Finite Element Analysis

Aerospace Application

Course Plan

Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day

1: Introduction to FEA
1: Direct Stiffness Method
2: Direct Stiffness Method (2D Structures)
2: Structural Applications (Beam Elements)
3: Solid Elements and Shell Elements
3: FEM Check
4: FEA Analysis Process
5: Design of Experiments (DOE)
6 and 7: Project: Propeller Design
8 and 9: Project: Wing design
10: Project Presentations

Tools well use!!!

Excel

Solidworks

Course Plan

Day 1: Introduction to FEA

Day 1: Direct Stiffness Method
Day 2: Direct Stiffness Method (2D Structures)
Day 2: Structural Applications (Beam Elements)
Day 3: Solid Elements and Shell Elements
Day 3: FEM Check
Day 4: FEA Analysis Process
Day 5: Design of Experiments (DOE)
Day 6 and 7: Project: Propeller Design
Day 8 and 9: Project: Wing design
Day 10: Project Presentations

Introduction to FEA
What is the Finite Elements Analysis (FEA)?
A numerical method.
Traditionally, a branch of Solid Mechanics.
Nowadays, a commonly used method for multiphysics
problems.

What areas can FEA be applied?

Structure analysis: a cantilever, a bridge, landing
train
Solid Mechanics: a gear, a automotive power train
Dynamics: bullet impact
Thermal analysis: thermal stress brake disc
Electrical analysis: Piezo actuator, MEMS

What is the Finite Elements

Analysis (FEA)?

What is the Finite Elements

Analysis (FEA)?

What is the Finite Elements

Analysis (FEA)?

How does FEA work?

Example: Find the perimeter of the circle
3 in

Exact solution: P = * (3 in) = 9.4247779608 in

Easy because we know pi (), thanks Archimedes!!!
What if pi does not exist????

n solve this problem considering the circle as an polygon, we will start with the s

N=4
r = 1.5 in
= 360 / N = 90
L = sqrt(2*r^2*(1-cos())) = 2.12132
P = N * L = 8.4852813742
Error = 9.97%

How does FEA work?

ets solve it in excel for different number of sides

Approximate solution = 9.42 in

Convergence

How does FEA work?

How does FEA work?

Course Plan

Day 1: Introduction to FEA

Day 1: Direct Stiffness Method
Day 2: Direct Stiffness Method (2D Structures)
Day 2: Structural Applications (Beam Elements)
Day 3: Solid Elements and Shell Elements
Day 3: FEM Check
Day 4: FEA Analysis Process
Day 5: Design of Experiments (DOE)
Day 6 and 7: Project: Propeller Design
Day 8 and 9: Project: Wing design
Day 10: Project Presentations

Direct Stiffness Method

The direct stiffness method is used mostly for Linear Static
Analysis
The development of the direct stiffness method originated
in the 1940s and is generally considered the fundamental
of finite elemental analysis.
Linear Static analysis is appropriate if deflections are
small and vary only slowly.
Linear Static analysis omits time as variable.
It also exclude plastic action and deflections that change
the way loads are applied.
The direct stiffness method for Linear Static analysis
follows the laws of Statics and the laws of Strength of
Materials.

Direct Stiffness Method

Direct Stiffness Method

One-dimensional Truss Element
The simplest type of engineering structure is the truss
structure
A truss member is a slender (the length is much larger
than the cross section dimensions) two-force member.
Members are joined by pins and only have the capability
to support tensile and compressive loads axially along
the length.

Direct Stiffness Method

For the analysis, we will establish the following sign conventions:

Forces and displacements are defined as positive when they are acting in the
positive X direction.
The position of a node in the undeformed condition is the finite element
position of than node.

If equal and opposite forces of magnitude F are applied to the end

nodes, the member will undergo a change in length according to the
equation:
This equation can also be written as , which is similar to Hookes
Law used in linear spring.
K is called the spring constant or stiffness of the spring

Direct Stiffness Method

We will use the general equations of a single one-dimensional truss element to illustrate the
formulation of the stiffness matrix method:

By using the relative Motion Analysis method, we can derive the general expressions of the applied
forces (F1 and F2) in terms of the displacements of the nodes (X1 and X2) and the stiffness constant
(K)

Direct Stiffness Method

Example: Find the nodal
displacements and reaction forces.

Free body diagram

Direct Stiffness Method

Direct Stiffness Method

Direct Stiffness Method

Inverse Matrix

Direct Stiffness Method

Exercises

xercise 1: Find the nodal displacements and reaction forces.

xercise 2: Find the nodal displacements and reaction forces.

Homework
1.Reading lecture: Truss Elements in
Two Dimensional Spaces
2.Make sure you have installed
Solidworks, Solidworks Simulation and
Solidworks Flow Simulation in your
laptop.