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| Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers. Josef Alber |
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| Why a First Course of Finite Element Method
There are various courses that train professionals in Design Software or CAE software as popularly known. Usually FEA (Finite Element Analysis). CAE ( Computer Aided Engineering) are used synonymously, while referring to Engineering Analysis of Stress, Thermal Stresses, etc. But there is a difference that lies subtly, lets see what it is. What is FEM? Finite Element Method is a techniques of solving problems. In lay man terms, It Breaks up a complex problem in several small elements. Then by solving for these small elements solution for the larger problem is generated In Engineering we know that we have readymade analytical solutions for regular conditions like cantilever beam, and for regular cross sections like circular. But we know as in real usage, conditions might not always be standard, hence while designing such structures, engineers faced problems. One solution was to approximate the case at hand to a closer standard case and solve for stresses. But this method had inherent inaccuracies, and for critical applications like spacecrafts, engineers wanted more accuracy. Hence, a solution was arrived upon, was to use the FEM. And break the complex geometry into Elements of regular shape. The complex problem was visualized as a collection of regular elements related by some relations, thus by solving for individual elements and then using the interrelations we could arrive to a more accurate solution |
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| Role of Computer-:
The primary way of representing the elements in mathematically analysis was in terms of a matrix that had relations of stresses embedded in them. This was called as Stiffness Matrix At the interface the matrices would combine to represent the now bigger problem. But now the combination Matrix, would be larger in size. For Ex. If a 2x2 stiffness matrix combined with another 2x2 Matrix, the resultant would be a 3x3 Matrix, but now when another 2x2 matrix is added, the resultant becomes a 4x4 matrix. Thus with the addition of elements the size of Resultant Matrix explodes This resultant Matrix is also known as the Global Stiffness Matrix usually became the order of 10000x 10000. Solving such high order matrices was not possible for humans in a Time Efficient way. Thus came in the computers who could accurately and in an efficient manner solve these Matrices. What is CAE? As we have seen, Computers came to the Aid of solving such complex problems. And hence the name came up was Computer Aided Engineering. Thus you can see is that CAE is the mere tool for solving problems of larger scale. What drives the process is the method of FEM. Thus invariably unless and until you understand FEM, you cannot progress solidly in CAE. Advantages of FEM:- Once you know FEM, then all the software is; it is a mere like a tool. And a good craftsman and use any tool if he has the knowledge of the craft. Thus in mechanical design, the craft is using FEM and then software is merely the too. Hence, if you know FEM, then you can use any software. You do not get the tag of ANSYS specialist, ABACUS specialist, NASTRAN engineer, you truly become a Mechanical Design Engineer. In addition to learning FEM, our course also gives you hands on experience on the latest ANSYS software. Thus now you know, if you want a career in Mechanical design, you need strong foundation of FEM |
| Complex Problem Converted to a Collection Of Elements |