Finite Element Method Step by Step Instructions of Basic FEM Theory for All FEM Beginners

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

  • Preface
  • My Goals
  • Target Audience
  • Prerequisite
  • Textbook
  • References

CHAPTER 2: APPROXIMATION OF FUNCTION

  • What is FEM?
  • Approximation of Function

CHAPTER 3: METHOD OF WEIGHTED RESIDUAL

  • Mathematical Theory

CHAPTER 4: GALERKIN METHOD

  • General Expression of Galerkin Method
  • Least Square Method (Off the Topic)

CHAPTER 5: EXAMPLE OF GALERKIN METHOD AND MATRIX FORMULATION

  • The 2nd-Order PDE Problem
  • Matrix Formulation

CHAPTER 6: SHAPE FUNCTIONS AND GRAPHICAL EXPLANATION

  • Shape Functions
  • Graphical Idea

CHAPTER 7: EXAMPLE PROBLEM (1-DIMENSIONAL, 3-DEGREE OF FREEDOM)

  • Objective
  • Problem
  • Exact Solution
  • Piece-wise Linear Shape Function
  • Stiffness Matrix
  • Force Vector
  • Matrix Form
  • Solve Matrix Form by Gauss-Jordan Elimination
  • Solve Matrix Form by Excel Spreadsheet
  • Under Constrained Problem – What if d4 is unknown?

CHAPTER 8: PIECE-WISE LINEAR FINITE ELEMENT SPACE

  • Global Coordinate System
  • Element Point of View
  • Shape Function in Element Space
  • Local and Global Location
  • Other Important Equations for Future References
  • Assembling Global Matrix Forms
  • Change Integral from Global to Elemental Coordinate System
  • Example

CHAPTER 9: EULER-BERNOULLI’S BEAM THEOREM

  • Euler-Bernoulli’s Beam in FEM form
  • Can We Use Piece-wise Linear Shape Functions?
  • Piece-wise Cubic Shape Function
  • Hermite Shape Function
  • Local Stiffness Matrix
  • Local Force Vector
  • Example (Simple General Case with Constant p)
  • Example 1 (Constant E, I, h, and p)
  • Example 2 (Variable h)
  • Example 3 (Variable p)
  • Example 4 (Variable E)
  • Example 5 (Variable I)
  • Example 6 (Variable All)
  • More General Formula with F and M in Elements
  • Example 7 (Variable All with Forces and Moments)
  • Force and Moment at Both Ends

CHAPTER 10: 2D SCALAR PROBLEM (HEAT CONDUCTION)

  • Contents – TBD

CHAPTER 11: 2D TENSOR PROBLEM (STRESS DISTRIBUTION)

  • Contents – TBD

CHAPTER 12: ISOPARAMETRIC ELEMENT

  • Mathematical Definition
  • Example of Isoparametric Element – Bilinear Quadrilateral Element

CHAPTER 13: ELEMENT MAPPING

  • Mapping Conditions
  • Jacobian Determinant

CHAPTER 14: HIGHER-ORDER ELEMENT

  • Lagrange Polynomial

CHAPTER 15: GAUSSIAN QUADRATURE

  • Contents – TBD

CHAPTER 16: GAUSSIAN QUADRATURE - EXAMPLE PROBLEM

  • Contents – TBD

CHAPTER 17: FINAL EXAM

  • Contents – TBD

CHAPTER 18: APPENDIX A: DEMONSTRATION OF VARIOUS PLATE ELEMENTS

  • CST CTRIA3
  • LST CTRIA6
  • Bilinear Quadrilateral CQUAD4
  • Bilinear Quadrilateral CQUAD8