Finite Element Analysis in Design *

In real design problems, generally, structures are composed of a large assemblage of various members. For complex structures, the designer has to resort to more general approaches of analysis. The most widely used of these techniques is the finite element stiffness or displacement method. Unless otherwise specified, refer to it as the finite element method. Finite element analysis is a numerical approach and well suited to digital computers. The method is based on the formulations of a simultaneous set of algebraic equations relating forces to corresponding displacements at discrete preselected points on the structure. For simplicity, only three basic structural elements are discussed: the 1D axial element or truss element, the beam element and the 2D element. An axial element, also called a truss bar or simply bar element, can be considered as the simplest form of structural finite element.