Finite Elements Applications - Literature review Example

Finite Elements Applications Student’s name Institution’s Affiliation Course +Code Professor’s name Date Introduction The finite element method is a numerical process that allows engineers in different areas to find estimate solutions to partial differential equations in boundary value problems. The process subdivides huge problems into simpler and smaller parts referred to as finite elements. Using simple equations, the finite elements are modeled together to create a larger system of equation to find a solution to the entire system’s problem (Chen 2012). The process then applies variation techniques from variation calculus to estimate a viable solution and minimize any functional error associated with the operation of a system. This paper seeks to identify ten different applications where the finite element process is used in engineering. Application areas of finite element method Engineers have an array of tools to allow them execute their procedures and processes in different ways. Effectively, the finite element method is used in different areas and applications. One of the areas or its application is in mechanical engineering. In its initial years, the method was confined to the structural analysis of complicated objects like aircraft wings. Again, with improved technology and computer automation, large and more complicated models in mechanical engineering can be analysed (Yue et al. 2012). Further, the method has been applied in structural analysis in mechanical engineering, heat transfer, and fluid flow and electromagnetic. Again, the number of calculations to be carried out depends on the size and complexity of a physical object to be analysed. While simple objects require few equations to solve, other more complicated objects require millions of calculations using the finite method in mechanical engineering. Using computer programs like DYNA3D, Altair HyperMesh or ABAQUS, finite element method can be used in mechanical engineering to study how mechanical systems react under load to achieve insight on how to improve the design of a project. Secondly, finite element method is used in structural engineering. Initially, structural engineers utilised laboratory based tests to examine structural behavior of steel building materials and systems in relation to the anticipated natural loads like earthquakes and wind and created necessary designs and regulations for these structures (Mahendran 2007). However, laboratory testing was not only time consuming but also expensive. The reliance of these tests hindered progress in structural engineering and designers and manufacturers had to use conservative designs so as to avoid these costs and time. However, the utilization of enhanced finite element methods has enabled the establishment of innovative and effective construction materials and products. Furthermore, finite element method is used in designing and developing accurate design methods. Therefore, finite element method is used in four different areas of structural engineering that include steel roof and wall cladding systems, cold-created steel stud wall, cold-formed steel building systems and innovative hollow flange beams (Mahendran 2007). For instance, the hollow flange beams are manufactured from one strip of high steel ability utilizing a double process of cold-forming and electric resistance fabrication. Imperatively, HFB gains its structural efficiency because of the torsionally inflexible closed triangular flanges that are coupled with economical fabrication procedures to develop these structures. Finite element method plays an essential role in the execution of observational method in construction. Finite element method is an analytical tool that enables engineers to make initial predictions and assist engineers to have essential degrees for on land movement in construction projects (Woods 2003). Noted conduct in the initial levels can be used to measure the finite element method and review it where need arises. In case other construction strategies require examination due to excessive movements, FEM can be used in a convenient manner. Additionally, typical requirements can be used to approximate deformations in walls and related ground movements for a wall where measurements have been identified by other easy approaches. Again, finite element analysis can be used to offer benchmarks for normal computer challenges that may offer wall deflections or bending aspects (Woods 2003). It is normal for the regular analyses to be carried out by structural engineers without appreciation of soil behavior complexities. Therefore, geotechnical engineers can offer consultative views on soil parameters. They also conduct more intense checks on critical areas. However, geotechnical engineers may not have a better understanding of the relationships between the components and therefore require finite element methods to reduce potential errors. Finite element method is used together with Design of Experiments approach to reduce experimental cost and achieve higher verification in sheet metal blanking process. Metal blanking is a process that is commonly used in the high volume production of metallic components. Imperatively, research demonstrates that there is need to create processes that enable the reduction of trial and error in the design of the blanking process (Al-Momani &Rawabdeh 2008). Imperatively, when manufacturing processes and parameter controls are optimized, organizations achieve direct effects on the production line maintenance and operations. Finite element method is a convenient approach for analysing sheet metal procedures as it assists in reducing time consuming trials aimed at optimizing process parameters. FEM simulations are being used increasingly to investigate and optimize the blanking processes. Effectively, many time-consuming trial and error experiments can be replaced by computer simulations that are highly accurate (Al-Momani & Rawabdeh 2008). Effectively, the finite element