Introduction To Finite Element Analysis

Background

Finite element analysis is a computational model of either engineering design or material. Finite element analysis helps in design of new product and refinement of already existing product. This analysis checks specification compliance of company before the construction and manufacturing of material. A change in existing structure improves the manufacturing quality of product and structure. In case of manufacturing failure, finite element analysis helps in modification of existing product to new product conditions. Finite element analysis practice in industries shall be broadly classified in to two types as follows. The programmer can incorporate algorithms and mathematical functions so that system behavior is either linear or non linear. Linear system is complex and excludes plastic deformation. However non linear system includes plastic deformation and it allows material testing for fracture.

• Two dimensional (2 D) modeling: Simple analysis can run on computer and gives accurate results.
• Three dimensional (3 D) modeling: Complex analysis runs on fast speed computer and gives more accurate results.

Working of finite element analysis

Nodes, complex points forms a grid referred as mesh. The mesh has material properties. Nodes have specific density. When stress is more region may have high node density. Fracture is possible in the region of stress. Finite element analysis has following elements

• Beam elements
• Spring elements
• Rigid elements
• Rod elements
• Mass elements
• Solid elements
• Viscous damping elements
• Shear panel

Questions:

• What are finite element analysis program?
• What are multiple loading systems?
• How does finite element analysis perform?
• What are objectives of finite element analysis?