Finite Element Analysis I

Q.1) Explain. What is FEA & Why it is important?

FEA stands for Finite Element Analysis. It is a computer-based method for
predicting the behavior of a system or product under different loads and
conditions.
FEA is used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and
civil engineering, to design and analyze complex systems and structures. It allows
engineers to simulate how a product or system will behave under different loads
and conditions, without the need for physical testing.
FEA is important because it allows engineers to identify potential problems with a
design before it is built. This can save time, money, and resources, as well as
improve the safety and performance of a product or system. FEA is also a useful
tool for optimizing designs, as it allows engineers to see how different design
choices will affect the overall performance of the system
Q.2) Comparison of FEA with other methods.
There are several other methods that can be used to analyze the behavior of a
system or product under different loads and conditions. Some of these methods
include:
1. Hand calculations: Engineers can use mathematical formulas and hand
calculations to determine the behavior of a system. This method can be
accurate, but it can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for
complex systems.
2. Physical testing: Engineers can build physical models of a system and test
them to see how they behave under different loads and conditions. This
method is accurate, but it can be expensive and may not be practical for
large or complex systems.
3. Experimental stress analysis (ESA): Engineers can use experimental stress
analysis to measure the stress on a system while it is subjected to loads and
conditions. This method is accurate, but it requires specialized equipment
and may not be suitable for all types of systems.
FEA is a computer-based method that allows engineers to analyze the behavior of
a system without the need for physical testing or specialized equipment. It is
particularly useful for analyzing complex systems and for predicting the behavior
of a system under a wide range of loads and conditions. FEA is also a useful tool
for optimizing designs, as it allows engineers to see how different design choices
will affect the overall performance of the system.
Q.3) Advantages & Limitations of FEA.
Advantages:
• Accuracy: FEA can provide accurate predictions of a system's behavior
under different loads and conditions.
• Speed: FEA allows engineers to analyze a system quickly, without the need
for physical testing.
• Versatility: FEA can be used to analyze a wide range of systems and
structures, including those that are complex or difficult to test physically.
• Cost-effectiveness: FEA can save time and resources by allowing engineers
to identify potential problems with a design before it is built.
• Visualization: FEA allows engineers to visualize the behavior of a system
under different loads and conditions, which can be helpful for
understanding and analyzing the results.
• Optimization: FEA can be used to optimize the design of a system by
identifying the optimal combination of design parameters that meet the
desired performance criteria.
Limitations:
• Modeling errors: The accuracy of the FEA analysis depends on the accuracy
of the virtual model. If the model is not accurate, the results of the analysis
may not be accurate.
• Assumptions: FEA analyses are based on assumptions about the behavior of
the system. If these assumptions are not valid, the results of the analysis
may not be accurate.
• Computing power: FEA requires a lot of computing power, and the analysis
can take a long time to run for very large or complex systems.
 • Expertise: FEA requires specialized knowledge and expertise to set up and
run the analysis. It is not a tool that can be used by anyone without proper
training and experience.
• Boundary conditions: The accuracy of the FEA analysis depends on the
accuracy of the boundary conditions used in the analysis. If the boundary
conditions are not accurate, the results of the analysis may not be accurate.
Q.4) Applications of FEA.
FEA is used in a wide range of industries and applications, including:
• Aerospace: FEA is used to design and analyze aircraft, spacecraft, and other
aerospace systems. It can be used to predict the behavior of structures
under different loads and conditions, such as during takeoff and landing, or
in extreme environments.
• Automotive: FEA is used to design and analyze automotive components and
systems, such as engines, suspension systems, and body structures. It can
be used to predict the behavior of these components under different loads
and conditions, such as during a collision.
• Civil engineering: FEA is used to design and analyze civil engineering
structures, such as bridges, buildings, and tunnels. It can be used to predict
the behavior of these structures under different loads and conditions, such
as wind, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
• Mechanical engineering: FEA is used to design and analyze mechanical
components and systems, such as gears, bearings, and machines. It can be
used to predict the behavior of these components under different loads
and conditions, such as during operation or failure.
