CE 3113

Finite Element Method

Dr H M S T Herath
Lecturer
Department of Civil Engineering
University of Moratuwa
Content

 Module Descriptor

 The Big Picture

 Introduction to Finite Element Method (FEM)

 FEM

 About Meshes

 Interpolation/Shape Functions
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Module Learning Objectives: LO-2

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Introduction to Finite Element Method (FEM)

 You already have used FEM!

4
The Big Picture

 Engineers need mathematical models of physical systems

 Mathematical models are based on laws of physics

 Energy conservation
 Momentum conservation
 Newton’s second law
 ….

 Laws of physics are given in the form of partial differential equations

 Intermediate derivations of a nonlinear beam element based on energy conservation

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The Big Picture

 Computational models: Require computing capability

 Analytical methods
 Numerical methods

2 Analytical methods
d y
 M   EI - Direct integration
dx 2 - Macaulay’s method
- Moment-area methods
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The Big Picture

 Computational models: Require computing capability

 Analytical methods
 Numerical methods

Analytical methods X
d2y
 M   EI 2 Numerical methods
dx - Finite element method (FEM)
+ axial + torsion + buckling … - Finite differences (FD) 7
- Mesh-free methods
Introduction to Finite Element Method (FEM)

 What is FEM?
 A widely used method to solve differential equations
 Structural analysis
 Heat transfer
 Fluid flow
 Mass transport
 Electromagnetic potential NOT
 Finance - a tool to analyse buildings
- a computer software
 Definition
 The finite element method (FEM) is a numerical technique used to perform
finite element analysis (FEA) of any given physical phenomenon

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Why bother learning FEM?

 The knowledge of how the method works will enhance your analytical
skills and provide a better understanding of numerical analysis in general.
 The intelligent use of commercial finite element software and the correct
interpretation of the output requires a basic knowledge of the method.
(notion of garbage in, garbage out.)
 It is possible to extend commercial software packages by implementing
user defined subroutines. Understanding the finite element method and
basic programming can help you to extend commercial software.
 The finite element method is very cost effective and fast compared to
physical testing and analytical methods. It enables to study the influence
of various design choices (geometry, material parameters or loads) and
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helps to devise better designs.
 Finite Element Method (FEM) – Problem Type
Physical problem Mathematical model

 Physical Phenomenon
Physical  Structural Analysis
phenomena  a bar/rod with a u.d.l.
 a beam with a u.d.l.
 a tall building
Mesh
 Heat transfer
Interpolation  Fluid flow
/shape
 Mass transport
functions
 Electromagnetic potential
Bending + axial +
torsion + buckling +
shear ….
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 FEM – Concept of a Mesh

 Mesh
 a mesh is a network that is formed of
Physical cells and points
phenomena
 In FEM, a mesh consist of
 Nodes
Mesh
 (Finite) Elements
 Systematic connectivity The mesh you know now
Interpolation
/shape
functions

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 Mesh – Elements

 Finite Elements of a Mesh

 Types of Finite Elements
Physical
 1-Dimensional (1-D)
phenomena  Bar/Truss elements
 Beam elements
Mesh
 2-D
Interpolation
/shape  3-D
functions

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 Mesh – Elements

 Finite Elements of a Mesh

 Types of Finite Elements
Physical
 1-Dimensional (1-D)
phenomena
 2-D
 Shell/Plate elements
Mesh  3-D

Interpolation
/shape
functions

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 Mesh – Elements

 Finite Elements of a Mesh

 Types of Finite Elements
Physical
 1-Dimensional (1-D)
phenomena  Bar/Truss elements
 Beam elements
Mesh
 2-D
 Shell/Plate elements
Interpolation
/shape
 3-D
functions  Solid elements

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 Mesh – Elements

 Finite Elements of a Mesh

 Types of Finite Elements
Physical
 1-Dimensional (1-D)
phenomena  Bar/Truss elements
 Beam elements
Mesh
 2-D
 Shell/Plate elements
Interpolation
/shape
 3-D
functions  Solid elements

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 Mesh – Elements

 Finite Elements of a Mesh

 Shapes of Finite Elements
Physical
phenomena

Mesh

Interpolation
/shape
functions

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 Mesh – Nodes

 Nodes of a Mesh
 Defines connectivity
Physical
phenomena
 Defines the FE order
Mesh  Linear
 Quadratic
 …
Interpolation
/shape
functions  Types of Nodes
 Corner nodes
 Mid-side nodes
 Mid-element nodes

 Node numbering 17
 Usually anti-clockwise
 Interpolation/Shape/Basis/Approximation
Functions

 Interpolation using Tables

 You know how to do it!
Physical
phenomena x y
y − 76.34 93.29 − 76.34
5.50 76.34 5.50 76.34 =
Mesh 6.56 − 5.5 7.5 − 5.5
6.56 ? 6.56 y
Interpolation 7.50 93.29 7.50 93.29 y = 85.3235
/shape
functions

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 Interpolation/Shape/Basis/Approximation
Functions

 Interpolation using Graphs

 You know how to do it!
Physical
phenomena 5.50 76.34
6.56 ? y = 85.3235
Mesh
7.50 93.29
Interpolation
/shape
functions  Both Table and Graph methods
 Assumed Linear Interpolation

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 Interpolation/Shape/Basis/Approximation
Functions

 Interpolation using Functions (Shape)

 You know how to do it! (after the lecture)
Physical
phenomena 𝑥1𝑒 = 5.50 76.34 𝑦1𝑒 = 76.34 𝑦2𝑒 = 93.29
6.56 ?
Mesh
𝑥2𝑒 = 7.50 93.29
Interpolation
/shape
functions (𝑥−5.5) (𝑥−5.5)
𝑁1 𝑥 = 1 − =1 −
7.5−5.5 2
𝑥−5.5 𝑥−5.5
𝑁2 𝑥 = =
7.5−5.5 2

𝑁1 𝑥 + 𝑁2 𝑥 = 1 Partition of Unity property of shape functions 20

At 𝑥 = 𝑥1𝑒 𝑁1 𝑥 = 1 and all other 𝑁𝑖 𝑥 = 0. Same for 𝑥 = 𝑥2𝑒 ….

 Interpolation/Shape/Basis/Approximation
Functions

 Interpolation using Functions (Shape)

 You know how to do it! (after the lecture)
Physical 𝑥1𝑒 = 5.50 76.34
phenomena 𝑦1𝑒 = 76.34 𝑦2𝑒 = 93.29
6.56 ?
Mesh 𝑥2𝑒 = 7.50 93.29

Interpolation (𝑥−5.5) (𝑥−5.5)

/shape 𝑁1 𝑥 = 1 − =1 −
7.5−5.5 2
functions
𝑥−5.5 𝑥−5.5
𝑁2 𝑥 = =
7.5−5.5 2

𝑦 𝑥 = 𝑁1 𝑥 *𝑦1𝑒 + 𝑁2 𝑥 *𝑦2𝑒
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𝑦 6.56 = 𝑁1 6.56 *76.34 + 𝑁2 6.56 *93.29 = 85.3235