Finite element method in structural mechanics Puns

Last semester I took Intro to FEA. I am starting my masters in ME and this upcoming semester I will be taking computational mechanics. Is this practically the same thing but a sub discipline? I’ve been trying to find the difference but having trouble finding it.

My company is paying for me to get a masters degree. I'm in the Aerospace industry and interested in structures, so I'm taking a "introduction to the finite element method of structures". I got the book in the mail and I'm kind of horrified after flipping through it. Partial differential equations, gradients, matrix math. I haven't done any of this since my junior year of college in 2016. Any tips to surviving after not having done anything this technical in a very long time?

Hi there, the only time we used FEM in our life was for a 1D application: A metal bar embedded at both ends, with a different temperature at both ends, an adiabatic case and an open case.

It was during containment, we never used it in 2D, and we didn't even fully understand it.

Problem: We are in our last year of mechanical engineering, we lost like 1.5 years of poor-quality studies and we need 2D FEM in python in many courses now.

Can you recommend to me any good books, websites or even youtube videos that'll explain this concept clearly? Thanks in advance.

Hey everyone, so I'm taking my final tough courses which are Finite Element Methods with Dr. Barari and Advanced Solids with Dr. Rohrauer, anyone know if they curve the midterm for any of these? I did better than average on all midterms for these two courses, wonder how far that'll take me. Worried about Advanced Solids the most, pretty sure I've passed FEM, just wondering if it has a curve.

Hello,

In what cases does one use non-linear finite element analysis in structural engineering? I am considering taking a course in it but I'm not sure if it's useful as a structural engineer.

I'm currently registering for my second last semester in my Civil Engineering degree. I need some opinions on taking a Finite Element Analysis course as an elective for my program. It seems that most Structural jobs require a general knowledge of FEA whether it be offshore structures or land based. Does anyone think I would be at a disadvantage in the job market if I pass on this course and take a different elective?

Edit: [Context] Since FEA is primarily done using modelling software nowadays I feel like it is a waste of a course where I could be learning something else.

Hi everyone,

I have just finished writing a new article about the finite element method. It is an introduction to the finite element method. I tried to provide the full picture about the method with the details that are the most important in my opinion. I imagined myself 12 years ago, and I wrote the article I wish I could have read at the time.

I hope it will bring you value. Do not hesitate to share your remarks. Thanks!

Hi troops

I am looking to understand how the finite element method actually works without all the math. E.g for the lattice boltzman method I have this

The Lattice Boltzman Method considers the behaviour of a collection of particles as a distribution function. This distribution function gives the probability of finding particles moving in a particular range of velocities at a set range of locations. The distribution function is assigned to a fictitious particle which is assigned to a regular grid. The fictious particle can depending on its assigned distribution function travel from one grid cell to another or collide with another particle along a predetermined path called a lattice link.

EDIT: I am completely new to CFD, and my maths background is non-existent which makes it pretty tricky when your trying to read up on this (I'm working on the math though I promise!)

If you are a visual learner: FEM Series

If you are more of a visual & auditory learner: The Finite-Element Method - A Beginner's Guide

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning my masters courses and might need to decide between these two courses. I was wondering what structural engineers find to be more useful and maybe help me decide which course would be better to take if needed.

Thank you

Apparently I mixed these two up in my FEA class. We were solving a problem for homework where we had to calculate the stresses and deflections in an I-beam, and divide it into 3 sections (the two flanges and the web). The question explicitly asked to use the direct method of solving, and I got the correct answers, but my prof told me that the direct method is the same as the finite element method...

To be clear, he wanted me to solve it this way:

{stiffness matrix}*{deflections} = {reaction forces}

As opposed to what I thought was the "direct method":

deflection = (PL)/(AE)

Any clarification is greatly appreciated

I am supposed to submit a project abstract for my FEM course this week, the project should be done using ANSYS. My only problem is that I have no idea what ANSYS is capable of (yet! as i am starting to learn it), and don't want to be stuck with a project that would be over my head. so i need suggestions to projects that a FEM student can do at the end of their course

Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well

I want to run a simulation on spinodal decomposition in 2 dimensions, and one of the governing equations is the Cahn-Hilliard equation which is basically a nonlinear 4th order PDE. I would like to solve it by using the Continuous Galerkin method. is there any handbook that I can use? or is there any other numerical method for this particular type of problem that you would recommend?

Many thanks!

P.S. I am experienced in using the CG method for 2nd order nonlinear PDEs

If you are a visual learner: FEM Series

If you are more of a visual & auditory learner: The Finite-Element Method - A Beginner's Guide

If you are a visual learner: FEM Series

If you are more of a visual & auditory learner: The Finite-Element Method - A Beginner's Guide

If you are a visual learner: FEM Series

If you are more of a visual & auditory learner: The Finite-Element Method - A Beginner's Guide