• Biomedical engineering: FEA is used to design and analyze medical devices
and products, such as implants, prosthetics, and drug delivery systems. It
can be used to predict the behavior of these devices and products under
different loads and conditions, such as during use or in the human body.
Q.5) What are general steps or procedure to solve FEA problems?
• Define the problem: The first step is to define the problem that you are
trying to solve. This includes identifying the system or structure that you
 want to analyze, as well as the loads and conditions that it will be subjected
to.
• Create a virtual model: The next step is to create a virtual model of the
system or structure using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This
model should include all of the relevant features and details of the system,
such as geometry, material properties, and boundary conditions.
• Discretize the model: The virtual model needs to be discretized, or divided,
into small elements that can be analyzed by the FEA software. This process
is known as meshing.
• Select the element type and define element properties: Choose the
appropriate element type and define the element properties, such as
material properties and element type, for each element in the model.
• Select the approximation equation: Choose the appropriate approximation
equation that will be used to represent the behavior of the system.
• Define the boundary conditions and apply loads: The boundary conditions
and loads that the system will be subjected to need to be defined and
applied to the virtual model.
• Create the element stiffness matrices: The element stiffness matrices need
to be created for each element in the model.
• Assemble the global stiffness matrix: The global stiffness matrix is created
by assembling all of the element stiffness matrices.
• Solve the problem: The FEA software is used to solve the problem by
analyzing the behavior of each element and how they interact with each
other.
• Post-process the results: The results of the analysis are post-processed to
extract useful information, such as stresses, strains, and displacements.
• Validate the results: The results of the analysis should be validated against
experimental data or other methods to ensure their accuracy.
• Optimize the design: If necessary, the design can be optimized by modifying
the virtual model and repeating the analysis.
Q.6) Explain discretization.
Discretization is the process of dividing a continuous system into a finite number
of smaller pieces, or elements, that can be analyzed using computer-based
methods such as finite element analysis (FEA).
In FEA, the virtual model of the system being analyzed is discretized into small
elements that can be analyzed individually. Each element is assigned a set of
element properties, such as material properties and element type, and the
behavior of each element is predicted using approximation equations. The
behavior of the entire system is then determined by how the elements interact
with each other.
Discretization is an important step in the FEA process, as it allows the complex
behavior of the system to be approximated using a finite number of elements.
The accuracy of the FEA analysis depends on the size and shape of the elements,
as well as the accuracy of the element properties and approximation equations.
Q.7) Explain boundary conditions & give its classification.
Boundary conditions are the constraints or conditions that are applied to the
edges of the finite element model in an FEA analysis. They define how the system
is constrained or supported and how it is able to move or deform.
In general, boundary conditions are classified into two categories: homogeneous
and non-homogeneous.
1. Homogeneous boundary conditions:
Homogeneous boundary conditions are those that are the same at all
points along the boundary of the model. For example, if you are analyzing
the behavior of a beam under load, you might apply a homogeneous
boundary condition that specifies that the beam is fixed, or cannot
move, at one end. In this case, the boundary condition would be the same
at all points along the fixed end of the beam.
2. Non-homogeneous boundary conditions:
Non-homogeneous boundary conditions are those that vary along the
boundary of the model. For example, if you are analyzing the behavior of a
pipe under pressure, you might apply a non-homogeneous boundary
condition that specifies that the pressure increases linearly along the
length of the pipe. In this case, the boundary condition would vary along
the length of the pipe, with the pressure being higher at some points than
at others.
Q.8) What are the types of elements & Applications?
1. Linear elements are elements that have a linear relationship between their
internal forces and deformations. This means that the deformation of the
element is directly proportional to the internal forces acting on it.
• Examples of linear elements include:
1. Linear spring elements: These elements are used to model the
behavior of linear springs, such as those found in mechanical devices
or structures.
2. Linear beam elements: These elements are used to model the
behavior of beams and other structural members.
3. Linear truss elements: These elements are used to model the
behavior of truss-like structures, such as bridges or towers.
