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Line Elements

Beam Element

Space Frame Element

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Surface
Elements

Plate Triangular Element

Plate Quadrilateral
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail
 Surface
Elements

Plate Bending Quadrilateral Element

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Surface
Elements

Plate Membrane Quadrilateral Element

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Surface
Elements

Shell Quadrilateral Element

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Solid Elements

Solid Tetrahedral 4 and 10 nodes Element

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Solid Elements

Solid Hexahedral 8 and 20 nodes Element

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 Axisymmetric Elements

Axisymmetric tapered annulus 2 nodes

Axysymmetric Shell 2 Nodes

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

Axisymmetric Elements

Axysymmetric Shell 3 Nodes

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 General FEM Procedures
1. Discretize and Select the element types
2. Select displacement function
3. Define strain/displacement and stress/strain
relationships
4. Derive the element stiffness matrix and equation
5. Assemble the element equations to obtain
equations and to introduce boundary conditions
6. Solve for unknown degrees of freedom
7. Solve for element strains and stresses
8. Interpret the results

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 General FEM Procedures
(known elemental stiffness matrix)
1. Discretize and Select the element types
2. (was 2, 3, 4) Calculate each elemental
stiffness matrix
3. Assemble the element equations to obtain
equations and to introduce boundary
conditions
4. Solve for unknown degrees of freedom
5. Solve for element strains and stresses
6. Interpret the results

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

 General FEM Procedures
(FEM application software)

1. Meshing of the geometrical (CAD) data

2. Define material properties and assign to respective
regions

3. Define load, boundary condition and assign to

respective nodes, elements or regions.
4. Define intended outputs
5. Run Finite Element Method Solver
6. Calling the outputs and interpret the results.

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

General FEM Procedures
(Stage Activity of FEM application software)

1.Pre-processing
by using Pre-Processor
2.Solving
by employing Solver
3.Post-processing
by using Post-Processor

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

Relevant Videos

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boSLQYhDXoE
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKhbpAyIlKc
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZBSdLZ53T0
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx_GTeAOo6Q

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al Emran Ismail