Basic Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Duration:	2.5 days
Delivery:	E-learning Onsite Classroom
Language:	English
Level:	Introductory
Availability:	Worldwide
Tutor(s):	Tony Abbey
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Learn how to use FEA in the real world, not just on paper.

FEA is a powerful, widely used and universally accepted technique. However, for those new to FEA there is a steep learning curve to overcome, with a bewildering array of element and solution types, meshing, loading and constraint methods, and pre-post processing options This is before we even get down to the engineering physics behind the problem, with associated classic traps and errors. What is needed is guidance via a thorough but practical assessment of the method and how to use it in the real world.

Content includes:

Background to FEA
Defining your objectives and planning your analysis
Making healthy models
Real-world constraints and loading
Engineering assessment – is your model realistic
Integrating with CAD and geometry
Checking the answers – guilty until proven innocent!

Course Program

Part 1

History and background
FEA Process
Element Stiffness Matrices
Avoiding Free Motion
Spreadsheet Bar Solver
Degrees of Freedom

Part 2

Displacement shape functions
Element Types
A sanity check on FEA
A simple case study
Beam structure example

Part 3

Controlling DOF
Special elements and methods
Element stress inaccuracies
Convergence checking

Part 4

Local Stress Raisers
Real World Boundary Conditions
Real World Loading
Summary of FEA Model Checks
Checks prior to analysis
Pre Processor and Meshing Checks
Auxiliary Analysis Checks
Solver Checks
Post Processor Checks
Reporting

Part 5

Making Life Simpler
Cylinder Example
Understanding the Objective of an FEA analysis
Looking Critically at CAD Geometry
Why Not Use 20 Million Elements

Part 6

Free Body Diagrams
Types of stresses
Assessing Stresses
Checking Results
Load Paths
Other Solution Types
Conclusions

Who Should Attend?

Engineers, analysts and managers who want to get a grounding in basic FEA concepts and techniques.

Interested?

Get in touch to discuss your next steps with our experienced training team. We can work closely with you to understand your specific requirements, cater for your specific industry sector or analysis type, and produce a truly personalised training solution for your organisation.

All NAFEMS training courses are entirely code independent, meaning they are suitable for users of any software package.

Courses are available to both members and non-members of NAFEMS, although member organisations will enjoy a significant discount on all fees.

NAFEMS course tutors enjoy a world-class reputation in the engineering analysis community, and with decades of experience between them, will deliver tangible benefits to you, your analysis team, and your wider organisation.

