FINITE ELEMENT METHODS I

( Volume I )
Application NX-6/7 and NX-NASTRAN
Ortwin Ohtmer

Disc Enclosed : FE CD Book I

Disc (contents) : Software FEBEAM.exe , and SPRIMOVE (10-25-09)
Disc (contents) : File Dr. Ohtmer , ME Presentation (05-23-08 with ANI.ppt)
(Microsoft Office Power Point 97-2...)
All NX-IDEAS-Solutions are solved in the textbook via NX 6/7 .
Presentation at the PLM-SIEMENS Conference :
Title : Restructuring Engineering Education via Solid Modeling using PLM-Siemens
Software .
115 slides are shown via Power Point 97-2...
At the left bottom use the arrows to go forward or backward . A CamStudio Menu
on a slide indicates that an animation can be performed . Click on the Menu to start
the animation . To stop the animation , press Esc on the keyboard .

FINITE ELEMENTS METHODS I (VOLUME 1)

Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the United Stated States of America. No part
of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of the publisher.
Copy Pro / Krishna Inc.
Phone: 562.431.9974/562.430.5023
Fax: 562.493.4970
www.KrishnaCopyPro.com
1785-H Palo Verde Ave
Long Beach, CA 90815
info@krishnacopypro.com

(562) 6211941

Many students detected mistakes or typed parts of the book ,

I really appreciate their contributions , I am very grateful to
all of them .
Two Individuals I would like to name for their expertise ,
involvement , and help .
Verne Koenig

Martin Ohtmer

Thank You very much

The book is devoted to my children : SABINE , MARTIN , STEFAN
I regret , having not spent more time with them.

Dr. Ortwin Ohtmer received his doctorate in Engineering at the Technical

University of Braunschweig , Germany . He served as Assistant Professor
at the University of Braunschweig in Germany from 1963 to 1968 .
Dr. Ohtmer was appointed Department Head for Applied Mechanics at the
Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm Company in Munich from 1968 to 1984 .
During this time , he was actively involved in large international projects
such as the TORNADO Fighter and AIRBUS Airplane .
Dr. Ohtmer was the Head of the Development and Maintenance Team for
the Finite Element Software System MBB-MAN-ICES-STRUDL . In this
capacity he published the ICES-STRUDL- Operation Manual , and ICES
-STRUDL Application Manuals , Volume I , and Volume II .
In 1984 , Dr. Ohtmer joined the faculty of the Mechanical Engineering
Department at California State University Long Beach where he is a
Professor , and served as Department Chair from 1992 to 1998 . During
This time Dean Williams received an eight million Grant from National
Science Foundation in Washington to coordinate the activities of the
Universities in Southern California . Dr. Ohtmer was one of the team
leaders , and in this capacity he joined Dean Williams on many trips to
Washington . He taught a Finite Element Class for USC via Distance
Learning , and wrote the only technical report . A Rapid Prototyping,Four Axis CNC- , and other expensive equipment were purchased ,and
a new undergraduate and graduate curriculum developed. Several new
classes were created due to the increasing importance of technology , or
outdated class contents deleted .
Dr. Ohtmer is a member of the international CAD Committee , selecting
Papers to be presented at the annual CAD-Conference . In 2011 the CAD
Conference is in Taipei, Taiwan .
Dr. Ohtmer is an international known expert in Finite Element Methods ,
3D-Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) , and Optimization Techniques . He
has 80 scholarly publications , and many papers presented at conferences
published in proceedings . (Awards received without application) .
Dr. Ohtmers main objective is to incorporate Rapid Prototyping , 3D
Scanning , Solid Modeling , FE-Methods , and Optimization Techniques
in the integrated design, and advanced manufacturing chain of processes.

