Scribd
Upload
9 views

Unit 1 notes

The document discusses the Finite Element Method (FEM), detailing its historical development from the 1940s to present applications across various engineering fields. It also covers the formulation and analysis of spring and bar elements, including stiffness matrices and solved problems. Additionally, it introduces the Direct Stiffness Method (DSM) as a systematic approach for structural analysis, outlining its key features and solution procedures.

Uploaded by

mhpune61
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9 views

Unit 1 notes

The document discusses the Finite Element Method (FEM), detailing its historical development from the 1940s to present applications across various engineering fields. It also covers the formulation and analysis of spring and bar elements, including stiffness matrices and solved problems. Additionally, it introduces the Direct Stiffness Method (DSM) as a systematic approach for structural analysis, outlining its key features and solution procedures.

Uploaded by

mhpune61
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Finite Element Method (FEM): History and Applications & Spring and Bar

Elements

1. Introduction to Finite Element Method (FEM)

1.1 History of FEM


The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique used for solving complex
engineering problems. It originated in the 1940s and 1950s, primarily for structural
analysis in aerospace engineering. Some key milestones in the development of FEM include:

• 1941: Alexander Hrennikoff developed an approach using lattice frameworks to solve


elasticity problems.
• 1943: Richard Courant introduced piecewise polynomial approximations for solving
variational problems.
• 1956: M. J. Turner and colleagues formally introduced FEM for structural analysis.
• 1960s: The method gained popularity with increasing computational power.
• 1970s-Present: FEM expanded to heat transfer, fluid mechanics, biomechanics, and more.

1.2 Applications of FEM


FEM is extensively used in various engineering disciplines, including:
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomechanics
• Electrical Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Fluid Mechanics

2. Spring and Bar Elements

2.1 Introduction
Spring and bar elements are the simplest types of finite elements used in structural
mechanics.

2.2 Formulation of Spring Element


A linear spring obeys Hooke’s law:
F=ku
where:
F = Force acting on the spring,
k = Stiffness of the spring,
u = Displacement.
Finite Element Stiffness Matrix for Spring Element
For a two-node spring:
[ k -k ] [ u1 ] = [ F1 ]
[ -k k ] [ u2 ] [ F2 ]

2.3 Bar (Truss) Element


A bar element (or truss element) carries only axial force and follows:
F = AE (u2 - u1) / L

Finite Element Stiffness Matrix for Bar Element


[ AE/L -AE/L ]
[ -AE/L AE/L ]

3. Solved Problems

Problem 1: Spring Element Stiffness Matrix


A system consists of two linear springs in series with k1 = 100 N/m and k2 = 200 N/m. Find
the global stiffness matrix.

Solution:
For a series spring system:
1/k_eq = 1/k1 + 1/k2
k_eq = 66.67 N/m

Problem 2: Bar Element in a Truss System


A steel bar (E = 200 GPa) has a length of 2m and a cross-sectional area of 100 mm².
Determine the stiffness matrix.

Solution:
k = (AE)/L = (100 x 10^-6 * 200 x 10^9) / 2 = 10^7 N/m

Direct Stiffness Method in Finite Element Method (FEM)

1. Introduction to the Direct Stiffness Method


The Direct Stiffness Method (DSM) is a systematic approach used in structural analysis and
finite element methods to determine the displacements and forces in a structure. It is
widely used due to its simplicity, computational efficiency, and suitability for computer
implementation.

Key Features:
- Based on equilibrium equations and compatibility conditions.
- Uses matrix algebra to assemble the global stiffness matrix.
- Suitable for truss, beam, and frame analysis.
2. Basic Concepts
The Direct Stiffness Method relies on the principle that the force in an element is
proportional to its displacement, following Hooke’s Law:

F=ku

where:
- F is the force,
- k is the stiffness coefficient,
- u is the displacement.

Each element in a structure contributes to the overall stiffness of the system, and the
method involves assembling the individual element stiffness matrices into a global stiffness
matrix.

3. Formulation of the Stiffness Matrix

(a) Element Stiffness Matrix


For a simple 2-node axial bar element, the stiffness matrix is derived from the fundamental
relation:

k_e = (EA/L) * [ 1 -1
-1 1 ]

where:
- E = Modulus of elasticity,
- A = Cross-sectional area,
- L = Length of the element.

4. Solution Procedure
1. Discretization: Divide the structure into finite elements.
2. Local Stiffness Matrix Calculation: Compute element stiffness matrices.
3. Global Stiffness Matrix Assembly: Assemble element matrices into a global matrix.
4. Apply Boundary Conditions: Modify the stiffness matrix to incorporate supports.
5. Solve for Displacements: Use matrix inversion or Gaussian elimination.
6. Compute Element Forces: Use the displacement values to calculate forces.

5. Solved Example
Consider a 2-bar truss as shown below:

- Node 1 is fixed.
- Node 2 is free.
- Bar properties: E = 200 GPa, A = 0.002 m².
- Bar lengths: 1 m.
- An external force of 10 kN is applied at Node 2.

6. Conclusion
The Direct Stiffness Method provides a structured and efficient way to analyze structures by
formulating and solving stiffness matrices. It is widely implemented in FEM software and
serves as a foundation for complex structural analysis.

You might also like