COMPUTER AIDED MODELLING AND ANALYSIS LAB VIVA-QUESTIONS v-1

1. What is FEM & FEA?

The FEM is widely accepted numerical procedure for solving the differential equations of engg.problems & is
the computational basis of many COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN systems.
FEA is defined as numerical method used to solve simultaneous equations of continuum engg. problems by
using software like ANSYS, NISA, and NASTRON,ALGOR etc.
2. What is DOF? It is a variable that describes the behavior of a node in an element. Thus, in one – dimension
axial element, each node has only one DOF, i.e.each node can move only in the ±x direction only.
3. What are global and natural coordinates? Global coordinates: is the coordinate system for individual
element and the complete model to which all other coordinate system are referred. Natural coordinates:
is a local coordinate within the element which varies normally between 0and 1 or-1 and 1 depending upon the
element type.
4. What is element connectivity? Element connectivity is the nodal information for the individual element
with details how they fit together to from the complete original system.
5. How difficult is it to write a FEM program?
Writing a FEM code is not terribly difficult, especially if one develops the code utilizing a general set of
subroutines, e.g., input data, integration, assembly, boundary conditions, output, etc. About 90% of a FEM
program is generic, which is fairly common among most FEM codes – they tend to use similar matrix solvers,
quadrature rules, and matrix assembly procedures; I/O is usually the major difference among commercial FEM
codes some are easy, and some are not so easy to learn and use.
6. How expensive is a FEM code? FEM codes range from those that can be found for free on the web to others
costing many thousands of dollars. Those that run on PCs are generally inexpensive, yet provide powerful tools
for solving a number of large scale problems.
7. What kind of hardware do I need to run a FEM code? A PC with a sufficiently fast processor, at least
2GB RAM, and at least 500 GB of hard disk will permit many problems to be solved that once could only be
run on mainframe computers. A suggested PC level for major FEM calculations is one with 4 GB RAM, 1TB
hard disk, and running with Pentium 4/3.2 GHz or better processors would provide more that adequate
capabilities. The state-of-the-art in PC hardware is improving constantly; in a few years, even these suggested
requirements will seem obsolete
8. Why is the p-version FEM important? The FEM provides an approximate solution. In engineering
practice it is important to know not only the information one wishes to compute but also to have an indication
about the size of error of FEM approximation. The p-version FEM makes it convenient and efficient to obtain
error estimates in terms of the data of interest.
9. When was the p-version FEM developed? Research on the p-version dates back to the late 1960's. Many
important advances occurred in the 1970's. The p-version FEM is a more recent technology than the h-version.
10. Does the p-version have clear advantages over the h-version?
Yes. For typical design problems in mechanical and civil engineering practice the errors of approximation are
reduced at an exponential rate when the number of dof are increased, provided that the finite element mesh is
properly constructed. The h-version can provide algebraic convergence rates only. This makes error control
much more effective in the p-version. Furthermore, a converging sequence of solutions is much more naturally
and conveniently obtained with the p-version than with the h-version. This makes it feasible to employ quality
control procedures in the setting of practical engineering decision-making processes.
11. Are there classes of problems which can be handled by the p-version but not the h-version? In
principle, any problem which can be solved by the h-version can be solved by the p-version, and vice-versa.
The h-version (p fixed at 1 or 2) is a subset of the more general p-version for which shape functions are
approximated by higher order polynomials (up to p=8). The use of high-order p elements makes it possible to
model and solve with high fidelity, classes of problems comprised of very thin domain. For example, the p-
version has clear and substantial advantages for laminated composites and adhesively bonded joints, both of
which require elements with very large aspect ratios. Other classes of problems include fracture mechanics
and structural plates and shells.
12. What is the advantage of the FEM over FDM and FVM?The major advantages of the FEM over FDM
and FVM are its built-in abilities to handle meshes, a rich family of element choices, and natural handling of

Dept. Of Mechanical Engg, BKIT Bhalki, Rajashekar Matpathi,M.E-Design(Ph.D)

