You are on page 1of 17

FORMULATION AND

SOLUTION OF FE
PROBLEMS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
There are two categories of mathematical
models:

1. Lumped-parameter models (discrete system)

2. Continuum mechanics based models


(continuous system)

2
LUMPED-PARAMETER MODEL
In a lumped-parameter mathematical model, the actual
system response (output) is directly described by the
solution of a finite number of state variables (factors).

It simplifies the description of the behaviour of the physical


systems using certain assumptions.

It reduces the partial differential equations into ordinary


differential equations with a finite number of parameters.

3
CONTINUUM-MECHANICS
BASED MODEL
For a continuum-mechanics-based mathematical model, the
formulation of the governing equations is achieved as for a
lumped-parameter model, but instead of algebraic equations for
the unknown state variables differential equations govern the
response.

As we know, the exact solution of the differential equations


satisfying all boundary conditions is only possible for relatively
simple mathematical models, therefore, numerical procedures
must in general be employed.

Numerical procedures reduces the continuous-system


mathematical model to a discrete idealization that can be
solved in the same manner as a lumped-parameter model.
4
ENGINEERING PROBLEMS
Engineering problems are mathematical models of physical
situations.

Mathematical models of many engineering problems are


differential equations with a set of corresponding boundary
and/or initial conditions.

The differential equations are derived by applying the


fundamental laws and principles of nature to a system or a
control volume. These governing equations represent
balance of mass, force, or energy.

5
ENGINEERING PROBLEMS
Examples of governing equations, boundary conditions,
initial conditions, and exact solutions for some engineering
problems

6
ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS
The analytical solutions are composed of two parts:

(1) a homogenous part


(2) a particular part.

In any given engineering problem, there are two sets of design


parameters that influence the way in which a system behaves.

(1) material and geometric properties such as modulus of


elasticity, thermal conductivity, viscosity, area etc influences
natural behavior of the system
(2) external forces, moments, temperature difference across a
medium, and pressure difference in fluid flow etc produces
disturbances in the system.
7
ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS
The natural behavior of a system appear in the homogenous part
of the solution of a governing differential equation.

The parameters that cause the disturbances appear in the


particular solution.

In finite element modeling, the system characteristics (natural


behaviour) will always show up in the stiffness matrix,
conductance matrix, or resistance matrix, whereas the
disturbance parameters will always appear in the load matrix.

[Force/Load] = [Stiffness] [Displacement]

8
FEM AND ANSYS
The finite element method is a numerical procedure that can be
applied to obtain solutions to a variety of problems in
engineering. Static, Dynamic, Steady, transient, linear, or
nonlinear problems in stress analysis, heat transfer, fluid flow,
and electromagnetism problems may be analyzed with finite
element methods.

ANSYS is a comprehensive general-purpose finite element


computer program that contains more than 100,000 lines of
code.

ANSYS has been a leading FEA program for well over 30 years

9
FEA LIMITATIONS
Finite element analysts must understand the limitations of the
finite element procedures. There are various sources of error
that can contribute to incorrect results. They include:

1. Wrong input data, such as physical properties and


dimensions; non-consistent units

2. Selecting inappropriate types of elements

3. Poor element shape and size after meshing

4. Applying wrong boundary conditions and loads

GARBAGE IN = GARBAGE OUT 10


STATIC AND DYNAMIC ANALYSIS
(STRUCTURAL)
Static Analysis: (static loads)

All loads are applied slowly and gradually until they reach their full
magnitudes. After reaching their full magnitudes, loads remain
constant (time-invariant). This assumption allows us to neglect inertial
and damping forces due to negligibly small accelerations and
velocities.

Dynamic Analysis: (dynamic loads)

Time-variant loads that induce considerable inertial and/or damping


forces may need dynamic analysis. Dynamic loads change with time
and in many cases induce considerable inertial and damping forces
that cannot be neglected. Dynamic loads include oscillatory loads,
impacts, collisions, and random loads.
11
STATIC AND DYNAMIC ANALYSIS
(STRUCTURAL)
It is important to verify the static assumption since a dynamic load
may generate higher stresses as compared to static loads with the
same magnitude.

Static analysis can be done to calculate the structural response of


bodies spinning with constant velocities or travelling with constant
accelerations since the generated loads do not change with time.

12
STEADY AND NON-STEADY
STATE ANALYSIS (THERMAL)
A steady-state thermal analysis calculates the effects of steady
thermal loads on a system or component. Engineer/analysts often
perform a steady-state analysis before doing a transient thermal
analysis, to help establish initial conditions.

Steady-state thermal analysis is used to determine temperatures,


thermal gradients, heat flow rates, and heat fluxes in an object that
are caused by thermal loads that do not vary over time while in
transient thermal analysis loads vary with time.

13
LINEAR ASSUMPTION
The relationship between loads (inputs) and induced responses (outputs)
is linear. For example, if you double the loads, the response of the model
(displacements, temperatures, stresses etc) will also double. You can
make the linearity assumption if:

1. All materials in the model comply with Hooke’s law in structural


analysis, that is stress is directly proportional to strain. Thermal
analysis may be either linear, with constant material properties; or
nonlinear, with material properties that depend on temperature.

2. The induced displacements/temperature are small enough to ignore


the change in stiffness/conductance caused by loading.

14
LINEAR ASSUMPTION
3. Boundary conditions do not vary during the application of loads.
Loads must be constant in magnitude, direction, and distribution
w.r.t time. They should not change while the model is deforming, if
they are it would be a non-linear analysis.

15
FORMULATION OF FINITE
ELEMENT PROBLEMS
There are several approaches to formulate finite element
problems:

(1) Direct formulation (direct stiffness method)

(2) The minimum total potential energy formulation

(3) Weighted residual formulation

16
FORMULATION OF FINITE
ELEMENT PROBLEMS

Theory, Problems & Solutions

17

You might also like