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Finite Element Analysis Notes Computer Aided Engineering 20666041
Finite Element Analysis Notes Computer Aided Engineering 20666041
2.1. Definitions
What is Finite Element?
The Finite Element Method A CAE technique in which a model of physical configuration is developed. It permits computer modeling prior to prototype building.
Finite Element Analysis A group of numerical methods for approximating the solution of governing equations of any continuous system.
2.1. Definitions
Example of problems that can be treated by FE: Structural Analysis Heat Transfer Fluid Flow Mass Transport Electromagnetic Potential Acoustic Bioengineering
2.1. Definitions
The primary commercial FE codes NASTRAN for aircraft industry ANSYS for nuclear industry ABAQUS MARC SAP ADINA MIT PATRAN
Pre-Processor
Solver
Post-Processor
3-D meshing
Ratio
is defined as the ratio of the longest dimension to the shortest dimension of a quadrilateral element. as the aspect ratio increases, the inaccuracy of the solution increases.
Ratio
exact solution
FEA results
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
ca f ot necr e P
AR
shape
Elements with poor shapes tend to yield poor results. in general try to: 1. Maintain aspect ratio as low as possible (closest to 1) 2. Maintain the corner angles of quadrilateral near 90.
Very large and very small corner angles Triangular quadrilateral With Large and small angles Large aspect ratio
shape
100 N
point load
Numerical Method?
The finite element method is a numerical method for solving problems of engineering and mathematical physics.
In FEA, the continuum is divided into finite number of elements and the governing equations are represented in matrix form. Method for solutions developed to solve complex mathematical problems:
Runge-Kutta, Gauss-Seidel, Galerkin, Rayleigh, Ritz, Forward Difference, etc.
2. Global Stiffness Matrix
In obtaining the approximate solution, the continuum is discretized into finite elements. Useful for problems with complicated geometries, loadings, and material properties where analytical solutions can not be obtained.
Approximation?
Finite element analysis is broadly defined as a group of numerical methods for approximating the governing equations of any continuous system.
For a regular types bodies/surfaces (constant cross section, cylinder, square, etc) , it might be possible to find closed-loop analytical solution. For irregular types bodies/surfaces, the boundaries are irregular and the analytical solution might not exist.
Discretize?
In obtaining the approximate solution, the continuum is discretized into finite elements.
The structure/parts/components are divided into finite number of elements. The selection of elements types are based on many factors geometry, processing power, types of loadings, etc.
2. Discretization (Meshing)
Discretize?
The elements are interconnected at points common to two or more elements (nodes or nodal points) and/or boundary lines and/or surfaces. The transfer of load (force, displacement, heat flux, etc) between elements occurred at the common nodes between elements.
Node Elements
Discretize?
The transfer of load (force, displacement, heat flux, etc) between elements occurred at the common nodes between elements.
4 x 4: matrix
1 {u} = 2 3.2
1 6 [K] = 2 6
0 8 1 8
9 4 6 4
6 0 3 0
Matrix Definition
The elements of a matrix are defined by their row and their column position:
k11 [k] = k 21
k12 k 22
Note, the 1st subscript is the row position and the 2nd subscript is the column position. Therefore, k ij is the element in the ith row and the jth column.
Element Definition
If the matrix elements are defined as: B1,1=1, B1,2=3, B2,1=4, B2,2=5 The matrix B is:
1 3 [ B] = 4 5
Matrix Multiplication
Matrices can be multiplied by another matrix, but only if the lefthand matrix has the same number of columns as the right hand matrix has rows. A*B=C
1 4 3 A= 5 2 6
7 12 B = 11 18 9 10
78 74 C= 111 136
Identity Matrix
The product of a Matrix, A, and its inverse, A-1 is the identity matrix, I. Only square matrices can be inverted.
4 5 A= 2 3
5 3 A =2 2 1 2
1
1 0 1 A* A = 0 1
1 0 I = 0 1
Not all square matrices are invertible. A matrix has an inverse if and only if it is nonsingular (its determinant is nonzero)
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