Finite Element Methods

LAB REPORT

Submitted to

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Amity School of Engineering and Technology

Submitted to- Submitted by

Dr. Vipin Kaushik Apoorva Singh
A23100220001
7 ME-1Y
 CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This is to certify that the laboratory report titled "Finite Element Analysis (FEM)” submitted
by Apoorva Singh has been duly acknowledged for completion of the laboratory assignment.
The report demonstrates a thorough understanding of Finite Element Analysis techniques. It
showcases diligent research, analysis, and effective implementation of FEM methodologies.
The dedication and effort in preparing this laboratory report are commendable. The clarity in
presenting concepts, along with insightful interpretations of the results, reflects their strong
grasp of the subject matter.

Signature: __________________________
Index

1. Introduction to FEM software.

2. Analysis of cantilever beam deflection to uniformly distributed loading.
3. Analysis of cantilever beam deflection due to end loading.
4. Analysis of stress on a flat plate with a hole at its center.
5. Analysis of 2-D Truss structure.
6. Modeling a cantilever beam deflection due to self-weight.
7. Modal Analysis of cantilever beam.
 EXPERIMENT-1

AIM- Introduction to FEM software.

Objectives- To obtain clear and practical understanding of concepts of FEM, the analysis
and mathematics involved and the inexhaustive practice of simulation in the ANSYS
Software.

Apparatus required- A computer with Ansys installed and an instructional manual.

Theory-
Finite Element Analysis (FEM) is a powerful numerical technique widely employed in
engineering and scientific fields.
As the name suggests, the calculation involves division of the entire body into different
“elements” such as to ease the calculations involved for desired usage such as strain, stress,
deformation analysis and more. This method referred to as “Discretizations” is particularly
valuable when analytical solutions are impractical or unavailable due to intricate geometries,
varying material properties, and intricate boundary conditions.

Fig 1- Discretizations on a surface

By discretizing the problem into finite elements and approximating the solution over these
elements, FEM transforms continuous differential equations into discrete algebraic equations
which are then solved numerically to obtain an approximate solution that represents the
behavior of the entire system.
The concept of FEM lies in the driving Principle of Energy Minimization which provides the
required division of elements over the object of interest. These smaller elements are
interlinked with each other by nodes which are present whenever there are two elements
interacting with each other. At the core of the principle is the notion that the equilibrium state
of a physical system corresponds to a state of minimum potential energy. In FEM, this
potential energy is often represented by a functional that combines various types of energies,
such as strain energy, kinetic energy, and external forces. By minimizing this functional,
FEM seeks the configuration of the system that results in the lowest total potential energy.
FEM provides a systematic framework for modeling and analyzing complex systems. It
enables engineers and scientists to predict the behavior of structures, components, and
materials under various conditions, aiding in design optimization and decision-making
processes.

Software Used-
ANSYS is a comprehensive and powerful simulation software suite that plays a pivotal role
in engineering design and analysis.
ANSYS finds applications in aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics, biomedical
engineering, and many other fields. It assists in optimizing designs, reducing development
time, and ensuring product reliability.

As such, there are following steps to use said software-

1. Geometry Creation- is modeling of 3D structures for analysis.

2. Mesh Generation: The software helps create a mesh (discretized representation) of the
structure.
3. Physics Setup: Users define boundary conditions, loads, and material properties,
setting up the physics of the simulation.
4. Solver: ANSYS employs powerful solvers to perform simulations and solve complex
equations derived from the physics setup.

Conclusion-
FEM simplifies complex problems by breaking them into manageable pieces, using the
energy minimization principle to predict how systems behave, finding its application in
structural and fluid design and analysis.
Further, computer softwares can be used to simulate said analysis with great accuracy and
versatility, ANSYS takes these principles and transforms them into practical simulations
allowing engineers to understand and optimize designs.
 EXPERIMENT-2

AIM- Analysis of cantilever beam deflection to uniformly distributed loading.

Objectives- To obtain the effects when an uniformly distributed force is applied on a body
particularly- Equivalent strain, stress, total deformation and strain energy felt by the
structure.

Apparatus required- A computer with Ansys installed and an instructional manual.

