Finite Element Method

Introduction

Engineer Renato Carvalho|2023

Índice:

1 Fundamental Concepts

2 Why is FEM so important?

Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 2

1 Introduction A physical problem is a problem of the real world
that you want to solve

Fixed Force
Physical Problem

A problem of the real world that

you want to solve, such as a bike
crank subjected to loads during
operation (in the context of a
structural analysis). We would like
to know if this mechanical
component will fail or not.

Crank

Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 3

1 Introduction The finite element method is a numerical strategy
to solve a mathematical model (BVP)

Mathematical Model
Finite Element Method (FEM) or Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
It is the way we describe the
physical problem using
Approximate
mathematical concepts and
Solution
language. In the FEM, we are
interested in one specific type of
mathematical model: the Boundary Value Problem
Boundary Value Problem.

Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 4

1 Introduction A boundary value problem is a differential equation (governing equation) defined in
a domain and boundary conditions defined in the boundaries of the domain

Boundary conditions defined in

Boundary Value Problem the boundaries of the domain.

A boundary value problem is a

differential equation (governing
equation) defined in a domain and
Region (domain) governed
boundary conditions defined in
by a differential equation
the boundaries of the domain. A
(governing equation).
solution to a boundary value
problem is a solution to the
differential equation which also
satisfies the boundary conditions.

Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 5

1 Introduction One of the steps of FEM is to divide the domain into elements
(discretization). Nodes will be created in the vertices of each element

Nodes and Elements

Element Domain

Nodes
Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 6
1 Introduction We are interested in finding the displacements at
the nodes in the context of a structural analysis

Attention!

• FEM is a numerical procedure to solve a Boundary Value Problem

approximately. Part of this procedure is to divide the domain into elements.

• In the context of a structural analysis (subject of this course), we are

interested in finding the displacements at the nodes.

• The displacements are called degrees of freedom.

• Somehow, we will find the displacements at the nodes using the FEM. We’ll
see how it is done later in this course.

Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 7

1 Introduction A boundary value problem is a differential equation (governing equation) defined
in a domain and boundary conditions defined in the boundaries of the domain

Boundary Value Problem

Domain divided
into elements
Force (BC)

Blocked Displacement (BC) Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 8

1 Introduction The finite element method is a numerical strategy
to solve a mathematical model (BVP)

FEA Software

Mathematical Numerical Approximate Displacements Post Color pictures

User Inputs
Model (BVP) Solution (FEM) at the nodes Processing and other results

Physical principles
Assumptions

Physical Hand calculations

Compare to
Problem Experimental Data verify/validate the
results

Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 9

1 Introduction The finite element method is a numerical strategy
to solve a mathematical model (BVP)

FEA Software

Mathematical Numerical Approximate Displacements Post Color pictures

User Inputs
Model (BVP) Solution (FEM) at the nodes Processing and other results

Physical principles
Assumptions

Physical Hand calculations

Compare to
Problem Experimental Data verify/validate the
results
Pre-analysis (before using the software):

1. Define mathematical model.

2. Hand calculations of expected results.
3. What is the numerical solution procedure? Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 10
1 Introduction The finite element method is a numerical strategy
to solve a mathematical model (BVP)

FEA Software

Mathematical Numerical Approximate Displacements Post Color pictures

User Inputs
Model (BVP) Solution (FEM) at the nodes Processing and other results

Physical principles
Assumptions

Physical Hand calculations

Compare to
Problem Experimental Data verify/validate the
results
Verification (Did I solve the model correctly?):

1. Results consistent with mathematical model?

2. Level of numerical errors acceptable?
3. Compare the results with hand calculations. Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 11
1 Introduction The finite element method is a numerical strategy
to solve a mathematical model (BVP)

FEA Software

Mathematical Numerical Approximate Displacements Post Color pictures

User Inputs
Model (BVP) Solution (FEM) at the nodes Processing and other results

Physical principles
Assumptions

Physical Hand calculations

Compare to
Problem Experimental Data verify/validate the
results
Validation (Did I solve the right model?):

1. Check against experimental data.

Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 12

Índice:

1 Fundamental Concepts

2 Why is FEM so important?

Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 13

2 Why is it so important? Developing a new product was a very long and
costly process before simulation technology

How developing a new product was before FEA?

Conception Analytical Calculus Construction Test

No
Ok?

• Problems are identified only after the prototype is ready; Yes

• High cost to solve problems and few solution options;
• Long-term, high-cost development cycle; End
• High safety factors and limited efficiency.
Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 14
2 Why is it so important? Developing a new product is cheaper and faster
nowadays thanks to FEM and other new technologies

How developing a new project is nowadays?

Conception CAD Model FEA Validation

Yes
Ok?

No
No
Ok?

• Better understanding of the physical phenomena associated Yes

with the operation of the product;
• Products with better performance and more robust; End
• Lower costs with prototyping. Engineer Renato Carvalho| Page 15
Thank you for your
attention!