Good source that teaches how to do FEA by hand?
Good source that teaches how to do FEA by hand?
(OP)
I'm a beginner (started studying FEA a day ago), and I'm looking to be able to do the finite element method by hand, to find displacements/stresses for different modes, in order to verify the results given by PATRAN (sorry I'm pretty sure all of my terminology here is correct). I've found a lot of good explanations/examples for doing this with, say, a rod, or a simple truss (something that has only 2 or 3 degrees of freedom), and I have a decent understanding of it. I get completely stumped when I try to apply these methods to shells, with four nodes and 6 DOFs (or anything that is 2D or 3D basically), and can not find any good resources (I have PATRAN/NASTRAN manuels and the internet at my disposal). If anyone might know of a good online source (or a textbook, if not an online source) that does a good job explaining how to do these hand calculations? Thank you so much for your time I really appreciate it!





RE: Good source that teaches how to do FEA by hand?
http:
If after looking at Roark you need a more in-depth derivation then I never found a really good structures textbook, http://www
was OK (now unavailable), and foolishly I sold my copy. If you really want to dazzle your friends and never have to buy a beer again then
http:/
is another terrific resource. Again, rather light on derivations but it is a bit more explanatory than Roark, although it doesn't have quite as many wild and whacky loadcases as Roark.
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Good source that teaches how to do FEA by hand?
corus
RE: Good source that teaches how to do FEA by hand?
Bruhn has a nice section on matrix methods.
"Understanding Finite Element Stress Analysis" by Robinson is another excellent primer.
make some simple models, beams and trusses for example, that you can analyze by hand as a start. then more complicated structures (redundant beams). start modelling shells by modelling single elements.
you will learn alot about how the elements work, when they work well, and more importantly when not !
good luck
RE: Good source that teaches how to do FEA by hand?
If you are looking for ways to validate your models with hand calculations, I agree with GregLocock that Roark is _the_ place to start. I also agree that Bruhn is a good book to have, especially if you are doing aerospace work. You will want to find a copy of the index though, it does not come with one.
I also have to add the various Timoshenko books to the list. They are great references especially if you are looking at plates and shells or elastic instability.
Regards,
Jeff
RE: Good source that teaches how to do FEA by hand?
RE: Good source that teaches how to do FEA by hand?
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.