• Applications of linear elements include:
1. Structural analysis: Linear elements can be used to analyze the
behavior of simple structures, such as beams, trusses, and frames,
under different loads and conditions.
2. Mechanical design: Linear elements can be used to design
mechanical components and systems, such as springs, gears, and
bearings, to ensure that they are able to withstand the loads and
conditions they will be subjected to.
3. Civil engineering: Linear elements can be used to analyze the
behavior of civil engineering structures, such as bridges, buildings,
and tunnels, under different loads and conditions.
2. Quadratic elements: These are elements that have a quadratic relationship
between their internal forces and deformations. They are more accurate
than linear elements, but they require more computational resources.
• Examples of quadratic elements include:
1. Quadratic tetrahedral elements: These are three-dimensional
elements that are used to model the behavior of solid objects. They
are often used in structural mechanics and fluid dynamics analyses.
2. Quadratic quadrilateral elements: These are two-dimensional
elements that are used to model the behavior of plates and shells.
They are often used in structural mechanics and heat transfer
analyses.
 3. Quadratic beam elements: These are one-dimensional elements that
are used to model the behavior of beams and other structural
members. They are often used in structural mechanics analyses.
• Applications of quadratic elements include:
1. Structural mechanics: Quadratic elements can be used in FEA
analyses of structures, such as bridges, buildings, and aircraft, to
predict their behavior under load. They are often used when a high
level of accuracy is required or when the structure has complex
geometry or loading conditions.
2. Fluid dynamics: Quadratic elements can be used in FEA analyses of
fluid flow, such as in pipelines, valves, and pumps, to predict the
pressure, velocity, and temperature distribution in the fluid. They are
often used when the flow is turbulent or when the geometry of the
system is complex.
3. Heat transfer: Quadratic elements can be used in FEA analyses of
heat transfer, such as in heat exchangers, furnaces, and boilers, to
predict the temperature distribution in the system. They are often
used when the temperature gradients are large or when the
geometry of the system is complex.
3.Higher-order elements are elements that have a higher-order polynomial
relationship between their internal forces and deformations. This means
that they are more accurate than linear or quadratic elements, as they can
better capture the behavior of the system being analyzed. However, they
also require more computational resources and may take longer to solve.
• Some examples of higher-order elements include:
1. Cubic elements: These are elements that have a cubic polynomial
relationship between their internal forces and deformations. They
are more accurate than linear or quadratic elements, but they also
require more computational resources.
2. Hermite elements: These are elements that are defined by their
shape functions, which can be used to represent a wide range of
polynomial orders. They are often used to model problems with
highly curved geometry or large deformations.
 3. Spline elements: These are elements that are defined by a set of
control points and smooth curve segments connecting them. They
are often used to model problems with complex geometry or large
deformations.
• Some specific examples of applications for higher-order elements
include:
1. Structural engineering: Higher-order elements can be used to analyze
the behavior of complex structures, such as bridges, buildings, and
offshore platforms, under different loading conditions.
2. Aerospace engineering: Higher-order elements can be used to
analyze the behavior of aircraft structures, such as wings, fuselages,
and landing gear, under different loading conditions.
3. Biomedical engineering: Higher-order elements can be used to
analyze the behavior of medical implants, such as joint replacements
and stents, under different loading conditions.
4. Mechanical engineering: Higher-order elements can be used to
analyze the behavior of mechanical systems, such as gears, bearings,
and engines, under different loading conditions.
5. Civil engineering: Higher-order elements can be used to analyze the
behavior of civil infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and tunnels,
under different loading conditions.
4.An axisymmetric element is a type of element that is used in finite
element analysis (FEA) to model the behavior of systems that have
rotational symmetry around an axis. This type of element is suitable
analyzing problems involving cylindrical or spherical geometry, such
as pipes, pressure vessels, and balls.
Axisymmetric elements are defined by a set of shape functions that
describe the displacement of the element in the radial and axial directions.
They are typically used in conjunction with other element types, such as
solid elements or shell elements, to model the behavior of the system being
analyzed.
