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5. Meshless Method
The application of finite difference method for engineering problems involves replacing the goveming
differential equations and the boundary condition by suitable algebraic equations.
It may be interesting to note that, the concept of node is used in the finite difference method.
Basically, this method has an array of grid points and is a point wise apprOximation, whereas, finite
element method has an array of small interconnecting sub-regions and is a piece wise approximation.
Each method has noteworthy advantages as well as limitations. However it is possible to solve
various problems by finite element method, even with highly complex geometry and loading
conditions, with the restriction that there is always some numerical errors. Therefore, effective and
reliable use of this method requires a solid understanding of its limitations.
8. Engineers can evaluate ways to control the vibrations and extend the use of flexible, able
structures in space using FE and other methods in deploya
the 1990s. Trends to solve fully coupled
of fluid flows with structural interactions, bio-mechanics related problems with a sou o f
accuracy were observed in this decade.
higher leve
Introduction to Finite Element Method
With the development of finite element method,
together with tremendous increases in computing
power and convenience, today it is possible to understand
This was in fact the beyond of imagination before the structural behavior with levels of accuracy.
computer age.
1.4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FINITE ELEMENT
In the field of Engineering Design
METHOD
we come across
Formulation of which is tedious and usually not possible by complex problems,
many the Mathematical
resort to the use of Numerical techniques. Here lies the
analytical methods. At such instants we
importance FEM, which is a very
of
powerful tool for getting the Numerical solution of a wide range of engineering problems. The basic
concept is that a body
or structure be
may divided into smaller elements of finite dimensions called
as "Finite Elements". The original body or structure is then
considered as an assemblage of these
elements connected at a finite number of
joints called as "Nodes" or *"Nodal Points". The properties
of the elements are formulated and combined to obtain the
properties of the entire body.
The equations of equilibrium for the entire structure or body are then obtained
by combining the
equilibrium equation of each element such that the continuity is ensured at each node. The necessary
boundary conditions are then imposed and the equations of equilibrium are the solved to obtain the
required variables such as Stress, Strain, Temperature Distribution or Velocity Flow depending on
the application.
Thus, instead of solving the problem for the entire structure or body in one operation, in the method
attention is mainly devoted to the formulation of properties of the constituent elements. A common
procedure is adopted for combining the elements, solution of equations and evaluation of the required
variables in all felds. Thus the modular structure of the method is well exploited in various disciplines
of Engineering.
Definition: The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical analysis technique used by
engineers, scientists, and mathematicians to obtain solutions (approximate solutions) to the
diferential equations or partial diferential equations that describe, or approximately describe
a wide variety of physical
and non-physical problems. Physical problems range in diversiry
Jrom solid, fluid and soil mechanics, to electromagnetism or dynamics
Element
Body/Continuum
Fig:Discretized body/continuum
2. Selection of approximating functions: Approximating functions are also known
displacement function or interpolation model. Displacement function is the starting point
mathematical analysis. This represents the variation of the displacement within the elemen
displacement function may be approximated in the forma linear function or a higher-orderfun
The approximating function can be of two types. 1. Polynomial approximation function
Trigonometric approximation function
8. Calculation of strain and stresses: Nodal displacements are utilized for the calculation of
continuum
strain and stresses using the suitable equations. This may be done for all elements of the
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.
1.4.2 ADVANTAGES
1.4.3 DISADVANTAGES
following disadvantages:
method has
Despite of its advantages finite element
of the problem is high.
1. Computational time involved in the solution
the FEM.
other methods of analysis may prove efficient than
2. For fluid dynamics problems some
source of
approximation of the mathematical model of a system (the
3. The FEM is applied to an
ELEMENT METHOD
OF FINITE
of aircraft structures. Howe
APPLICATIONS
1.5 was developed for the analysis
element method engineerin
Originally, the
finite
makes it applicable
to wide variety of problems in
theory its
thegeneral nature of method can be classified
into three major categoria.
ategories,
application of the finite element
The specific
namely
time -
independent problems
1. Equilibrium or steady state o r
2. Eigen value problems and
transient problems.
3. Propagation or o r stress distribution if
we need to find the steady-state displacement
In an equilibrium problem, distribution if it is a heat transfer problems
temperature o r heat flux
it is a solid mechanics problem, mechanics problems.
fluid
velocity distribution if it is
a
and pressure or
be considered as
problem also time will not appear explicitly. They may
In eigen-value
an
are to be
problems in which critical values of certain parameters
extensions of equilibrium
state configurations. In these problems, we
determined in addition to the corresponding steady
and mode shapes if it is a solid mechanics
need to find the natural frequencies or buckling loads
or structural problems, stability of laminar flows if it is a fluid mechanics problems and resonance
characteristics if it is an electrical circuit problems.
The propagation or transient problems are time dependent problems. This type of problem
under time
arises, for example, whenever we are interested in finding the response of a body
of heat
varying force in the area ofsolid mechanics and under sudden heating or cooling in the field
transfer.
In General, applications of Finite Element Method can be classified into two types viz.,
STRUCTURAL PROBLEMs
1. Stress analysis including bars, truss and frame analysis
2. Stress concentration problems typically associated geometric discontinuity (with holes, fillets or
other changes in geometry in a body).
3. Buckling Analysis:
Example: Connecting rod subjected to axial compression.
4. Vibration Analysis:
Example:A beam subjected to different types of loading.
NON-STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS
1. Heat Transfer
analysis:
Example: Steady state thermal analysis on
2. Fluid flow
composite cylinder.
analysis
Example: FHuid flow through pipes.