Theory-
A cantilever beam is a structural element that protrudes from a fixed support, known as the
fixed point and is allowed to freely deform when any load is applied, when a uniformly
distributed load is applied to the cantilever beam, the entire beam experiences bending due to
the load's weight.
The deflection of a cantilever beam under uniformly distributed loading can be determined
using the equation derived from the theory of beam bending. Given below-

Fig 1-Beam equation

Further, the equation of deflection can be further extrapolated in dynamic form to calculate
along the length of the entire structure.

Fig 2-Dynamic Deflection equation

This equation suggests that closer to the fixed end, the deflection decreases proportionally.

Understanding cantilever beam deflection due to uniformly distributed loading is crucial for
designing and analyzing structures such as bridges, buildings, and support systems by
analyzing cantilever beam deflection in the software which provides a foundation for
predicting how beams respond to loads.
Procedure-
Here is the step-by-step instructional lesson on how to calculate forces applied on cantilever
beams.

1. Access your computer system and open up the ANSYS Workbench program. This
screen will appear.

Fig 3- Workbench Menu

2. Click on the “Static Structural” (ANSYS) system, in the Project Schematic area, a
toolbox pops up. Select the Geometry menu to design your structure or object.
 3. After designing your object, close the Geometry window and click on Model menu to
define parameters present under Outline sub-menu which includes-
In Static Structural (A5) dropdown-
a. Fixed point or face.
b. Force applied, adjacent to the fixed face but at further end, specify direction.
In Solution (A6) dropdown-
a. Equivalent strain (Von Mises)
b. Equivalent stress (Von Mises)
c. Total deformation and
d. Strain energy.

Fig 4- (a) Static Structure Toolbox (b) Outline Dropdown

4. After selecting the above options, click on mesh and generate the elements for analysis.
Further modifications can be done if desired.

Fig 5-A discretized object.

5. Lastly, after specifying above parameters, right click on Solution (A6) dropdown and click
on “Solve”. After a certain amount of time, the solution will be achieved.

Conclusion-
The analysis of a cantilever beam subjected to uniformly distributed loading provides
valuable insights into the structural behavior as observed below-

Fig 6- The result of analysis.

Explaining each of the results-

a. Equivalent strain measures the deformation experienced by the beam due to loading.
As such, maximum deformation experienced is placed at the fixed face due to its
maximal change in length as it gets further from the point of force application.
b. Equivalent stress measures the internal forces applied within the body disregarding
external forces. It is observed that the entire body reacts to force applied with
maximum internal force present at the top edge of the fixed face.
c. Total deformation illustrates the beam's deflection and displacement under loading
compared to the previous reference point. The analysis depicts maximum deflection
where the force is applied and decreases as we get closer to face.
d. Strain energy is the energy stored within the material due to deformation experienced
Maximum energy found at the fixed face where such forces felt are maximum.
 EXPERIMENT-3

AIM- Analysis of cantilever beam deflection due to end loading.

Objectives- To obtain the effects when a force is applied on the edge of the body only
particularly- Equivalent strain, stress, total deformation and strain energy felt by the
structure.

Apparatus required- A computer with Ansys installed and an instructional manual.

Theory-
A cantilever beam is a structural element that protrudes from a fixed support, known as the
fixed point and is allowed to freely deform when any load is applied on the free end
perpendicular to the beam's length. This type of loading creates bending moments and shear
forces within the beam, resulting in deformation.
The deflection of a cantilever beam under said conditions can be determined using the
equation derived from the theory of beam bending. Given below-

Fig 1-Beam equation on edge

Further, the equation of deflection can be further extrapolated in dynamic form to calculate
along the length of the entire structure.

Fig 2-Dynamic Deflection equation

This equation suggests that closer to the fixed end, the deflection decreases proportionally.

Understanding cantilever beam deflection due to end loading is crucial for designing and
analyzing structures such as bridges, buildings, and support systems by analyzing cantilever
beam deflection in the software which provides a foundation for predicting how beams
respond to loads.
Procedure-
Here is the step-by-step instructional lesson on how to calculate forces applied on cantilever
beams.

