A Finite Element Method Primer For Mechanical Design

Increasing use is being made of commercial software to demonstrate the applications of finite element theory to mechanical or structural design. This book is aimed at those who are new to using commercially available finite element software for mechanical or structural design and those who are contemplating using this software. It emphasizes the practicalities of modelling with commercial software rather than the theory of finite elements. A step-by-step approach is used to describe the analysis process and a series of teaching examples, using simple test cases and real engineering probelms, are provided to complement this.

The purpose of this primer is to provide the basics of the Finite Element Method, primarily illustrated through a classical model problem, linearized elasticity. The topics covered are: • Weighted residual methods and Galerkin approximations, • A model problem for one-dimensional linear elastostatics, • Weak formulations in one dimension, • Minimum principles in one dimension, • Error estimation in one dimension, • Construction of Finite Element basis functions in one dimension, • Gaussian Quadrature, • Iterative solvers and element by element data structures, • A model problem for three-dimensional linear elastostatics, • Weak formulations in three dimensions, • Basic rules for element construction in three-dimensions, • Assembly of the system and solution schemes, • An introduction to time-dependent problems and • An introduction to rapid computation based on domain decomposition and basic parallel processing. The approach is to introduce the basic concepts first in one-dimension, then move on to three-dimensions. A relatively informal style is adopted. This primer is intended to be a “starting point”, which can be later augmented by the large array of rigorous, detailed, books in the area of Finite Element analysis. In addition to overall improvements to the first edition, this second edition also adds several carefully selected in-class exam problems from exams given over the last 15 years at UC Berkeley, as well as a large number of take-home computer projects. These problems and projects are designed to be aligned to the theory provided in the main text of this primer.

An introduction to the practice of the Finite Element Method and a comparison of solutions via its various methods including software used in industry.

Finite Element Analysis Applications: A Systematic and Practical Approach strikes a solid balance between more traditional FEA textbooks that focus primarily on theory, and the software specific guidebooks that help teach students and professionals how to use particular FEA software packages without providing the theoretical foundation. In this new textbook, Professor Bi condenses the introduction of theories and focuses mainly on essentials that students need to understand FEA models. The book is organized to be application-oriented, covering FEA modeling theory and skills directly associated with activities involved in design processes. Discussion of classic FEA elements (such as truss, beam and frame) is limited. Via the use of several case studies, the book provides easy-to-follow guidance on modeling of different design problems. It uses SolidWorks simulation as the platform so that students do not need to waste time creating geometries for FEA modelling. Provides a systematic approach to dealing with the complexity of various engineering designs Includes sections on the design of machine elements to illustrate FEA applications Contains practical case studies presented as tutorials to facilitate learning of FEA methods Includes ancillary materials, such as a solutions manual for instructors, PPT lecture slides and downloadable CAD models for examples in SolidWorks

Introduces the basic concepts of FEM in an easy-to-use format so that students and professionals can use the method efficiently and interpret results properly Finite element method (FEM) is a powerful tool for solving engineering problems both in solid structural mechanics and fluid mechanics. This book presents all of the theoretical aspects of FEM that students of engineering will need. It eliminates overlong math equations in favour of basic concepts, and reviews of the mathematics and mechanics of materials in order to illustrate the concepts of FEM. It introduces these concepts by including examples using six different commercial programs online. The all-new, second edition of Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design provides many more exercise problems than the first edition. It includes a significant amount of material in modelling issues by using several practical examples from engineering applications. The book features new coverage of buckling of beams and frames and extends heat transfer analyses from 1D (in the previous edition) to 2D. It also covers 3D solid element and its application, as well as 2D. Additionally, readers will find an increase in coverage of finite element analysis of dynamic problems. There is also a companion website with examples that are concurrent with the most recent version of the commercial programs. Offers elaborate explanations of basic finite element procedures Delivers clear explanations of the capabilities and limitations of finite element analysis Includes application examples and tutorials for commercial finite element software, such as MATLAB, ANSYS, ABAQUS and NASTRAN Provides numerous examples and exercise problems Comes with a complete solution manual and results of several engineering design projects Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design, 2nd Edition is an excellent text for junior and senior level undergraduate students and beginning graduate students in mechanical, civil, aerospace, biomedical engineering, industrial engineering and engineering mechanics.