Finite

Element Analysis

LECTURE 1

UNIT 1
Steps in FEA

Steps involved in FEA

Introduction
1) Discretize and Select the Element Types modeling a body by dividing it into
an

equivalent

system

of

smaller

interconnected at points common to

bodies

or

units

(finite

elements)

or more elements (nodal points or

nodes) and/or boundary lines and/or surfaces (discretization) Element type:

line element, plane elements, 3D element, Axissymmetric.
2) Select a Displacement Function linier, quadratic, cubic polynomials.
3) Define the strain/Displacement and Stress/Strain Relationships x=du/dx,
x=Ex
4) Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations direct method, energy
method, weighted residual method {f}=[k]{d}
5) Assemble the Element Equations to obtain the Global Equations and

The following are the two methods are associated with the FEA
a.Force method
b.Displacement or stiffness method
In the force methods , internals forces are considered as the unknowns of
the problem.
In the displacement or stiffness method , displacement of the nodes are
considered
as thewith
unknowns
of the
problem. the displacement method
When comparing
these two
approaches
is more desirable because its formulation is simple for most structural
analysis problems.

Step 1 Discretization of the given structure

a. One dimensional
elements
b. Two dimensional
elements
c. Three dimensional
elements
d. Axissymmetric
elements

Classification of mechanical
elements

Primitive structural elements

These
resemble
fabricated
structural
components.
It
means
they
are
not
decomposed
into
simpler
elements.
Continuum
Exbars, elements
cables,
beams,
They
from
the
shafts. result
subdivision
of
structured
components. This elements are
better
understood
in
mathematical interpretation.
Ex- bars, plates , shells ,
axisymmetric solids

Special elements
Derived from continuum mechanics
standpoint , but include features closely
related to the physics problem.
Excrack element for fracture
mechanics
application,
rigid
body
Macro elements
elements
It is also called mesh units and super
elements.
Resemble like structural components ,
but
are
fabricated
with
simpler
elements.
Step 2 Numbering of Nodes and Elements
it should be numbered after the step 1.
{Maximum node number} { minimum node number} = minimum of
these two
Longer slide
& shorter
slide

Step 3 selection of a displacement function or interpolation function

polynomial of linear , quadratic and cubic.
a.It is easy to formulate and computerize the finite element equations.
b.Easy to perform differentiation or integration
c.The accuracy of the result can be improved
Linear

Quadratic

Step 4 Define the material behavior by using strain displacement and

stress strain relationship
Strain displacement and stress strain relationship derived from each
finite element.
Ex- for 1 D deformation
The strain displacement relation ship given by ,

Stress strain relationship given by,

Step 5 Derivation of element stiffness matrix and equation

The equation can be derived from any

one of these methods

Step 6 Assemble the element equations to obtain the global equations

The individual element equations obtained in step 5 are added together by using
a method of superposition (i.e) direct stiffness methods

Step 7 Applying boundary conditions

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.
Pressure Surface loads usually specified on the model exterior.
Temperatures Input at nodes to study the effect of thermal expansion or
contraction.

Step 8 Solution for the unknown displacements

These equation can be solved and unknown displacement (u) are calculated by usin

Thank
you