Introduction to

Finite Element Analysis

Chapter 2. Interpolation Functions For General Element Formulation :

Discreatisation process, types of elements, size of elements,

Location of node, node numbering scheme and
Mesh requirements in finite element method,
Polynomial form of interpolation functions,
Convergence requirements, Pascal triangle,
Shape functions (1D, 2D, LST, CST, Quad, Higher order elements),
Stiffness matrix and its properties.

SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

CAD Model Finite Element Mesh
Types of element can be decided based upon
Geometry size and shape
Type of analysis
Time allotted to the project
 Hexahedral Elements Tetrahedral Elements

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 …a piston…

(using Hexahedral Elements)

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 …using Hexahedrons & Tetrahedrons together…

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 Analysis run / Solve:

• Formulation of element stiffness matrices

• Assembly of global stiffness matrix [K]
• formulation of load vector {F}
• Solution of [K]{u}={F} to get nodal displacements
{u}
• (Solution of [K] – λ[M] in case of dynamic
analysis)
• (Solution of [K] – λ[Kg] in case of buckling
analysis)
• Calculation of elemental stresses

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 Postprocessing / View results:

• View results (displacements, stresses, mode shapes, etc.)

• Interpret and validate results
• If required, re-formulate, and re-analysis

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 Types of Analysis
Static

Dynamic

Buckling

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How to decide the element length;
1. Based on previous experience
2. Type of analysis
3. Hardware configuration
How to start the FE-Modeling
1. Spend sufficient time in studying the geometry
2. Time estimation
3. Geometry check up
• Free edges,
• Geometry duplicates,
• small fillets and holes,
• beads and intersection of parts)
Effect of Mesh density in critical area (region)
Effect of Biasing on critical region