COMPUTER AIDED MODELLING AND ANALYSIS LAB VIVA-QUESTIONS v-2
boundary conditions (especially flux relations). The FDM is generally restricted to simple geometries in which
an orthogonal grid can be constructed; for irregular geometries, a global transformation of the governing
equations (e.g., boundary fitted coordinates) must be made to create an orthogonal computational domain.
Likewise, implementation of boundary conditions in FDM can be cumbersome.
The FVM is an integral approach similar to the FEM, with volumes being used instead of elements. The
divergence theorem is used to establish the final equation set. Solutions are obtained at volume faces, vertices,
or volume centers – some methods employ staggered grids. While FVM can handle irregular domains are using
unstructured grids (stemming from the FEM), the required averaging over the volume limits the method to
second order spatial accuracy.
13. Is there any connection between the FEM and the boundary element method (BEM)?
In the BEM, one reduces the order of the problem by one, i.e., a two-dimensional domain is reduced to a line
integral – a three-dimensional domain becomes a 2-D surface. The BEM only requires the discretization of the
boundaries of the problem domain – no internal meshing is required, as in the FDM, FVM, and FEM schemes.
The BEM requires two applications of the Green-Gauss Theorem (versus one in the FEM and employing
Galerkin’s Method). The method is ideal for handling irregular shapes and employing Galerkin’s Method). The
method is ideal for handling irregular shapes and the BEM to obtain internal values easily. The BEM works
quite effectively for linear differential equations – principally elliptic equations. However, if one desires to solve
nonlinear advection-diffusion transport equations, the method becomes very cumbersome and computationally
demanding – BEM matrices are dense, and do not readily permit efficient, sparse matrix solvers to be used as in
the FEM.
14. What is shape function? It is the interpolation function that interpolates any field variable like
displacement, temperature etc over element domain in terms of nodal values of the field variable.
15. What is meshing? Finer meshes come with a cost however: more calculational time and large memory
requirements (both disk and RAM)! It is desired to find the minimum number of elements that give you a
converged solution.
16. What is a banded matrix? A matrix whose only non –zero coefficients are located on or near the
main diagonal is called banded matrix.
17. What is half -banded width and state its use? The greatest no. of coefficient of stiffness in any row
of the stiffness matrix from and including the leading diagonal to the outside right hand non-zero
coefficient. The main use of banded matrix lies in reducing the space required to store the given matrix.
18. What are area coordinates? Area coordinates are natural coordinates for a triangular element with
a value between 0 and 1 which is equal to the ratio of the area of triangular portion of the element to
the total area of the element.
19. What is an isoparametric element? If geometry and the field (displacement) interpolation functions are
of the same order, then it is called isoparametric element. Their use enables the basic elements to be mapped in
to distorted shapes which are of considerable importance for it allows the generation of elements having curved
sides or faces.
20. Define discretization? It is a process in which the given body is sub divided in to an equivalent system of finite
elements.
21. What are the finite elements? The geometrically complex region describing a continuum is discretized in to
simple geometric shapes (sub-domains) called finite elements.
22. Define node? And classify it? Nodes are selected finite points at which basic unknown (displacement) are to
be determined in FEA.The properties and governing relationship are assumed over the element and expressed
mathematically in terms of un known value at specific points on the elements are called as nodes. There are two
types of nodes-1.External nodes(primary and secondary)2.internal nodes

Dept. Of Mechanical Engg, BKIT Bhalki, Rajashekar Matpathi,M.E-Design(Ph.D)

COMPUTER AIDED MODELLING AND ANALYSIS LAB VIVA-QUESTIONS v-3
23.What are the properties of shape function? 1. No.shape function is equals to no. of DOF.
2. Its value is unit at respective nodes and zero at other nodes.
3. Sum of shape function is always unity. 4. Displacement must be continuous
24.What is ANSYS? ANSYS is a general purpose finite element modeling package for numerically
solving a wide variety of mechanical problems. These problems include: static/dynamic structural analysis (both
linear and non-linear), heat transfer and fluid problems, as well as acoustic and electro-magnetic problems.
25.ANSYS is a FEA package used widely in industry to simulate the response of a physical system to structural
loading, and thermal and electromagnetic effects. 2.ANSYS uses the FEM to solve the underlying governing
equations and the associated problem-specific boundary conditions.
26.Mention the nine steps used in ANSYS
1. Start-up and preliminary set-up 2. Specify element type and real constants
3. Specify material properties 4. Specify geometry
5. Mesh geometry 6. Specify boundary conditions
7. Solve! 8. Post process the results 9. Validate the results
27.In how much way FEM is formulated?
There are two ways for the formulation of the FEM: one is based on the direct variational method (such as the
Rayleigh–Ritz method) and the other on the method of weighted residuals (such as the Galerkin method).
In the formulation based on the variational method, the fundamental equations are derived from the stationary
conditions of the functional for the boundary-value problems. This formulation has an advantage that the process
of deriving functionals is not necessary, so it is easy to formulate the FEM based on the method of the weighted
residuals.
28.Mention the stages of FEA?
In general, a finite-element solution may be broken into the following three stages.(1) Preprocessing: defining the
problem The major steps in preprocessing are (i) define key points/lines/areas/volumes,(ii) define element type and
material/geometric properties, and (iii) mesh lines/areas/ volumes as required. The amount of detail required will
depend on the dimensionality of the analysis,i.e., 1D, 2D, axisymmetric, and 3D.(2) Solution: assigning loads,
constraints, and solving Here, it is necessary to specify the loads (point or pressure), constraints (translational and
rotational), and finally solve the resulting set of equations.(3) Post processing: further processing and viewing of
the results In this stage one may wish to see (i) lists of nodal displacements, (ii) element forces and moments, (iii)
deflection plots, and (iv) stress contour diagrams or temperature maps.
29.In how many methods ANSYS can be used ?
There are two methods to use ANSYS. 1. Graphical User Interface or GUI. which follows the conventions of
popular Windows and X-Windows based programs. 2.Command files approach has a steeper learning curve for
many, but it has the advantage that the entire analysis can be described in a small text file, typically in less than 50
lines of commands and enables easy model modifications and minimal file space requirements.
30.How files are organized in ANSYS?
A large number of files are created when ANSYS is run. If ANSYS is started without specifying a job name, the
name of all files created will be File.*, where the represents various extensions described below. If a jobname is
specified, say Beam, then the created files will all have the file prefix, Beam again with various extensions:
1. beam.db – database file (binary). This file stores the geometry, boundary conditions, and any solutions.
2. beam.dbb – backup of the database file (binary).
3. beam.err – error file (text). Listing of all error and warning message
4. beam.out – output of all ANSYS operations (text). This is what normally scrolls in
the output window during ANSYS session.
5. beam.log – log file or listing of ANSYS commands (text). Listing of all equivalent
31.What are advantages of FEA?
1. FEAs biggest advantage is its versatility. A variety of problems, involving complicated geometries, external
influences, material properties and boundary conditions can be readily solved with the help of FEA.