1. Access your computer system and open up the ANSYS Workbench program. This
screen will appear.

Fig 3- Workbench Menu

2. Click on the “Static Structural” (ANSYS) system, in the Project Schematic area, a
toolbox pops up. Select the Geometry menu to design your structure or object.
 3. After designing your object, close the Geometry window and click on Model menu to
define parameters present under Outline sub-menu which includes-
In Static Structural (A5) dropdown-
● Fixed point or face.
● Force applied, adjacent to the fixed face but at further end, specify direction.
In Solution (A6) dropdown-
● Equivalent strain (Von Mises)
● Equivalent stress (Von Mises)
● Total deformation and
● Strain energy.

Fig 4- (a) Static Structure Toolbox (b) Outline Dropdown

4. After selecting the above options, click on mesh and generate the elements for analysis.
Further modifications can be done if desired.

Fig 5-A discretized object.

5. Lastly, after specifying above parameters, right click on Solution (A6) dropdown and click
on “Solve”. After a certain amount of time, the solution will be achieved.
Conclusion-
The analysis of a cantilever beam subjected to uniformly distributed loading provides
valuable insights into the structural behavior as observed below-

Fig 6- The result of analysis.

 EXPERIMENT-4

AIM- Analysis of stress on a flat plate with a hole at its center.

Objectives- To obtain the effects when a force is applied on a plate with a hole in it,
particularly- Equivalent strain, stress, total deformation and strain energy felt by the
structure.

Apparatus required- A computer with Ansys installed and an instructional manual.

Theory-
Plates with holes are commonly found in mechanical components such as brackets, flanges,
and connectors. Understanding the stress distribution around the holes ensures that these
components can withstand operational loads without failure.
The schematic of model to be tested is given below-

Fig 1- A plate with a hole

Analyzing deflection in plates with holes is a crucial aspect of structural engineering, as it

helps engineers understand how such geometric discontinuities affect the deformation of a
component under applied loads. Deflection analysis provides insights into the plate's
behavior.
Factors Influencing Deflection:

1. Material Properties: The material's stiffness (Young's modulus) and Poisson's ratio
significantly affect how the plate deflects under load.
2. Geometry: The dimensions and shape of the plate, including the size and position of
the hole, play a role in determining deflection.
3. Boundary Conditions: How the plate is supported or restrained at its edges
influences the deflection pattern.
4. Applied Loads: The magnitude, direction, and distribution of applied loads determine
the extent of deflection.

Fig 2- Brace Brackets

Fig 3- A collage of result

Procedure-
Here is the step-by-step instructional lesson on how to calculate forces applied on a flat plate
with a hole.

5. Access your computer system and open up the ANSYS Workbench program. This
screen will appear.

Fig 4- Workbench Menu

6. Click on the “Static Structural” (ANSYS) system, in the Project Schematic area, a
toolbox pops up. Select the Geometry menu to design your structure or object.
 7. After designing your object, close the Geometry window and click on Model menu to
define parameters present under Outline sub-menu which includes-
In Static Structural (A5) dropdown-
● Fixed point or face.
● Force applied, adjacent to the fixed face but at further end, specify direction.
In Solution (A6) dropdown-
● Equivalent strain (Von Mises)
● Equivalent stress (Von Mises)
● Total deformation and
● Strain energy.

Fig 5- (a) Static Structure Toolbox (b) Outline Dropdown

4. After selecting the above options, click on mesh and generate the elements for analysis.
Further modifications can be done if desired.

5. Lastly, after specifying above parameters, right click on Solution (A6) dropdown and click
on “Solve”. After a certain amount of time, the solution will be achieved.
Conclusion-
The analysis of a plate with a hole subjected to uniformly distributed loading provides
valuable insights into the structural behavior as observed below-

Fig 6- The result of analysis.

 EXPERIMENT-5

AIM- Analysis of 2-D Truss structure.

Objectives- To obtain the effects when a force is applied on a 2D Truss structure for
applications in real situations, particularly effects of- total deflection and beam analysis with
direct stress, minimum combined stress and maximum combined stress.

Apparatus required- A computer with Ansys installed and an instructional manual.

Theory-
A truss is a structural framework composed of interconnected members joined at nodes,
designed to carry loads and distribute forces efficiently. Trusses are used in various
engineering applications, including bridges, roofs, towers, and support structures; analysis
involves understanding the distribution of internal forces, stresses, and deformations within
the structure to ensure their stability, load-bearing capacity, and safety under various loading
conditions.

