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CE 551 - Introduction
Introduction to FEM
- including a brief history
of the method
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
Definition
The finite element method is a
numerical method for solving
problems of engineering and
mathematical physics.
Useful for problems with complicated
geometries, loadings, and material
properties where analytical solutions
can not be obtained.
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
Discretizations
Model body by dividing it into an
equivalent system of smaller
bodies or units (finite elements)
interconnected at points common
to two or more elements (nodes or
nodal points) and/or boundary
lines and/or surfaces.
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
Brief History
Hrennikoff [1941] - Lattice of 1D bars to
McHenry [1943]
- Model 3D solids
Courant [1943] - Variational form
Levy [1947, 1953] - Flexibility &
Stiffness
Argryis and Kelsey [1954] - Energy Prin.
for Matrix Methods
Turner, Clough, Martin and Topp [1956]
- 2D elements
Clough [1960] - Term Finite Elements
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
History
Grew out of aerospace industry.
Post-WW II jets, missiles, space
flight
Need for light weight structures
Required accurate stress analysis
Paralleled growth of computers
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
Applications
Structural/Stress Analysis
Fluid Flow
Heat Transfer
Electro-Magnetic Fields
Soil Mechanics
Acoustics
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
10
Feature
Obtain a set of algebraic equations
to solve for unknown nodal
quantity (displacement).
Secondary quantities (stresses and
strains) are expressed in terms of
nodal values of primary quantity
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
11
Advantages
Irregular Boundaries
General Loads
Different Materials
Boundary Conditions
Variable Element Size
Easy Modification
Dynamics
Nonlinear Problems (Geometric or Material)
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
12
Steps in Process
Discretize and Select Element Type
Select a Displacement Function
Define Strain/Displacement and
Stress/Strain Relationships
Derive Element Stiffness Matrix & Eqs.
Assemble Equations and Introduce B.C.s
Solve for the Unknown Degrees of
Freedom
Solve for Element Stresses and Strains
Interpret the Results
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
13
Computer Programs
Small Special Purpose Programs
Truss
Frame
Plane Stress
Heat Transfer
CE 551 - Introduction
14
Programs
ALGOR
ANSYS
COSMOS/M
STARDYNE
IMAGES-3D
MSC/NASTRAN
SAP90
ADINA
NISA
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
15
Advantages of General
Purpose Programs
Easy input - preprocessor.
Solves many types of problems
Modular design - fluids, dynamics,
heat, etc.
Can run on PCs now.
Relatively low cost.
09/26/16
CE 551 - Introduction
16
Disadvantages of General
Purpose Programs
High development costs.
Less efficient than smaller
programs,
Often proprietary. User access to
code limited.
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CE 551 - Introduction
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