UNIT1

Fundamental Concepts Of
Finite Element Analysis

Prepared by.
Prof. Smriti Sahu
Introduction: Solution methodologies to solve engineering problems, governing equations,

mathematical modelling of field problems in engineering, discrete and continuous models.

Brief history of FEM, Finite Element terminology (nodes, elements, domain, continuum, degrees of
freedom, loads & constraints), general steps involved in FEM, applications of FEM in various fields,

advantages and disadvantages of FEM, consistent units system, essential and natural boundary

conditions, symmetric boundary conditions.

Introduction to different approaches used in FEA : Direct approach, Variational formulation-

Principal of Minimum Potential Energy (PMPE), Galerkin weighted residual method, Principle of

Virtual Work, Rayleigh-Ritz method, relation between FEM and Rayleigh-Ritz method

Types of Analysis (Introduction) : Linear static analysis, Non-linear analysis, Dynamic analysis,

Linear buckling analysis, Thermal analysis, Fatigue analysis, Crash analysis.

Solution methodologies to solve engineering problems
Analytical Method or Hand Calculations
. Exact or closed solution
.Already derived known equations
.100% accurate result
.Many assumptions are made in analysis –
isotropy property of material, small
deflections are neglected
Engineering
Problems
Numerical Method
Experimental Method or Physical
.Based on assumptions (both equations and Testing
Boundary conditions)
It is a computational techniques which employs high
end software's and computers . Most reliable method
It is a mathematical representation of a real life .Prototype required
complicated problem. quite time consuming and requires
.Range of result must be known for proper expensive physical setup.
validation of results Iteration for results
. Finite Element Methods (FEM) Fatigue test, sensors, strain gauge
Boundary Element Method (BEM)
Finite Volume Method (FVM)
Finite Difference Method (FDM)
 Governing Equations
• [K] * [x] = [F]

• Where [K] is the stiffness matrix N/mm

• x is the displacement or deflection. mm

• F is the force or load, either applied or resultant corresponding to the node. N

• Now, the stiffness matrix might differ based on the type of analysis, like structural or thermal. It is also dependant on boundary
conditions and degrees of freedom
Two Content Layout with Table
• First bullet point here Class Group A Group B
• Second bullet point here Class 1 82 95
• Third bullet point here Class 2 76 88
Class 3 84 90
Two Content Layout with SmartArt
• First bullet point here
Group A
• Task 1 • Second bullet point here
• Task 2 • Third bullet point here
Group B
• Task 1
• Task 2

Group C
• Task 1
Add a Slide Title - 1
Add a Slide Title - 2
Add a Slide Title - 3
Add a Slide Title - 4
Add a Slide Title - 5