FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Mechanical IV/II

2067

MCL
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.
Figure 1.1: Modelling of a Physical Problem
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.
Features
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
Applications

Structural/Stress Analysis

Fluid Flow
Heat Transfer
Electro-Magnetic Fields
Soil Mechanics
Acoustics
Outline
• Introduction, Mathematical Background
• Discrete Finite Elements (Spring, Bar, Truss,
Beam, Frame, Analogous Problems)
• Continuum Problems
• Piecewise Defined Interpolation Functions
• Applications in Heat Transfer
• Applications in Solid Mechanics
• Higher Order Elements
• MATLAB Programming
• Software Application: Ansys
Evaluation
• 1st Assessment: 10
• 2nd Assessment: 10

• MATLAB Projects: 10
• FE Package: 5
• MATLAB Test: 5
• Performance/Attendance: 5