FINITE ELEMENT

METHOD
Rutvik K. Sheth
Department of Civil Engineering
Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad

Finite Element Method 1

INTRODUCTION

Finite Element Method 2

Introduction:
Finite Element Method (FEM) - numerical technique to find approximate solutions of
partial differential equations.

Originated from the need of solving complex elasticity and structural analysis
problems in Civil, Mechanical and Aerospace engineering.

In a structural simulation, FEM helps in producing stiffness and strength

visualizations. FEM allows for detailed visualization and indicates the distribution of
stresses and strains inside the body of a structure.

Many of FE software are powerful yet complex tool meant for professional engineers
with the training and education necessary to properly interpret the results.

Finite Element Method 3

Introduction:
Formulation for structural analysis is generally based on the three fundamental
relations: equilibrium, constitutive and compatibility. There are two major
approaches to the analysis: Analytical and Numerical.

Analytical approach which leads to closed-form solutions is effective in case of

simple geometry, boundary conditions, loadings and material properties. However,
in reality, such simple cases may not arise. As a result, various numerical methods
are evolved for solving such problems which are complex in nature.

Numerical method depends heavily on processing power of computers and is more

applicable to structures of arbitrary size and complexity.

It is common practice to use approximate solutions of differential equations as the

basis for structural analysis.

Finite Element Method 4

Introduction:
Any continuum/domain can be divided into a number of pieces with very small
dimensions. These small pieces of finite dimension are called Finite Elements.

A field quantity in each element is allowed to have a simple spatial variation which
can be described by polynomial terms. Thus the original domain is considered as an
assemblage of number of such small elements. These elements are connected
through number of joints which are called Nodes.

While discretizing the structural system, it is assumed that the elements are
attached to the adjacent elements only at the nodal points.

Each element contains the material and geometrical properties. The material
properties inside an element are assumed to be constant. The elements may be 1D
elements, 2D elements or 3D elements.

Finite Element Method 5

Introduction:
Physical object can be modeled by choosing appropriate element such as frame
element, plate element, shell element, solid element, etc. All elements are then
assembled to obtain the solution of the entire domain/structure under certain
loading conditions.

Nodes are assigned at a certain

density throughout the continuum
depending on the anticipated stress
levels of a particular domain. Regions
which will receive large amounts of
stress variation usually have a higher
node density than those which
experience little or no stress.

Finite Element Method 6

Introduction:
A structure can have infinite number of displacements. Approximation with a
reasonable level of accuracy can be achieved by assuming a limited number of
displacements.

This finite number of displacements is the number of degrees of freedom of the

structure.

For example, the truss member will undergo only axial deformation. Therefore, the
degrees of freedom of a truss member with respect to its own coordinate system will
be one at each node.

If a two dimension structure is modeled by truss elements, then the deformation

with respect to structural coordinate system will be two and therefore degrees of
freedom will also become two.

Finite Element Method 7

Introduction:

Degrees of Freedom for Various Elements

Finite Element Method 8

Advantages of FEA:
Physical properties, which are intractable and complex for any closed bound
solution, can be analysed by this method.

It can take care of any geometry (may be regular or irregular).

It can take care of any boundary conditions.

Material anisotropy and non-homogeneity can be catered without much difficulty.

It can take care of any type of loading conditions.

Approximations are confined to small sub domains.

Admissible functions are valid over the simple domain and have nothing to do with
boundary, however simple or complex it may be.

Enable to computer programming.

Finite Element Method 9
Disadvantages/Limitations of FEA:
Computational time involved in the solution of the problem is high.

For fluid dynamics problems some other methods of analysis may prove efficient
than the FEM.

Proper engineering judgment is to be exercised to interpret results.

For some problems, there may be a considerable amount of input data. Errors may
creep up in their preparation and the results thus obtained may also appear to be
acceptable which indicates deceptive state of affairs. It is always desirable to make a
visual check of the input data.

In the FEM, many problems lead to round-off errors. Computer works with a limited
number of digits and solving the problem with restricted number of digits may not
yield desired degree of accuracy or it may give total erroneous results in some cases.
Finite Element Method 10
Basic Steps in FEA:
Discretisation of Continuum: Continuum is divided into a number of elements by
imaginary lines or surfaces. Interconnected elements may have different sizes and
shapes.