The schematic of model to be tested is given below-

Fig 1- A 2D truss, Warren type

Truss analysis aids in optimizing the design by selecting appropriate member sizes, shapes,
and arrangements to achieve desired structural performance. The deformation of the truss
due to applied loads will be analyzed. Understanding deflections helps assess the structure's
stability and identify potential areas of concern.
Factors Influencing Deflection:

1. Material Properties: Mechanical characteristics like modulus of elasticity and

yield strength impact how truss members respond to loads.
2. Boundary Conditions: Support conditions, whether fixed or pinned,
significantly influence load distribution and deformation.
3. Applied Loads: Magnitude, direction, and distribution of loads directly affect
internal forces and stresses within the truss.
4. Geometry: Truss member lengths, angles, and connectivity determine load
paths and stress concentrations.
5. Joint Flexibility: Joints' real-world flexibility affects load transmission and
overall structural response.

Fig 2- Types of Truss, try one on your own.

Fig 3- A model in the program, made in the XY plane.

Procedure-
Here is the step-by-step instructional lesson on how to calculate forces applied on a truss.

1. Open the Ansys program, Workbench. This screen shall appear.

Fig 4- Workbench Menu

2. Click on the “Static Structural” (ANSYS) system, in the Project Schematic area, a
toolbox pops up. Select the Geometry menu to design your structure or object
according to the spec sheet.
 3. After sketching, constraints is required for 2D analysis, follow the steps below-
a. Generate line, then click on "concept" and select line from sketch.
b. Click on "concept" again to choose cross section, circular type.
c. Specify radius. (Choose appropriately, 0.02m)
d. Select line body, choose geometry as circular.
e. Model completed and constrained.

f. After designing your object, close the Geometry window and click on Model
menu to define parameters present under Outline sub-menu which includes-
In Static Structural (A5) dropdown-
● Fixed point.
● Forces applied, there will be four different magnitudes as specified, change direction
from component to vector type and specify direction downward (-Y)
● Select displacement opposite to the fixed point applied with X and Z axes specified as
“0” (Y should be free)
In Solution (A6) dropdown-
● Total deformation
● Beam tool, which includes-
a. Direct stress
b. Minimum combined stress
c. Maximum combined stress

Fig 5- (a) Outline Dropdown (b) Concept dropdown

5. After selecting the above options, click on mesh and generate the elements for analysis.
Further modifications can be done if desired.

6. Lastly, after specifying above parameters, right click on Solution (A6) dropdown and click
on “Solve”. After a certain amount of time, the solution will be achieved.

Conclusion-
The analysis of a 2D truss subjected to uniformly distributed loading provides valuable
insights into the structural behavior as observed below-

Fig 6- The result of analysis.

 EXPERIMENT-6

AIM- Modeling a beam deflection due to self-weight.

Objectives- To obtain the effects when a force is applied on a beam, particularly effects of-
Equivalent strain, stress, total deformation and strain energy felt by the structure.

Apparatus required- A computer with Ansys installed and an instructional manual.

Theory-
A free end beam is a structural element supported at one end and free at the other, commonly
used in various engineering applications. This experiment focuses on analyzing the
deflection of a beam under the influence of its self-weight. The beam's material properties,
geometry, and boundary conditions play critical roles in its behavior.

The schematic of model to be tested is given below-

Fig 1- Beam Scheme

Understanding how self-weight impacts a cantilever beam's performance is fundamental for
engineering applications that involve designing and optimizing structural components to
ensure stability, safety, and efficiency.

Fig 2-Beam in the program, direction is downwards to the fixed point.

Procedure-
Here is the step-by-step instructional lesson on how to calculate forces applied on beams by
its own weight.

1. Access your computer system and open up the ANSYS Workbench program.

2. Click on the “Static Structural” (ANSYS) system, in the Project Schematic area, a
toolbox pops up. Select the Geometry menu to design your structure or object.

