By,

Jithu Thampi
S7 M :28 (45231)
This seminar includes…
 An introduction to Finite Element Analysis.

 Finite Element Analysis of an angle plate.

PROBLEM DEFINITON

To investigate the effect of angle plate thickness t on

the initial stiffness using finite element analysis
METHODS TO INVESTIGATE
Experimental Tests.

Numerical Calculations.

Finite Element Analysis

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
 Finite element analysis is the computer application of
finite element method.

 Finite Element Method is the mesh discretization of a

continuous domain into a set of discrete sub domains

and solving using PDE

HISTORY
 Developed by Courant in 1943

 The technology was further enhanced by Zienkiewicz and

Cheung during 70’s
THEORIES BEHIND FEM
 Variation method

 Rayleigh-Ritz Method

 Finite Element Method

(The combination of variation method and Rayleigh-Ritz
Method )
 NODES AND MESH nodes

 Nodes are complex system of

points
nodes
 These points make a grid
called a mesh

 Density depends on stress level and

complexity of structure
EQUATIONS OF A SYSTEM
Stiffness Equation
F=kxd f – element internal forces
d – element nodal displacement
k – stiffness matrix
GOVERNING EQUATIONS AND BOUNDRY
CONDITIONS
HOW FEA WORKS….
HOW FEA WORKS….
CASE STUDY
 One half of entire double angle web connection is
modeled

 1. L5 x 3 x 1/4 Model

 2. L5 x 3 x 1/4 Model
Geometric Parameters
Loading Conditions

Tensile Loading Shear Loading

Finite Element Model
 1. L5 x 3 x 1/4 Model
6,136 nodes
1,330 elements
20node quadratic brick element

 2. L5 x 3 x 1/2 Model
5,956 nodes
1,305 elements
20node quadratic brick element
Initial Conditions
 Prestress forces applied on bot is 28 Kips

 Elastic-perfectly plastic behaviour is considered

 Von mises stress criteria is used

Von Mises Stress
 σvm = √(σ1-σ2)+(σ2-σ3)+(σ3-σ1)

Where where σ1, σ2, σ3 are the principle stresses

 σvm = √I12-3I2
Where I1 and I2 are first and second invariants of the stress tensor.
1. L5 x 3 x 1/4 Model
 Angle Under Tensile Loading

 Final load 12 kips

 Initial stiffness 116.7 kips/in
 Final stiffness 8.6 kips/in
Load Displacement Relationship
Von Mises Stress Diagram
L5 x 3 x 1/4 Model
Angle Under Shear Loading

 The initial rotational stiffness 3,559 in.-kips/rad.

 The moment-rotation curve shows almost a linear
relationship at the applied load of 2 kips
Moment Rotation Relationship
Von Mises Stress Diagram
2. L5 x 3 x 1/2 Model
Angle Under Tensile Loading

 Maximum Load is 2.26 kips/in

 Initial Stiffness is 1013 kips/in
 Final Stiffness is 6.8 kips/in
Load Displacement Relationship
Von Mises Diagram
L5 x 3 x 1/2 Model
Angle Under Shear Loading
 Total Load 80 kips
 Initial rotational stiffness is 14 606 in-kips/rad
Moment Rotation Relationship
Von Mises Diagram
CONCLUSION

The angle thickness t, plays an important role on the

initial stiffness k, of a double angle connection.

The initial stiffness of a double angle connection

depend on the value of (t/b)3
Advantages of the FEM
 Can readily handle very complex geometry:
- The heart and power of the FEM
 Can handle a wide variety of engineering problems:
- Solid mechanics - Dynamics - Heat problems- Fluids - Electrostatic problems
 Can handle complex restraints:
- Indeterminate structures can be solved.
 Can handle complex loading:
- Nodal load (point loads)
- Element load (pressure, thermal, inertial forces)
- Time or frequency dependent loading
Disadvantages of the FEM
 A general closed-form solution, which would permit
one to examine system response to changes in various
parameters, is not produced.

 The FEM obtains only "approximate" solutions.

 The FEM has "inherent" errors.

 Mistakes by users can be fatal.

Thank you……
QUESTIONS ?