The method of finite element analysis was developed in the middle of the twentieth century when engineers felt the pulse of the need for more accurate and efficient methods to solve complex structural problems. Initially conceived for aerospace applications, FEA has spread over the years to many other quite different industries because of development in computer technologies and the improvement of numerical techniques. The FEA technique discretizes a continuum into finite elements and finally converts the usually complicated differential equations into more solvable algebraic equations with the application of computing algorithms. In this way, it enables engineers and researchers to simulate how a design will respond to physical forces, temperature, vibration, and other kinds of loads before really making a prototype.
Principle and Methodology of FEA
FEA is a technique that discretizes a continuous domain into elements that are finite sub-domains, usually interconnected at nodes. The behavior of every element is approximated with simple shape functions. Basically, the process includes the following steps: pre-processing, definition of geometry, meshing, material properties, application of boundary conditions, formulation, and assembly of a global system of equations. Solve unknown variables in equations using numerical methods. Results are visualized and compared with experimental data or analytical solutions for accuracy.
Instrumentation
These include ANSYS, ABAQUS, and SOLIDWORKS Simulation as key FEA software packages in conducting a proper finite element analysis; all these incorporate the three major building blocks of any analysis: advanced meshing, robust solvers, and comprehensive postprocessing tools. Many of these tools can integrate with CAD systems for seamless transitions from design to analysis.