Identification of Variables: Elements are assumed to be connected at their

intersecting points referred to as nodal points. At each node, unknown
displacements are to be prescribed.

Choice of Approximating Functions: Displacement function is starting point of the

FEA. This represents variation of displacement within the element. Displacement
function may be approximated in form a linear function or a higher order function. A
convenient way to express it is by polynomial expressions. Shape or geometry of the
element may also be approximated.

Finite Element Method 11

Basic Steps in FEA:
Formation of Element Stiffness matrix: After continuum is discretised with desired
element shapes, the individual element stiffness matrix is formulated. Geometry of
the element is defined in reference to the global frame. Coordinate transformation
must be done for elements where it is necessary.

Formation of overall stiffness matrix: After element stiffness matrices in global

coordinates are formed, they are assembled to form overall stiffness matrix.
Assembly is done through the nodes which are common to adjacent elements. The
overall stiffness matrix is symmetric and banded.

Formation of element loading matrix: Loading forms an essential parameter in any

structural engineering problem. The loading inside an element is transferred at the
nodal points and consistent element matrix is formed.

Finite Element Method 13

Basic Steps in FEA:
Formation of Overall Loading Matrix: Like overall stiffness matrix, the element
loading matrices are assembled to form the overall loading matrix. This matrix has
one column per loading case and it is either a column vector or a rectangular matrix
depending on the number of loading cases.

Incorporation of Boundary Conditions: Boundary restraint conditions are to be

imposed in the stiffness matrix. There are various techniques available to satisfy the
boundary conditions. One is the size of the stiffness matrix may be reduced or
condensed in its final form. To ease computer programming aspect and to elegantly
incorporate the boundary conditions, the size of overall matrix is kept the same.

Solution of Simultaneous Equations: The unknown nodal displacements are

calculated by the multiplication of force vector with the inverse of stiffness matrix.

Finite Element Method 12

Basic Steps in FEA:
Calculation of Stresses or Stress-Resultants: Nodal displacements are utilized for the
calculation of stresses or stress-resultants. This may be done for all elements of the
continuum or it may be limited to some predetermined elements. Results may also
be obtained by graphical means. It may desirable to plot the contours of the
deformed shape of the continuum.

Finite Element Method 14

Basic Steps in FEA:

Finite Element Method 15

Displacement Function:
Displacement function is the beginning point for structural analysis by finite element
method. It represents variation of displacement within the element.

On the basis of the problem to be solved, the displacement function needs to be

approximated in the form of either linear or higher-order function. A convenient
way to express it is by the use of polynomial expressions.

Displacement should be compatible between adjacent elements. There should not be

any discontinuity or overlapping while deformed. The adjacent elements must
deform without causing openings, overlaps or discontinuous between the elements.

The displacement function must be continuous within the elements. For example, for
an n degrees of polynomial, displacement function in I D problem can be chosen as:

u =0 +1 x +2 x2 +3 x3 +4 x4 + +nxn
Finite Element Method 16
Displacement Function:
The displacement function must be capable of rigid body displacements of the
element. The constant terms used in polynomial (0 to n) ensure this condition.

The displacement function must include the constant strains states of the element.
As element becomes infinitely small, strain should be constant in the element. Hence,
the displacement function should include terms for representing constant strain
states.

Displacement shape should not change with a change in local coordinate system.
This can be achieved if polynomial is balanced in case all terms cannot be completed.
This balanced representation can be achieved with the help of Pascal triangle in
case of two-dimensional polynomial.

Finite Element Method 17

Displacement Function:
For example, for a polynomial having four terms, the invariance can be obtained if
the following expression is selected from the Pascal triangle.
u =0 +1x +2 y +3xy
The geometric invariance can be ensured by the selection of the corresponding order
of terms on either side of the axis of symmetry.

Finite Element Method 18

Shape Function:
In finite element analysis, the variations of displacement within an element are
expressed by its nodal displacement (u = Niui) with the help of interpolation
function since the true variation of displacement inside the element is not known.
Here, u is the displacement at any point inside the element and ui are the nodal
displacements.

