FINITE ELEMENT

METHOD
INTRODUCTION

Methods of engineering analysis

To achieve the above objectives, the
analyst has at his disposal three
distinct approaches:
(i)Analytical methods;
(ii)Experimental techniques and
(iii)Numerical methods.

 Analytical methods provide quick closed form

solutions. But, they treat only simple geometries and
idealized support and loading conditions.
Using experimental techniques, scaled models or
prototypes can be tested. This approach is costly both in
terms of the model, instrumentation, test facilities and
the actual test itself.
Numerical methods require very few restrictive
assumptions; it can treat complex geometries and
realistic support and loading conditions. They are far
more cost effective than experimental techniques.

 The current interest in the engineering community on the development

and application of computational tools based on numerical methods is
thereby justified. This in fact was the motivation to develop the most
versatile numerical method, namely, the finite element method (FEM).
The goal of analysis is to verify a design prior to manufacture. While
there are several methods of engineering analysis, the most
comprehensive is the finite element analysis (FEA).
The finite element method is essentially dependent for its success on
the skillful use of digital computers. The method is put in the hands
of professional engineers in the form of general-purpose programs.
It is in general possible to use the FEM to provide accurate numerical
solutions to almost any mathematical problem or mathematically
modelled physical problem in diverse fields like solid mechanics,
mechanics of composites, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, etc.
Many continuum mechanics problems arise in engineering and these are
usually posed by appropriate differential equations and boundary
conditions to be imposed on unknown functions. All such problems can
also be dealt with by FEM.

Engineering Analysis
Objectives of engineering analysis
During the design and development of a product (as an
assemblage of parts), the analyst is quite often required to:
(i) calculate the displacements at certain points;
(ii) calculate the entire distribution or displacement field;
(iii)determine the stress distribution and hence predict strength;
(iv)determine the natural frequencies and associated modes of
vibration;
(v) determine the critical buckling loads and the associated mode
shapes;

i. predict and plot forced vibration response;

ii. predict and plot transient response;
iii. predict temperature distribution and hence
thermal stress distribution;
iv. predict crack growth, residual strength and
fatigue life;
v. predict velocity, pressure and temperature
distribution in fluids;
vi. study fluid-structure interactions (hydro-elasticity,
aero-elasticity, etc.);
vii.study nonlinear effects (geometric and material
nonlinearities);

 The finite element method (FEM), sometimes

referred to as finite element analysis(FEA), is a
computational technique used to obtain approximate
solutions of boundary value problems in engineering

INTRODUCTION TO FEM
Definitions of Mechanics in dictionaries usually state two
flavors:
The branch of Physics that studies the effect of forces
and energy on physical bodies.
The practical application of that science to the design,
construction or operation of material systems or
devices, such as machines, vehicles or structures.
These flavors are science and engineering oriented,
respectively. But dictionaries are notoriously archaic. For
our objectives it will be convenient to distinguish four
flavors:

Theoretical
Applied
Mechanics
Experimental
Computational

Nanomechanic
s
Computational
Mechanics

Micromechanic
s

Solids and
Structures

Continuum
mechanics

Fluids

Systems

Multipysic
s

Continuum
Mechanics

Statics

Time
Invariant
Quasi-static

Dynamics

Linear
Statics
Non-linear

CSM spatial

Finite
Element
Method
(FEM)

Bounda
ry
Elemen
t
Method
(BEM)

discretizatio
n
Finite
Differen
ce
Method
(FDM)

Finite
Volume
Method
(FVM)

Spectr
al
Metho
d

MeshFree
Method

FEM Variants

Displace
ment
FEM
Formulati
on

Equilibriu
m
Mixed
Hybrid

The FEM Analysis Process