I.1

PREFACE
Dr.-Ing. Ortwin Ohtmer, Professor
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department
California State University, Long Beach
Since my student years, Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics were always
my favorite subjects. Later in my professional life , I selected positions related to the
named topics. Therefore , I publish my first Volume Finite Element Methods I after a
life-long teaching and research experiences. Six volumes were prepared over the years
as manuscripts for different classes :
ME 305, Numerical Methods in Engineering
ME 409A, Finite Element Methods I
ME 563, Linear Finite Element Analysis II
ME 663/763, Nonlinear Optimized Structures and Mechanisms (Nonlinear Finite
Element Analysis III)
ME 490A, CAD/CAM and ME 495/595, Rapid Product Development
ME 677/777, Digital Simulation in Engineering
(Finite Element Method, Finite Volume Method, Boundary Element Method)
Those manuscripts have been upgraded every year since 1990. The modification and
development of source codes for the Finite Element Program Systems STRUDL,
NASTRAN and the CAD/CAM Program System CATIA started already in Germany
during my tenure at Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm (MBB) in Munich for sixteen years,
and developing codes for Numerical Methods in Engineering at the University of
Braunschweig for six years as Assistant Professor was a very important learning
experience. Therefore many publications and handbooks from that time were published in
german language. On that platform I have continued learning, teaching, and researching
at CSULB since 1984. My students have been very helpful in correcting the class
manuscripts every semester.
I am happy that I waited so long to publish my books because now major developments
and changes which have occurred in Finite Element Analysis , Optimization , and
CAD/CAM over the last ten years will be incorporated . In 1990 , I wrote (see course
description for ME 677/777- Digital Simulation - in the catalog): optimization of heat
transfer-, fluids-, electrodynamics-, and structural problem solutions . Due to standards
today , the mentioned simulations were not really integrated , but they are completely
integrated design tools today . The p and h versions in Finite Element Meshing and
adaptive meshing are important new developments in fracture mechanics, but automatic
meshing based on Solid Modeling as the core communication cornerstone of concurrent
engineering represents the real integration of CAD/CAM, Animation and Simulation. The
integrated design process is graphically represented below. The analysis techniques of

I.2
Mechanical engineering are now more closely related to the whole design process , as
depicted below, for the solid model of a brake system . NX-IDEAS , NX-NASTRAN
And NX-6/7 form now an integrated Software System to solve the CAD/CAM , Finite
Element and Finite Volume problems , using the same menu-driven syntax . In special
cases , the STRUDL- , NASTRAN- , ANSYS -, and ABAQUS-Input can be created
automatically based on Solid Modeling and Meshing using the NX- Software.
It is well known that for 2-D and 3-D elements the approximation of the Finite Element
Method converges with the refinement of the FE-Mesh against the unknown exact
solution (Ritz Method, 1910).For Structures composed of l-D elements (members, beams,
trusses, and frames) the Finite Element Formulation represents the simplest exact solution
method because of banded and symmetric linear systems of ordinary differential
equations. The so-called Structure Stiffness Matrix (Coefficient Matrix) is banded and
symmetric. The computing time for the solution of linear systems of equations (Gauss
and Cholesky) via elimination increases linearly with the size of the Stiffness Matrix but
increases quadratically with the bandwidth of the Stiffness Matrix. The breakthrough in
Finite Element Technology is that in NX- IDEAS the boundary conditions, loadings,
material constants and physical properties are specified for vertices or edges or faces of
the Solid Model before meshing. The graphical results are obtained for one mesh size
then the solution set is deleted and the automatic meshing of the solid is repeated with a
refined mesh. The files for the boundary conditions, loading etc. are always automatically
adapted to joints, edges, surfaces, and elements. Now it is very easy for a design-team to
estimate the quality of the approximations for displacements and stresses. With a
refinement of the mesh the solution converges against the unknown exact solution if
standard conditions are specified and no numerically ill-conditioning effects are
occurring.
In the past Fluid Flow Analysis was not integrated due to several difficulties. The Finite
Volume Method was not applied or created . Recent publications however indicate that
any complex analysis will use Finite Volume Approximation with implicit Time
Differencing as the Common Analysis Tools. The second integration tool is represented
via NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines), which is currently the standard tool for
Solid Modeling. Curved beam and shell-elements have to be modified based on NURBS
,to match the created NURBS-Mesh-Surface. Similarly, the Finite Volume 3-D cells,
blocks with plane surfaces, 2-D cells, and quadrilateral planes with straight edges have to
be rewritten based on NURBS. These elements need to be rewritten in order to match the
created NURBS edges or surfaces as a boundary condition (the surface of a Fillet for
example). (NURBS specified as curved shell Finite Elements).
Today physical properties are specified for the solid model prior to meshing. Since the
accuracy of the Finite Element Analysis and Finite Volume Analysis improves with the
refinement of the mesh, the analysis must be performed for several mesh sizes.

