SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

18MEE305T - FINITE ELEMENT

METHOD

UNIT : II
SESSION : 1
PREPARED BY : D.K.MOHAN KUMAR
A.P(SR.G),RAMAPURAM CAMPUS, FEM
COURSE COORDINATOR 1
 CONTENTS

• UNIT II - 1D LINEAR STATIC ANALYSIS

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2Finite element procedure for a continuum

problem

2.3 Types of Elements

2.4 Discretization

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 2.1Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
The finite element method is a computational scheme to solve field problems in engineering and
science. The technique has very wide application, and has been used on problems involving
stress analysis, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, diffusion, vibrations, electrical and magnetic fields,
etc. The fundamental concept involves dividing the body under study into a finite number of
pieces (subdomains) called elements (see Figure). Particular assumptions are then made on the
variation of the unknown dependent variable(s) across each element using so-called interpolation
or approximation functions. This approximated variation is quantified in terms of solution values
at special element locations called nodes. Through this discretization process, the method sets up
an algebraic system of equations for unknown nodal values which approximate the continuous
solution. Because element size, shape and approximating scheme can be varied to suit the
problem, the method can accurately simulate solutions to problems of complex geometry and
loading and thus this technique has become a very useful and practical tool.

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 2.2 Finite Element Procedure for a Continuum
problem

In the finite element method the actual continuum or body of matter like gas, liquid,
or solid representation of “finite elements” is sub domains assembly. These
elements, called “nodes”, are assumed as interconnected on particular joints. Usual
positions of the nodes are on the element boundaries where adjacent elements are
to be connected. The actual variation of the field variable (like displacements,
stress, temperature etc.) inside the continuum is not known, It will approximate the
field variable with simple function. These approximating functions are defined by
values of field variable at the nodes. Using these, equilibrium equations for the
whole continuum are developed in terms of the unknown nodal values of the field
variables which are in the form of matrix equations can be solved to find the
unknown field variables. Once these areknown, the field variable is defined by
approximating functions during element’s assembly.

Finite Element Analysis steps are described below:

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Step 1: Structure discretization.
Divide the structure or continuum or solution region into finite elements that is, using finite
elements structure modeling is prepared. Number, type, size and arrangement of the elements are
to be decided. Mesh generation programs called “Preprocessors” can be used for this purpose.

Step 2: Each element's properties formulation.

This means determining nodal loads associated with all element deformation are
allowed.

Step 3: Selecting proper displacement model or interpolation.

Exact prediction is not possible irrespective of any load condition for complex structure’s
displacement solution. To approximate the unknown solution, a proper solution can be assumed..
There should be simple assumed solution from computational view point, but certain
convergence should be satisfied and compatibility requirements. Generally the solution or
interpolation model is in the form of a polynomial.
Step 4: To derive load vector and element stiffness matrix
An element “e” and its load factor {F1} & stiffness matrix {k} need derivation from the assumed
displacement model by using either equilibrium conditions or a suitable variation principle.

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Step 5: Assembling the equations of element
As the structure is composed of several finite elements, suitable assembly of load vectors &
formulation of l equilibrium equations is done as KQ = F, where K is structural or
global stiffness matrix Q is vector of nodal displacements F is nodal forces’ vector

Step 6: solution of nodal displacements which are unknown

The equilibrium equations have to be modified using the boundary conditions of the
problem. After incorporating the boundary conditions the equilibrium equations are
expressed as KQ=F. For linear problems the displacement vector Q can be calculated
comfortably, but we can obtain solution of non-linear problems by solving a number of
steps in sequence. Here in we modify load vector F or stiffness matrix K in every step

Step7: Computation of Element's computation of strains &stresses

The strains &stresses are computed with the help of known displacement Q using
Unecessary of solid and structural mechanics.
Step 8: Presentation of results
Using output interpolation programs called ‘Postprocessors” the results can be framed and
displayed in vector or raster forms as desired.

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2.3 Types of ElementsElement types used in FEM

3-D 8-NODE LAYERED STRUCTURAL SOLID

8-node structural solid (SOLID46) is a layered version designed for layered solids or thick
shells. Different material layers of up to 250 are permitted by the element. If requirement of
layers is more than 250 then availability of a user-input constitutive matrix option is there.
As a substitute stacking of elements may also be done. At each node, the element has three
degrees of freedom translations in nodal x/y/z directions.

Figure 2.1: SOLID46 Geometry

xo = Element x-axis if ESYS is not supplied.
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x = Element x-axis if ESYS is supplied.
3-D 8-NODE STRUCTURAL SOLID

Figure :2.2 SOLID 45 Geometry

For the 3-D modeling of solid structures, SOLID45 is used. Eight nodes having three degrees of
freedom at each node defines the element. Large strain capabilities, large deflection, stress
stiffening, swelling, creep and plasticity properties are held by the element. Availability of reduced
integration option having hourglass control is there.

The geometry, node locations, and the coordinate system for this element are shown in FIGURE.
Orthotropic material properties and eight nodes define the element. The element coordinate
directions are corresponded by orthotropic material directions. The element coordinate system
orientation is as described in Coordinate systems.

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Element’ type - shape, size & configuration should be chosen from the start. Elements’ numbers
should be chosen so that geometry in entirety should be represented. For system description,
element selection relies on body type & independent-coordinate’s number.

