Applications of

Finite Element
Methods
Jorge Borroel
MECH 536
December 8, 2011

Introduction

Finite Element Method (FEM) is the process of creating a computer model

of a material or design to be stressed and analyzed for approximate

structural dynamic characteristics.
FEM seeks to find an approximate field quantity i.e. displacement, stress,

temperature, heat flux, or velocity function.

Finite Element Method decomposes a material or design to a number of

nodal points
It may analyze either 2-D or 3-D problems
Through this method natural frequencies and mode shapes may be

accurately predicted to ensure the correct, and safe, operating of whatever

is being modeled

How It Works

Finite Element Method outputs an approximate solution to a specific

problem.

The material, number of nodes, design, boundary conditions, initial

conditions, are some of the variables that may be inputted to model the
specific problem.

FEM decomposes a material or part into nodes and elements; the figure
below depicts a typical element and node in an FEM model.

How it Works (cont.)

Finite Element Methods use mathematical equations to

govern each node, or elements.

Each node is algebraically related and dependent on each

other.

It may be described as a piecewise polynomial interpolation.

The more nodes equates to more polynomials in the

piecewise function, therefore more interpolations result in a
more accurate solution.

How it Works (cont.)

Run iterations until a final solutions is found.

The number of iterations completed by a computer can save hundreds of

hours of manual calculating depending on the complexity of the
situation modeled.

The final solution is not an exact solution but a very accurate prediction.

The governing equations are also dependent on boundary conditions.

The model may be produced as either a 2-D or 3-D model. The 2-D
model is simpler therefore not as accurate. However, 2-D model
iterations take less time and money compared to 3-D models. The
iteration time is also dependent on the mesh size.

Accuracy of FEM

The accuracy of FEM is dependent on 3 factors:

1.

The refinement of the finite element mesh, or the size

of the mesh. The larger the mesh the more accurate,
and detailed, the results.

2.

Modeling the correct, or appropriate, finite element

i.e. it is incorrect to model a thick concrete machine
foundation with thin plate elements.

3.

Applying the correct Boundary Conditions. Boundary

conditions are the mathematical constraints of the
model i.e. the rigidity of a model.

Accuracy (cont.)
Effect of Mesh Size

bove figure depicts the effect of mesh size on the finite element analysis (FEA) o
l #1 has 3 nodes, Model #2 has 5 nodes, and Model #3 has 12 nodes. The best
ximation was given by Model 3, as seen by the increased curvature

Applications

FEM may be used in multiple applications, a few

are:
Piping Systems
Machining Equipment

Proprietary Machinery
Building Analysis
Structural Mechanics
Vehicle Analysis (structural, engine, etc.)

Applications (cont.)

Piston

teel Frame Building with Concrete Slab Floors

Bridge

Example

blem
the given truss use FEM to predict the displacement of the 3 truss members for
en load P.

Solution
Select each truss to be an element, therefore there will be 3 elements

Examine a single member, element 3

elect node locations, and denote displacement(u1, u2, u3, u4) at each node
2 per node because 2-D Analysis).
he forces for each particular displace are consistent with the number i.e. F 1, F2, e
orce = displacement * beam stiffness (k)
he resulting system of equations:

hese may be represented in matrix form:

The k matrix is known as the stiffness matrix which is responsible for the geom
and material properties of the bar:

Assume: u1=1, and the rest are 0. Then the equation reduces to:

Displacement of rod is given by u=FL/AE, therefore the forces are as follows:

F=k thus:

Elements may only support axial loads, therefore stiffness matrix reduces to
The following (only valid for members parallel to the x-axis):

For a member at an angle , the stiffness matrix is derived to be the followin

where c= cos() and s= sin():

Now refer to figure (a) to the left, For element 1: = 9

For element 2: = 135; For element 3: = 0. The
following matrices represent the system of equation f
each element:

Figure (b) depicts the forces applied to the truss, Rs

Represent the external forces.

Consider the equilibrium equations for every nod

The system of equations reduce to the following

matrix form:

y Boundary Conditions. Node 2 is pinned, Node 3 is on a roller, therefore u 3, u4, u

qual 0. From the truss figure it may be seen that R1=R6=0, and R2=-P. The matrix
omes:

This reduces to:

lving the matrix, the following are the displacements of the truss given a load, P

Other Methods

Finite Element Method is not the only method

available for analysis of structural models

Spectral Element Method, Spectral Analysis

Method, or Experimental Model

FEM vs. EMA

Finite Element Model of Piping System

Experimental Model of Piping System

FEM vs. EMA

Finite Element Model of Piping System

Experimental Model of Piping System

(Cont.)
The Experimental Method is a much simpler method

that decomposes a system to a stick diagram, it

results in less accurate predictions
The Finite Element Method has the option of producing

a model in either 2-D or 3-D, the model depicted is 3D and may produce a more accurate prediction

References

http://www.sandv.com/downloads/0405saye.pdf
http://www.sv.vt.edu/classes/MSE2094_NoteBook/97

ClassProj/num/widas/history.html
Finite Element Method for Stress Analysis, Robert

D. Cook, University of Wisconsin

Finite Element Vibration Analysis,

Maurice Petyt, Cambridge