Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a numerical method used for solving complex structural, thermal,
fluid, and other engineering problems. Here are some common examples of FEA problems and how
they might be set up and analyzed.
### Example 1: 1D Truss Analysis
#### Problem
Analyze a 1D truss structure under a given load to determine the axial forces in each member.
#### Setup
- **Structure**: A truss with two nodes and one member connecting them.
- **Material Properties**: Young’s modulus \(E\), cross-sectional area \(A\).
- **Loads**: Applied force \(F\) at one of the nodes.
- **Boundary Conditions**: One node is fixed, and the other node is subjected to the load.
#### Steps
1. **Define the Element Stiffness Matrix**:
For a truss element, the stiffness matrix \(\mathbf{k}_{\text{e}}\) is:
\[
\mathbf{k}_{\text{e}} = \frac{EA}{L} \begin{bmatrix}
1 & -1 \\
-1 & 1
\end{bmatrix}
\]
where \(L\) is the length of the truss element.
2. **Assemble the Global Stiffness Matrix**:
Combine the local stiffness matrices of the truss elements into a global stiffness matrix.
3. **Apply Boundary Conditions**:
Modify the global stiffness matrix and force vector to account for fixed supports (e.g., set
displacement components to zero).
4. **Solve for Nodal Displacements**:
Use the equation \(\mathbf{K} \mathbf{d} = \mathbf{F}\) to solve for the displacements \(\
mathbf{d}\).
5. **Compute Internal Forces**:
Calculate internal forces in the truss members using:
\[
\mathbf{F}_{\text{element}} = \mathbf{k}_{\text{e}} \mathbf{d}_{\text{element}}
\]
### Example 2: 2D Beam Analysis
#### Problem
Analyze a simply supported beam subjected to a uniform load.
#### Setup
- **Structure**: A beam of length \(L\) with a uniform load \(w\) per unit length.
- **Material Properties**: Young’s modulus \(E\) and moment of inertia \(I\).
- **Boundary Conditions**: Simply supported at both ends.
#### Steps
1. **Define the Element Stiffness Matrix**:
For a beam element, the stiffness matrix \(\mathbf{k}_{\text{e}}\) in 2D can be written as:
\[
\mathbf{k}_{\text{e}} = \frac{EI}{L^3} \begin{bmatrix}
12 & 6L & -12 & 6L \\
6L & 4L^2 & -6L & 2L^2 \\
-12 & -6L & 12 & -6L \\
6L & 2L^2 & -6L & 4L^2
\end{bmatrix}
\]
2. **Assemble the Global Stiffness Matrix**:
Combine local stiffness matrices into the global matrix.
3. **Apply Boundary Conditions**:
Modify the global matrix to account for the constraints at the supports.
4. **Solve for Nodal Displacements**:
Use the global stiffness matrix to solve for displacements.
5. **Calculate Reactions and Internal Forces**:
Determine the reactions at the supports and internal bending moments and shear forces.
### Example 3: 3D Heat Transfer Analysis
#### Problem
Analyze steady-state heat conduction in a 3D solid with given boundary conditions.
#### Setup
- **Geometry**: A cubic block with thermal conductivity \(k\).
- **Boundary Conditions**: Fixed temperatures or heat fluxes on the surfaces.
#### Steps
1. **Define the Element Stiffness Matrix**:
For a 3D solid element, the stiffness matrix involves the thermal conductivity and the geometry of
the element.
2. **Assemble the Global Stiffness Matrix**:
Combine the local stiffness matrices into the global matrix.
3. **Apply Boundary Conditions**:
Set temperatures or heat fluxes on the boundaries of the solid.
4. **Solve for Nodal Temperatures**:
Use the global matrix to solve for temperatures at the nodes.
5. **Compute Heat Fluxes**:
Calculate heat fluxes using the temperature gradients.
### Example 4: 2D Plane Stress Analysis
#### Problem
Analyze a 2D plate under a distributed load.
#### Setup
- **Structure**: A rectangular plate with a uniform load.
- **Material Properties**: Young’s modulus \(E\) and Poisson’s ratio \(\nu\).
- **Boundary Conditions**: Fixed edges or simply supported edges.
#### Steps
1. **Define the Element Stiffness Matrix**:
For a plane stress element, the stiffness matrix \(\mathbf{k}_{\text{e}}\) can be expressed using:
\[
\mathbf{k}_{\text{e}} = \frac{t}{(1-\nu^2)} \begin{bmatrix}
E & \nu E & 0 \\
\nu E & E & 0 \\
0 & 0 & \frac{E}{2(1+\nu)}
\end{bmatrix}
\]
where \(t\) is the thickness of the plate.
2. **Assemble the Global Stiffness Matrix**:
Combine the element stiffness matrices into the global stiffness matrix.
3. **Apply Boundary Conditions**:
Modify the global matrix and force vector to account for the boundary conditions.
4. **Solve for Nodal Displacements**:
Solve the system of equations to find displacements at the nodes.
5. **Calculate Stress and Strain**:
Compute stress and strain in the plate using the displacements.
### Tools and Software
1. **MATLAB with PDE Toolbox**: For solving finite element problems using MATLAB.
2. **ANSYS**: Widely used for commercial FEA analysis.
3. **ABAQUS**: Another powerful tool for complex FEA problems.
4. **COMSOL Multiphysics**: Useful for multi-physics problems.
These examples cover a range of FEA applications from simple 1D trusses to complex 3D heat
transfer problems. They illustrate the general process of setting up, solving, and interpreting finite
element problems.
