The document provides an overview of finite element analysis (FEA) methods used to solve engineering problems, highlighting traditional design processes and different numerical methods like finite element, boundary element, finite volume, and finite difference methods. It details the FEA procedure, including problem discretization, application of boundary conditions, and solution obtainment, while also discussing the advantages of FEA such as improved visualization, reduced design cycle time, and decreased need for prototypes. Additionally, it introduces SolidWorks simulation software for design analysis, covering various analysis types including linear, nonlinear, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue analysis.

1. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
BY ; SYED ABDULLA ZAIN
© Syed Abdulla Zain

2. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
TRADITIONAL DESIGN PROCESS
➢ DESIGN ( CAD)
➢ VIRTUAL TEST
➢ BUILD
➢ TEST

3. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
METHODS TO SOLVE ENGINEERING PROBLEMS
➢ Analytical Method
➢ Numerical Method
➢ Experimental Method

4. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
ANALYTICAL METHOD
➢ Classical approach
➢ 100% Accurate results
➢ Applicable only for simple problems

5. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
NUMERICAL METHOD
➢ Mathematical representation
➢ Approximate , assumptions are made
➢ Real life complex problems
➢ Results cannot be believed blindly. Certain results must be
validated by experiments and or analytical method

6. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
NUMERICAL METHOD
➢ Finite element method
➢ Boundry element method
➢ Finite volume method
➢ Finite difference method

7. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
EXPERIMENTAL METHOD
➢ Actual measurement
➢ Time consuming & need expensive set up
➢ Applicable only when physical prototype is available
➢ Results cannot be believed blindly
➢ A minimum of 3 to 5 prototypes must be tested

8. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
PROCEDURE FOR SOLVING ANALYTICAL/ NUMERICAL
METHOD
➢ Writing of the governing equations
➢ Mathematical solution of governing equations

9. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENT NUMERICAL METHOD
➢ FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FEM is the most popular Numerical method
FEM is a numerical technique used to determine the
approximate solution for a PDE on a defined domain

10. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENT NUMERICAL METHOD
➢ BOUNDRY ELEMENT METHOD
This is a very powerful and efficient technique to solve acoustics
or NVH problems
Boundry element method is a numerical method of solving
linear PDE which have been formulated as integral equations

11. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENT NUMERICAL METHOD
➢ FINITE VOLUME METHOD
The FVM is a method for representing and evaluating partial
differential equations as algebraic equations

12. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENT NUMERICAL METHOD
➢ FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD
The FDM is described as a way to solve differential equation. It
uses taylor series to convert a differential equation to an
algebraic equation

13. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
ADVANTAGES OF FEA
➢ Visualization increases
➢ Design cycle time decreases
➢ No of prototypes decreases
➢ Testing decreases
➢ Optimum design

14. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
STIFFNESS MATRIX METHODS
➢ Direct Method
➢ Variational method
➢ Weighted residual method

15. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
STEPS INVOLVED IN FEA
Step 1 - Discretization: The problem domain is discretized into a
collection of simple shapes, or elements.
Step 2 - Develop Element Equations: Developed using the
physics of the problem, and typically Galerkin’s Method or
variational principles.
Step 3 - Assembly: The element equations for each element in
the FEM mesh are assembled into a set of global equations that
model the properties of the entire system.

16. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
STEPS INVOLVED IN FEA
Step 4 - Application of Boundary Conditions: Solution cannot be
obtained unless boundary conditions are applied. They reflect
the known values for certain primary unknowns. Imposing the
boundary conditions modifies the global equations.
Step 5 - Solve for Primary Unknowns: The modified global
equations are solved for the primary unknowns at the nodes.
Step 6 - Calculate Derived Variables: Calculated using the nodal
values of the primary variables

17. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
STEPS INVOLVED IN FEA
➢ Modeling or Preprocessing
➢ Solution or Analysis
➢ Visualization or post processing

18. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
MODELLING OR PRE PROCESSING
➢ Import of CAD
➢ Meshing
➢ Material and property information
➢ Loads constraints and solver information

19. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
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20. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Consider the physics of
the situation. Devise a
mathematical model.
Obtain approximate
results for subsequent
comparison with FEA.
Plan a finite element
discretization of the
mathematical model.
Preprocess:
Build the finite
element model in
the computer.
Solution:
Generate and
solve equations
of the finite
element model.
Postprocess:
Output/display
computed results
for examination.
Are the FEA results free of obvious errors, such as disagreement with the intended
boundary conditions? Are FEA results physically reasonable? Do FEA results agree
reasonably well with predictions and approximations obtained by other means?
What is at fault,
Inadequate physical basis
for the model or a poor
finite element model?
Are error
estimates
small? Does
mesh revision
do little to
alter the FEA
results?
Revise the
finite
element
discretizatio
n
STOP
START
Physics FEA
No
Yes
Yes
No
Finite Element Analysis
1 2 3 4a
5
4b
4c
D1
H
D2

21. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION
Dassault Systems
3 – D and PLM software
➢ Building models on Computer
➢ Engineering Analysis and Design
➢ Production
➢ Market.

22. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
➢ SOLIDWORKS
3D CAD : Creating complex parts and assemblies
Modeling tools : Feature Recognition, Reverse Engineering
Simulation: Engineering Analysis tools for structural,
fluid and thermal analysis.
2D Drawings : Working drawings for production
Data Management
Presentation : Photoworks

23. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION TO SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION
➢ SolidWorks Simulation is a design analysis software that is
fully integrated in SolidWorks.
➢ SolidWorks Simulation simulates the testing of your model’s
prototype in its working environment. It can help you answer
questions like: how safe, efficient, and economical is your
design?
➢ SolidWorks Simulation is used by students, designers,
analysts, engineers, and other professionals to produce safe,
efficient, and economical designs.

24. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
ANALYSIS TYPES
CAE includes the following types of analysis
➢ Linear static analysis Crash analysis
➢ Non linear analysis NVH analysis
➢ Dynamic analysis
➢ Buckling analysis
➢ Thermal analysis
➢ Fatigue analysis
➢ Optimization
➢ CFD analysis

25. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
LINEAR STATIC ANALYSIS
➢ In linear analysis the FE solver will therefore always follow a
straight line from base to deformed shape

26. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
NONLINEAR ANALYSIS
➢ Non linear analysis deals with the true stress and strain
A non linear analysis is performed when we need to consider
➢ Material based non linearity
➢ Geometric non linearity
➢ Contact or boundary non linearity

27. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS
➢ Linear dynamics
➢ Non linear dynamics

28. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
LINEAR BUCKLING ANALYSIS
➢ Applicable for only compressive loads
➢ Slender beams and sheet metal parts

29. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
THERMAL ANALYSIS
➢ Heat transfer analysis solve for the unknown temperatures
and fluxes under thermal loading.

30. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
➢ FATIGUE ANALYSIS
➢ OPTIMIZATION

31. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS
➢ Fluid statics
➢ Fluid dynamics
Computational fluid dynamics is the branch of fluid mechanics
where numerical methods are used to analyze fluid dynamics
problems

32. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
FLOW CLASSIFICATION
➢ Viscosity
➢ Dimensions
➢ Turbulent or laminar
➢ Compressibility
➢ Velocity

33. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
CRASH ANALYSIS
➢ Structural crash worthiness or full dynamic or impact
simulations
➢ Drop test simulations
➢ occupant safety

34. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
NOICE VIBRATION & HARSHNESS
➢ Sound radiation or scattering or uncoupled problems
➢ Coupled or vibroacoustics problems