Unit - Finite Element Method For any structural problem two types of solutions are available; (i) Analytical solution and (i) Numerical solutions. Analytical solutions are accurate forthe simple boundary conditions, loading conditions and linear problems, Buty for the complex geometry, irregular boundary conditions and geometric non-linearity, analytical solutions are not effective and accurate. Theretore, varius numerical methods are developed by the researchers for solving such complex problems. But these numerical methods give approximate solutions of the problem, The finite element method (FEM) is a numerical technique used to find out solutions of complex engineering problems. Originally this method was developed for the aerospace engineering but, it is now widely ‘used in other engineering isciplines such as Civil Engincering, Mechanical Engincering and Electrical Engineering. The first book on finite element method (FEM) was written by Zicnkiewicz in three volumes. . 1.2 What is Finite Element Analysis (FEA)? In finite element analysis, solution of complex problem is obtained by dividing domain (structure) into ‘n* numberof subdomains (clements). The study of Properties of one element is calledfagelement formulation whereas assembly of properties of all elements (global study) to obtain solution of problem is called as system formulation, 1.3 Principles of FEA™°), ~” 1) The finjte element method (FEM) is a computational technique used 10 obtain approximate solutions of boundary value problems in engineering. 2) Boundary value problems are also called field problems. The field is the domain of interest and most often represents 4 physical structure. 3) The field variables are the dependent variables of interest gov of diffetential equation. 4), The boundary conditions are the specified values of the field variables (or related variabl \ s such as tives) on the boundaries of the field, 1.4 What is Discretization? Discretization of structure is an important task in finite element an; requires some skill and knowledge. In this procedure, first, the number, and configuration of elements have to be decided in such a manner that the real ysis and ape, size 1 Scanned with CamScannerFinite Element Method Lecture Notes 1 Fngineering, Kopargson-423603 Dr. Atteshamuddin S, Sayyad, SRES's Sajtvani College of gion 423 structure is simulated as closely as possible. ‘The discretization is to be in such that the results converge to the true solution. 1. First, the domain (Rectangular slab) is presented as a collection of finite number ‘n’ of subdomain i. e. Rectangular element. This is called as discretization of the domain. 2, Each domain is called as ‘Element’. 3. The collection of element is called as. Finite Element Mesh’. 4, The elements are connected at points called as ‘Nodes’, 5. When elements are of same dimension it is called as uniform mesh otherwise non-tiniform mesh. 5 Advantages of FEM over conventional methods 1. For problems involving irregular shape. irtegular boundary condition and irregular loading conditions, conventional methods makes certain assumptions whereas in FEM no such assumptions are made. The problems are weated as itis. 2. For anisotropic material properties, solution by classical method is very difficult. FEM can handle such structures without any difficulty 3. Material non-linearity and geometric non-linear proislems cannot handle by classical methods. There'is.ho difficulty in FEM to handle such problem, 4. FEM superior to irregular problems, for regular problems classical methods are best solution 5 Lt leregularshape irregular Boundary conditions aT regular Loading ondtons ‘:6)Disadvantages of FEM 1, In classical method exact solution is obtained whereas in FEM approximate solution is obtained. 2. This technique depends upon skill designer in assuming element type, number of nodes and displacement fields etc. Scanned with CamSc:Finite Element Method Lecture Notes Dr. Atteshamuddin §. Sayyad, SRES's Sanjivani Cotte: 3. Still adequate for failure, problems of several problems such as; composite materials. } Copanzaan-€23603 cracking behaviour, bond 4. Werequites large amount of computer memory and computational time (0 obtained results. :-1.7 Finite Element Method (FEM) Vs Fini F.D.M. 1. FDM gives values at nodes points only. At other point interpolation is required 2, FDM needs larger number of nodes to get good results. 3. Fairly complicated problems can be handled by FDM. 4. FDM — makes approximation to curved boundaries. 5. FDM makes approximation i stair type of sloping and point —_ wise satisfy continuity at node points only, along the side, continuity are not ensured. 6. It is. less efficient and more approximate. P 7. Not applicable for non-linearity of domain. or, : 8. Difficult to apply.FDM. for unusual boundary condition,’ and loading conditions~ (e Difference Method (FDM) FEM. TOFEM gives values at any, nodes points including node points. FEM needs fevernodes to get good results. 3. All type of complicated problem can be handled by FEM. 4. FEM) can consider sloping and curved boundaries exactly. ‘FEM makes wise approximation i.e. Satisly ‘continuity at node point as well as along the sideedge of clement. 6 tt is efficient. and more approximate. 7. Applicable domain. 8. FEM can be applied to any type of boundary condition and loading conditions. piece more to non-linearity of Scanned with CamScann—~, Finite Element Method Lecture Notes Dr, Atteshamudaln S. Sayyad, SRES's Sanjivani Cote 3. Still adequate for several problems such failure, problems of composite materials. amount of computer memory 4, Tt requires la obtained results 4.7 Finite Element Method (FEM) Vs Finite Difference F.D.M. 1. FDM gives values at nodes points only. At other point interpol required FDM needs larger number of nodes to get good results. Fairly complicated problems can be andled by FDM. 4. FDM — makes approximation to curved boundaries. 5. FDM makes approximation i.e. at node points only, along the continuity are not ensured. 6 lt is less efficient and approximate, 7 7. Not applicable for non-linearity of domain. SONG 8. Difficult to apply.FDM.for unusual boundary condition,’ and loading conditions. stair sloping typeof and more” h as: cracking behaviour, bond and computational time to Method (FDM) FEM. = M gives values at any nodes points including node points, 2, FEM needs fevernodes to get good results: > 3, All type of complicated problem can be handled by FEM. 4. FEM) can consider sloping and curved boundaries exactly. 5, FEM makes — piecewise “approximation i Satisty “continuity at node point as well as along the side edge of element. 6 UW is. more efficient and more approximate. 7. Applicable to non-linearity of domain 8. FEM can be applied to any type of boundary condition and loading conditions, Scanned with CamScan