Find out more

PSE Competencies addressed by this training course

ID	Competence Statement
FEAkn1	List the various steps in the analysis/simulation process.
FEAkn2	Define the meaning of degree of freedom.
FEAkn3	List the nodal degrees of freedom and the associated force actions for common beam, 2D solid, 2D axisymmetric, 3D solid and shell elements, for the Displacement FEM.
FEAkn4	Define the meaning of adaptive mesh refinement
FEAkn7	Name other finite element methods.
FEAkn8	List the requirements for an axisymmetric analysis to be valid.
FEAkn9	List the degrees of freedom to be constrained on a symmetric boundary.
FEAkn11	Sketch problems showing the various form of symmetry.
FEAkn12	List the advantages of using symmetry.
FEAkn14	List the possible advantages of applying material properties, loads and boundary conditions to underlying geometry rather than to finite element entities.
FEAkn15	List 2 common solvers for large sets of simultaneous equations.
FEAkn16	List the various forms of element distortion.
FEAkn17	List the various element types commonly used in the analysis of components within your organisation.
FEAco1	Describe the sources of error inherent in finite element analysis, in general terms.
FEAco2	Discuss checks that may be used post-solution to check for the presence of inaccuracy.
FEAco3	Explain the term solution residual.
FEAco4	Explain the meaning of convergence, including h and p types.
FEAco5	Discuss the difficulties that can arise in using a CAD model as the basis for carrying out analysis and simulation.
FEAco6	Discuss the need for a consistent set of units in any analysis and illustrate possible pitfalls.
FEAco7	Explain why strains and stresses are generally less accurate than displacements for any given mesh of elements, using the Displacement FEM.
FEAco8	Discuss the validity of using symmetry techniques to model non-symmetric problems.
FEAco9	Explain the meaning of the term ill-conditioned when used in the context of a set of solution equations and illustrate physical situations where this might reflect reality.
FEAco11	Discuss the finite element / spring analogy.
FEAco13	Explain how the structural stiffness matrix is assembled from the individual element matrices.
FEAco14	Discuss the nature of the structural stiffness matrix.
FEAco16	Discuss the salient features of the integral equation for Consistent Nodal Loading.
FEAco17	Explain the process of Gaussian Quadrature and the terms Reduced Integration, Shear Locking and Mechanisms.
FEAco19	Discuss the general requirements for suitable Displacement Functions.
FEAco20	Discuss the terms C0 and C1 Continuity.
FEAco23	Explain the Equilibrium and Compatibility conditions, normally found within and between displacement elements.
FEAco28	Explain why element distortion generally results in poorer results.
FEAco32	Explain the concept of substructuring, where applicable and highlight common limitations of use.
FEAco33	Describe the process of nested or submodelling.
FEAco36	Discuss how developments in computing power and system functionality are affecting modelling strategies, highlighting techniques that are falling into disuse.
FEAco37	Discuss modelling issues related to wind, sea, and other relevant forms of stochastic loading.
FEAco40	Explain the rationale behind the use of 1-D, 2-D and 3-D elements used in the analysis of components within your organisation.
FEAap1	Employ an analysis system for the determination of stresses and strains in small displacement, linear elastic problems.
FEAap4	Illustrate the various steps in the Displacement Finite Element Method from assumed displacement polynomial to determination of stresses.
FEAap9	Employ cyclic symmetric boundary conditions effectively, where appropriate.
FEAap11	Illustrate consistent nodal loadings for uniform loading on a range of common linear and quadratic shell, 2D and 3D solid elements and note any unusual features.
FEAap12	Employ a range of post-solution checks to determine the integrity of FEA results.
FEAap13	Conduct validation studies in support of FEA.
FEAap14	Carry out sensitivity studies.
FEAan1	Analyse the results from small displacement, linear static analyses and determine whether they satisfy inherent assumptions.
FEAan2	Compare the results from small displacement, linear elastic analyses with allowable values and comment on findings.
FEAan3	Analyse the results from sensitivity studies and draw conclusions from trends.
FEAsy1	Prepare an analysis specification, including modelling strategy, highlighting any assumptions relating to geometry, loads, boundary conditions and material properties.
FEAsy2	Develop an analysis strategy that enables the relative significance of individual model parameters and their interactions to be evaluated.
FEAsy3	Plan an analysis, specifying necessary resources and timescale.
FEAsy4	Prepare quality assurance procedures for finite element analysis activities within an organisation.
