Good Practice Good Practice

in in
Finite Element Method (FEM) Finite Element Method (FEM)
Abbas Bayatfar Abbas Bayatfar
Assistant & Research Engineer Assistant & Research Engineer
Finite Element Method (FEM) Finite Element Method (FEM)
September September October 2014 October 2014
Contents Contents
Introduction Introduction
FE FE Modelling Modelling
FE FE Analysis Analysis
Sep. - Oct. 2014
FE FE Analysis Analysis
Eercise Eercise
2 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM !e"inition FEM !e"inition
Introduction Introduction
The finite element method is a computer-based numerical technique typically used to solve field
problems in engineering and science.
The fundamental concept involves dividing the body under study (the domain of the solution) into a
finite number of pieces (sub domains) called elements.
Sep. - Oct. 2014
finite number of pieces (sub domains) called elements.
The approximated variation is quantified in terms of solution values at special locations across each
element which is called nodes.
3 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM #rocedure FEM #rocedure
Introduction Introduction
Dividing the structure into a finite number of pieces (elements with nodes)
Describing the behaviour of physical quantities on each element
Connecting (assembling) the elements at the nodes to form an approximate system of equations for the
Sep. - Oct. 2014
Connecting (assembling) the elements at the nodes to form an approximate system of equations for the
whole structure
Solving the system of equations involving unknown quantities at the nodes (e.g. displacements)
Calculating desired quantities (e.g. strains and stresses) at selected elements
4 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM So"t$are #ac%ages FEM So"t$are #ac%ages
Introduction Introduction
ANSYS
ELFEN
GENESIS
MSC/NASTRAN
ADINA
ABAQUS
ALGOR

SAMCEF
STARDYNE
MARC
NISA/DISPLAY
Sep. - Oct. 2014
STARS
PAM
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Static
Modal
Transient dynamics
Aerodynamics
Heat transfer
Fluid mechanics
Mechanisms
Fracture mechanics
Creep
Metal forming
Crashworthiness

5 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
Sep. - Oct. 2014
6 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
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7 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
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by RAPID
8 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
by REVA
by ICARE
by RANS
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
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9 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
by COMET
by FLUENT
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
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10 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
by MSC/PATRAN
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
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11 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
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12 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
Sep. - Oct. 2014
13 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
Sep. - Oct. 2014
14 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
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15 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
FEM Applications FEM Applications
Introduction Introduction
Sep. - Oct. 2014
16 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
Ad&antages ' !ra$bac%s Ad&antages ' !ra$bac%s
Introduction Introduction
Handling, readily, complex geometries
Handling general loading/boundary conditions
Modelling bodies composed of composite and multiphase materials
Model is easily refined for improved accuracy by varying element size and type
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Model is easily refined for improved accuracy by varying element size and type
Handling complex analyses types
Reducing the cost of testing and redesigning, thereby, shortening the product development time
Identifying the issues in designs before tooling is committed
Optimising the performance before prototyping

17 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
Ad&antages ' !ra$bac%s Ad&antages ' !ra$bac%s
Introduction Introduction
The FEM is applied to an approximation of the mathematical model of a system (the source of so-called
inherited errors)
Experience and judgment is needed in order to construct a good finite element model
A powerful computer and reliable FEM software is essential
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A powerful computer and reliable FEM software is essential
Input and output data may be large and tedious to prepare and interpret transient dynamics

18 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
Etent ' (eometry Etent ' (eometry
FE Modelling FE Modelling
Sep. - Oct. 2014
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Etent ' (eometry Etent ' (eometry
FE Modelling FE Modelling
Sep. - Oct. 2014
20 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
from NAPA
from RhinoMarine from MAXSURF
Etent ' (eometry Etent ' (eometry
FE Modelling FE Modelling
Sep. - Oct. 2014
21 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
Etent ' (eometry Etent ' (eometry
FE Modelling FE Modelling
Sep. - Oct. 2014
22 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)
Mec)anical #roperties o" Material Mec)anical #roperties o" Material
FE Modelling FE Modelling
200
300
400
500
600
S
t
r
e
s
s
[
N
/
m
m
^
2
]
150
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S
t
r
e
s
s

[
N
/
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m
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0
100
200
0 0.212 2.802 7.312
Strain[%]
0
50
100
0 0.15 3
Strain [%]
S
t
r
e
s
s

[
N
/
m
m
^
2
]
23 Good Practice in FEM (by A. Bayatfar)