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Introduction to FEM
Finite element method is to find the solution of a
complicated problem by replacing it by a simpler one
Approximate solution rather than the exact solution
Just like Finite Element Method, it also requires Nodes and Elements but as the name
suggest, it considers only the outer boundary of the domain
Is it possible to use all the above listed methods (FEA ,BEM , FVM,
FDM) to solve same problem
YES ! But the difference is in Accuracy achieved , programming ease
and time required to obtain the solution
Applications of FEM
Area of Problems Area of Problems
study study
Stress Analysis Of Nuclear Engg Analysis of Nuclear
Pressure Vessels, Pressure Vessels and
Mechanical Pistons, Containment Structures;
design Composite Materials, Steady-state Temperature
Linkages, and Gears Distribution in Reactor
Components
Static Analysis of Trusses,
Frames, Folded Plates,
Biomedical Stress analysis of
Civil Engg. Shell Roofs, Shear Walls,
Engg eyeballs,
Bridges, and Concrete
Bones, And Teeth;
Structures
Load-bearing Capacity Of
Implant And Mechanics
Static Analysis of Aircraft
of Heart Valves
Aircraft Wings, Fins, Rockets,
structures Spacecraft, Electrical Steady-state analysis of
and Missile Structures machines & synchronous and
Steady-state Temperature electro- induction machines,
Heat Distribution in Solids and magnetics eddy current, and core
Conduction Fluid losses
Advantages & Disadvantages of FEM
Advantages Disadvantages
Can readily handle very complex The FEM obtains only "approximate"
geometry solutions.
Can handle a wide variety of
engineering problems:
-Solid mechanics
- Dynamics The FEM has "inherent" errors
- Heat problems
- Fluids
Can handle complex restraints:
-Indeterminate structures Mistakes by users can be fatal
First step of the finite element analysis involves the discretization of the
irregular domain into smaller and regular sub-domains, known as finite
elements
1. Tessellation and
2. Octree Methods
Tesselation
The user gives a collection of node
points and also an arbitrary starting
node.
Then creates the first simplex element
using the neighboring nodes.
Subsequent or neighboring element is
generated by selecting the node point
that gives the least distorted element
shape.
Procedure is continued until all the
elements are generated.
Alternately, the user can define the
boundary of the object by a series of
nodes.
Tesselation Cont..
Octree Method
The object is first considered enclosed
in a square region
If the object does not completely
cover the square, the square is
subdivided into Four equal quadrants.
If any one of the resulting quadrants is
full (completely occupied
By the object) or empty (not occupied Step-1 Step-2
by the object), then it is not
subdivided further.
On the other hand, if any one of the
resulting quadrants is partially full
(partially occupied by the object), it is
subdivided into four quadrants.
Procedure of subdividing partially full
quadrants is continued until all the
resulting regions are either full or
empty Step-3 Step-4
Octree Method
Location of Nodes
If the body has no abrupt changes in
geometry, material properties, and external
conditions Concentrated Load on a Beam
(e.g., load and temperature), the body can
be divided into equal subdivisions and
hence the spacing of the nodes can be
uniform
Discontinuity in Loading on a Beam
If there are any discontinuities in the
problem, nodes have to be introduced at
these discontinuities
Discontinuity in Geometry
Two-dimensional case:
Three-dimensional case:
For n = 2 (Quadratic Model)
One-dimensional case:
Two-dimensional case:
Three-dimensional case:
Convergence Criteria
Validation and Effectiveness of the FEM depends on how best
approximate solution converges to the exact solution
1.The displacement with in an element must be continuous.