Finite Element Analysis Introduction

Finite Element Analysis Introduction The following four series of articles in a newsletter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It serves as an introduction to the recent analysis discipline known as the finite element method. The author is an engineering and consulting with the analysis of finite element. Finite Element Analysis: Introduction by Steve Roensch, President, & Associates Roensch first in a series of four finite element analysis (FEA) is a relatively new discipline, the boundaries of mathematics, physics, engineering and computer science. The method has wide application and provides extensive use of structural, thermal and fluid analysis areas. The finite element method consists of three phases: (1) pre-treatment, in which the analyst develops a finite element mesh for geometry into subdomains for mathematical analysis and apply the material properties and boundary conditions, ( 2)-solution in which the program will be the matrix equations and solve the model for the principal amount, and (3) post-treatment, in which the analyst checks the validity of the solution, the values of primary quantities (such as travel and solicitations), and monitors and examines additional quantities (eg, specialized stresses and indicators of error). The advantages of FEA are numerous and important. A new design concept can be modeled for the real world behavior under load of different environments, and can therefore be refined first for the preparation of drawings, even if only a couple of dollars and the changes are not expensive. After a detailed CAD model has been developed, FEA can analyze in detail the project, which saves time and money by reducing the number of prototypes needed. An existing product, with a field problem, or is simply to be improved, can be analyzed at an engineering change and reduce costs. In addition, FEA can always affordable computer workstations and PCs, professional help is available. It 'also important to recognize the limitations of the FEA. Packages of commercial software and hardware, which recorded a significant fall in prices, still a major investment. The method can test the product, but not replace it. Probably more important, an inexperienced user may be a wrong answer on which decisions have to be expensive. FEA is a demanding tool, in which the analyst must not only Proficient in elasticity or fluids, but also in mathematics, science, and in particular the finite element method itself. The FEA package to use is an issue that is not possible in this brief discussion, and the choice of personal preference, and the functionality of packages. If the package depends on the type of analysis will be performed. A typical finite element solution requires a fast, mode disk subsystem for acceptable performance. Memory is of course dependent on the code, but the interest of performance, the more the better, with 512 MB to 8 GB per user a representative selection. Performance is the last link in the chain of power, with the clock frequency, cache, pipeline and multi-processing all on the bottom line. This analysis can spend hours on the fastest systems, so that the computing power is crucial. An often overlooked aspect of the date of entry into the finite element area is education. Without adequate training on the method of finite elements and the specific package, a new user will not be productive in a reasonable time, and can not, in fact, is pathetic. Expect to spend one or two weeks before, and another two weeks during the early years, either teaching or self-education. It 'also important that the user has a basic knowledge of the computer's operating system. Next month, the articles go into detail about the pre-processing of finite element method. Copyright 2005 Roensch & Associates. All rights reserved.