Introduction to FEM

Finite Element Method

Finite Element Method
Definition

FEM is a numerical method for solving a system of governing

equations over the domain of a continuous physical system,
which is discretized into simple geometric shapes called finite
element.
 Discretize & Select the Element Types

• Divide the body into equivalent systems of finite elements

with nodes and the appropriate element type
• Element Types:
– One-dimensional (Line) Element
– Two-dimensional Element
– Three-dimensional Element
– Axisymmetric Element
 One Dimensional Element (Beam)
2 elements 1 and 2 marked separately
Introduction
 FEM Notation
Elements are defined by the following
properties:
1. Dimensionality
2. Nodal Points
3. Geometry
4. Degrees of Freedom
5. Nodal Forces
(Non homogeneous RHS of the DE)
 General Steps of the FEM
• (i) Select suitable field variables and the elements.
• (ii) Discritise the continua.
• (iii) Select interpolation functions.
• (iv) Find the element properties.
• (v) Assemble element properties to get global properties.
• (vi) Impose the boundary conditions.
• (vii) Solve the system equations to get the nodal unknowns.
• (viii) Make the additional calculations to get the required
values
• (IX) Interpret the results to reach conclusions.
Element Types and nodes at ends
Computer Programs for Finite Element Method
結構 非線 最佳 複合 碰撞 疲勞 機構 噪音 流力 模流 熱傳
性 化 材料 分析 分析 分析 分析 分析 分析 分析
ANSYS ◎  ◎ ◎  ◎ ◎ ◎

NASTRAN ◎  ◎ ◎  ◎ ◎

ABAQUS ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎

MARC ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎

LS-DYNA3D ◎

MSC/DYNA ◎

ADAMS/ ◎
DADS
COSMOS ◎  ◎ ◎  ◎ ◎

MOLDFLOW ◎

C-FLOW ◎

PHOENICS ◎ ◎
Applications of Finite Element Method

Structural Problem Non-structural Problem

Stress Analysis Heat Transfer
- truss & frame analysis Fluid Mechanics
- stress concentrated problem Electric or Magnetic
Buckling problem Potential
Vibration Analysis
Impact Problem
Drag Force Analysis of Aircraft
San Francisco Oakland Bay
Bridge

A finite element model to analyze the

bridge under seismic loads
Thank You