FEAsy8	Prepare a validation plan in support of a FEA study.
FEAev2	Assess the significance of neglecting any feature or detail in any idealisation.
FEAev3	Assess the significance of simplifying geometry, material models, loads or boundary conditions.
FEAev5	Manage verification and validation procedures in support of FEA.
MESMkn6	Sketch the graph of force versus deflection for a linear elastic spring and identify the potential energy and the complementary energy.
MESMkn9	Sketch a general 3D stress element showing all stress components.
MESMkn10	Sketch Mohr Circle for a simple tensile test specimen, illustrating the plane of maximum shear.
MESMkn11	Define Hooke's Law.
MESMkn12	Define Poisson's Ratio.
MESMkn13	Define the relationship between Young's Modulus, Poisson's Ratio and Shear Modulus.
MESMkn14	Sketch the through-thickness shear stress distribution in a rectangular beam subjected to a shearing load.
MESMkn15	List the equations for the hoop and longitudinal stresses in an internally pressurised thin sphere and a thin cylinder with remote end closures.
MESMkn16	Sketch the contact normal stress distribution for a circular pin in lug with a circular hole.
MESMkn17	List the section properties for a range of common shapes, including hollow circular.
MESMkn18	List various Failure Hypotheses / Criteria.
MESMkn19	State an appropriate failure criteria for brittle materials.
MESMkn20	Define Tresca and von Mises Stress for a 3D stress state.
MESMkn21	State the elastic Constitutive Relations in 2D, for a homogeneous, isotropic material.
MESMco1	Discuss the term Rigid Body and explain its significance in relation to any analysis.
MESMco2	Explain the terms Uniaxial, Biaxial and Triaxial Stress.
MESMco3	Explain the significance of the terms Equilibrium, Compatibility and Constitutive Relations.
MESMco4	Discuss the terms True Stress and Natural Strain.
MESMco5	Describe the stress distribution around a hole in an infinite plate subjected to uniaxial tension.
MESMco6	Sketch deformed shapes, shear force, bending moment and torque diagrams, for simple structures.
MESMco9	Discuss the uncertainties typically present in analyses and explain how these are handled.
MESMco10	Explain the term Statically Indeterminate and illustrate with a few examples.
MESMco11	Explain the significance of the assumption plane sections remain plane in relation to beam bending.
MESMco12	Explain when deflection due to shear starts to become significant with beams, plates and shells.
MESMco14	Provide examples of Plane Stress and Plane Strain.
MESMco15	Explain the Tresca and von Mises Failure Criteria in 2D, sketching the failure surface.
MESMco16	Discuss the stress states that give rise to maximum differences between the Tresca and von Mises criteria.
MESMco17	Discuss the Principle of Superposition and its limitations.
MESMco18	Explain how St. Venant's Principle may be of use in FEA.
MESMco19	Explain how the interaction of stress concentrations may be handled.
MESMap1	Employ Free Body Diagrams effectively.
MESMap2	Use tables to retrieve stress concentration data for common configurations.
MESMap8	Evaluate deformed shapes, shear force, bending moment and torque diagrams for simple structures.
MESMan1	Use tabulated formulae or first principles to determine deflections and stresses for simple, beam, plate and shell problems, as a check on values from FEA.
MESMsy1	Plan analysis strategies.
BMPSkn2	Sketch typical beam, membrane, plate and shell elements showing degrees of freedom and corresponding force actions.
BMPSco1	Describe the basic differences between a membrane, a plate and a shell.
BMPSco2	Explain the term and significance of a drilling degree of freedom for a shell element (rotational freedom normal to the shell surface).
BMPSco3	Discuss, in general terms, the assumptions inherent in beam, plate or shell theory forming the basis of any element being used.
BMPSco9	Discuss the significance of a facetted representation of a curved shell, where relevant and explain why use of this type of element is no longer necessary.
BMPSco14	Describe any inherent dangers in using a membrane or a plate idealisation rather than a shell one.
BMPSco15	Discuss the use of beam and shell elements to model stiffeners and highlight limitations.
BMPSco22	Describe the terms Neutral Axis and Centroidal Axis in relation to beam elements.
BMPSco23	Describe the terms Shear Centre, Shear Coefficients, Torsional Constant and Warping in relation to beam elements.
BMPSco25	Explain why the through-thickness stress is commonly neglected in thin shells.
BMPSco26	Describe the boundary conditions appropriate to fully-fixed and simply supported beams and shells and explain the link to bending stress.
BMPSco29	Discuss the effect of an offset in shell mid-surface on local and global result quantities.
BMPSco31	Explain the challenges in connecting beam and shell elements to solids.
