MECH3300 Finite Element Methods.pptVIP

MECH3300 Finite Element Methods Lecture 1 - Introduction to the FEM Concepts Node - a generalised joint - connection point at which equations are written - there are at most 6 unknowns (degrees of freedom) at a node (3 displacements, 3 rotations) Element - connection between a group of nodes representing stiffness or other properties approximately - interpolation of displacement between the nodal values is used - this becomes more accurate as element size is reduced Reference node - an extra point used to orient the cross-section of a beam Beam elements Beam elements were developed first, as a stiffness matrix [Ke] of a beam can be found exactly for elastic behaviour and small deflections if there are boundary conditions and loading at each end only. The matrix [Ke] links forces and moments (a vector F) to displacements and rotations (a vector u) at each end (each node). F = [Ke]u In 3D 3 force components and 3 moment components act on each end - hence the element matrix is 12 by 12. Individual terms are listed on the fifth slide. They depend on the length L, the area of cross-section A, the second moments of area, an effective area deforming in shear etc. Euler-Bernoulli v Timoshenko beam elements The simplest beam element uses Euler-Bernouilli beam theory. This neglects deflection transversely due to shear strain. The same theory is used as in hand calculation M/(EI) = 1/R integrated twice implies deflection However, if the length of a beam is short (eg similar to its depth) then this assumption leads to error, so most FE packages use beam elements obtained from Timoshenko beam theory, which includes deflection due to shear strain, as well as that due to bending strain and rigid body motion. An element may revert to a Euler-Bernoulli beam if the “shear area” (cross-sectional area used to find shear deformation) is not specified by the user. Terms in a Beam Element Matrix With Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, the following types of terms ar