Meshing

Meshing is performed to discretize the geometry created into small pieces called elements or
cells. Why do we discretize? The rational behind this can be explained in a very
straightforward and logical manner. We can expect the solution for an engineering problem to
be very
complex, and varies in a way that is very unpredictable using functions across the whole
domain of the problem. If the problem domain can be divided (meshed) into small elements
or cells using a set of grids or nodes, the solution within an element can be approximated.
very easily using simple functions such as polynomials. The solutions for all of the elements
thus form the solution for the whole problem domain.
How does it work? Proper theories are needed for discretizing the governing differential
equations based on the discretized domains. The theories used are different from problem
to problem, and will be covered in detail later in this book for various types of problems.
But before that, we need to generate a mesh for the problem domain.
Mesh generation is a very important task of the pre-process. It can be a very time consuming
task to the analyst, and usually an experienced analyst will produce a more credible
mesh for a complex problem. The domain has to be meshed properly into elements of specific
shapes such as triangles and quadrilaterals. Information, such as element connectivity, must
be created during the meshing for use later in the formation of the FEM equations. It is ideal
to have an entirely automated mesh generator, but unfortunately this is currently not available
in the market. A semi-automatic pre-processor is available for most commercial application
software packages. There are also packages designed mainly for meshing. Such packages
can generate files of a mesh, which can be read by other modelling and simulation packages.
Triangulation is the most flexible and well-established way in which to create meshes
with triangular elements. It can be made almost fully automated for two-dimensional (2D)
planes, and even three-dimensional (3D) spaces. Therefore, it is commonly available in
most of the pre-processors. The additional advantage of using triangles is the flexibility
of modelling complex geometry and its boundaries. The disadvantage is that the accuracy
of the simulation results based on triangular elements is often lower than that obtained
using quadrilateral elements. Quadrilateral element meshes, however, are more difficulty to
generate in an automated manner.
Selection of Size of Mesh:
In finite element analysis (FEA), selecting an appropriate mesh size is crucial for accurate
results. Let's explore the considerations for meshing size:

1. **Element Size and Accuracy**:

- **Larger Elements**: Larger elements lead to faster analysis times but may sacrifice
accuracy.
- **Smaller Elements**: Smaller elements improve accuracy but increase computation
time.
- **Rule of Thumb**: As a starting point, follow the Concrete Centre's recommendation:
Element sizes should not exceed **span/10** or **1000 mm**, whichever is smaller¹.
- **Complex Geometries**: For intricate shapes, estimating the span length may be
challenging, but a reasonable approximation suffices initially.

2. **Avoid Rapid Stress Changes**:

- **Stress Distribution**: FEA results depend on nodes. Stress distribution within an
element is approximated using shape functions.
- **Rapid Stress Changes**: In regions with rapidly changing stress, large elements may
lose accuracy due to inadequate stress distribution.
- **Refinement**: Consider refining the mesh in such critical areas.

3. **Finding the Balance**:

- **Smaller Mesh**: Smaller mesh elements yield more accurate results but significantly
increase computation time.
- **Convergence Test**: Perform a convergence test by halving the mesh size and
comparing result changes. If changes are small, the initial mesh size is acceptable.
- **Engineering Judgment**: There's no fixed definition of "small." Balance accuracy and
practicality based on your specific problem⁴.

4. **Other Perspectives**:
- **CFD and Structural FEA**: In computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and structural
FEA, minimal skewness and suitable aspect ratios are preferred².
- **On Scale Recommendation**: Start with at least 15 elements per wavelength and
perform mesh convergence studies³.
Remember that meshing decisions impact both accuracy and computation time. Strive for a
mesh size that provides the required accuracy while maintaining practical feasibility.