• Applications of Axisymmetric elements:
 1. Pipes: Axisymmetric elements can be used to analyze the behavior of
pipes under different loading conditions, such as internal pressure,
external loads, and thermal expansion.
2. Pressure vessels: Axisymmetric elements can be used to analyze the
behavior of pressure vessels, such as tanks and boilers, under
different loading conditions.
3. Spherical structures: Axisymmetric elements can be used to analyze
the behavior of spherical structures, such as balls and bearings,
under different loading conditions.
4. Rotating machinery: Axisymmetric elements can be used to analyze
the behavior of rotating machinery, such as gears and turbines,
under different loading conditions.
5. Aerospace engineering: Axisymmetric elements can be used to
analyze the behavior of aircraft components, such as fuselage
sections and engine parts, under different loading conditions.
Q.9) Define approximation equation.
An approximation equation is a mathematical relationship that is used to
approximate the behavior of a system or structure under certain conditions. In
finite element analysis (FEA), approximation equations are used to represent the
behavior of each element in the model.
There are several types of approximation equations that can be used in FEA,
including:
• Linear approximation equations: These are equations that have a
linear relationship between the internal forces and deformations of
the element. They are suitable for analyzing systems with small
deformations and low stress concentrations.
• Quadratic approximation equations: These are equations that have a
quadratic relationship between the internal forces and deformations
of the element. They are more accurate than linear approximation
equations, but they require more computational resources.
• Higher-order approximation equations: These are equations that
have a higher-order polynomial relationship between the internal
forces and deformations of the element. They are more accurate
 than linear or quadratic approximation equations, but they require
even more computational resources.
The choice of approximation equation depends on the accuracy and
computational resources required for the analysis, as well as the characteristics of
the system being analyzed.
Q.10) “FEA gives approximate solution”. Explain.
FEA is a numerical method that involves dividing the system being analyzed into
small elements and predicting the behavior of each element using approximation
equations. These equations are based on certain assumptions, such as the small
deformations of the element and the linear relationship between the internal
forces and deformations. These assumptions allow the behavior of the element to
be approximated using relatively simple mathematical equations.
However, the accuracy of the FEA solution depends on how well these
assumptions represent the actual behavior of the system being analyzed. If the
assumptions are not accurate, the FEA solution will not accurately reflect the true
behavior of the system.
In addition, FEA involves discretizing the system into a finite number of elements,
which means that the solution will only be accurate within the limits of the
element size and shape. If the element size or shape is not appropriate for the
problem being analyzed, the FEA solution may not be accurate.
Finally, the complexity of the problem being analyzed can also affect the accuracy
of the FEA solution. For example, problems with highly curved geometry or large
deformations may require the use of higher-order approximation equations or
more refined element meshes to achieve accurate results.
Q.11) Define shape function.
A shape function is a mathematical function that describes the shape of a finite
element in terms of the element's local coordinates. It is used to predict the
deformation of the element under different loading conditions.
In general, shape functions are defined as follows:
Let N be a set of shape functions, and let x and y be the local coordinates of an
element. Then the deformation of the element at any point (x,y) within the
element can be approximated using the shape functions as follows:
u(x,y) = N1(x,y)u1 + N2(x,y)u2 + ... + Nn(x,y)un
where u1, u2, ..., un are the nodal displacements of the element, and N1(x,y),
N2(x,y), ..., Nn(x,y) are the shape functions at the point (x,y).
There are several types of shape functions that can be used in FEA, including
linear, quadratic, and higher-order shape functions. The choice of shape function
depends on the accuracy and computational resources required for the analysis,
as well as the characteristics of the system being analyzed.
Q.12) Explain significance of shape function.
Shape functions are an important part of finite element analysis (FEA) because
they are used to describe the shape of the elements in the model and predict
their deformation under different loading conditions.
The accuracy of the FEA solution depends on the accuracy of the shape functions
used to describe the element behavior. If the shape functions do not accurately
represent the true behavior of the element, the FEA solution will not be accurate.
Shape functions are also important because they are used to interpolate the
nodal displacements of the element to the integration points within the element.
