CE 551

Finite Element Analysis

Dr. James N. Craddock
ENGR B-26
craddock@ce.siu.sdu
453-7808

10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 1

 Introduction to FEM
- including a brief history
of the method

10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 2

The Finite Element Method
◆History
◆Brief Description
◆General Steps
◆Advantages
◆Computer Programs

10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 3

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.
10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 4
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.

10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 5

10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 6
10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 7
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”
10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 8
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

10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 9

Applications
◆Structural/Stress Analysis
◆Fluid Flow
◆Heat Transfer
◆Electro-Magnetic Fields
◆Soil Mechanics
◆Acoustics

10/14/08 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

10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 11

Advantages
Irregular Boundaries
General Loads
Different Materials
Boundary Conditions
Variable Element Size
Easy Modification
Dynamics
Nonlinear Problems (Geometric or
Material)
10/14/08 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
10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 13
Computer Programs
Small Special Purpose Programs
 Truss
 Frame
 Plane Stress
 Heat Transfer
Large General Purpose Program
(Commercial)

10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 14

Programs

ALGOR
ANSYS
COSMOS/M
STARDYNE
IMAGES-3D
MSC/NASTRAN
SAP90
ADINA
NISA
10/14/08 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 PC’s now.
Relatively low cost.

10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 16

Disadvantages of General
Purpose Programs

High development costs.

Less efficient than smaller
programs,
Often proprietary. User access to
code limited.

10/14/08 CE 551 - Introduction 17