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What is the Finite Element Method?
Engineers independently developed the finite element method (FEM) in the mid‑1950s to tackle structural mechanics problems. From the start, they applied FEM to model mechanical systems in aerospace and civil engineering, where it quickly showed promise.
But What Exactly Is It?
WiseGeek describes FEM as:
The finite element method is a tool for computing approximate solutions to complex mathematical problems. It is generally used when mathematical equations are too complicated to be solved in the normal way. In such cases, some degree of error is tolerable. Engineers commonly use the finite element method because they are concerned with designing products for practical applications. They do not need perfect solutions. The finite element method can be adapted to varying requirements for accuracy and can reduce the need for physical prototypes in the design process.”
WiseGeek
In short, FEM provides a numerical solution to complex problems
For example, engineers use FEM to model physical deformations in materials. After a collision, the damage to one part of a vehicle depends on how other areas respond. To understand the outcome, engineers must break the collision into sequential steps. Because the process involves so many variables, modeling it by hand is impractical. Instead, computers running FEM simulations solve the problem accurately and efficiently.
Boundaries define what conditions it needs for FEM to produce relevant results. In the case of a car collision, the boundary conditions would be the impact the outside object had on the car. The conditions can include point of impact, distributed forces, and thermal effects. These effects can be temperature changes or applied heat energy. Positional constraints are also considered.
The Advantage of Using FEM
A complete FEM model turns the information into a picture an engineer can analyze. This helps intuitively identify weak points in a design and create a new plan, if needed. Visualization software is a crucial component of the finite element computer programs.
Exciting Prospects
The application of FEM is only now starting to reach its potential. It has a promising future in helping solve problems in areas such as fluid-structure interaction. Other areas include thermomechanical, thermochemical, thermo-chemo-mechanical problems, biomechanics, and biomedical engineering. Piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and electromagnetics are also included.
Coming soon, Finite Element Method Courses from IEEE will provide a comprehensive and up-to-date account of FEM in photonics devices. The emphasis will be on practical, problem-solving applications and real-world examples. Engineers will come away with an understanding of how mathematical concepts translate to computer code. Finite element-based methods will be covered. Connect with an IEEE Content Specialist today to learn how to get access to this program for your organization.
Resources
What is the Finite Element Method? wiseGeek.
Harish, Ajay. (21 Mar 2019). Finite Element Method – FEM and FEA Explained. SimScale.
Thursday, 25th April 2019