I.3
Now this process, including the associated graphical representations and the parameter
checks, can be executed nearly automatically. For example the solid model of a torus can
be subtracted from a block to get the mold for a fluid flow analysis via the Finite Volume
Method. After meshing the mold, the flow analysis menus are applied in NX-6. The mesh
can also be converted to an MSC-NASTRAN-DYTRAN input for analysis. At the MSC
World Users Conference in 1995 I presented the paper Extending MSC/DYTRAN for
the Numerical Solution of the NAVIER STOKES EQUATIONS. With NX-6 the
software is now available , to solve Thermodynamic and
Fluid Flow Problems.
The Figure demonstrates that Solid Modeling is the Core Communication
rneCornerstone of Integrated Design , Simulation , Animation , and Advanced
Manufacturing in Engineering .

Figure : Solid Model of a Brake System

I.4
INTRODUCTION - SOFTWARE FEBEAM
For 1-D structures, trusses, beams and frames the Finite Element Method represents the
simplest and most precise numerical solution method. For 2-D and 3-D structures (plates,
shells, and solids) the Finite Element Method converges with the refinement of the mesh
against the unknown exact solution. Therefore, it makes sense to introduce the Finite
Element Method for 1-D frame structures. In three years my son Martin developed the
software FEBEAM and SPRI-MOVE, which are now part of the documentation for
MAE 409A, Finite Element Methods I. Since my son has graduated and received his
diploma from the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department at CSULB he has
been attempting to streamline the studies in Mechanical Engineering. The CD for
FEBEAM is distributed with this book.
In analytical mechanics classes (static and deformable bodies), many different procedures
are taught to solve mechanical engineering problems. Such a problem could consist of
two elastic elements with three applied forces. The student integrates the associated
differential equations for hours to find the equations for the unknown variables.
Although it is interesting and important to learn and understand the conventional
procedures, these tools are basically of no practical use in the daily life of a mechanical
engineer. A real-life problem might be the analysis of a free-form geometry or tower,
with possibly hundreds of beams.
Before the advent of computers, special methods were applied for different groups of
problems. There are graphical solutions, or the method of superposition, or for example, a
beam can be analyzed by replacing the related fourth order differential equation by two
second order differential equations. Although those methods do not represent a platform
for more advanced studies in structural engineering they are still taught in detail at most
universities. Nearly forty years ago there was an interesting development of a new
method based on matrix notation to solve frame structures called the reduction
procedure, developed by S. Falk. For six years I was his Assistant Professor. At first
glance this numerical procedure seemed to have great potential for computer applications.
A cut-vector at the end of one frame structure served as the cut-vector at the start of the
next adjacent frame member, and so on. The same parameters were carried over several
members (in a row) with different properties. In the end only a maximum of three
equations with three unknown parameters had to be solved. The unknown parameters
could represent deflections, forces, or moments at the start of many frame members in a
row. To fulfill the boundary conditions at the end of the frame structure caused numerical
problems. To avoid ill-conditioning of the numerical procedure while going through
several frame members, new free parameters must replace the previous ones. The
physical explanation is simple: free parameters at one side of the structure are not
influencing the frame boundary conditions at the other side of the structure. Due to this
numerical instability, and the fact that the reduction procedure could not be extended to
structures such as plates, shells, and solids, developers moved away from this procedure.
The replacement was the finite element

I.5
procedure which had just been developed in the 1960s. Today engineering software uses
the finite element method for simulation and analysis in very different areas.
FEBEAM, the content of this research, is such software. It is not a commercial program
to compete with industry, but is limited to a frame of five nodes and four elements in two
dimensions. The intent is to help teach this finite element method. This software was
written by the author, my son MARTIN OHTMER, in Visual BASIC during the period
January 2000 to March 2003.
FEBEAM contains 480 subroutines and is about eight hundred pages long . FEBEAM
used along with the teachers lecture is a finite element walk-through for the mechanical
engineering student . The student can become familiar with and learn the finite element
method by playing with the different steps and trying out various scenarios. FEBEAM
is intended to be self-explanatory software. It activates dialog boxes to allow actions and
grays out dialog boxes to disallow actions . The software corrects all syntax errors and
prompts the user to correct the input. Error dialog boxes or warning messages appear to
guide the user and inform about the correct use of the software . Thus , just like
professional software should be , it is not possible to crash the program . Although
FEBEAM contains a Help menu , it is simple enough to use without an instruction
manual.
The solutions of FEBEAM are exact , including shear deformation . Many textbook
solutions lead to different results avoiding shear deformation .

