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Chapter One

The document provides an introduction to the Finite Element Method (FEM), a numerical technique used to solve complex engineering problems that cannot be addressed analytically. It outlines the historical development of FEM, its application in various fields such as structural and thermal analysis, and the general procedure involved in implementing FEM. Additionally, it lists several computer programs commonly used for FEM analysis.

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Endalamaw Ejigu
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2 views

Chapter One

The document provides an introduction to the Finite Element Method (FEM), a numerical technique used to solve complex engineering problems that cannot be addressed analytically. It outlines the historical development of FEM, its application in various fields such as structural and thermal analysis, and the general procedure involved in implementing FEM. Additionally, it lists several computer programs commonly used for FEM analysis.

Uploaded by

Endalamaw Ejigu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Addis Ababa University

Addis Ababa Institute of Technology


School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Introduction to
Finite Element Method
Bililign Amare
Contents

Introduction
Historical Background
FEM Application
General Field Problems in Engineering

2
1. Introduction
 The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a numerical method for
solving problems of engineering and mathematical physics.
 FEM is useful for problems with complicated geometries,
loadings, and material properties where analytical solutions
can not be obtained.
 Some typical problem areas are structural analysis, heat
transfer, fluid flow, mass transport, and electromagnetic
potential.
1.1 Mathematical Modeling of Physical Systems
 Due to the complexity of physical systems, some
approximation must be made in the process of turning
physical reality into a mathematical model.
Recommended
Physical for
Problem Many Real World
Problems

Simplified Complicated
Model Model

Approximate
Exact Solution
Solution
for
for
Approximate
Exact Model
Model
1.2 Solution Method

 Deal with Integral Equation rather


than DE
 Discretization over Boundary only.

 Point-wise approximation to DE.

 Integral/Global approximation to DE.


 Assembly of Finite Elements
(Subdomain).
Continuous system Discrete system
 Time-independent PDE  Linear Algebraic ODE
 Time-dependent PDE
1.3 Historical Background
 Structural Engineering
1940  One Dimensional Element

 Direct Stiffness Method


1950  Two Dimensional Element

1960  Finite Element Introduce


M
o
r
 Three Dimensional Elements e
1970  Thermal Analysis ?
 Large Deflection

 Large Deformation
1976  Non-linear Dynamics

Present  New Elements, New Software


6
1.4 FEM Procedure
1. Identify the system (governing) equation (Usually DE)
=0.
2. Introduce an integral form equation (Weak Form Equation) [FEM Formulation].
 Direct Approach.
 Variational Method (Weak Form).
 Method of Weight Residual Approach (Weak Form).

3. Discretize the domain of interest into elements [Element Type].

4. Introduce an approximation of the field variable over an element [Interpolation].


1.4 FEM Procedure cont…
5. Evaluate the integral form over each element. [Numerical Integration]

6. Assemble the Global Matrix Equation. [Assembly Procedure]

7. Solve the matrix equation to get the unknown. [Solution Technique]

8. Calculate the values of interest from the approximate solution.


1.5 Application of FEM
 Structural Analysis (Steady, Transient, Dynamics, ..)

 Thermal System Analysis

 Flow Analysis

 Thermo-mechanical Process Analysis


1.6 Computer Programs for FEM

 ANSYS  ADAMS/ DADS


 ABAQUS  COSMOS
 NASTRAN  MOLD FLOW
 LS-DYNA3D  PHOENICS
 C-FLOW
 MARC
 MSC/DYNA

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