Applied Finite Element Analysis

An introductory textbook for senior/graduate couses in finite element analysis taught in all engineering departments. Covers the basic concepts of the finite element method and their application to the analysis of plane structures and two-dimensional continuum problems in heat transfer, irrotational fluid flow, and elasticity. This revised edition includes a reorganization of topics and an increase in the number of homework problems. The emphasis on numerical illustrations make topis clear without heavy use of sophisticated mathematics.

An introductory textbook for senior/graduate couses in finite element analysis taught in all engineering departments. Covers the basic concepts of the finite element method and their application to the analysis of plane structures and two-dimensional continuum problems in heat transfer, irrotational fluid flow, and elasticity. This revised edition includes a reorganization of topics and an increase in the number of homework problems. The emphasis on numerical illustrations make topis clear without heavy use of sophisticated mathematics.

Emphasizing how one applies FEM to practical engineering problems, this text provides a thorough introduction to the methods of finite analysis and applies these methods to problems of stress analysis, thermal analysis, fluid flow analysis, and lubrication.

Presents the basic concepts of finite element analysis applied to engineering applications. Coverage includes several modules of elasticity, heat conduction, eigenvalue and fluid flow analysis; finite element formulations have been presented using both global and natural coordinates; heat conduction problems and fluid flows; and factors affecting the formulation.

The main purpose of this book is to equip, undergraduate/graduate students and professionals, who are craving to start up or enhance their learning with hands-on experience in solving real-life Finite Element Analysis (FEA) problems. This textbook is specially designed for mechanical, aeronautical, mechatronics, biomedical (i.e. orthopedics and dental studies), geotechnics and civil engineering students who are focusing on stress/strain analysis, heat transfer, and vibration characteristics of the problem of their interest. At the same time, this book may also serve the students from different backgrounds, who have a common or special interest in FEA.

Highlights of the book: Discussion about all the fields of Computer Aided Engineering, Finite Element Analysis Sharing of worldwide experience by more than 10 working professionals Emphasis on Practical usuage and minimum mathematics Simple language, more than 1000 colour images International quality printing on specially imported paper Why this book has been written ... FEA is gaining popularity day by day & is a sought after dream career for mechanical engineers. Enthusiastic engineers and managers who want to refresh or update the knowledge on FEA are encountered with volume of published books. Often professionals realize that they are not in touch with theoretical concepts as being pre-requisite and find it too mathematical and Hi-Fi. Many a times these books just end up being decoration in their book shelves ... All the authors of this book are from IIT€™s & IISc and after joining the industry realized gap between university education and the practical FEA. Over the years they learned it via interaction with experts from international community, sharing experience with each other and hard route of trial & error method. The basic aim of this book is to share the knowledge & practices used in the industry with experienced and in particular beginners so as to reduce the learning curve & avoid reinvention of the cycle. Emphasis is on simple language, practical usage, minimum mathematics & no pre-requisites. All basic concepts of engineering are included as & where it is required. It is hoped that this book would be helpful to beginners, experienced users, managers, group leaders and as additional reading material for university courses.

A rigorous and thorough mathematical introduction to the subject; A clear and concise treatment of modern fast solution techniques such as multigrid and domain decomposition algorithms; Second edition contains two new chapters, as well as many new exercises; Previous edition sold over 3000 copies worldwide

This textbook is intended to cover the fundamentals of the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of mechanical components and structures using the SolidWorks Simulation®. It is written primary for the engineering students, engineers, technologist and practitioners who have little or no work experience with SolidWorks Simulation. It is assumed that the readers are familiar with the fundamentals of the strength of materials as offered in an introductory level course in a typical undergraduate engineering program. However, the basic theories and formulas have been included in this text as well. This textbook can be adopted for an introductory level course in Finite Element Analysis offered to students in mechanical and civil engineering and engineering technology programs. The Direct Stiffness Method is used to develop the bar, truss, beam and frame elements. Both analytical and simulation solutions are presented through examples and tutorials to ensure that readers understand the fundamentals of FEA and the simulation software. It is strongly recommended that readers always find a way to verify the FEA simulation results. In this textbook, the simulation results are verified for the truss, beam and frame structures using the analytical approaches through the Direct Stiffness Method. However, readers must consider that in many engineering problems, they have to deal with complicated geometries, loadings, and material properties which make it very difficult, if not impossible, to solve the problem using analytical methods. Chapter 1 of this textbook deals mostly with the fundamentals of the mechanical loading, 3-Dimensional and 2-Dimensional stress states, four failure theories used in the SolidWorks Simulation, basics of matrix algebra, Cramer’s rule for solving linear algebraic equations, and matrix manipulation with MATLAB®. Chapter 2 of this textbook presents a general overview of SolidWorks Simulation and addresses the main tools and options required in a typical FEA study. Types of analysis available in SolidWorks Simulation and four commercially available SolidWorks Simulation packages will be introduced. The three main steps in FEA include: (i) pre-processing; (ii) processing, and (iii) post-processing and are used in the SolidWorks Simulation working environment. They will be discussed in detail and related tools available in this software will be presented. Chapter 3 of this textbook introduces several kinds of elements available in SolidWorks Simulation. The Solid Element which is used in SolidWorks Simulation to model bulky parts will be discussed in detail. The concepts of the Element Size, Aspect Ratio, and Jacobian will be discussed. Several meshing techniques available in SolidWorks Simulation such as Mesh Control, h-Adaptive, p-Adaptive, Standard Mesh with Automatic transition, and Curvature based mesh will be presented as well. Chapter 4 of this textbook presents the Direct Stiffness Method and Truss structure analysis. The stiffness matrices will be developed for the bar and truss elements. The pre-processing, processing and post-processing tools available in SolidWorks Simulation for 1D bar element, 2D truss, and 3D truss FEA simulation will be introduced. Several examples and tutorials will be presented to show how the user can verify the simulation results by comparing them to the analytical results. Chapter 5 of this textbook deals mostly with beam and frame analysis with SolidWorks Simulation. The stiffness matrix for a straight beam element will be developed and the Direct Stiffness Method will be used to analyze both statically determinate and indeterminate beams loaded with concentrated and distributed loads. This is done by defining their equivalent nodal forces and moments. The pre-processing, meshing and post-processing phases of a typical beam FEA with SolidWorks Simulation will be presented. As before, several examples and tutorials will be presented to show how the user can verify the simulation results by comparing them to the analytical results. Chapter 6 of this textbook presents the application of 2D simplified and 3D shell elements available in SolidWorks Simulation. In particular, the application of 3D shell elements for analysis of thin parts such as pressure vessels and sheet metal parts will be discussed. The related pre-processing, meshing, and post-processing tools available in SolidWorks Simulation will be presented through several tutorials, Chapter 7 of this textbook deals with assembly analysis using the contact sets. Several types of contact sets will be introduced and their application will be explored. Advanced external forces will be presented. Compatible and incompatible meshing techniques will be introduced. Beside, several techniques to simplify the simulation of assemblies will be discussed. Several examples and tutorials will be presented to show how the user can use related tools available in SolidWorks Simulation and interpret the simulation results. Chapter 8 of this textbook introduces several types of connectors available in SolidWorks Simulation and their application. It includes the Bolt, Weld, Pin, Bearing, Spring, Elastic, Link, and Rigid connectors. Both weld and bolt connectors will be discussed in detail and several examples and tutorials will be presented.