I.6
ME 409A, Finite Element Methods I
Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of instructor. Finite
element methods for beam and truss elements. Systems of
ordinary differential equations and their exact solution in a
finite elemen t formulation . Variational formulation of the
finite element method . Static and dynamic analysis of
complex structures idealized by truss-beam and plane stress
elements. Rigid elements in an elastic environment.
Automatic mesh generation for 1D, 2D, 3D structures via
Solid Modeling using NX-6/7 (Lecture-problems 3 hours)
Traditional grading only.
Textbook:

Instructors Manual, Finite Element Methods I, Application

FE Software , FEBEAM, NX-6, automatic input generation
for NX-NASTRAN, ANSYS, STRUDL, ABAQUS.

Reference:

List of References at the end of the book

Coordinator:

Ortwin Ohtmer, Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Goals:

The topics of the class are specified in the catalog as a

summary and in more detail within the syllabus. Due to the
fact that every problem related to the class-content can be
specified and solved with available menu-driven software,
class instruction is subdivided into three parts. The first part
is devoted to theoretical aspects (matrix notations, numerical
analysis, finite element (finite volume) method, and related
numerical processes. Secondly, static and dynamic problems
are solved in class using only a table calculator. Within a
third section a small amount of class time is spent on the
introduction of related menu-driven software and solving
problems via the computer. The same problems previously
solved with a table calculator, or available in the literature, or
calculated with competing software systems are then solved
with the introduced software (NX-6). Matching the results of
the same problem via a table calculator and solving via a
computer using a software system is a very powerful
assessment tool. All homework assignments are structured
the same way. The hand calculations must match the

I.7
software solutions. This goal is always required as an
assessment of the students performance.

Prerequisites by Topic:

Senior standing, completion of all junior (300-level) courses.

Week
1
2

Topic
Fundamental Matrix Procedures
Idealization of structures by 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional finite
elements
Systems of ordinary differential equations and their solution
in a finite element formulation
Static and dynamic analysis of truss and beam structures
Variational formulation of the finite element method,
Generation Plane Stress Elements
Static and Dynamic Analysis of complex structures with
Kinematic Constraints , Velocities , Accelerations
Generation of complex structures by 1-, 2-, and 3Dimensional Finite Elements via Solid Modeling ,Meshing,
and Simulation, using NX-6/7, and FEBEAM Software
Graphical representations of un-deformed and deformed
complex structures. Eigenvectors, Response, Displacements
Force-Moment-Distributions, Stress Contour Lines,
Animations
Pre- and Post-Processing of Finite Element Analysis,
Automatic Input and Graphical Output for NX-NASTRAN,
or ANSYS, or ABAQUS
Self-Documenting Free Format Engineering Languages and
Menu Driven Languages
Miscellanies , what is an Eigenvector ?, Adaptive Meshing.

Chapter
1
2

3-5

6-7
8

4
5

11

12-13

14

15

8
9

15

10

Laboratory Projects:
table
software

Assessment projects, comparing (matching) hand

calculations with the table calculator and the computer software NX-6/7, providing menu-driven Output.

