FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Introduction:

Most engineering problems are solved using the following four steps. They will not always
be explicitly documented but they will be considered at some point in the process. Short
changing any of them is the quickest part to failure.

1. Establish a clearly defined goal.

2. Compile and qualify the inputs.
3. Solve the problem with the most appropriate means
4. Verify & document the results.

The above 4 steps essentially forms the steps in finite element analysis. The main emphasis
in this course is to model and analysis structural components. Analysis of simple machine
parts using finite element technique is the goal of this course. Analysis of shafts, beams,
plates and stresses are to be learned in this course module.

Methods of analysis:

In analysis of any engineering system requires the idealization of the system in to a form that
can be solved the most important methods of analysis are.

1. Analytical method.
2. Experimental method.
3. Approximate method.
Stages in finite elements analysis

Finite element analysis involves three stages

-preprocessing

-processing

-post processing

Pre processing involves preparation of data, such as nodal co ordinates, connectivity,

boundary condition, etc.

processing stage involves stiffness generation, stiffness modification and solution of

equations.

Post processing stage deals with the presentation of result like deformed configuration,
mode shapes, temperature and stress distribution.