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Lecture 7: Two dimensional finite elements

Chapter · September 2021

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Lecture 9: Two dimensional finite elements

9.1 Why use finite element analysis?

So far, we understand the basics of the finite element method and we know how we can apply it to some
problems. However, why should we carry out finite element analysis?
We can use finite element analysis in the design process. This can result in obtaining a structure with an
optimum design that can reduce chance, hence the cost of failure. Finite element analysis can also be used
to replace physical testing which can also aid with the understanding of how a structure can behave. It can
also be used as part of analysis for research and litigation.
The advantages of the finite element method is that it is a method that is capable of computing results
quicker and the results obtained are more accurate. Due to this, it can result in better structural designs.
However, before we use the finite element method to analyse a problem, we first need to consider:
1.) The type of analysis required - Will this be used as part of the design process or will it be used for
analysis?
2.) Is it necessary to implement finite element analysis? - can we obtain the desired result with simple hand
calculations or is the problem too complex?
We also need to think about the whole process for quality control purposes. Doing this at an early stage
can assist in validation and saves data preparation time which may then be required for subsequent analysis.
For instance, it should be borne in mind that when creating the finite element model, the material sizes and
material properties are likely to change during the design process. Some thought at the model generation
stage can allow for these changes to be made easily, saving the engineer a lot more work in the process.

9.2 Finite Element Analysis Software

We can use finite element software to carry out finite element analysis for complex structural problems.
Thanks to the technological developments over the recent years, there is plenty of finite element software
packages to choose from: ANSYS, LUSAS, Abaqus, etc. However, no matter which software we decide to
use, the process is the same. The process is split into three parts:
1.) Pre-process - The part where the user builds the model. This is usually graphical, but can also be
an alpha numeric input. The model is usually modelled within the finite element software, however it
also possible to model the structure in a CAD package, such as SolidWorks, and then import into finite
element software, such as ANSYS. Once the model has been imported into the software, material properties,
supporting conditions and loading conditions can then be applied and the analysis carried out.
2.) Process - The part where the software carries out the calculation for the finite element problem to
produce results.
3.) Post-process - The part where the software has analyzed the problem and results have been obtained.
The results are usually displayed as a graphical output, but they can also be expressed as an alpha numeric
output. Some finite element packages also have the capability to integrate with other PC software packages
such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, etc. These can aid the engineer to create reports much easier if

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the results are easy to insert.

9.3 Using FEA Software

Prior to using any finite element package to carry out an analysis, it is highly important for the user to
understand how to use the finite element package. There are many steps that a user can take to acquaint
themselves with a finite element package. The first is for the user to consult the user manual provided by
the software’s manufacturer. This document will explain to the user the layout of the software, how the
software can be used as well as all the functions that the software is capable of. This document is likely to
come with the software as a physical manual, but it is also likely to be integrated in the software’s ’Help’
section.
The user can also familiarize themselves with the software by trying out any tutorials supplied by the
software’s supplier. Many finite element packages, although not all, have a selection of tutorials built into
the software. These step-by-step instructions allow the user to familiarize themselves with the layout of the
software, how the software works and it can also allow the user to see any special functions the program can
perform. These hold an advantage as they can show the user the type of results that are expected.
To further ensure a user knows how to work the software, the user can model simple structures into the
software and carry out an analysis. For instance, the user could model a simply supported beam problem.
As the beam is simply supported, a solution to the problem can be easily calculated by hand. The problem
can then be analyzed in finite element software. The results of the hand calculations can then be compared
to the results obtained from the software analysis where the user can then compare the results and see how
well the results match.
We can also ensure the software is up to a working standard through the use of benchmarks that have been
created and developed by NAFEMS (National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards). These
benchmarks are tests that have already been carried out and results obtained. The results of these tests
have also been included into these benchmark tests. Due to this, the user can plot the same test into the
finite element software, and carry out the same test. The results obtained from the software can then be
compared to the results from the bench mark and will allow the user to see if there are any problems with
the software, or any problems with their model.
Once the user is familiar with the software package, and the package is known to work, the user can then
proceed to use the software for any complex finite element analysis.

9.4 Modelling

When we begin to model a structure in finite element software, there are certain factors to consider:
1.) The type of analysis required - do we require a linear analysis or a non-linear analysis? Should the
analysis be static or dynamic? Should we run the analysis for buckling?
2.) Should we model the entire structure or can we model part of the structure?
3.) The geometry of the structure - can the structure be simplified? (3D, 2D, 1D, shell, plate, etc)
4.) The material properties of the model
5.) The boundary conditions of the model
6.) The loads and the load cases that must be applied to the model
It is highly important to check the input to ensure the structure is correctly modelled. We must also be
careful when using finite elements. We must consider:
 Lecture 9: Two dimensional finite elements 9-3

1.) Is the choice of elements suitable? Do we require a linear element, quadratic element, quadrilateral
element. etc?
2.) Is the choice of mesh correct? Should the mesh density be increased?
3.) Is the choice of solution suitable?
It is also important to check the sensitivity of the model.

9.5 Results

Once the structure has been modelled in finite element software, results are obtained. The usual type of
results obtained from a finite element analysis are:
1.) Deflection
2.) Reactions
3.) Stress
4.) Force resultants
5.) Buckling loads
6.) Buckling shapes
7.) Natural frequencies
8.) Velocities
9.) Accelerations
10.) Etc.
These results can be presented as:
1.) Displaced shape plots
2.) Contour plots of stresses, strains, etc.
3.) Vector plots
4.) Force plots
Displaced shape plots are particularly useful. In a non-linear analysis, the deflection can be exaggerated and
for a dynamic analysis, it is possible to obtain the results in the form of an animation.

9.6 Verification and Validation

The finite element method is capable of producing accurate results. However, it can also provide incorrect
results. This may be due to the structure being modelled incorrectly or the software not working properly.
It is therefore highly important to validate the finite element model, as well as the software.
Whilst some finite element software simulations can be fairly straight forward to validate, many are not and
there may not be a standard solution. We can first start by making simple models where we can first obtain
the solution by hand. The simple model can then be subjected to finite element analysis and the results of
the finite element analysis can then be compared to the hand calculations to see how well they match.
We can also check the equilibrium of the model. We can check that the reactions of the model sum up to
the loads applied onto the model. We can also check that the displacements and deflections obtained from
the analysis are as expected. However, we may require more in order to ensure the model, as well as the
software, is truly validated.

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