Estimated Content:
Engineering Science

Units
3.0

%
100

I.8
ME 563, Linear Finite Element Analysis (3) II
Prerequisite: ME 409A. Finite element (FE) forms of
differential equations. Boundary value problems, energy
theorems, matrix displacement method, and finite difference
method. Generation of FE stiffness, mass, and damping
matrices. Isoparametric Concepts. Dynamic Response of
Damped Elastic Structures, Modal-, and Direct Integration
Analysis. Automatic Mesh Generation via Solid Modeling ,
and Solution using NX-6, Automatic Adaptation to popular
software such as: STRUDL, NASTRAN, ANSYS, and
ABAQUS. FE Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer Analysis via the
Finite Volume Method (NX-6) (Lecture-problems 3 hours)
Traditional grading only.
Textbook:

Instructors manual, Finite Element Method II, Application

FE software (STRUDL, NX-NASTRAN, ANSYS, NX-6 )

Reference:

List of References at the end of the Book

Coordinator:

Ortwin Ohtmer, Professor

Goals:

The topics of the class are specified in the catalog as a

summary and in more detail within the syllabus. Due to the
fact that today every problem related to the class-content can
be specified and solved with
menu-driven software
available, class instruction is subdivided into three parts. The
first part is devoted to theoretical aspects (matrix notations,
numerical analysis, finite element (finite volume), method,
and related numerical processes. Secondly, static and
dynamic problems are solved in class using only a table
calculator. Within a third section a small amount of class
time is spent on the introduction of related menu-driven
software and solving problems via the computer. The same
problems previously solved with a table calculator, or
available in the literature, or calculated with competing
software systems, are then solved with the introduced
software (NX-6), and NX-NASTRAN. Matching the

I.9
results of the same problem via a table calculator and solving
via a computer using a software system ,is a very power- full
assessment tool . All home work assignments are structured
structured the same way . The hand calculations must match
the software solutions . This goal is always required as
an assessment of the students performance.
Prerequisites by Topic:

Elementary finite element analysis and graduate level

engineering mathematics.

Week
1

Topic
FE formulation for the solution of systems of ordinary
differential equations.
Basic equations of elasticity in two and three dimensions
Variational formulation of boundary-value problems,
Euler Differential Equations ,Energy Theorems, RayleighRitz Method , Matrix Displacement-, Matrix Force
Method .Generation of FE Mass, and Damping Matrices,
Isoparametric Concept , Finite Difference Method .
Generation of 2-D and 3-D FE Stiffness Matrices defined
as Displacement Models,

2
3-5

Chapter
11
12
13

.
6-7

14

8-9

15

10

16

d
11,12

17

13

18

14
15

19
20

Dynamic Response of Damped Elastic Structures, Modal

Analysis, Direct Integration Analysis, Random Analysis
Finite Element Input, Analysis, and Output formulation in
a Menu-Driven Language, using NX-6, automatic
adaptation to STRUDL,NX- NASTRAN, ANSYS, and
ABAQUS.
Fluid Flow Analysis, applying the Finite Element and
Finite Volume method, using NX-6, and Post -Processing
Heat Transfer Analysis, applying the Finite Element and
Finite Volume method, using NX-6 and Post-Processing.
Hybrid Element Concept, Equilibrium Models
Special Elements, Substructure Procedure, Condensation
Procedure, Orthotropic Material, Laminated Plates, Rigid
Bodies in an Elastic Environment.

Laboratory Projects:
Assessment projects , comparing (matching) hand

I.10
software
menu-driven input
competing software
or MSC-NASTRAN

calculations using a table calculator and the computer

software NX-6/7, providing menu driven input and output.
Assessment projects are also comparing competing software
systems (NX-6 , STRUDL, MSC- NASTRAN , or ANSYS ,
or ABAQUS)

Estimated Content:
Engineering Science

Units
3.0

_%_
100

ME 663/763, Nonlinear Optimized Structures and Mechanisms (3) III

p

Textbook:

Prerequisite: ME 563. Analysis and optimization of frame,

plate-, and shell structures with automatic mesh generation
via solid modeling using NX-6, with automatic adaptation
a to popular software such as: STRUDL, NX- NASTRAN ,
N ANSYS , and ABAQUS. Sensitivity analysis ; Generation
Id and idealization of complex structures and mechanisms ;
m Buckling Analysis ; Strength of Structural Elements ;
E Theory of Yield , Ultimate Failure ; Stress Concentrations
;; Non-Linear Stress Analysis ; Non-Linear Material ; Large
M Deflections ; Plastic Deformations ; Non-Linear Buckling
B Composite Structures ; Thermo-elasticity ; Non- Linear
L Dynamic Analysis ; Flutter Analysis ; Random Analysis ;
A Required topics for Ph.D. students : Advanced Numerical
N Methods for Flutter , and Random Analysis.
(L (Lecture-problems 3 hours) Traditional grading only.
Instructors manual , Finite Element Method Ill ,
F FE Software (NX-6, STRUDL, NX-NASTRAN, ANSYS ,
and ABAQUS).