Dept. Of Mechanical Engg, BKIT Bhalki, Rajashekar Matpathi,M.E-Design(Ph.D)

COMPUTER AIDED MODELLING AND ANALYSIS LAB VIVA-QUESTIONS v-4
2. Another great advantage of FEA is its high accuracy of calculations. Once the designers interpret the
problem correctly and feed the respective data, no errors are encountered in the plotted answers.
3. The method can efficiently be applied to cater irregular geometry.
4. Material anisotropy and inhomogenity can be treated without much calculation.5. Very high speed of
calculations. 6. Improved design productivity. 7. Complicated calculations done by computer.
8. Minimized design errors. 9. Effects of change in loads can be simulated
32. What are limitations of FEA?
1. Cost sometimes acts as a prohibitive factor for its application. 2. The accuracy of design also depends
upon designers’ accuracy in interpretation of problem. 3. Voluminous computer outputs are generated, which
has to be patiently digested and interpreted.4. The stress distribution also depends upon denseness of
meshing. Stress values may vary by 25% from fine mesh analysis to average mesh analysis.5.Experience
and good engg. Judgment are needed in order to define a good model.
33. Define stiffness & state the properties of stiffness matrix?
Banded one, symmetric, and order is NXN WHERE N= NO. OF DOF
34. What is the effect of size and number of elements on the solution by FEM.?
smaller size and more no. elements more FEA accuracy.
37. What is interpolation function? What is a linear, quadratic, and cubic element?
Linear—one degree ,Quadratic---second degree polynomial Cubic--- third degree polynomial
35. What is natural co ordinate system? How does it help in FEM.?
It is a local co-ordinate system whose values varies from i.e. varies (-1 to +1) advantage is calculations
simpler
36. Explain simplex and complex and multiplex elements available in library?
Simplex—only primary external nodes Ex. CST,Two noded bar element. Complex—primary + secondary
External nodes Ex,tria-6, Quad-8 Multiplex—with edges parallel to co-ordinate axes and with many complex
37. How to improve accuracy of solution by FEM?
By increasing no. of elements ,--by fine meshing, --by choosing higher order polynomial function
38. What is meant by Isoparametric, Sub parametric and Super parametric formulation?
For Isoparametric ----NG =ND., Sub-parametric -- NG <ND , Super parametric--- NG >ND
Where NG =no. of shape function in Geometry ND = no. of shape function in Displacement
39. What are the different types of coordinate systems?
1. Local, 2.Natural, 3.Global, 4.Area, 5.Generalised co-ordinate systems.
40. What are Hermite shape functions?
Shape functions of beam element tell formula H1 H2,, H3 and H4,
41. What is trusses element?
A load carrying member subjected to tensile and compressive force only no shear
42. Why would I want to use a FEM program? The versatility, ease of data input, and solution accuracy
make the FEM one of the best numerical methods for solving engineering problems. FEM programs are the
backbone of structural analyses, and are becoming more widely accepted for problems in which geometries are
complex.
43. Is this a method that will soon become obsolete? The recent introduction of BEM and meshless methods
would appear to indicate the eventual obsolescence of the FEM. However, these newer methods are still years
away from being developed to the point of wide spread applicability found in FEM. The FEM will be around for
many years to come. Recent advances with the inclusion of spectral schemes and adaptivity make it especially
attractive now.
44. How expensive is a FEM code? FEM codes range from those that can be found for free on the web to
others costing many thousands of dollars. Those that run on PCs are generally inexpensive, yet provide
powerful tools for solving a number of large scale problems.
45. State principle of minimum potential energy? It states that”of all displacement configuration a body can
assume which satisfy compatibility condition & boundary condition, configuration which satisfy equilibrium
condition is one which will have the minimum potential energy”

Dept. Of Mechanical Engg, BKIT Bhalki, Rajashekar Matpathi,M.E-Design(Ph.D)