Finite Elements

1. Finite Elements:
o Definition: Finite elements are small hypothetical parts into which a
complex object is subdivided for analysis.
o Purpose: They allow us to approximate the behavior of a physical
structure by representing it as an assembly of interconnected
elements.
o Significance in FEA:
▪ Complex Geometries: FEA handles problems with intricate
shapes, irregular boundaries, and varying material properties
where analytical solutions are challenging.
▪ Loadings and Material Properties: FEA accommodates
various load types (static, dynamic) and material behaviors
(elastic, plastic, nonlinear).
▪ Accuracy Requirement: Unlike simplified analytical
methods, FEA demands higher accuracy due to complex
geometries and safety considerations.
▪ Optimal Design: FEA helps identify weaknesses, calculate
safety margins, and optimize designs confidently.
▪ Applications: FEA is widely used in mechanical, aerospace,
civil, automotive, and other engineering fields.
2. Shell Elements:
o Definition: Shell elements represent thin-walled structures, such as
plates or curved surfaces.
o Nodes and Degrees of Freedom (DOF):
▪ Typically, three nodes define a triangular shell element, and
four nodes define a quadrilateral shell element.
▪ Five or six DOF per node (translation in x, y, and z directions,
and rotation about x and y axes).
o Use:
▪ Modeling roofs, walls, and curved surfaces.
▪ Examples include aircraft wings, ship hulls, and pressure
vessels.
3. Plate Elements:
o Definition: Plate elements represent flat structures with constant
thickness.
o Nodes and DOF:
▪ Four nodes define a rectangular plate element.
▪ Three DOF per node (translation in x and y directions, and
rotation about the z axis).
o Use:
 ▪ Analyzing floor slabs, bridges, and flat components.
▪ Example: A reinforced concrete slab in a building.
4. Membrane Elements:
o Definition: Membrane elements model structures with negligible
bending stiffness (like fabric or thin membranes).
o Nodes and DOF:
▪ Three nodes define a triangular membrane element.
▪ Two DOF per node (translation in x and y directions).
o Use:
▪ Tents, fabric roofs, and inflatable structures.
▪ Example: Modeling the fabric cover of a stadium.
5. Truss Elements:
o Definition: Truss elements represent slender structures composed of
straight members (bars or cables).
o Nodes and DOF:
▪ Two nodes define a truss element.
▪ One DOF per node (axial displacement).
o Use:
▪ Modeling bridges, roof trusses, and crane structures.
▪ Example: Analyzing the members of a steel truss bridge.
6. Solid Elements:
o Definition: Solid elements represent the entire volume of a 3D
structure.
o Nodes and DOF:
▪ Eight nodes define a brick (hexahedral) element.
▪ Three DOF per node (translation in x, y, and z directions).
o Use:
▪ Analyzing complex 3D structures like dams, tunnels, and
foundations.
▪ Example: Simulating soil behavior in a retaining wall.
7. Brick Elements:
o Definition: Brick elements are 3D solid elements similar to solid
elements but with fewer nodes.
o Nodes and DOF:
▪ Eight nodes define a brick element.
▪ Three DOF per node (translation in x, y, and z directions).
o Use:
▪ Modeling concrete structures, soil, and rock.
▪ Example: Analyzing a reinforced concrete column.
8. Beam Elements:
o Definition: Beam elements represent 1D structures like beams or
columns.
o Nodes and DOF:
▪ Two nodes define a beam element.
 ▪ Six DOF per node (translation in x, y, and z directions, and
rotation about x, y, and z axes).
o Use:
Modeling beams, columns, and trusses.
▪
▪ Example: Analyzing the behavior of a steel beam in a building.
9. Frame Elements:
o Definition: Frame elements represent 1D structures like beams,
columns, and trusses.
o Nodes and DOF:
▪ Two nodes define a frame element.
▪ Six DOF per node (translation in x, y, and z directions, and
rotation about x, y, and z axes).

Conception:

Conception in the context of structural engineering refers to the initial phase of

designing a structure. It involves conceptualizing and defining the fundamental
aspects of the project. Let’s explore its importance in the context of finite element
analysis (FEA):

Definition of Conception:
Conception: It is the creative and critical thinking process where engineers and
designers outline the project’s goals, constraints, and overall vision.

Key Steps:

Problem Definition: Clearly define the problem or task to be solved.

Requirements: Identify project requirements, loadings, and constraints.

