Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

Work Integrated Learning Programmes Division

M.Tech. Design Engineering
Digital Learning Handout

Summary
Course Title Finite Element Method

Course No(s) DE ZG513

Credit Units 5

1-1-2
Credit Model (32 Hours of Class-room Instruction + 32 Hours of Case-
studies/Tutorials + 64 Hours of Student Preparation)

Instructor-in-charge Gaurav Watts

Version No 2.0

Date 20/07/2019

Course Description
The method is to be introduced as a systematic technique with strong mathematical
foundation to solve a boundary value problem (BVP) approximately which has broad scope
in physics and engineering dealing with complex geometric domains. Construction of
variational forms and weak forms is to be studied in depth. Starting from a BVP, approach is
to be neatly developed to arrive at a set of linear algebraic equations that can be solved
numerically. Hands-on experience of examples from diverse engineering fields such as solid
and fluid mechanics, heat transfer, transient and steady state analysis, modal and harmonic
analysis are to be covered using Finite element analysis software.

Course Objectives:

No Course Objectives

CO1 Understand the basic finite element method which converts a given BVP into a set
of algebraic linear equations that is much easier to solve numerically.

CO2 Understand strong and weak formulation, methods of weighted residual, stiffness
matrix and its properties.

CO3 Understand linear analysis of 1D and 2D problems of heat transfer and solid
mechanics, fluid mechanics, study of isoparametric elements, numerical integration
 techniques.

CO4 Solve problems such as steady state and transient Navier-stokes using Newton-
Raphson, implicit and explicit time marching schemes

Teaching Methodology
The pedagogy for this course consists of class-room instruction explaining fundamentals of
the finite element method with illustrative examples from various branches of engineering.
This course will begin with mathematical preliminaries essential for the understanding of the
method such as variational or weak formulation, symmetric bilinear forms and methods of
weighted residual. 1D problems such as heat conduction and bending of an Euler-Bernoulli
beam is to be taken up. Discretization of the domain, connectivity of elements will be treated
thoroughly. Numerical implementation of the method and error analysis will follow for 1D
problems. Additionally eigenvalue problems and transient analysis can be covered. 2D
problems of heat transfer and plane elasticity are to be covered in depth starting from strong
form till arriving at a system of linear algebraic equations. FE analysis of problems such as
flow of viscous incompressible fluids can be covered in the end.
Text Book(s)
T1 J. N. Reddy, An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, Tata McGraw-Hill
Publishing Company Ltd., 3rd Edition, 2005, New Delhi.

Reference Book(s) & other resources

R1 T. R. Chandrupatla and A. D. Belegundu, Introduction to Finite Elements in Engineering,

Prentice Hall of India Private Limited, 2nd Edition, 1997, New Delhi.
R2 R. D. Cook, D. S. Malkus, M. E. Plesha, Concept and Applications of Finite Element
Analysis, John Wiley, NY, 3rd Edition, 1989.
R3 O. C. Zienkiewicz, The Finite Element Method, TMH, New Delhi, 3 rd Edition, 2002.

Learning Outcomes

No Learning Outcomes
LO1 Acquire the fundamentals of the finite element method

LO2 Apply FEM method to most relevant problems in Mechanical Engineering Domain

LO3 Demonstrate finite element analysis software for solving a diversity of problems from
Mechanical Engineering.

Experiential Learning Components:

1. Lab: Onramp, Virtual lab (ANSYS)
2. Case study: None
3. Work integrated Learning Exercise: None
 4. Design work/Field work: None

Content Structure
Module Title: Introduction to FEM
Sub Module Title: Basics of Numerical Methods
Session 1
#. Topic Title Reference
1.1 Introduction to numerical methods R1—Chapter-1

1.2 History of finite element method, methodology, R1—Chapter-1

engineering problems/application,
1.3 Governing differential equations, finite elements and R1—Chapter-1
stiffness matrix
1.4 Gauss elimination R1—Chapter-1

Module Title: Integral Formulations and Variational Methods

Sub Module Title: Variational Method

Session 2 and 3
# Topic Title Reference
2.1 Variational methods-potential energy method, Raleigh T1—Chapter-2
Ritz method,
2.2 strong and weak forms T1—Chapter-2

2.3 Galerkin and weighted residual methods, T1—Chapter-2

2.4 Boundary conditions T1—Chapter-2

2.5 Functional forms Boundary, initial and eigen value T1—Chapter-2

problems, Integral relations

Module Title: Mathematical and Numerical modelling in FEM through 1-D problems
Sub Module Title: Discretization

Session 4 and 5
# Topic Title Reference
3.1 Second-order differential equations in one T1—Chapter-3,4
dimension,
3.2 Derivation of element equations, connectivity of T1—Chapter-3,4
elements,
3.3 Imposition of boundary conditions, solution of T1—Chapter-3,4
equations,
3.4 Discretization process, Pre-processing and post T1—Chapter-3,4
processing,
3.5 Applications-Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, T1—Chapter-3,4
Solid Mechanics
Module Title: FEM modelling of Truss, Beams and Error analysis in FEM
Sub Module Title: Truss and Beam element

Session 6, 7 and 8
# Topic Title Reference
4.1 Introduction, Plane Truss, finite element solution, T1-Chapter -4,5
4.2 Euler-Bernoulli beam element, governing T1-Chapter -4,5
equations
4.3 Discretization, derivation of element equations, T1—Chapter-4,5
assembly, Finite element solution,
4.4 Numerical examples T1—Chapter-4,5
4.5 Approximations errors, convergence and accuracy T1—Chapter-14

Mid-Semester Test (Closed Book): Topics in Session 1 to 8

Module Title: Eigen Value and Time dependent problems
Sub Module Title: Vibration Model
Session 9
# Topic Title Reference
5.1 Free Vibration Problems, T1-- Chapter-6
5.2 Eigen value problems, formulation, FEM models T1—Chapter -6
5.3 Time dependent problems T1—Chapter-6
5.4 Semi discrete FEM models T1—Chapter-6
5.5 Time approximation schemes T1—Chapter-6
5.6 Application T1—Chapter-6

Module Title: Mathematical and Numerical modelling in FEM through 2-D problems
Sub Module Title: Plane element model
Session 10 and 11
# Topic Title Reference
6.1 Linear interpolation polynomials in terms of global T1—Chapter-7
and local coordinates of 2-D triangular elements,
6.2 CST element. T1—Chapter-7
6.3 Natural coordinates T1—Chapter-7
6.4 Iso parametric formulations, T1—Chapter-7
6.5 Numerical integration, T1—Chapter-7
6.6 Computer Implementation T1—Chapter-7
Module Title: Single Variable problems
Sub Module Title: Axisymmetric discretization
Session 12 and 13
# Topic Title Reference
7.1 Interpolation functions, assembly T1—Chapter-8
7.2 Axisymmetric problems T1—Chapter-8
7.3 Discretization, formulation T1—Chapter-8
7.4 Impositions of essential boundary condition. T1—Chapter-8
7.5 Applications: Heat transfer, Fluid mechanics and T1—Chapter-8
Solid mechanics

Module Title: Interpolation functions, Numerical Integration and modeling

considerations
Sub-module Title: Quadrilateral element
Session 14 and 15

# Topic Title Reference

8.1 Different types of elements T1—Chapter-9
8.2 2-D quadrilateral element T1—Chapter-9
8.3 Numerical Integration, coordinates T1—Chapter-9
transformations,
8.4 Master elements, Modelling considerations. T1—Chapter-9
8.5 Numerical examples T1—Chapter-9

Module Title: Flow of viscous incompressible flows

Sub-module Title: Fluid flow model
Session 16
# Topic Title Reference
9.1 Governing equations, T1—Chapter-10
9.2 Velocity pressure formulation, T1—Chapter-10
9.3 LMM and PM model, FEM analysis, T1—Chapter-10
9.4 Examples, Finite element models, T1—Chapter-10

Assignments
 Each student is given an individual assignment on any of the topics discussed in the
class
 Assignments are take-home and deadline-driven (typically of 2 weeks duration)
announced post Mid-semester examination
 Students to spend at least 16 hours of work in study, research, discussion and
 preparation of the report and presentation.
 As part of deliverables, the student is expected to prepare a report and make a short-
presentation in the class

Project Activity/ Experiential Lab:

Sr No Lab Details/ Project Details Access

01 ANSYS On-ramp – Installing ANSYS in PC
02 Virtual Lab: ANSYS software: – 16 hour of practice – Graded Through online portal
for 20%

Evaluation Scheme
Legend: EC = Evaluation Component; AN = After Noon Session; FN = Fore Noon Session
Evaluation Name Type (Open Weight Duration Day, Date,
Component (Quiz, Lab, Project, Mid- book, Closed Session, Time
term exam, End semester book,
exam, etc.) Online, etc.)
Theory- Quiz/Assignment Online 10% 2 Weeks February 14-24,
2022
Lab Assignment Online 16% March 14-24,
EC - 1
2022
Lab Quiz Online 04% April 14-24,
2022
Mid-Semester Test Open Book 30% 2 hours Saturday,
12/03/2022
EC - 2 (FN)
10 AM - 12
Noon
Comprehensive Exam Open Book 40% 2 hours Saturday,
21/05/2022
EC - 3 (FN)
10 AM - 12
Noon

Closed Book: No reference material of any kind will be permitted inside the exam hall.
Open Book: Use of any printed / written reference material (books and notebooks) will be
permitted inside the exam hall. Loose sheets Photocopies and Laser printouts of any material
will not be permitted. Computers of any kind will not be allowed inside the exam hall. Use of
calculators will be allowed in all exams. No exchange of any material will be allowed.

Note:
It shall be the responsibility of the individual student to be regular in maintaining the self-
study schedule as given in the course handout attend the online/on demand lectures as per
details that would be put up in the BITS eLearn (Taxila) website elearn.bits-pilani.ac.in
and take all the prescribed components of the evaluation such as Assignments/Quizzes Mid
Semester and End Semester Examination according to the Evaluation Scheme given in the
respective Course Handout. If the student is unable to appear for the Regular Examination
due to genuine exigencies the student must refer to the procedure for applying for Make-up
Examination which will be available through the Important Information link on the eLearn
website on the date of the Regular Examination. The Make-up Tests/Exams will be
conducted only at selected exam centres on the dates to be announced later.

FINITE ELEMENT METHODS: Simulation Lab

1. Scope of the lab
To support the theory learned in Finite Element Method (FEM) course with modelling and
simulation to understand the implementation of theory to various Structural (linear and non-
linear) problems using software to instil confidence in students to approach the real world
problems.
2. Objectives of Lab
Developing skill set to analyse the FEM related problems with the simulation aid to help before
actual manufacturing or production.

3. Learning Outcome of the lab

 Apply the principles of maths, science and engineering to solve problems related to
design engineering.

Tut. Tut. Name Solvin Quiz Assignment Chapter

No. g Time Marks Marks No.
1. Structural Analysis of cantilever beam
2 hours 3.5 & 4
subjected loads
2. Simulation of a 2D bracket using plane
2 hours 8
stress theory
3. Simulation of a pressure vessel using
2 hours 8
axi-symmetric analysis
4. Fatigue analysis of a tractor tow hook 2 hours 4 8
16 Marks
5. Heat transfer analysis of a pipe 2 hours Marks 3&4
6. Coupled field analysis of a cover plate 2 hours 8
7. Dynamic response of a crank shaft 2 hours 3, 4, & 1
8. Non-linear analysis of a cylinder using
Newton-Raphson method to find 2 hours 3, 4, & 1
collapse load
Total Marks 20
4. Learning Outcome of the lab
 Static analysis
 FEM Modelling
 FEM Result Interpretation
5. Evaluation Scheme

Evaluation Name Type Weight Duration

 Component

EC - 1 Tutorial + Quiz (4) Online 8% 2 hrs

EC - 2 Assignment (12) Online 12% 2 hrs

Note: After completion of every practice tutorial problem, take a snapshot and include the
same in the final assignment PPT lastly. Quiz questions will be based on the practice tutorial
problems and results.

Instruction Schedule

Lab Class work Instructions Online TBA 2 Hrs

Delivery

Evaluation Scheme

Evaluation Name Type Marks Dates Lab Exam Date Duration

Componen
t

Quiz based Online 04

on virtual lab

Assignment Online 16 Phase I duration Regular 7 Days

based on TBA TBA
EC - I virtual lab Phase II duration
(12 for TBA Makeup 7 Days
assignment TBA
and 4 for
practice
screenshots)

Link for lab dates and other details (copy the link and paste it in your browser).

Instructor-in-Charge