This interpolating function is generally a polynomial with n degree which

automatically provides a single-valued and continuous field.

In finite element literature, this interpolation function (Ni) is referred to Shape

function as well.

Finite Element Method 19

BEAM ELEMENT

Finite Element Method 20

Beam Element:

A beam is a structural member which is capable of withstanding load primarily by

resisting bending. The primary tool for analysis of beam is EulerBernoulli beam
equation. In the analysis of continuous beams normally axial deformation is
negligible (small deflection theory) and hence only two unknowns may be taken at
each end of a element

1 1
1 1
Force Vector = and Displacement Vector = 2
2
2 2
Finite Element Method 21
Beam Element:
The end forces developed due to unit displacement in all the four coordinate
directions are shown in Fig. (Direct Formulation)

Finite Element Method 22

Beam Element:
Assume the displacement function = 1 + 2 + 3 2 + 4 3

1
2
= 1 2 3 3 . . =
4
At x = 0, u = u1 and dy/dx = 1 and at x = L, u = u2 and dy/dx = 2

Substituting these conditions in displacement function

1 = 1

1 = 2

2 = 1 + 2 + 3 2 + 4 3

2 = 2 + 23 L + 34 2
Finite Element Method 23
Beam Element:
1 1 0 0 0 1
1 0 1 0 0 2
2 = 3 i.e. = [A] x
1 2 3
2 0 1 2 32 4
Now, =
=
[A]1 =

Here displacement at any point is expressed in terms of nodal displacements using

Shape functions (Interpolation Function).

Shape function gives deflected shape or equation of deflected curve when

displacement at any one DoF is unity and other DoF are restrained (i.e zero
displacement at all other DoF)

Finite Element Method 24

Beam Element:
1 0 0 0
0 1 0 0
Here the values of [A] = 3 2
1
2 3 1
2
2 1 2 1
3 2 3 2

So [N] = [A]1
1 = 1 3 2 3
+ 2 3
2

2 = 2 2 + 3
2

3 = 3 2 2 3
3
2
3 2
4 = 2

Finite Element Method 25

 Beam Element:
Now by Strain Energy Theorem,
External Work Done, W = Internal Strain Energy Stored, U

W = 12
= 12

2
= 0 2
2
But = 2 and = [A]1

Hence, = 0 0 2 6 [A]1 Equating this,

0 12 6 12 6

0 6 42 6 22
= [A]
1
0 0 2 6 [A] = 3
1
2 0 2 12 6 12 6
6 6 22 6 42

Finite Element Method 26

Beams on Elastic Foundation:
Deformable beams and slab resting on
soils can involve complex coupled
behaviour between the structure and
soil foundation.

Simple spring model commonly used

to represent soil behavior was
proposed by Winkler.

It is based on the assumption that soil

behaviour can be modeled by using a
series of independent springs which
are often assumed as linear elastic

Finite Element Method 27

Beams on Elastic Foundation:
External Work done and Internal Strain Energy Stored are:
1
W = 12
= 12
and = 0 2
2

Now, = [A]1 = 1 2 3 [A]1

1

1
= [A]1 1 2 3 [A]1
2 0 2
3
Equating this,
156 22 54 13
22 42 13 32
=
420 54 13 156 22
13 32 22 42

Finite Element Method 28

Numerical Problem:
A fixed beam with flexural rigidity EI = 1 and length L = 2 is resting on elastic
foundation with spring constant ks = 64. A point load P =100 is acting at the
mid-span of beam. Calculate the deflection of beam at midpoint and support
reactions. Solve the problem considering symmetry about midpoint using two
elements.

Finite Element Method 29

Numerical Problem:

Finite Element Method 30

Numerical Problem:
Assembling the stiffness matrices and Load Vector for Element 1 and 2:

Finite Element Method 31

Numerical Problem:
Now {F} = [K] {}

Solving this we get, u2 = -0.616, 2 = -2.106 and u3 = -1.447

and F1 = 7.11, M1 = 6.18 and M3 = 13.17

Finite Element Method 32