 Methods to solve any engineering problems: -

a) Analytical Method
b) Numerical Method
c) Experimental Method
 Analytical Method: -
 Classical Approach
 100% accurate results
 Closed form solution
 Applicable only for simple problems like, cantilever and simply supported beams etc.
 Though analytical methods could also give approximate results if the solution is not closed
form, but in general and broad sense, analytical methods are considered as closed form
solutions i.e. 100% accurate.
 Numerical Method: -
 Mathematical representation
 Approximate assumptions made
 Applicable for real life complicated problems, even if physical prototype not available (initial
design phase)
 Results cannot be believed blindly & must be verified by experimental method or hand
calculations for knowing the range of results.
 Examples: -
a) FEM
b) BEM
c) FVM
d) FDM
 Experimental Method: -
 Actual Measurement
 Time consuming & needs expensive set up
 Applicable only if physical is available
 Results cannot be believed blindly & min. 3 to 5 prototypes must be tested
 Examples: -
a) Strain gauge testing
b) Photo elasticity
c) Vibration measurements
d) Fatigue test
 FEM (Finite Element Method): -
 Approximate solution
 Calculations are done at nodes only & then results are interpolated for the entire element
using shape function.
 Variable properties at nodes are forces, pressure, moment, torque etc. etc.
 Applications: - Linear, Non-Linear, Buckling, Thermal, Dynamic & Fatigue Analysis.
 BEM (Boundary Element Method): -
 Only surfaces needs to be mesh.
 Calculations are only done at outside surfaces.
 Application: - Acoustic / NVH
 FVM (Finite Volume Method): -
 Based on Navier - stoke equations, where mass, momentum & energy conservation is quite
natural.
 We do not take exact model & we do not mesh component, instead we mesh air or fluid
domain.
 Variable properties at nodes are pressure, velocity, area, mass etc. etc.
 Applications: - CFD
 FDM (Finite Difference Method): -
 It is generally a combination of all above or two of above methods
 It is a way to solve differential equations.
 Taylor's series is used to convert a differential equations to an algebraic equations.
 Applications: - Thermal & fluid flow analysis in combination with FVM
 Is it possible to use all the above listed methods (like FEM, BEM, FVM, FDM) to solve same
problem??
 Yes. But the difference is in accuracy achieved, programming ease & time required to obtain
the solution.
 When internal details are required (such as stresses inside the 3-D object) BEM will lead to
poor results as it considers only outer boundary, while FEM, FVM or FDM are preferable.
FVM has been used for solving stress problem but it is well suited for CFD problems where
conservation & equilibrium is quite natural.
 FDM has limitations with complicated geometry, assembly of different material components
& combination of various types of elements (1-D, 2-D, 3-D). For this type of problem FEM
is better than FDM.
 Shape Function: -
 Shape function is used to interpolate the deflections, DOF or stresses within the element.
 There are 3 types of shape functions i.e. linear, quadratic & cubic.