5 Three-Dimensional Elements Applications to Solid Mechanics Problems 5.1 Overview Even trivial problems featuring three- dimensional geometry (Fig. 5.1) and/or three-dimensional stress sate (Fig. 5.2) defy exact solution by continuum mechanics (analytical) methods. Experimental in- vestigations are equally complex and prohibitively expensive in terms of facilities, model construction, instrumentation, andthe actual test, However, there is only one futher step to apply the finite element method to fully three-dimensional problems in continuum mechanics. ‘Theory of elasticity [5.1] provides the basic equations forthe analysis of three-dimensional solid bodies, These equations ate summarized and used to construct the potential energy functional. library of three-dimensional continuum elements of different shapes (tetrahedra, hexahedra, pen- tuhedra) and increasing orders (Linear, quadratic, cubic, etc.) are available in commercial FEM sys- tems, Among these the four-noded tetrahedral solid element (Fig. 5.3) and the eight-noded hexahedral solid element (Fig, $4) are formulated in detail in this chapter. Higher order isoparametric clements with curved edges and curved faces that aze implemented in commercial FEM systems are described. Standard sets of test problems to assess element accuracy are given followed by practical applica- ‘ions. The presentation also includes identification of topics for advanced study, 5.2. Basic Equations and Potential Energy Functional Letus considera three-dimensional solid body occupying a volume V and having surface(s) Sas shown inFig. 5.5. A point P in the body is located by its x, , and z coordinates. The support conditions include pont, roller, elastic, etc. The applied loads include concentrated forces, body forces, surface tections and those due to thermal expansion. The thermal, physical and mechanical properties of the nateil(s) out of which the body is made are known. The deformation ofa point P (x,y, ) is given by104 Chapter 5: Three-Dimensional Elements—Applications to Solid Mechanics Problems Fig. A machine component discretized using hexahedral elements the components of the displacement vector u u(x, 942) {u} = ¢ v,9,2) (5.1) w(x,942) ‘The body force per unit volume is defined by the vector b, when bslx,y,2) {b} = ¢ by(x,9,25.2 Basie Equations and Potential Energy Functional 105