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Approximations in FE models
Level of approximations in FE models FE models are based on 2 kind of approximations: Geometric discretization of the domain:
How ne the domain is discretized ? nb of elements Determined by the characteristic size of the elements This is called the h-parameter or h-renement of the model.
The main question is then: How can we choose the right element size h and FE formulation order p for a given problem ?
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL Convergence & Choice of Finite Element Discretizations
h-renement
p -renement
Denitions
Convergence An approximate model converges with respect to one of its approximation parameters (h or p ) if its solution Sh,p tends to the when h 0 and / or p . Convergence is exact solution S ensured if the model is consistent and stable. Stability / consistency of the solution If the numerical formulation is stable, the solution Sh,p usually (stagnation of the solution). tends to a limit S is the exact However, this does not mean that the limit S . solution S =S ,which If the numerical model is also consistent, we have S means that the numerical approximation solves exactly the same problem as the analytical formulation (consistency).
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL Convergence & Choice of Finite Element Discretizations
Convergence study
Convergence study A convergence study typically consists in: vary one of the approximation parameter like h, p (or else) : analyze the evolution of the error Eh,p = Sh,p S
and compare it with S or in identify the limit of the solution S other words, does the error E tend to zero ? consistency identify the order of convergence k : Eh,p < Chk if we divide the mesh size h by 2, E should decrease by 2k
When no exact solution is available: If the numerical formulation is convergent , the error E can be estimated by looking at the size of the solution increments S for consecutive h or p renements or can be estimated by considering a very detailed model as a reference.
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL Convergence & Choice of Finite Element Discretizations
Convergence study
Convergence study in practice In practice, when no exact solution is available, you should at least do a convergence check of the mesh size h: vary h in your model, choose at least 3 values of h. Choose the smallest h such that it corresponds to the nest model that you can run within an acceptable time. take the nest model as a reference, lets call its solution S analyze the evolution of the relative error )/S : REh,p = (Sh,p S check the relative change of the solution RE between each renement step. If the relative change is suciently small, you can consider that the solution has converged and thus that the mesh is suciently ne. If not, continue to rene the mesh
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL Convergence & Choice of Finite Element Discretizations
With: L = 0.25 m, H = 0.05 m, E = 100 GPa, = 0.3, T = 1 MPa Model output considered: U2 min = minimum vertical displacement.
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL Convergence & Choice of Finite Element Discretizations
Convergence graph
Legend: code = X Y Z opt X=(Quad, Triangle Free, Triangle Structured); Y=(Linear, Quadratic) Z=integration=(Exact , Reduced); opt=hourglass control=(Standard, Enhanced)
test case: geometry, type of stress / strain state and BC the mesh quality: typically distortion or aspect ratio of elements numerical problems
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL Convergence & Choice of Finite Element Discretizations
How to choose the right FE formulation? How to choose the right mesh size?
Numerical pathologies
Numerical problems Depending on numerical formulations, ill-conditioned or inconsistent stiness / mass matrices may be produced. The two main numerical pathologies of FE formulations are:
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Locking: an over-estimated stiness when the element aspect ratio is high no shear deformation of very thin elements, related to an ill-conditioned stiness matrix. Observed typically for linear exact integration elements. To solve this issue, reduced integration may be used. Hourglass: zero energy kinematic modes can exist when reduced integration is used. These modes can appear because the reduced integration points see zero strain even if the displacement eld is not zero. Hourglass modes tend to appear in reduced integration formulations and are usually more likely to appear in coarse & uniform structured meshes.
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL Convergence & Choice of Finite Element Discretizations
How to choose the right FE formulation? How to choose the right mesh size?
Hourglass
How to choose the right FE formulation? How to choose the right mesh size?
Locking
We consider a beam of variable thickness and compare the dierent FE formulations for a mesh of 40x4x4 elements.
How to choose the right FE formulation? How to choose the right mesh size?
Locking
How to choose the right FE formulation? How to choose the right mesh size?
choose quadratic elements for stress analysis choose preferably complete elements (quad9 > quad8 > tri6; hex27 > hex20 > wedge15 > tet10) by default use reduced integration. For very thin structures, reduced int. is prefered. In coarse structured meshes, hourglass may be present change to exact integration. for best accuracy in bending, use hex / wedge elements with more than 1 element in the thickness. Build your own experience by doing convergence tests
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL Convergence & Choice of Finite Element Discretizations
How to choose the right FE formulation? How to choose the right mesh size?
Mesh Convergence
Once you have chosen the type of element, you MUST always check the MESH CONVERGENCE (h-convergence) of your model. Mesh Convergence Study
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Choose the most signicant output result value and location according to your problem: if you design a part based on maximum Von Mises stress, use this value as a criteria for mesh convergence. Progressivelly rene the mesh (global or local renement): take at least 2-3 dierent & reasonable mesh sizes Plot the evolution of the output with h (and / or the number of nodes) Evaluate the computationnal cost / accuracy trade-o :
what is the required accuracy (realistic estimate)? what is the maximum acceptable comp. time?
Joel Cugnoni, LMAF / EPFL Convergence & Choice of Finite Element Discretizations
How to choose the right FE formulation? How to choose the right mesh size?
Methodology
Selecting the modelling hypothesis of your FE models
How to choose the right FE formulation? How to choose the right mesh size?
Methodology
How to choose the h & p parameters of your FE models
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do a reasonably quick mesh convergence study based on the pertinent output of your model choose an appropriate mesh (comput. cost / accuracy trade-o) go on with the FE simulation...