Finite Element Primer

The original NAFEMS FE Primer was produced in 1986 and proved to be a popular and useful introduction to the workings of the FE method. However, over the following years, a large number of other NAFEMS publications have been produced, particularly the popular “How To” series, which have had a significant impact on FE education at about the same technical level as the Primer but over a much broader subject scope. The original Primer is now seen as very dated and in need of a major revision. Hence an Invitation to Tender for the production of a new Finite Element Primer is now being offered.

Intended Readership

The Primer should be for the benefit of post-graduate engineers in industry and scientists who require a general background knowledge of the finite element method in order to perform detailed analysis or conduct related research. It should be more descriptive and less detailed than traditional finite element texts. It would typically be aimed at the one-year graduate embarking on analysis, probably in an industrial environment, or for analysts who have attended software courses and require further information. The Primer should complement the existing series of NAFEMS “How To” and “Why Do” booklets, giving a more general and embracing overview of the finite element method.

Technical Aspects

The level of the proposed Primer should be slightly lower than traditional text books, i.e. text should concentrate on good illustrated description of the key ideas with only necessary mathematical content. This is the level at which most NAFEMS “How To” booklets are written.

The scope of the proposed Primer should be mainly restricted to static linear elastic stress analysis. A suitable syllabus has recently been produced by the ETWG, which is expected to define the main contents of the proposed Primer. Later chapters should cover software and user-related issues. A final chapter should summarise other situations in which finite elements are applied, with suitable references to relevant NAFEMS “How To” publications.

Proposed Chapters and other Details

These are given in the Appendix

Proposal Guidelines

Proposals may be submitted by individuals or an editor, who may arrange to subcontract the project to a suitable team of co-authors. All proposals should consist of:

• Scope of Document
• Title
• Chapter Headings, summary of contents and approximate length of each chapter
• Work plan and timetable
• Cost

Duration of Project

The time taken to complete the Primer should not exceed 18 months.

Appendix

The headings below numbered 1 to 14 correspond to the published ETWG Linear Elastic syllabus, and can conveniently be considered to be individual chapters in the New Primer (although this is not necessary). For each heading, a detailed list of topics has been identified in the syllabus, and these should be covered in the New Primer. For headings 15 to 20, each should be of a summary nature, and not too long. These headings are covered in some detail by one or more How To type booklets, so the actual contents can be based on key information given in those booklets. Time-dated information should be avoided.

Part 1 – Basics of Static Linear Elastic Analysis

1           Fundamentals of Stress Analysis

2           Elasticity of a Continuum

3           The Basics of the Finite Element Method

4           The Necessary Theory of FEM (mainly relevant to analysts)

5           Numerical Integration

6           1D Continuum Elements

7           2D Continuum Elements

8           3D Continuum Elements

9           Beam Elements

10        Plates and Shells

11        Meshing

12        Restraints

13        Loadings

14        Solvers

15        Results

16        Pre and Post Processors

17        Testing Concepts and Benchmarks

18        Adaptive Processes

19        CAD and Neutral Files

A final chapter should very briefly extend the scope to beyond linear elastic analysis, such as thermal, dynamics and non-linear behaviour. The different situations are covered in detail by many of the How To type booklets, so this chapter could effectively be a collective summary of those references. The detailed scope of this chapter can be finalised as the project progresses.

20   Finite Elements Applied to Different Situations

General Points

» In view of the importance of the proposed Primer, it would be necessary for the successful tenderer to interact with relevant members of the ETWG to discuss issues and details relating to the project prior to its commencement. Regular progress monitoring would also be required.

» The New Primer should concentrate on a clear description of each of the relevant aspects of finite element principles, theory, mathematical derivations and, where applicable, illustrated examples. A balance is required between clarity and brevity, particularly concerning mathematical derivations. Indeed, in many cases it may be sufficient to simply quote key formulae when the concepts and derivations can be sufficiently covered in words and perhaps figures.

» The level of complexity should be less than that of formal texts, but at the level of, for instance, most existing “How To” booklets and parts of the original Primer. Such sources should be consulted to gain an appreciation of the degree of clarity that can be achieved for the proposed Primer – to be of sufficiently sound description and derivation but without the undue formality of textbooks.

» The text should be presented in a self-consistent and clear style, particularly since many readers will not be finite element experts and will want to access and learn from individual sections in a quick and efficient manner.

» The New Primer will contain a lot of figures and equations and is likely to run into several hundred pages. An index would be desirable at the end. Existing NAFEMS Glossaries exist, such as in both HT01 and the Roadmap. These can be used as sources of reference. Consistency in use of terminology and nomenclature between the New Primer and existing NAFEMS publications should be attained wherever possible.

» The proposed level and scope of the new Primer, along with the above contents list, indicate a change from the layout of the Old Primer. A complete re-write is therefore required, although it may be possible to incorporate directly parts of the Old Primer.

» Avoid time-dated information.

» Avoid specific reference to individual commercial software, except in references.

Submission Guidelines

Submit your tender to etwg@nafems.org no later than January 31st 2008.