3. After designing your object, close the Geometry window and click on Model menu to
define parameters present under Outline sub-menu which includes-
In Static Structural (A5) dropdown-
● Fixed point or face.
● Standard Earth Gravity, will present itself right in the middle of the model, specify the
direction perpendicular to the fixed surface.
In Solution (A6) dropdown-
● Equivalent strain (Von Mises)
● Equivalent stress (Von Mises)
● Total deformation and
● Strain energy.
 Fig 3- (a) Static Structure Toolbox (b) Outline Dropdown

4. After selecting the above options, click on mesh and generate the elements for analysis.
Further modifications can be done if desired.

5. Lastly, after specifying above parameters, right click on Solution (A6) dropdown and click
on “Solve”. After a certain amount of time, the solution will be achieved.

Conclusion-
The analysis of a beam with self loading condition provides valuable insights into the
structural behavior as observed below-

Fig 4- The result of analysis.

 EXPERIMENT-7

AIM- Modal Analysis of cantilever beam.

Objectives- To obtain the modal effects of self-weight applied on a cantilever beam such as-
total deformation and node deformation felt by the structure.

Apparatus required- A computer with Ansys installed and an instructional manual.

Theory-
Modal analysis is the process of determining the inherent dynamic characteristics of a system
in forms of natural frequencies, damping factors and mode shapes, and using them to
formulate a mathematical model for its dynamic behavior. The formulated mathematical
model is referred to as the modal model of the system and the information for the
characteristics are known as its modal data.
The schematic of model to be tested is given below-

Fig 1- Dimensions of cantilever beam.

The natural modes of vibration are inherent to a dynamic system and are determined
completely by its physical properties (mass, stiffness, damping) and their spatial
distributions. Each mode is described in terms of its modal parameters: natural frequency, the
modal damping factor and characteristic displacement pattern, namely mode shape.
A cantilever beam is a structural element that is anchored at one end while the other end is
free to move. Modal analysis of a cantilever beam is a valuable technique for understanding
its dynamic behavior. By determining natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios.
Modal analysis terms-

1. Natural Frequencies: Natural frequencies are the frequencies at which a structure

vibrates when subjected to an external force. For a cantilever beam, these frequencies
depend on its length, material properties, and boundary conditions.
2. Mode Shapes: Mode shapes describe how the cantilever beam deforms and vibrates
at its natural frequencies.
3. Damping Ratios: Damping is the phenomenon that dissipates energy in a vibrating
structure, causing the amplitude of vibrations to decrease over time.

Fig 2- Resultant displacement and modal components

Mode shapes describe the configurations into which a structure will naturally displace.
Typically, lateral displacement patterns are of primary concern. Mode shapes of low-order
mathematical expression tend to provide the greatest contribution to structural response. As
orders increase, mode shapes contribute less, and are predicted less reliably. It is reasonable
to truncate analysis when the number of mode shapes is sufficient. Here, 10 modes have been
taken for analysis.

Fig 3- Beam modeled in ANSYS.

Procedure-
Here is the step-by-step instructional lesson.

1. Access your computer system and open up the ANSYS Workbench program and click
on the Modal module.

Fig 4- Modal Menu

2. Select the Geometry menu to design your structure or object and save it.

3. After designing your object, close the Geometry window and click on Model menu to
define parameters present under Outline sub-menu which includes-

In Modal (A5) dropdown-

● Fixed point or face, Pre-stress is already set up for gravitational acceleration.
● Under “Analysis Setting”, select the number of modes to desired quantity (10).

In Solution (A6) dropdown-

● Total deformation, quintessential for mode shape.

NOTE- You can change your meshing setting to fine for better results as natural frequency
and damping ratios must be measured precisely.

4. After selecting the above options, click on mesh and generate the elements for
analysis. Further modifications can be done if desired. Click on solve when done.
 Fig 5- Setup.

5. After solving the total deformation (which is how the beam would realistically act),
select all derived values under Tabular data with specified frequencies, right click and
click on “Create Mode Shape Results” at which, an entire list of deformations (at
different points) would appear under Solution (A6), solve again to gain final results.

6. The total sum of successive deformations would result in the final result as observed
in the first deformation achieved, note the values, analysis completed.
Conclusion-
The modal analysis of cantilever beam can be seen below-

Fig 6- Total deformation