Reference:

List of References at the end of the book

Coordinator:

Ortwin Ohtmer, Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Goals :

Due to the fact that today every problem related to the classcontent can be specified and solved with available menusodriven Software , class instruction is subdivided into three
paparts :
The first part is devoted to theoretical aspects (matrix
notations , numerical analysis , finite element (finite volume)

I.11
method , and related numerical processes .
S Secondly , static and dynamic problems are solved in class
using only a table calculator. Within a third section a small
amount of class time is spent on the introduction of related
menu-driven software and solving problems via the
computer . The same problems previously solved with a table
calculator , or available in the literature , or calculated with
competing software systems , are then solved with the
introduced software (NX-6)/7 . Matching the results of
the same problem via a table calculator and solving via a
computer using a software system , is a very powerful
assessment too l. All homework assignments are structured
the same way . The hand calculations must match the
software solutions . This goal is always required as an
assessment of the students performance .

u
a
m
c
c
c
I
t
c
a
t

Week Chapter
1-2
21
N
3-5

22

23

t
7-8
9-10
11

24
25
26

12

27

13
14

28
29

15

30

Laboratory Projects:
u

Topic
Standard Engineering Command and Menu-Driven Language
using NX-6/7, automatic adaptation to STRUDL,NXNASTRAN, ANSYS , and ABAQUS .
Optimization of frame, plate, and shell structures, sensitivity
analysis.
Idealization of complex structures, generation of wings and
fuselages of flight vehicles, generation of automobile
structures via solid modeling using NX-6/7 .
Generation of mechanisms, animations .
Buckling analysis of substructures and complex structures.
Geometric non-linear analysis, non-linear buckling.
nonlinear stress analysis of structures with nonlinear elastic
material, and large deflections.
Nonlinear stress analysis of structures with nonlinear elastic
material, large deflections and plastic deformations.
Thermo-elasticity, composite structures in engineering.
Analysis of air forces on wing, lift, and drag components of
resultant air force.
Linear and nonlinear dynamic analysis, nonlinear vibrations,
calculation of transient air forces and flutter analysis, random
analysis.
Assessment projects, comparing (matching) hand calculations
using a table calculator and the computer software NX-6 /7,
providing menu-driven input and output. Assessment projects
comparing competing software systems (NX-6/7 , ANSYS ,
STRUDL , or MSC-NASTRAN , or ABAQUS ) .

I.12
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
FUNDAMENTAL MATRIX PROCEDURES
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.5.1
1.5.2
1.5.3
1.6
1.7

Definition of a Linear System of Equations

1
Multiplication of Matrices or Multiplication of a Matrix and a Vector
2
Linear System of Equation Inverse of a Matrix
2
Eigenvalue Problem of a Matrix
3
Solution of Linear Algebraic Equations
3
Gauss Method
3
Gauss Method for Large Systems of Equations (Out of Core Solution)
8
Cholesky Method
9
Norms and Condition Number of a Matrix
15
Units Conversion Factors
16

CHAPTER 2
IDEALIZATION OF STRUCTURES BY ONE-, TWO-, AND THREE
DINENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENTS
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8

Truss Element (Plane Truss or Space Truss)

18
Plane Stress Element
19
Tridimensional Element
19
Plane Beam Element
20
Plate Bending Element
21
Assembling Truss Element and Beam Element = Plane Frame Element
Space Frame Element
22
Assembling Plane Stress Element and Plate Bending Element =
Plane Shell Element
23

22

CHAPTER 3
SYSTEMS OF ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
SOLUTIONS IN A FINITE ELEMENT FORMULATION

AND

3.1 Truss Structures

26
3.1.1 Generation of the Element Stiffness Matrix
26
3.1.2 Transformation of the Element Stiffness Matrix to Global Coordinates and
Assembling to the Global Stiffness Matrix of the Structure
37
3.1.3 Modification of the Linear System of Equations due to given boundary
Conditions (Reduced Linear System of Equations)
49

