AME/CE 5763

Introduction to the Finite Element Method

Spring Semester 2014

Course Introduction

Fred Striz
January 13, 2014

School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering - AME

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AME/CE 5763.001 INTRODUCTION TO THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Spring Semester 2014
MW 13:30 - 14:45 FH 304
Goals
The course is intended as an introduction to the standard engineering tool of the finite element method in
general and to the modeling/analysis of engineering structures in particular. The course will be based on the FE
code ANSYS.
Prerequisites
AME/CE 5663 Matrix Methods in Structural Analysis or Knowledge of Solid Mechanics, Linear Algebra,
and Computer Applications
Required Textbook
Saeed Moaveni, Finite Element Analysis - Theory and Applications with ANSYS, 3rd Edition, Pearson, 2008,
ISBN 0-13-1890808, new from publisher: (mypearsonstore): $225.60 (on back order), and as online book:
$89.99, amazon.com: starting new at $177.21 and used at $97.40
Reference Material
T.Y. Yang, Finite Element Structural Analysis, Prentice-Hall, 1986
Daryl L. Logan, A First Course in the Finite Element Method, CL-Engineering, 3rd edition, 2001, ISBN
0-53-438517-6
ANSYS on-line manuals and tutorials, e.g., www.mece.ualberta.ca/tutorials/ansys/

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Course Description
Introduction to the general theory of Finite Element Analysis; introduction to weighted residual methods
(collocation, subdomain, Galerkin, least-squares); finite element programming; presentation of various types
and orders of finite elements and their application in structural analysis, structural dynamics, and stability
analysis; compatibility and convergence conditions for the approximating functions; overview of FEM
applications in nonlinear analyses, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and structural/design optimization.
Topics

1. Introduction to the Finite Element (Stiffness) Method and to FEM codes, e.g., ANSYS
2. Methods of Weighted Residuals: Galerkin's method, other methods
3. Structural Mechanics:
Finite Elements:

Trusses, 1-D line elements, 2-D plane elements and

isoparametric elements, 3-D solid elements

System Matrices:

Matrix assembly, applications of boundary conditions,

bandwidth, solution of system equations

Eigenvalue Problems:

Free vibration and structural stability

Stress Computations:

Element and nodal stresses

4. Other Areas (time permitting) :

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Basic theory

Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Design Optimization

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ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Instructor
Dr. Alfred G. Striz, Professor
School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, FH 206, 325-1730, striz@ou.edu
BS, MS, PhD from Purdue University
Interests: Multi-Fidelity Conceptual Design, Aircraft/UAS Design, Aeroelasticity, Computational Solid
Mechanics, Structural and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
Office Hours
MW 11:00 - 12:00 and TR12:00 - 13:00, by walk-in, or by appointment
Grading
Grading will be on a scale. All homework, quizzes, exams, and the projects will be assigned a given number of
points. In order to reach a C grade, a student has to reach 60% of the total number of possible points.
Homework 20 %, Quizzes 20 %, Midterm 20 %, Project I 20 %, Project II 20 %
Homework
Problems will be assigned about once every two weeks. They are due at the beginning of the lecture on the
specified date. Late homework will be penalized.
Project
Two modeling and analysis computer projects will be assigned during the course of the semester. These
projects will use ANSYS and/or an additional FE code, such as MSC/NASTRAN, ALGOR, Genesis, pro/
engineer, Ideas, or analytical calculations for comparison of the results.
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ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Quizzes
Two or three announced review quizzes over the covered material will be given.
Midterm
The midterm will be a closed-book exam. A formula sheet will be provided. If you cannot take the exam, you
have to inform the instructor in advance for other arrangements.
Help Session
If needed, a help session will be held before the exam. Attendance is voluntary but helpful.
Class Participation
Active class participation is strongly encouraged and will be considered for borderline grades. The instructor
reserves the right to raise a student's borderline grade to the next level.
Attendance
Class attendance is highly recommended. Attendance at presentations (final project or by guest speakers) is
mandatory.

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POLICIES
Academic Misconduct
Copying or excessive collaboration on homework or computer programs and cheating on exams in any way is
regarded as academic misconduct and will be dealt with accordingly. Please, do your own work. If you have
any questions about this policy/the homework, come see me.
Accommodation
Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her
abilities should contact the instructor personally as soon as possible so that necessary accommodations can be
implemented to ensure full participation and facilitate the student's educational opportunities.
Religious Holidays
It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to
provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required class work that may fall
on religious holidays.

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What is FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS?

Google Finite Element Analysis FEM FEA
Concept:
CAD or Understanding of Concept
Material
Elements
Nodes
Connectivity
Loading
Boundary Conditions

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What is FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS?

- FEA (or

FEM) is a numerical method that gives approximate but

quite accurate results

- A complex structure (or domain) is broken down (or discretized) into

small but finite segments
- These segments, or elements, are connected at specified points, the
nodal points
- All input and output variables are referenced to these nodal points
- Equations are set up for each degree of freedom, relating forces and
displacements
- Boundary conditions reduce the number of simultaneous equations

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Family Tree of the

FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Engineering

Mathematics
Trial Functions

Finite Differences

Variational
Methods

Weighted
Residuals

Rayleigh 1870
Ritz 1909

Gauss 1795
Galerkin 1915
Biezeno-Koch 1923

Structural Analogue
Substitution

Piecewise Continuous
Trial Functions

Henrikoff 1941
McHenry 1943

Courant 1943
Prager-Synge 1947

Richardson 1910
Liebman 1918
Southwell 1940

Direct Continuum
Elements

Variational
Finite Differences

Argyris 1955
Turner et al. 1956

Varga 1962

PRESENT DAY FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

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Solution Methods
- Weighted Residual Methods
Assume approximate solution, let average error 0
- Variational Methods
Assume approximate solution, minimize integral of functional
Energy Methods: get strain energy for total system, then use
U
Castiglianos Theorem
= ui
Fi
- Boundary Element Methods
- Mixed Methods

- Spectral Methods
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Much of the material in this course

will be based on the book
Finite Element Structural Analysis
by Professor T.Y. Yang, my Dissertation Advisor,
an early warrior in the field of FEM

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