What is Finite Element Analysis?

Finite element analysis (FEA) uses mathematical approximation to simulate real physical systems (geometry and load conditions). With simple and interacting elements (ie units), a finite number of unknowns can be used to approximate an infinite unknown real system.

The finite element method was originally applied to the structural strength calculation of aircraft. With the rapid development and popularization of computer technology, the finite element method has been widely used in almost all scientific and technological fields because of its high efficiency.

The basic steps of a finite element analysis are usually:

The first step is pre-processing. Define the solution model according to the actual problem, including the following aspects:

(1) Define the geometric area of the problem: Approximately determine the physical properties and geometric area of the solution domain based on the actual problem.

(2) Define the unit type:

(3) Define the material properties of the element:

(4) Define the geometric properties of the unit, such as length, area, etc .;

(5) Define the connectivity of the unit:

(6) Define the basis functions of the unit;

(7) Define the boundary conditions:

(8) Define the load.

The second step assembly solution: Assemble the unit into a total matrix equation (joint equations) for the entire discrete domain. Final assembly is performed at the nodes of adjacent units. The continuity of state variables and their derivatives (if possible) is established at the nodes. The simultaneous equations can be solved by direct method and iterative method. The result of the solution is an approximation of the state variables at the element nodes.

The third step is post-processing: the solution obtained is analyzed and evaluated according to relevant criteria. Post-processing allows users to easily extract information and understand the calculation results. ^[1]

The fundamental difference between the finite element method and other approximation methods for solving boundary value problems is that its approximation is limited to relatively small subdomains. The concept of finite element calculation for structural mechanics was first proposed in the early 1960s.

The finite element software commonly used for finite element analysis is ANSYS, SDRC / I-DEAS, etc.

Looking at the current development of CAE software in the world, we can see that

Abaqus 6.9 FEA released

Dassault Systemes SIMULIA releases new version of finite element analysis

-------- Abaqus 6.9 adds new features in the areas of fracture failure, high performance computing and noise vibration

On May 19, 2009, news from Paris, France and Providence, Rhode Island, USA-Dassault Systèmes (DS) (European Exchange Paris: # 13065,) is a field of 3D and product lifecycle management (PLM) the world s leading solution provider; today announced: Abaqus 6.9, with technology-leading unification

With the intensification of market competition, the product update cycle is getting shorter and shorter, and enterprises' needs for new technologies are more urgent. Finite element numerical simulation technology is an effective means to improve product quality, shorten design cycles, and improve product competitiveness. With the development of computer technology and computing methods, the finite element method has received more and more attention and application in the field of engineering design and scientific research, and has become an effective way to solve complex engineering analysis and calculation problems. From automobiles to space shuttles, almost all The design and manufacturing of the company are inseparable from finite element analysis. Use has made a qualitative leap in design level.