THEIR

I.13
3.1.4
3.1.5
3.1.6
3.1.7
3.1.8
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4
3.3.5
3.3.6
3.4
3.5

Solving the Reduced Linear System of Equations

51
Back Substitution (Computation of Reactions, Member Forces and Stresses
54
Sequence of Commands, Solutions with STRUDL, NX-IDEAS, FEBEAM
57
Solution of Torsion Problems
80
Summary : Finite Element Method
81
Beam Structures (Moment- Curvature Relation)
82
Generation of the Element Stiffness Matrix for Beams and Equivalent Forces 87
Finite Element Method for Truss Structures with all Degrees in One Direction
120
Truss Member Stiffness Matrices of the Structures
120
Simplified Assembling of the Structure Stiffness Matrix
121
Reduced Linear System of Equations
121
Solution of the Reduced Linear System of Equations
122
Back-substitution
122
Specifying the Subscripts of the Springs
123
Finite Element Method for Structures with all ID -Elements Positioned in the
same Direction , Element Catalog
125
Solved Examples to Practice
129 to 158

CHAPTER 4
STATIC AND DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF FRAME STRUCTURES
4.1
Static Analysis of Frame Structures
159
4.1.1 Plane Frame Stiffness Matrix and Examples
191
4.1.2 Transformation of the Element Stiffness Matrix to Global Coordinates and
Assembling to the Structure Stiffness Matrix
181
4.1.3 Bending and Shear Deformation
195
4.1.4 FEBEAM as a Teaching Tool
204
4.2
Dynamic Analysis of Frame Structures
239
4.2.1 Solution of Eigenvalue Problems
239
4.2.2 Generation of Lumped Truss and Beam Mass Matrices
247
4.3
Creating the Beam Cross Section using Standard Shapes in NX-6/7
249
4.4
Vibration of Elastic Trusses and Beams with Continuous Mass Distribution 249
4.4.1 Truss Structures 249
4.4.2 Torsion Structures
253
4.4.3 Beam Structures
255
4.5
Solved Examples to Practice
266 to 292
CHAPTER 5
VARIATIONAL FORMULATION OF THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
5.1
5.2
5.3

Ritz Method / Displacement Method

293
Finite Element Form of the Ritz Method
300
Verification of the Finite Element Method
313

I.14
5.4
5.4.1
5.4.2
5.5
5.6
5.7

5.8
5.9
5.9.1
5.9.2

Approximation of the Local Stiffness Matrix for Plates , Shells, and Solids
via the Ritz Procedure
316
Triangular Plate Elements ( In Plane Forces )
316
Rectangular Plate Element ( In Plane Forces )
322
Assembling of Plate-, and Solid Elements
327
Average Von Mises Stresses
329
Examples Solving Plate and Shell Problems 330
Plate Stretching , NX-Input
338
Plate Bending, NX-6 Input) 343
Converging of Stresses via Mesh Refinement
351
Animation of Eigenvectors of a Plate
352
Stress Contour Lines
353
Solution of axi-symmetrical Shells via NX-6
355
Verifying the Ritz Procedure , Using Special Shape Functions
359
Vibration of a Cantilever with End Mass
365
Solution via 3D Modeling in NX-6
365
Calculated and Animated Eigenvectors via NX-6 compared with exact
Beam Solutions
368

CHAPTER 6
STATIC AND DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX STRUCTURES WITH
KINEMATIC CONSTRAINTS
6.1

Assembling of Continuous Structures with Kinematic Constraints

( Rigid Elements in Elastic Environment)
373
6.2
Transcendental Equations as Characteristics for Mechanisms with Hinges
and Rigid Elements
381
6.2.1 The Engine System and Characteristics
388
6.2.1.1 General Kinematic Solution of the Engine System
393
6.3
Matrix Notation for a Hinge / Software Code FEBEAM
400
6.4
Rigid Element/ Software Code FEBEAM
408
6.5
Solved Examples to Practice
416 to 464
6.6
Transmission Structures
465
6.7
Four Bar Mechanism/ two Hinges , three Rigid Elements
( Generating the Freudenstein Transcendental Equation as Main
Characteristic)
474
6.8
Four Bar Mechanism , Engine System , Modifications ,
(Geneva Mechanism)
487
CHAPTER 7
GENERATION OF COMPLEX STRUCTURES VIA SOLID MODELING
AND ANIMATION
7.1

