Finite Element Primer for Engineers: Part 2
Mike Barton & S. D. Rajan
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Contents
• 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 forces balance.
• F = Kd
Create elements
of the beam • K is dependant upon Young’s
modulus and Poisson’s ratio,
as well as the geometry.
• Equations from discrete elements
are assembled together to form
Nodal displacement and forces the global stiffness matrix.
dxi 1
dxi 2 • Deflections are obtained by
solving the assembled set of
dyi 1 1 2 linear equations.
dyi 2
• Stresses and strains are
4 3 calculated from the deflections.
3
Classification of Solid-Mechanics
AnalysisProblems
of solids
Static Dynamics
Elementary 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 elements 4
Shells with curved 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
Post-processor
Processor
Pre-processor • Prints or plots
• Generates
contours of stress
• Reads or generates element shape
components.
nodes and elements functions • Prints or plots
• Calculates master
(ex: ANSYS) contours of
• Reads or generates element equations
displacements.
material property data. • Calculates
• Evaluates and
• Reads or generates transformation
prints error
boundary conditions matrices
bounds.
(loads and • Maps element
equations into
constraints.)
global system
Step 6
• Assembles
element equations
• Introduces
Step 1, Step 4 boundary Steps 2, 3, 5
conditions
• Performs solution
procedures 7
Step 1: Discretization - Mesh Generation
surface model
airfoil geometry 3 4 511
1 2
12
14
13
(from CAD program)
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, rotation).
9
Step 4: Applying Boundary Conditions (Thermal Loads)
300
Nodes from 300
FE Modeler
275
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 Files
150
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
11
PRODUCE ELEMENT PLOT I N DSYS = 0
PREP7:
