FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

INTRODUCTION

The finite element method (FEM) is a popular method for numerically solving differential
equations arising in engineering and mathematical modeling. Typical problem areas of interest include
the traditional fields of structural analysis, heat transfer, fluid flow, mass transport, and electromagnetic
potential.

The FEM is a general numerical method for solving partial differential equations in two or three space
variables (i.e., some boundary value problems). To solve a problem, the FEM subdivides a large system
into smaller, simpler parts that are called finite elements. This is achieved by a particular
space discretization in the space dimensions, which is implemented by the construction of a mesh of the
object: the numerical domain for the solution, which has a finite number of points. The finite element
method formulation of a boundary value problem finally results in a system of algebraic equations. The
method approximates the unknown function over the domain.[1] The simple equations that model these
finite elements are then assembled into a larger system of equations that models the entire problem.
The FEM then approximates a solution by minimizing an associated error function via the calculus of
variations.

Steps to Follow:

 Cut the domain into equal intervals (elements).

 Define PDE/ODE for every element.
 Create a matrix which can be direct or global and find the independent ones

Types of FEM

1. 1-D Two nodes, one

independent
2. 2-D coordinate

Three nodes and 2

3. 3-D independent
coordinates

Four nodes

Linear or 1-D Quadratic or 2-D Cubic or 3-D

Why do we prefer FEM?

FEM is preferred in cases where higher accuracy is required. Although it is time

taking process but it gives accurate results than the older method, The finite difference method.
in the FDM methods, the discretization of the domain is done as a set of nodes at which the
results are determined, while in the FEM method the results are known in every point of the
domain as the approximation is done with functions defined on small triangular (or
quadrilateral) areas in 2D.

Advantages of FEM

 Modeling of complex geometries and irregular shapes are easier as varieties of finite elements
are available for discretization of domain.
 Boundary conditions can be easily incorporated in FEM.
 Different types of material properties can be easily accommodated in modeling from element to
element or even within an element.
 Higher order elements may be implemented.
 FEM is simple, compact and result-oriented and hence widely popular among engineering
community.
 Availability of large number of computer software packages and literature makes FEM a
versatile and powerful numerical method
 The finite element method (FEM) is a popular method for numerically solving differential
equations arising in engineering and mathematical modeling. Typical problem areas of interest
include the traditional fields of structural analysis, heat transfer, fluid flow, mass transport, and
electromagnetic potential.

Disadvantages of FEM

 Large amount of data is required as input for the mesh used in terms of nodal connectivity and
other parameters depending on the problem.
 It requires a digital computer and fairly extensive
 It requires longer execution time
 Output result will vary considerably