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In the previous chapter, the matrix stiffness analysis was used as a mathematical tool
to analyze framed structures, i.e. trusses, beams, frames such as shown in Fig. 1.
(a)
(b)
Fig. 1 (a) truss, (b) frame
Consider that we are dealing with a continuum such as stress analysis problems of
thin plates as shown in Fig. 2. The matrix stiffness analysis of framed structures as
discussed in the previous chapter cannot be used to analyze this type of problem
because the method only deals with framed or skeletal structures. We need to expand
the stiffness method so that we can analyze continuous structures. The method is
called finite element.
Chapter 2 Page 1
Stress at a
point is
needed
The continuous structures such as in Fig. 2 are to be analyzed to obtain critical stress
in it, but there is no mathematical model that can be used to predict the response.
Using finite element, we are able to approximate the solution, i.e. by using an
assembly of small and simple elements which we know the stiffness and solution in
accordance with the matrix stiffness method.
The analysis procedure is by discretizing the plates into smaller pieces called
elements as shown in Fig. 3(a) and (b). The discretized plate now has finite numbers
of elements, node and DOF (hence we call it finite elements). For each element we
can determine the stiffness, assemble them into the system of equilibrium equation
and solve for the nodal displacements, using similar form of equation as used in the
matrix stiffness method.
[ K ]{Q} = {F }
Chapter 2 Page 2
Continuum, infinite
number of DOF
(a)
(b)
Fig. 3 Example of finite element mesh for plate problem
In FE modeling, the choice of correct elements with certain behavior, properties,
shape and geometries are needed. This is to ensure that the chosen element used can
represent the behavior of the structure and eventually can produce acceptable results.
Common group of elements used in the stress, structural and field analyses are as
shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.
Chapter 2 Page 3
Chapter 2 Page 4
Chapter 2 Page 5
Definition
The finite element method (FEM) is a general numerical technique for
approximating the behavior of continua by assembly of small parts (elements). Each
element is of simple geometry and therefore is much easier to analyze than the actual
structure. In essence, a complex region defining a continuum is discretized into
simple geometric shapes called finite element. The elements are called finite to
distinguish them from differential elements used in calculus. The material properties
and the governing relationship are considered over these elements and expressed in
terms of unknown values at element corners. An assembly process, duly considering
the loading and constraints, result in a set of equations. Solution of these equations
gives us the approximate behavior of the continuum.
Chapter 2 Page 6
Define the geometric properties of the elements (length, area, and the
like)
2. Solution
o
Assemble the stiffness matrix K in matrix form. Usually the matrix size
is huge, meaning that a huge number of simultaneous equations need to
be solved (Refer example of Fig. 11).
Chapter 2 Page 7
3. Post processing
Analysis and evaluation of the solution results is referred to as post
processing. Post processing software contains sophisticated routines used for
sorting, printing, and plotting selected results from a finite element solution.
Examples of operations that can be accomplished are:
o
Check equilibrium
Chapter 2 Page 8
Continuum.
Differential Equation, n =
n = number of DOF
1) Preprocessing
Discrete/element model
i
f = k q - fp
Nodal forces
fi
Assemble
System model, algebraic
equation: KQ = F
DOF = finite
Nodal displacement, Q is
unknown
2) Solution
Assembly process:
K = Ki
F = Fa + Fp
Fp = Fpi
fpi Fpi
ki Ki
Solve
Response, solution
for Q
3) Post processing
Interprate
Computation of stresses
and strains, i = Biqi
i = Eii = EiBiqi
plotting, etc.
Chapter 2 Page 9
Chapter 2:
2 Finite Element Pro
ocedure
Examplee:
Fig.. 8 (a) A tappered circular cylinder bar subjecteed to tensilee load r(x) = r0
(x/L
L)(r0 rL). (b)
( Taperedd cylinder ass single elem
ment using aan average area.
(cc) Tapered cylinder
c
moodeled as tw
wo, equal-lenngth FE. Thhe area of eaach
eleement is aveerage over thhe respectiv
ve tapered cylinder
c
lenggth (d) Tapered
cyllinder modeeled as four, equal-leng
gth FE. The areas are avverage overr the
resspective length of cylin
nder (elemennt length = L
L/4)
Redzuan Abdullah
A
FKA, UTM
Chapter 2 Page 10
Chapter 2:
2 Finite Element Pro
ocedure
Redzuan Abdullah
A
FKA, UTM
Chapter 2 Page 11
Example
(a) A plane structure of arbitrary shape. (b) possible finite element model
Nodes indicate where elements are connected to one another
each node has 2 DOFs, i.e. it can displace in x and y direction
If there are n nodes in the figure, there are 2n DOF in the model
Algebraic equations that describe the finite element model are solved
to determine the DOF
Large model results in large size of system of equations
Need a computer for calculation purpose use matrix method
Fig. 11 FE modeling of a plane structure
Chapter 2 Page 12
FE formulation
In structural analysis, engineers seek to determine displacements and stresses
throughout the structures which are subjected to applied loads. For many structures,
it is difficult to determine the deformation using conventional or analytical methods,
so the FE method is necessarily used. To formulate the FE equation, the following
steps are generally followed:
1. Choose displacement function within each element. The function is defined
within the element using the nodal displacement values of the element.
2. Define the strain/displacement and stress/strain relationship. The stress must be
related to the strain through the stress/strain law, generally called the constitutive
law.
Chapter 2 Page 13
Direct equilibrium method only suitable for line and one dimensional
element: spring, bar, beam.
Chapter 2 Page 14
Many satisfactory elements have been formulated and reside in popular computer
programs. Why cant we just use the programs?
Practitioners desire to understand how various elements behave
Engineers who understand analysis tool will be able to use them to better
advantage, and will less likely to misuse them
Such an understanding cannot be achieved if theory is ignored
Complete computer code may not be studied in detail but concepts and
assumptions behind the FE codes should be mastered so that we can treat the
problem appropriately.
Problems
Q1
b)
c)
d)
Writing program is not the focus of this course. A lot of FE software are readily available for use.
Understanding the basic FE procedure, modeling the structures correctly, interpreting the computer
results and knowing their limitations are the main focus of this course.
2
Chapter 2 Page 15
Chapter 2 Page 16