This allows the element stiffness matrix to be calculated and the global stiffness
matrix of the model to be assembled.
In general, the choice of shape function is a trade-off between accuracy and
computational efficiency. Higher-order shape functions are more accurate but
require more computational resources, while lower-order shape functions are less
accurate but require fewer computational resources.
Q.13) Sources of error in FEA.
There are several sources of error in finite element analysis (FEA) that can affect
the accuracy of the solution:
 • Modeling errors: These are errors that arise due to the simplification of the
system being analyzed, such as the assumption of small deformations or
the use of approximate material properties.
• Discretization errors: These are errors that arise due to the discretization of
the system into a finite number of elements. The accuracy of the solution
depends on the size and shape of the elements, as well as the accuracy of
the element properties and shape functions.
• Approximation errors: These are errors that arise due to the use of
approximation equations to describe the behavior of the elements. The
accuracy of the solution depends on the accuracy of the approximation
equations used.
• Solution errors: These are errors that arise due to the numerical solution of
the system of equations. The accuracy of the solution depends on the
accuracy of the solution algorithm and the convergence of the solution.
• Verification and validation errors: These are errors that arise due to the lack
of experimental data or other methods to validate the FEA solution. It is
important to validate the FEA solution against experimental data or other
methods to ensure its accuracy.
Q.14) Differentiate between spring, bar & beam element.
Spring elements, bar elements, and beam elements are all types of elements that
are used in finite element analysis (FEA) to model the behavior of systems under
different loading conditions. Here is a summary of the differences between these
types of elements:
Spring elements: Spring elements are used to model the behavior of linear spring
systems, such as metal springs or rubber gaskets. They are defined by their spring
constant and their displacement under a given load.
Bar elements: Bar elements are used to model the behavior of one-dimensional
structural elements, such as rods, cables, or pipes. They are defined by their
cross-sectional area, Young's modulus, and their displacement under a given load.
Beam elements: Beam elements are used to model the behavior of two-
dimensional structural elements, such as beams, slabs, or shells. They are defined
by their cross-sectional area, Young's modulus, moment of inertia, and their
displacement under a given load.
Dimensionality: Spring elements are one-dimensional elements, while bar and
beam elements are two-dimensional elements. This means that spring elements
can only model the behavior of systems in one direction, while bar and beam
elements can model the behavior of systems in two directions.
Degrees of freedom: Spring elements have one degree of freedom (DOF) per
node, while bar and beam elements have two DOFs per node. This means that
spring elements can only model the displacement of a system in one direction,
while bar and beam elements can model the displacement of a system in two
directions.
Element stiffness matrix: The element stiffness matrix for a spring element is a
1x1 matrix, while the element stiffness matrix for a bar element is a 2x2 matrix,
and the element stiffness matrix for a beam element is a 3x3 matrix.
Shape functions: Spring elements typically use linear shape functions, while bar
and beam elements can use linear, quadratic, or higher-order shape functions.
The choice of shape function affects the accuracy and computational efficiency of
the FEA solution.
Q.15) “Higher number of elements leads to solution closer to excat one”-
Explain.
In finite element analysis (FEA), the number of elements used to model a system
can affect the accuracy of the solution. In general, using a larger number of
elements allows the system to be represented more accurately, which can
improve the accuracy of the FEA solution.
For example, consider a beam with a uniform cross-section that is subjected to a
uniform load. If the beam is modeled using a small number of elements, the
element stiffness matrix will be relatively simple, and the resulting FEA solution
may not accurately reflect the true behavior of the beam. However, if the beam is
modeled using a larger number of elements, the element stiffness matrix will be
more accurate, and the FEA solution will more closely match the true behavior of
the beam.
It is important to note that simply increasing the number of elements does not
guarantee an accurate solution. The size and shape of the elements, as well as the
accuracy of the element properties and approximation equations, can also affect
the accuracy of the FEA solution. However, increasing the number of elements
can generally improve the accuracy of the solution, especially for problems with
complex geometry or large deformations.