Solid Modeling as the Basis for Automatic Adaptive Meshing

I.15
7.2
7.2.1
7.2.2
7.2.3
7.2.4
7.2.5
7.2.6
7.2.7
7.2.8
7.2.9

for the Finite Element- , and Finite Volume Numerical Procedure

Solid Modeling and Meshing
495
Mold of a Torus
495
Intersecting Cylinders with Fillets and Meshing
499
Generation of a Spherical Dome with a Man-Hole
503
Mapped Meshing of a Dome with a Man-Hole
506
Design of a Spherical Roof via the Boolean Operation Intersect
Creating a Wing via Lofting
513
Wheel Assembling
513
Elbow (Tube , Disc Copied)
514
Complex Part , Automatically Created Dimensioned Blue Print

7.3

Animation

495

510

519

520

7.3.1
7.3.2
7.3.3
7.3.4
7.3.5
7.3.6
7.3.7
7.3.8
7.3.9

Introduction
520
Creating a Mold of a Torus
520
Engine System
521
Four Bar Mechanism
521
Bevel Gear with Curved Teeth
522
Drilling Holes in a Base Plate
522
Intersecting Cylinders with Fillets
523
Conical Dome with Bulge
523
Cantilever Frame with End Mass
(Seven Bending Eigenvectors , Three Axial Eigenvectors)
524
7.3.10 Corner supported Shell
(First Three Eigenvectors , One Shell Stretching-, Two Shell Bending
Eigenvectors)
524
CHAPTER 8
NX-ADVANCED SIMULATION
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5

525

Advanced Solid Modeling

525
Advanced Post-Processing
528
Finite Element Solution of the circular fixed supported Plate (Pressure Load),
(Comparison with exact Solution) .
529
Composite Structures (NX-Input File )
534
NX-6/7 CAST Online Library
(Linear and Nonlinear Geometric Analysis , NX-Input file)
544

I.16
CHAPTER 9
SELF DOCUMENTING FREE FORMAT STANDARD ENGINEERING
COMMAND LANGUAGE FOR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
/COMMAND DRIVEN INPUT, BASIC FINITE ELEMENT PROCEDURE
(APPLICATION GTSTRUDL AND NX-NASTRAN)
MENU DRIVEN SOLID MODELING AND FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
(APPLICATION NX-6/7) / SIEMENS
561
9.1
9.2
9.2.1
9.2.2
9.3
9.3.1
9.3.2
9.4
9.4.1
9.4.2

Introduction
561
GTSTRUDL
561
Standard Engineering Commands Language (SECL) , Input- Output
STRUDL Input Output
562
Application GTSTRUDL
562
Application NX-NASTRAN
567
NASTRAN (NX-NASTRAN Quick Reference Guide)
(General Description of Data Deck)
567
NX-NASTRAN Examples, (Equivalent NASTRAN-STRUDL Inputs)
NX-Menu Driven Software
588
Introduction
588
Solution and Solution Processes in the CAST Online Library
590

CHAPTER 10
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1
10.2
INDEX

591

What is an Eigenvector ?
Adaptive Meshing
594
595

REFERENCES

599

591

578

I.17
.Some prerequisites should be discussed before reading the book .
Matrix Notations and Operations
Polynomials and Solution of Simultaneous Algebraic Equations
Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations
Eigenvalue- , and Eigenvector Analysis
Approximate Numerical-, Differentiation and Integration
Approximation of Curves via NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines)
Approximation of Surfaces via NURBS
Application of the Boolean Operations UNITE , SUBTRACT , INTERSECT
in Solid Modeling
Strains , Stresses , and Displacements in Trusses , Beams , Plates , and
Shells
Materials , Elastic , and Plastic Deformations
Mainly an Introduction to Solid Modeling is helpful to understand the Creation of
Solids in the book . Those Models can then easily be meshed , a Finite Element
Analysis performed , including Post-Processing , Animations executed and
automatically real parts manufactured.