Scribd
Upload
12 views16 pages

Introduction to Finite Element Method

The document introduces the Finite Element Method (FEM), a numerical technique used for stress analysis in various engineering fields where analytic solutions are complex or impossible. FEM divides the solution region into small interconnected sub-regions called finite elements, allowing for the approximation of displacements, stresses, and strains. It outlines the procedure for finite element analysis, including preprocessing, solution, and post-processing, and highlights its applications in structural, solid mechanics, dynamics, thermal, electrical, fluid dynamics, and biomaterials analysis.

Uploaded by

Abel Feta
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views16 pages

Introduction to Finite Element Method

The document introduces the Finite Element Method (FEM), a numerical technique used for stress analysis in various engineering fields where analytic solutions are complex or impossible. FEM divides the solution region into small interconnected sub-regions called finite elements, allowing for the approximation of displacements, stresses, and strains. It outlines the procedure for finite element analysis, including preprocessing, solution, and post-processing, and highlights its applications in structural, solid mechanics, dynamics, thermal, electrical, fluid dynamics, and biomaterials analysis.

Uploaded by

Abel Feta
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Introduction to Finite element method

• The stress analysis in the fields of civil, mechanical,


aerospace, etc. engineering, is invariably complex and is
extremely difficult to obtain analytic solutions.
• An analytic solution is a mathematical expression
that gives the value of the field, which is often tedious
and complex
• In these situations numerical methods are used
– Approximate methods
– FEM is a numerical method
– A branch of Solid Mechanics
Finite element….

• Finite element method is a more powerful and flexible


tool
• For solving structural problems and design of most
industrial products and even in non-structural fields.
• In the finite element method, the solution region is
considered as built up of many small, interconnected
sub-regions called finite elements.
Areas of application
• Structure analysis: cantilever, arches, bridge
• Solid mechanics: a gear, a automotive power train …
• Dynamics: vibration of Sears Tower, earthquake, bullet
impact…
• Thermal analysis: heat radiation of finned surface,
thermal stress brake disc…
• Electrical analysis: piezo actuator, electrical signal
propagation…
• Fluid dynamics
• Biomaterials: human organs and tissues…
• A number of partial differential equations need
to be solved
• Exact solution not possible

• FEA is a means to find an approximate


– Displacements
– Stresses
– Strains at any point
Procedure…
Boundary conditions
• Either define the loads that act on the structure (force
or Neumann boundary conditions),
• or describe the way in which the structure is supported
(displacement boundary conditions).
• Both types of boundary conditions often involve
simplifications of actual structural situation
• A consistent set of boundary conditions is required for a
unique mathematical solution of the finite element
equations.
Setting up a finite element analysis

• Preprocessing: defining the problem; the major steps in


Preprocessing are given below:
– Define key points/lines/areas/volumes.
– Define element type and material/geometric properties.
– Mesh lines/areas/volumes as required.

• Solution: assigning loads, constraints and solving; here specify


the loads (points or pressure), constraints (translational and
rotational) and finally solve the resulting set of equations.
• Post processing: further processing and viewing of the results; in
this stage one may view:
– Lists of nodal displacements.
– Element forces and moments.
– Deflection plots.
– Stress contour diagrams.
FEM

Flow net

Displacement

Slope stability-clip circle


Arch Dam: Finite Element Analysis
• ANSYS software
– X, Y, X coordinate of dam points to generate solid model
Example
• Mesh of the dam model
Example
• Nodes on the dam model
Example
Analysis
• Analysis of different load combinations can be
made
– Static loading
• Dead load (concrete)
• Hydrostatic pressure
• Silt load

– Dynamic loading
• Earthquake
• Explosion, blasts
• Nodal displacement (Example)
Stress distribution example

You might also like