Sketching and Brainstorming: Generate preliminary ideas and concepts.

Importance of Conception in FEA:

Foundation for Analysis: Conception sets the groundwork for FEA. Without a
clear understanding of the problem, accurate analysis cannot occur.

Modeling Decisions: During conception, engineers decide on the modeling

approach (e.g., 2D vs. 3D, type of elements) for FEA.

Boundary Conditions: Conception defines boundary conditions, which

significantly impact FEA results.
Material Properties: Engineers specify material properties during conception,
crucial for accurate FEA simulations.

Loadings: Conception identifies all relevant loadings (dead loads, live loads, wind,
seismic) that FEA must consider.

Safety and Optimization: Conception helps identify critical areas, safety margins,
and opportunities for optimization.

Iterative Process: Conception allows engineers to iterate and refine the design
before detailed FEA.

Example:

Imagine designing a bridge:

During conception, engineers decide on the bridge type (arch, cable-stayed, etc.),
span length, and loadings.

These decisions directly impact the FEA model: the number of elements, boundary
conditions, and material properties.

Accurate FEA results depend on a well-conceived bridge design.

In summary, conception is the foundation for successful FEA. It ensures that the
subsequent analysis accurately represents the real-world behavior of structures.

Finite Element Analysis and integrated design process:

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a numerical technique used to simulate and
analyze the behavior of complex structures and systems. It plays a crucial role in
engineering design, allowing engineers to predict how structures will respond to
various loads and conditions. Let’s delve into the details:

1. What Is Finite Element Analysis (FEA)?

o Definition: FEA is the simulation of physical phenomena using a
numerical mathematical technique called the Finite Element Method
(FEM).
o Core Principle: It discretizes a complex structure into smaller
elements (finite elements) interconnected at nodes. These elements
approximate the behavior of the entire system.
o Applications:
▪ Structural analysis (stress, deformation, vibration).
▪ Heat transfer analysis.
▪ Fluid dynamics (computational fluid dynamics or CFD).
▪ Electromagnetic analysis.
 ▪ Acoustic simulations.
2. Integrated Design Process with FEA:
o Problem Definition:
▪ Engineers define the problem, including requirements,
constraints, and objectives.
▪ Identify loadings (forces, pressures, thermal effects) and
boundary conditions.
o Conceptual Design:
▪ Generate initial design concepts.
▪ Sketch and brainstorm ideas.
▪ Evaluate feasibility and safety.
o CAD Modeling:
▪ Create a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) model.
▪ Define material properties, dimensions, and geometric features.
o Mesh Generation:
▪ Divide the CAD model into smaller finite elements (mesh).
▪ Nodes and elements form the mesh.
▪ Density of the mesh affects accuracy and computation time.
o FEA Simulation:
▪ Apply loads and boundary conditions to the mesh.
▪ Solve the system of equations for each element.
▪ Combine results to obtain overall behavior.
o Analysis Results:
▪ Obtain stress distribution, displacements, and other relevant
quantities.
▪ Evaluate safety margins, deflections, and failure modes.
o Design Iterations:
▪ Modify the design based on FEA results.
▪ Optimize geometry, material selection, or load paths.
o Validation and Verification:
▪ Compare FEA results with physical tests or analytical
solutions.
▪ Ensure accuracy and reliability.
o Final Design:
▪ Implement design changes based on FEA insights.
▪ Finalize CAD model and prepare for manufacturing.
3. Significance of Finite Element Analysis:
o Safety and Reliability:
▪ FEA predicts structural behavior under various conditions,
ensuring safety.
▪ Detect weak points, stress concentrations, and potential
failures.
o Cost and Time Savings:
▪ Reduce physical prototypes by running virtual experiments.
 ▪ Optimize designs early in the process.
▪ Faster turnaround times.
o Informed Decision-Making:
▪ Evaluate trade-offs (e.g., weight vs. strength).
▪ Understand how changes affect performance.
o Interdisciplinary Applications:
▪ Used in mechanical, civil, aerospace, automotive, and
biomedical engineering.
▪ Bridges the gap between design and analysis.