Training Material for Finite Element Software
UMIST
Bill Swindells
The aim of the project is to produce finite element training
material for use by teaching staff from a wide range of
disciplines. The material will be produced in a machine readable
format and will include a range of modules covering:
- Finite element theory (Student notes)
- Worked examples and Case studies (package independent)
- Example Listings (for some commercial finite element packages)
- Overhead projector transparancies.
An overview document explains the conventions used within the
material, the software used to produce the material and how the
material can be modified to suit local needs. There is an
overview included for each module.
Modules :
- Introduction
The introduction begins by explaining what
the finite element method is, and why it is
used increasingly by engineers.
Basic concepts of the finite element method
such as nodes, elements, loads and boundary
conditions are discussed along with their
relationship with engineering concepts.
The various approaches to obtaining finite
element equations are illustrated. There is
a review of background information required for
using the method, topics such as matrix
mathematics, etc.
- Static I : Linear Elastic Static Analysis
Linear elastic static analysis for the various
one and two dimensional finite elements
and the element geometries are introduced.
The finite element equations are derived, the
shape functions obtained and their importance
discussed. Other topics covered are solvers, numerical
integration, optimum stress locations, sources of
errors, constraints and pressure loading. The examples
show the elements in action with basic loading and
modelling considerations
- Static II : Advanced Static Analysis
This module is an extension of the work covered
in the Static I module and three dimensional and
plate and shell elements are introduced. The various topics
considered include advanced load cases, composite material
and an introduction to non-linear analysis in the form
of plasticity. These topics are reinforced by a series
of examples.
- Field Analysis
The topics in this module cover problem governed
by either Laplace or Poisson's equation. Such
problems include heat conduction, fluid flow and
torsion of two-dimensional sections (as a two-
dimensional problem). The theory in this module
can be modified to cover other problems with
similar governing equations. A set of examples
is included in each area to illustrate the method.
The material is currently in the process of being published by
The Open University. The Introduction module should be available
by May 1995 and the Static I : Linear Static Analysis should
follow shortly. The remaining modules should be available by late
summer 1995.
Details on the availablity of the material can be obtained from :
Dr Ray Matela
The Open University,
Faculty of Technology
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA
Email:R.J.Matela@open.ac.uk
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From: Brian Shields
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995
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| |
| In general the copyright for material on the NISS Bulletin Board |
| is held by the CHEST & NISS Centre (University of Bath) or by the |
| authors. |
| |
| Copying or reproduction of the material is permitted provided that |
| |
| (a) the source is acknowledged |
| and (b) the material is not used for commercial gain. |
| |
| However, material must not be made available outside the academic |
| community without prior consent. |
|_______________________________________________________________________|