Figure 2.3: Various types of elements used in FEM

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Elements of One-dimension are assumed having two nodes, one at each end. e.g. in a rod
distribution of temperature, under axial-load bar deformation & in a pipe flow distribution of
pressure. When two spatial coordinates are used to describe the configuration, two-dimensional
elements may be used. Basic element for 2D analysis is the triangular element. By combining
two or four triangular elements a quadrilateral element can be formed.
Three independent spatial-coordinates can describe material properties & geometry of
three- dimensional elements. The basic three- dimensional element is the tetrahedron
element. To produce an element of type hexahedron, five tetrahedrons can be
assembled Many three dimensional problems’ description can be done by one or two
independent coordinates. Using an axis-symmetric or ring element, such problems can
be idealized.

Figure 2.4: Types of 3D elements used in FEM 10

 2.4 Discretization

D.K.MOHAN KUMAR ,
* A.P(SR.G),RAMAPURAM CAMPUS, FEM 11
COURSE COORDINATOR
 Two-Dimensional Discretization

u(x,y)

Figure 2.5 Approximate Piecewise Linear Representation

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Discretization Concepts

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 Common Types of Elements
One-Dimensional Elements
Line
Rods, Beams, Trusses, Frames
Two-Dimensional Elements
Triangular, Quadrilateral
Plates, Shells, 2-D Continua

Three-Dimensional Elements
Tetrahedral, Rectangular Prism
(Brick)
3-D Continua

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 Discretization Examples

Three-Dimensional
One-Dimensional Two-Dimensional Brick Elements
Frame Elements Triangular 15
Elements
 Basic Steps in the Finite Element Method
Time Independent Problems
- Domain Discretization
- Select Element Type (Shape and Approximation)
- Derive Element Equations (Variational and Energy Methods)
- Assemble Element Equations to Form Global System

[K]{U} = {F}

[K] = Stiffness or Property Matrix

{U} = Nodal Displacement Vector
{F} = Nodal Force Vector

- Incorporate Boundary and Initial Conditions

- Solve Assembled System of Equations for Unknown Nodal
Displacements and Secondary Unknowns of Stress and Strain Values

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Two-Dimensional Discretization Refinement

(Node)

(Discretization with 228 Elements)

(Triangular Element)

(Discretization with 912

Elements)
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 One Dimensional Examples
Static Case
Bar Element Beam Element
Uniaxial Deformation of Bars Deflection of Elastic Beams
Using Strength of Materials Theory Using Euler-Bernouli Theory

w1 w2
u1 u2
θ2
1 2 θ1 1 2

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 Two Dimensional Examples
Triangular Element Triangular Element
Scalar-Valued, Two-Dimensional Vector/Tensor-Valued,
Field Problems Two-Dimensional Field
v3 Problems
φ3

3 3 u3
v2
φ2
2
u2
2
v1
1

φ1 1 u1

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 FEA References

Bathe, K.J., Finite Element Procedures in Engineering Analysis, Prentice-Hall, 1982, 1995.
Beer, G. and Watson, J.O., Introduction to Finite and Boundary Element Methods for Engineers, John Wiley, 1993
Bickford, W.B., A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Irwin, 1990.
Burnett, D.S., Finite Element Analysis, Addison-Wesley, 1987.
Chandrupatla, T.R. and Belegundu, A.D., Introduction to Finite Elements in Engineering, Prentice-Hall, 2002.
Cook, R.D., Malkus, D.S. and Plesha, M.E., Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis, 3rd Ed., John
Wiley,
1989.
Desai, C.S., Elementary Finite Element Method, Prentice-Hall, 1979.
Fung, Y.C. and Tong, P., Classical and Computational Solid Mechanics, World Scientific, 2001.
Grandin, H., Fundamentals of the Finite Element Method, Macmillan, 1986.
Huebner, K.H., Thorton, E.A. and Byrom, T.G., The Finite Element Method for Engineers, 3rd Ed., John Wiley, 1994.
Knight, C.E., The Finite Element Method in Mechanical Design, PWS-KENT, 1993.
Logan, D.L., A First Course in the Finite Element Method, 2nd Ed., PWS Engineering, 1992.
Moaveni, S., Finite Element Analysis – Theory and Application with ANSYS, 2nd Ed., Pearson Education, 2003.
Pepper, D.W. and Heinrich, J.C., The Finite Element Method: Basic Concepts and Applications, Hemisphere, 1992.
Pao, Y.C., A First Course in Finite Element Analysis, Allyn and Bacon, 1986.
Rao, S.S., Finite Element Method in Engineering, 3rd Ed., Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998.
Reddy, J.N., An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, McGraw-Hill, 1993.
Ross, C.T.F., Finite Element Methods in Engineering Science, Prentice-Hall, 1993.
Stasa, F.L., Applied Finite Element Analysis for Engineers, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1985.
Zienkiewicz, O.C. and Taylor, R.L., The Finite Element Method, Fourth Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1977, 1989.

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Course Committee Members
Course faculty /
S.No Members campus
Coordinator
1 Mr.S.Balamurugan Course Coordinator Kattankulathur
2 Dr.Sandipan Roy Course faculty Kattankulathur
3 Dr. Srihari Dodla Course faculty Kattankulathur
4 Mr.D.Raja Course faculty Kattankulathur
5 Dr.P.V.Jeyakarthikeyan Course faculty Kattankulathur
6 Mr.J.Daniel Glad Stephen Course faculty Kattankulathur
7 Mr.K.Jegadeesan Course faculty Kattankulathur
8 Mr.P.Susai Manickam Course faculty Kattankulathur
9 Mr.M.Sachidhanandam Course faculty Kattankulathur
Mr. Esakkiyappan alias
10 Course Coordinator Ramapuram
Gurusamy S
11 D.K.Mohan Kumar . Course faculty Ramapuram
12 Mr. Arunraj Course faculty Ramapuram
13 Mr.Ravikumar Course Coordinator Vadapalani
14 Mr. Arunnath Course faculty Vadapalani
Thank you