FINITE ELEMENT METHODS

(BDA 31003)

Lecture Module 1-1: Introduction

Course Objectives

The aim of the subject is to introduce basic finite

element methods and its relevant applications to
the solution of engineering problems.
It will provide a sufficient knowledge in using
application FEM based software creatively for
professional works.

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 Learning Outcomes

Engineering Knowledge - Solve matrix equations of axial/torsional/

truss/beam/plate structure, fluid mechanics and heat transfer
problems by using Finite Element Method (C4, LO1)
Modern Tool Usage - Apply appropriate finite element modelling
techniques using finite element method software including prediction
and modelling, to complex engineering activities, with an
understanding of the limitations (C4, LO2)
Investigation - Conduct investigation into complex problems using
research based knowledge and research methods including design
of experiments, analysis, discussion and valid conclusions using
finite element method (C4, LO4)

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What you can do…Stress Analysis

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What you can do…Heat Transfer

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 References

Saeed Moaveni, 2008. Finite Element Analysis, 3rd edition, Pearson Education
International.
N.S. Ottosen & H. Petersson, 1992. Introduction to the Finite Element
Method, Prentice Hall.
G.R. Buchanan, 1995. Schaum’s Outline Series, Theory and Problems of
Finite Element Analysis, McGraw-Hill.
J.N. Reddy, 2006. An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, 3rd edition,
McGraw Hill
K.J. Bathe, 1996. Finite Element Procedures, Prentice Hall.
L.J. Segerlind, 1997. Analisis Unsur Terhingga Gunaan, diterjemahkan oleh
Muhamad Her Jantan, Penerbit UTM.
Tirupathi R. Chandrupatla & Ashok D.Belegundu, 2002. Introduction to Finite
Elements in Engineering, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall

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BDA 31003 FINITE ELEMENT METHOD (2020 EDITION) for
RM21.00. Get it on Shopee

https://shopee.com.my/MODUL-BERCETAK-FINITE-ELEMENT-METHOD-
BDA-31003-(2020-EDITION)-i.164758387.7258178243
 Subject Delivery
Lecturing and Tutoring
Explaining theories, methods and understanding related to the
topics.
Discussing sample problems related to the topics

Software Application on Laboratory Session (A)

Application of finite element methods using FEM LISA 8
software

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 Assessment Scheme

Test 1: 25%
Test 2: 25%
Group Assignment: 25%
Test 3: 25%

Students attendance must not less than 80%

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Test 1 (week 6)
Date: 23 / 4 / 2021 (Friday)
Time: 9.00 am – 11.00 am
Covers: Ch 1 – Ch 3

Test 2 (week 10)

Date: 31 / 5 / 2021 (Monday)
Time: 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm
Covers: Ch 4 – Ch 5

Test 3 (week 14)

Date : 28 / 6 / 2021 (Monday)
Time: 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm
Covers: Ch 6 – Ch 8
Course Content
1) Introduction

2) Axial and Torsional Elements

3) Truss 2d/3d Elements

4) Beam, Grid And Frame Elements

5) Fluid Flow Network Problem

6) One Dim Heat Transfer Problem

7) Two Dim Heat Transfer Elements

8) Two Dim Structural Elements

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 Lab Sessions

Doing example problems (Guided by the instructor)

Individual task
Project / Group task
Project Report
Project Presentation

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INTRODUCTION

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What is Finite Element Method

Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical

technique used to perform Finite Element
Analysis (FEA) to solve problems of engineering
or mathematical models.
FEM is a powerful and widely used technique in
solving many engineering problems such as
structural, fluid, heat transfer, vibration, acoustics,
magnetism and even multi-physics problems
involving interaction between fluid and structure
or acoustic and structure.

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Why do we need Finite Element Method?

The main benefits of FEM are:

1. Complex Model. Easier modelling of complex geometrical and
irregular shapes.
2. Faster. Develop computer model and optimize components in
the design faster.
3. Cost Effective. Reduce the number of physical prototypes and
experiments.
4. Accuracy. Modelling a complex physical by hand can be
impractical, a computer model using FEM can solve the
problem with a high degree of accuracy.
5. Visualization. Object under study can be visualized and
simulated, hence provide more insight into the solution.
FEM is used to determine:
• stress
• strain
• fluid pressure
• heat transfer
• temperature
• vibration
• sound propagation
• electromagnetic fields
• any coupled interactions of the above.
Discretization

Object/domain/model

Element

Node

SMALLER ELEMENT
MORE ACCURATE

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 Element and Node
Element is used to represent the geometry of the object

Node represents the motion flexibility of the point in the object, which
is called the DEGREE OF FREEDOM

Maximum DOF: 6 per node

3 translations: ux, uy, uz

3 rotations: θx, θy, θz

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Response / Output
follows the defined DOF

Node of element has only axial translation

FEM model

Responded with deformation

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Response / Output
follows the defined DOF

Node of element has only axial translation

FEM model

No response showed

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Line Elements

Axial element Torsional element

Truss 2D Element Truss 3D Element

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Line Elements

Beam Element

Space Frame Element

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Surface Elements

Plate Triangular Element

Plate Quadrilateral

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Surface Elements

Plate Bending Quadrilateral Element

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Surface Elements

Plate Membrane Quadrilateral Element

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Surface Elements

Shell Quadrilateral Element

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Solid Elements

Solid Tetrahedral 4 and 10 nodes Element

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Solid Elements

Solid Hexahedral 8 and 20 nodes Element

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Axisymmetric Elements

Axisymmetric tapered annulus 2 nodes

Axysymmetric Shell 2 Nodes

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Axisymmetric Elements

Axysymmetric Shell 3 Nodes

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General FEM Procedures

1. Discretize and Select the element types

2. Select displacement function
3. Define strain/displacement and stress/strain relationships
4. Derive the element stiffness matrix and equation
5. Assemble the element equations to obtain equations and
to introduce boundary conditions
6. Solve for unknown degrees of freedom
7. Solve for element strains and stresses
8. Interpret the results

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General FEM Procedures
(known elemental stiffness matrix)

1. Discretize and Select the element types

2. (was 2, 3, 4) Calculate each elemental stiffness matrix
3. Assemble the element equations to obtain equations and to
introduce boundary conditions
4. Solve for unknown degrees of freedom
5. Solve for element strains and stresses
6. Interpret the results

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 General FEM Procedures
(FEM application software)

1. Create geometric model

2. Define finite element model (create mesh)
3. Define loads, boundary conditions (constraints, etc.)
4. Compute structural response (stress, deflection,
temperatures, flow rate, etc.)
5. Review and interpret the results
6. Re-design as necessary and repeat until satisfied

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General FEM Procedures
(Stage Activity of FEM application software)

1. Pre-processing
by using Pre-Processor
2. Solving
by employing Solver
3. Post-processing
by using Post-Processor

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Thank you

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