Finite Element Analysis (FEA) - Part 01

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

What is finite element analysis (FEA)?

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a method of numerical analysis. It is a powerful tool that allows engineers to quickly analyze and refine a design. 

What is the finite element method (FEM)?

Finite Element Method (FEM) used to simulation of any given physical phenomenon using the numerical technique.Many engineering phenomena can be expressed by “governing equations” and “boundary conditions” Elastic problems, Thermal problems, Fluid flow, Electrostatics.

Why do we use element analysis?

FEA is used by engineers to help simulate physical phenomena and thereby reduce the need for physical prototypes, while allowing for the optimization of components as part of the design process of a project.

How Does Finite Element Analysis Work?

The simulations used in FEA are created using a mesh of a lot of smaller elements that combine to create the shape of the structure that is being assessed. These small elements are subjected to calculations, with these mesh refinements combined to produce the whole structure's final result.

Advantages of Finite Element Method

1.     Modeling of complex geometries and irregular shapes are easier as varieties of finite elements are available for the discretization of the domain.

2.     Boundary conditions can be easily incorporated infinite element method.

3.     Different types of material properties can be easily accommodated in modeling from element to element or even within an element.

4.     Higher-order elements may be implemented.

5.     FEM is simple, compact, and result-oriented and hence widely popular among the engineering community.

6.     Availability of a large number of computer software packages and literature makes FEM a versatile and powerful numerical method.

Disadvantages of Finite Element Method

1.  A large amount of data is required as input for the mesh used in terms of nodal connectivity and other parameters depending on the problem.

2.     It requires a digital computer and fairly extensive

3.     It requires a longer execution time compared with finite element method.

4.     Output results will vary considerably.

References: 

https://www.simscale.com/docs/simwiki/fea-finite-element-analysis/what-is-fea-finite-element-analysis/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finite_element_method

https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/finite-element-analysis