Index
Introduction to FEA
FEA prerequisites
Fundamentals of FEA
Introduction to FEA
Every analysis involves four main steps:
Preliminary
Preliminary Decisions Decisions
What type of analysis: Static, modal, etc.?
What to model: Part or Assembly?
Which elements: Surface or Solid Bodies?
Preprocessing
Preprocessing
Attach the model geometry
Define and assign material properties to pars
Mesh the geometry
Solution
Apply loads and supports
Request results
Solve the Model
Post processing Postprocessing
Review results
Check the validity of the solution
Pre-processor
• Create solid model
• Create FEA model
• Define Material Properties
• Element Types
• Meshing (Free or Mapped)
• Loads & Boundary Conditions
FEA solver
Function of the solver is to solve the system of linear
simultaneous equations:
• Form stiffness matrix for each element
• Assemble the global stiffness matrix
• Solve matrix equation
• Find displacement
• Calculate strain & stress
Postprocessor
To review results of the analysis
Two postprocessors:
1) General Postprocessor
2) Time-History Postprocessor
Represented in the form of a table, graph, contour
plot, deformed shape or mode shapes of component &
animation
Element Types
Standard Elements
First order
Line Triangle/Quadrilateral Hexahedral Tetrahedral
( tri/quad) ( hex ) ( tet )
Second order
Line Triangle/Quadrilateral Hexahedral 10-noded Tetrahedral
Element selection criteria
Which element type should be used?
Beams, plates or solids?
Quadrilateral or triangle?
Hexahedral, pentahedral or tetrahedral ?
Higher or lower order?
The choice of the element type is strongly
dependent on the structure to be analyzed
Beam Elements
• 1 - Dimensional elements
• 6 DOFS
• First and second order
• Cross section constant or varying along the element
length
• Transfers axial forces, torsional and bending moments
• Neutral line can be moved away from the node (“Offset”)
• Degrees of freedom may be released at the end of the
elements
• Assumes non-deforming cross section when deforming
Typical Beam Models
Trusses
Frames
Stiffeners
Examples of Beam Models
Shell Elements
2 - Dimensional Elements
5 DOFS (No “drilling” DOF)
Thickness constant or varying across element
Triangle and Quadrilateral basis shape
First and second order
Neutral line can be moved away from the nodes
(“Offset”)
Assumes constant thickness when deforming
Typical Shell Models
Thin shells, Thin plane or curved
thinwalled metal sheets
pressure
vessels
Aircraft components
Automotive parts
Examples of shell models
Examples of shell models, 2
Courtesy of Adtranz
Courtesy of Adtranz Courtesy of Adtranz
Solid Elements
3 - Dimensional elements
3 DOFS (no rotational DOFs)
Tet and cube basic shapes
First and second order
Examples of Solid Models
Courtesy of Volvo Car
Special Elements
Concentrated
Mass
Spring Damper Gap
(Point-Point-Contact)
Rigid / Interpolation
Element Selection Guidelines
Choose the simplest element type
– if you can make a shell model - do it
– If you can make a beam model - do it
For structural analysis, don’t use first order tetra-elements.
(But they are ok for thermal analysis)
Applications
Aerospace
Automotive
Fluid dynamics
Bridges & Buildings
Electronics
Heavy Equipments & Machinery
Sporting Goods
