Finite Element Method Modeling Guide
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ScribdTranslationsFinite Element Method Modeling Guide
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsDEFINITION OF
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
MODELING CRITERIA
DEFINITION OF THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
The finite element method (FEM for its acronym in English) is
based on transforming a continuous medium into a discrete medium, in
which has a model formed by a finite number of
parts (elements) with different boundary conditions.
Nodes
The union of the finite elements is carried out in their
nodal points, in order to ensure the
compatibility of deformations between the elements
connected adjacent, ensuring that also
Elements
these have the same degrees of freedom
MODELING CRITERIA
DEFINITION OF THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
The displacement of each node can be determined.
through a set of algebraic equations
simultaneous; and through compatibility relationships
that facilitate the interpolation processes, are obtained
the deformations or displacements of the rest of the
structure.
Finite elements, from the point of view
mathematicians will be defined by ideal characteristics in
function of the members that make up the structure.
However, these characteristics will be different
depending on the area of the structure we are in
analyzing.
Modeling Criteria
DEFINITION OF THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
When creating the model, one must choose carefully
the linear or nonlinear properties that must be
assigned to the elements according to behavior
structural that is desired to be evidenced, according to the
charge transfer mechanisms and conditions of
established borders.
In a proper discretization and modeling process, everything
type of board, stirrups, piles, walls, ramps, among others,
It can be analyzed using the finite element method.
obtaining the displacements, deformations, stresses and
resultant forces, which will serve for the design and establish
the demand/capacity relationships.
MODELING CRITERIA
DEFINITION OF THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
If we look at the example of a beam of
length L with a point charge at the
average. When using a simple division of
a deformed shape is obtained from two elements
straight since there is only one node,
while, when dividing into 6 parts, the
deformed has a better approximation to the
real curve. It is very clear that the solution
by numerical approximation tends to the real
to the extent that an applies a
much more refined discretization, with what
which reduces the error. On the other hand, the
the analysis will depend on the stiffness matrix
from the structure according to F=ku
APPLICATION OF ELEMENTS
STRUCTURAL
MODELING CRITERIA
APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Ideation of the Structure
In this step, the elements that make up the
structure considering the way of working of the
same, in order to obtain a global stiffness matrix of the
system.
In the particular case of area objects, it will be fundamental
decide on the incorporation of general elements that
work with deformations outside and inside their plane, or well,
to use elements of reduced stiffness associated with a
decrease in their degrees of freedom.
MODELING CRITERIA
APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Frame type elements Truss type elements
Just resist
Resist forces axial forces
axials, cuts and
moments
MODELING CRITERIA
APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Membrane Element Plate Element Shell Element
This element with 4 or 3 sides has This element with 4 or 3 sides has This element with 4 or 3 sides has
three degrees of freedom in each one three degrees of freedom in each six degrees of freedom in each one
of its nodes, associated with the of its nodes, associated with the of its nodes, associated with the
displacements in the plane (U1, rotations with respect to their axes rotations with respect to their axes
U2and the rotation around the axis locales (R1and R2) and to the displacement locales (R1, R2y R3), and to the
perpendicular to the plane (R3). perpendicular to the plane (U3) movements in and out of the
plane (U1, U2y U3)
MODELING CRITERIA
APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Membrane Element Plate Element Shell Element
F1 F3 F1
F2 F3
F2
MODEL CRITERIA
APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Applications of the Shell element
El elemento tipo Shell, combina el comportamiento
from the membrane and from the plate-type elements. It
they are mainly classified into: Shell type elements
Conventional and Continuous Shell-type Elements.
In a Conventional Shell, its thickness is
define through the properties of the section,
while, in a Continuous Shell the thickness is
obtained directly from the discretization of the
3D model, similar to a solid.
Modeling Criteria
APPLICATION OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Solid type element
Solid-type elements are the most precise way.
to represent a real structure; however, it
It should be noted that its computational demand is very
elevated. There are certain types of structures in which
it is of great importance to carry out a modeling with
solid elements, such as dams; already
that thermal, shrinkage, and creep efforts are
critics in the design and solely an analysis of
3D effort can accurately represent
its behavior. On the other hand, this extends to
model of elements such as headers (topped)
bridge piles, joints, etc.