Definition of Finite Element Analysis/Method

• Finite Element Analysis/method (FEA/FEM) is a numerical method solves

problems of engineering and mathematical physics.
• A convenient method to analyze complicated geometries, loadings, and material
properties.

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Objectives of FEA/FEM

• To understand the physical behaviours of a

complex object.
• Examples: Strength, heat transfer capability,
fluid flow, etc

• To predict the performance and behaviour of

Objectives of using the design.
FEA/FEM • To calculate the safety margin and to identify
the weakness of the design accurately

• To identify the optimal design with confidence

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 The rise of aerospace industry
• During the world war era, flights and jets were needed to support the
battle. Especially during World War II jets, missiles, space flight were
aggressively demanded. FEA/FEM was used to construct the design the
aircraft structure

Growth of computers Need for light weight structures

• FEA/FEM now can be applied for History of • FEA/FEM was applied manually to calculate
FEM/FEA in the stiffness of the aircraft structure due to
any aircraft design using softwares
Aircraft meet the light weight and efficiency
such as Ansys, Autodesk, requirements. In order to satisfy technical
Design
Nastrand , etc with convenient improvements. For example: Flying speed, fuel
features and without human erros. consumption efficiency, and engine capacity.

Required accurate stress analysis

• Stress analysis was highly concerned and evaluated using
FEA/FEM to improve the sustainability of the aircraft in terms of
Wind pressure, Density, Flying altitude and other climate factors.
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Figure 1.0: Shows a fighter jet used in World War II era
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 STRUCTURAL / STRESS ANALYSIS
DESIGN OF COMPONENTS FOR CONSTRUSCTION,
AUTOMOTIVE, AVIATION, MACHINERIES, WHICH ARE
STATIC AND DYNAMIC.
Example: Aircraft Fuselage & Propeller / Vehicle Engines &
Rotating Shafts / Machine Components/ Bridge Columns

HEAT TRANSFER FLUID FLOW

MOTION OF INNER AND OUTER HEAT MOTION OF LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR FLUIDS.
Example : Car/Motor Engines / Heat Exchangers / Boilers / Car Examples: Pipelines & Vessels / Vehicle Radiator /
Radiators / Air-conditioner / Conveyor Belts Fuel Tanks / Water Dams / Water Tanks

Applications of FEA/FEM

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 • Able to detect and evaluate irregular boundaries
( Meshing )
• Able to apply general loads (Force , Mass, Pressure ,
Density , Temperature)

• Able to apply and analyse features of different

• Able to rectify non-linear problems materials ( Steel, Aluminium, Polymer)
Advantages
based on geometric and material • Able to measure and analyse the boundary
of
selection. FEM/FEA conditions under different ranges of input
values
• Able to support the prototype
modelling device such as 3D Plotter

• Able to do easy modifications in order to get or improve the desired

output
• Able to evaluate the dynamics of the designed product to ensure the
physical and mechanical properties factor.
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Figure 1.1 : Shows the meshed steel pipe whereby all the regular and irregular boundaries are successfully
captured 7
Figure 1.2 : Shows the setting of boundary conditions for the meshed steel pipe
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Figure 1.3 : Shows the result of finite element evaluations for the steel pipe 9
 Direct Method
• This method is worth studying because it
enhances physical understanding process

Variation - Virtual Method

Equations of • Based on concept of virtual displacements.

FEA/FEM • Leads to internal and external virtual work and

to minimize of system potential energy
equilibrium.

Weighted Residual Method

• Governing differential equation with special
mathematical operations develop the weak form
that can be incorporated into FEM equation. Suits
for problems with no variation statement.

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Direct Method

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Variance Method
The differential equation

With a = EA has the following physical meaning in solid mechanics. It

describes tension of the one dimensional bar with cross-sectional
area A made of material with the elasticity modulus E and subjected
to a distributed load b and a concentrated load R at its right end as
shown in Figure.

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Weight residual Method

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