BMPSap3	Determine positive plate/shell normal directions and use this effectively in the application of pressure and the correct display of surface stress plots.
BMPSap4	Use beam elements effectively for appropriate idealisations of components and structures.
BMPSap5	Use membrane elements effectively for appropriate idealisations of components and structures.
BMPSap6	Use plate elements effectively for appropriate idealisations of components and structures.
BMPSap7	Use shell elements effectively for appropriate idealisations of components and structures.
BMPSan1	Analyse requirements for finite element models of industrial components using beam, membrane, plate and shell elements and determine whether the basic assumptions inherent in the element formulations are valid.
BMPSsy1	Plan modelling strategies for stiffened plate/shell structures.
BMPSev1	Justify the appropriateness of a beam, membrane, plate or shell idealisation for any analysis.
MASco1	Describe the salient features of a stress strain curve from a uniaxial tensile test on a typical steel and aluminium alloy.
MASco4	Describe the characteristics of ductile and brittle failures.
MASco15	If relevant to your industry sector, explain how use of a modulus and allowable stress can be used in a small displacement linear elastic analysis of a plastic component.
MASap1	Employ material constitutive data appropriately in analysis and simulation.
SIMMkn17	SPDM - State applicable simulation process for the relevant project in your organization.
SIMMkn18	SPDM - State input data from other disciplines and domains (e.g. design, loads, materials, tests...).
SIMMkn19	SPDM - State output of simulation & analysis processes, including design substantiation, test requirements...
SIMMkn20	SPDM - State the different phases and control actions of an efficient simulation and analysis process
SIMMkn26	SPDM - Identify model/simulation data to be managed.
SIMMkn27	SPDM - List the import and eIntro to FEAport formats available in your application software.
SIMMco27	SPDM- Understand the process to import and select loads for the relevant project(*).
SIMMco28	SPDM- Understand loads selection and combination rules applicable to the relevant project(*).
SIMMco29	SPDM- Understand different load characteristics and variability(*).
SIMMco36	SPDM - Understand successive phases of the applicable simulation process including preparatory phase, modelling and simulation phase, validation and assessment phase.
SIMMco47	SPDM - Describe the limitations of the import and export formats available in your application software.
SIMMap14	SPDM - Use applicable capability to eIntro to FEAtract/import applicable material data for simulation(*).
SIMMap15	SPDM - Use applicable capability to import applicable loads and environmental data(*).
SIMMan16	SPDM - Analyze the impact of input data changes ( e.g.loads..) in support of a decision to launch a new simulation loop.
SIMMan17	SPDM - Analyze the impact of material changes in support of a decision to launch a new simulation loop(*).
SIMMco7 - V&V	Explain the term solution verification.
SIMMap4 - V&V	Perform basic model checks
SIMMap6 - V&V	Perform test /analysis correlation studies
SIMMan6 - V&V	Analyze simulation results to support validation activities.
SIMMsy7 - V&V	Prepare a validation plan in support of a FEA study.
SIMMkn9	List the various CAD, and CAE systems your company uses and has a need to transfer data to/from.
SIMMkn10	State whether the CAD CAE interfaces amongst your analysis and simulations applications are uni directional or bi directional
SIMMco15	Understand fundamentals of the mechanical design process
SIMMco16	Explain how a CAD model can support different CAE models.
SIMMco18	Understand procedures to extract and import applicable CAD geometrical data, and/or drawings for the relevant analysis.
SIMMco20	Understand the tracking of changes in CAD and simulation models
SIMMco23	Review the functionality of STEP in relation to your analysis and simulation needs.
SIMMco25	Review whether features are retained across the import and export filters available in your application software.
SIMMap8	Apply any model clean up facilities available in your application software, for use on imported data.
SIMMap9	Use facilities in your application software to solidify imported geometry where necessary.
SIMMap10	Use your application software to extract mid surfaces from solid geometry
SIMMap11	Employ any feature-recognition facilities on imported geometry, to allow suppression or modification.
SIMMap12	Apply appropriate tolerances and other settings when importing and exporting model data.
SIMMan8	Appraise whether any geometrical entities have been approximated on importation into your analysis and simulation systems.
SIMMan18	Analyze the impact of design changes in support of a decision to launch a new simulation loop.
SIMMan19	Assess the justification of design changes coming from simulation results.