1.5.1 LIMITATIONS
The limitations the finite elements are as follows:
Introduction to Finite Element Method 9
1. The accuracy of the obtained solution is usually a function of the mesh resolution.
Any regions
of highly concentrated stress, such as around loading points and
supports, must be carefully analyZed
with the use of a sufficiently refined mesh. In addition, there are some
problems which are inherently
singular (the stresses are theoretically infinite). Special efforts must be made to analyze such
problems.
2. Proper engineering judgment is to be exercised to interpret results
3. It requires large computer memory and computational time to obtain intend results.
4. There are certain categories of problems where other methods are more effective, e.g., fluid
problems having boundaries at infinity are better treated by the boundary element method.
5. 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.
6. In the FEM, many problems lead to round-off errors. Computer works with a limited numberof
digits and solving the problem with restricted number of digits may not yield the desired degree of
accuracy or it may give total erroneous results in some cases. For many problems the increase in
the number of digits for the purpose of calculation improves the accuracy.
7. An additional concern for any user is that because current packages can solve so many
sophisticated problems, there is a strong temptation to "solve" problems without doing the hard
work of thinking through them and understanding the underlying mechanics andphysicalapplications.
Modern finite element packages are powerful tools that have become increasingly indispensible to
mechanical design and analysis. However, they also make it easy for users to make big mistakes.
16 ELEMENT tus
on the problem type
1.11.1 TYPE
OF THE
analysis depends and ethe
used in finite
element
problem plays ah
blem plays an vi al role
of element of element for particular
type
depending upon various fact
In general, Selection of
suitable type facto In
requirement. different types.depending
analysis Elements can be of
element analysis.
in the finite
classified as
general, they are
1.One-dimensionalElements
2. Two-dimensional Elements
3. Three-dimensional Elements
Elements
4. Axis symmetric onalof one-dimensione
suitable for the analysis
elements: These elements are dimensional elements, The
1. One dimensional as the one he
elements are considered
and beam end. Figure 14
problems. A bar,
truss
has two nodes,
one at each
element also known
as linear element
simplest line
shows the various
bar elements.
4 noded
3 noded
2 noded
Quadratic (cubic)
linear
Quadrilateral elements
3. Three-dimensional Elements: These elements are suitable for the three dimensional analysis.
Prism
Figure 1.6 shows commonly used three-dimensional elements such as Tetrahedral element,
clement, Hexahedral element. These are also known as the solid elements
Tetrahedal Elements
Prism Elements
29 node
16 node
7 node
Hexahedral Elements
20 node 32 node
8 node
Fig. 1.6:Three dimensional
developed by rotation of planar
a
elements are
4. Axisymmetric elements: The axisymmetric 360°.
about an axis located
in a plane of the element through
Surface (triangle or quadrilateral) such as
and loading of the problems are axisymmetric
These elements are used when the geometry
shows axisymmetric elements.
of shaft, cylindrical storage tanks etc. Figure 1.7
analysis
P O
P
Exact
solution
Number of
N Elements
No significant
improvement beyond No
Fig. 1.9 Effect of varying the number of elements.
N/m
Node
Node e- er
Aluminium Nodes
Node
in material
(e) Plate with a crack discontinuity
-
Fig. 1.10
The size of the global stiffness matrix resulting from the finite element analysis depends upon t
node numbering scheme and the number of degrees of freedom considered per node. If we c
minimize the size, both solution time and storage requirements can be minimized. To achieve t
minimization, we have to perform a systematic subdivision and adopt an appropriate numberi
system for nodes. The band width (Strictly speaking half band width) of the global stiffness mat
can be defined as
Half band width B
(D + 1)f
=
- (1.2
Where, D is the maximum of largest difference between node numbers in an element and al
elements are considered for its determination
node.
and fis the number of degrees of freedom at ea
18 17 161S 14 13 4
7 8 9
10
19 20 23 24 25 26 10
13 14 s l16 17
27 19
20 21
36
28
22 23 24 25 26 2
37 30 3940 41 42 43 44 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35
s3_52 45
54 o la Ja_47 46
37 38 39 40
41 42 4344
B (17+ 1)*2 36 54
48 l49 so
Fig. (a)
s s2
B (9+ 1) x
2 20
Introduction to Finite Element Method 21
DIMENSIONING ALONG THE SHORTER EDGE (sIDE)
13 24 2536 37 48 49
25
J14 3 26 3s 38 47
50
o_s_227 34 39 J46 51 42026 32 38 4450 S)
4 J16 28 3 l4o lasS2 5 7 45 52
10 16 22 28 34 40 146
6 6
12 18 24 30 36 42 48
B (11 1)x 2 24
B (6+ 1) x 2 14
Fig.(c) Fig. (d)
Fig. 1.11: Node numbering scheme
Thus a shorter band width can be obtained simply by numbering the nodes across the shortest
dimension of the body.
In the matrix, all non-zero elements (coefficients) are on either side of the main diagonal joining the
elements k,, and k and these are within the band whose width is given by 'nbh' called the half
band width.The half band width or semi-band width is defined as the greatest number of coefficients
of matrix in any row of tie matrix from and including the leading diagonal to the right hand-side
non-zero coefficients) Its value can be calculated by the Eq.(1.20)
UsES
The main use of banded matrix lies in reducing the space required to store the given matrix and
These can
minimize the solution time. Thus banded matrix is used to store only non zero elements.
be stored compactly in nxnbh matrix instead of n xn original matrix
nbh
k2 3Ka 0 0 ki ks ku
|
k23 24kas k22 ka3 k24 Kas
ks kaks2 ks k4 ksk36
|k31 kgs ks6 a3s k34 1s k
k42 k43k44 k45 K44 ks
0
0ks2 ks ks kssKs6
kso
LO 0k63 k44 Ks6 kg6 Joxo=36 kkoo 0 0 Joxd-24
Jox4=24