method gives approximate accurate solutions based on the type of element and fineness of the finite element mesh. In his study, Antonis Papadakis provides an elaborate discussion and demonstration on how finite element method can be applied in the electromagnetic and fluid analysis of collisional plasmas (Papadakis 2012). The study states that analysing collisional plasmas requires one to make an accurate and precise analysis of different constituent particles that characterise the electromagnetic discharges, especially the charged particles like electrons, positive and negative ions and neutral gas particle. For instance, Papadakis states that because of the presence of charged particles, one would need to use finite element method like the Maxwell’s equations. Therefore, the Finite Element-Flux Corrected Transport method (FE-FC) formulation is used to valid fluid flow equations in studying the collisional plasma configurations (Papadakis 2012). Using these methods, different configurations can be analysed, for instance, avalanches, heating effects in constant voltage dielectric barrier discharges and normal and abnormal glow discharges in ambient air. Finite element method can be utilised in analysing mechanical failures in different engineering fields, especially in mechanical analysis. According to a study by Ahmad Karayan and colleagues, the finite element method has become an essential tool for enhancing design quality in different applications (Karayan et al. 2012). Imperatively, these methods give various insights into engineering analysis that may be obtained using classical failure analysis approach. For example, using finite element simulations, engineers working on turbine blades in jet engine failure need to incorporate both thermal and load effect received by the blade and possible foreign particles that may cause the failure. Therefore, finite element analysis is used in mechanical failure analysis in examining and characterising qualitative and quantitative methods used in determining the main cause of an event leading to a failure. Finite element method is used dentistry to solve several problems that are structurally mechanical in nature. Finite element analysis has been used extensively in predicting the biomechanical performance of various dental implants, their designs and implications of clinical factors in regard to the success of implantation (Piccioni et al 2013). For instance, digital imaging techniques can be utilized in modeling bone geometry in greater details using finite element simulations. Again, stress distribution in the implant-prosthesis connection has been analysed using finite element methods so as to reduce incidences of clinical challenges like gold and abutment screw failure and fracturing of the implant. Finite element modeling is used in bone biomechanics in the analysis of mechanical behaviour of skeletal parts (Parashar & Sharma 2016). For example, bone strain and stress analysis can be done using finite element modeling. The analysis is essential in understanding bone remodeling, designing of fracture fixation, and assessing fracture risk. Imperatively, strain and stress affects the toughness of human bones and when a fracture occurs, medical personnel must establish the most effective way to fix the fracture without causing much stress and strain on the bones (Parashar & Sharma 2016). Therefore, accurate results in such processes can be achieved by using finite element model simulations. Imperatively, finite element method can be used efficiently in the treatment of bone fracture patients and developing new fixation designs. Finite element method can be used in tissue modeling and analysis of cranium brain. The craniospinal cavity is considered a hollow sphere where a 3D finite element model can be used to get better understanding of existing deformation mechanisms of human skull (Yue et al. 2012). For example, to get the numerical solution of stress and strain of the skull, the continuous solution region of cranial cavity can be divided into a finite number of elements before they are glued together on adjacent node points (Yue et al. 2012). Eventually, the huge number of cohesive collection can be used to simulate the overall cranial cavity in solving the strain in such region. Lastly, finite element method can be utilized in electronic packaging aimed at having reliable and durable electronic devices. Electronic devices have better mobility and perform better when they are smaller and packaged well for protection (Chen 2012). Finite elements method allows electronics engineers to create devices that are better in performance and can be moved easily from one place to another. For instance, thermal expansion difference caused fracture can lead to the physical failure of these devices. For example, using ANSYS software, engineers can achieve better packaging for electronic devices and reduce physical failures, optimize heat dissipation and carry out both thermal and fracture analysis on these systems. Conclusion The report demonstrates that finite element method or analysis is used in different fields of engineering to achieve better simulations and estimations. Furthermore, these simulations help organizations and engineers to reduce errors and improve accuracy in their systems. Imperatively, finite element methods remain essential with more research on how they can be used in other non-traditional science fields like nursing and psychology. In conclusion, this report postulates that finite element method (FEM) and its applications have made engineers to have better solutions in addressing challenges in their different roles. References Karayan, A., Castaneda, H., Ferdian, D., Harjanto, S., Nurjaya, D. and Ashari, A. 2012. Finite Element Analysis - Applications in Mechanical Engineering; Finite Element Analysis Applications in Failure Analysis: Case Studies, Chapter 10. Papadakis, A. 2012. Finite Element Analysis - Applications in Mechanical Engineering Electromagnetic and Fluid Analysis of Collisional Plasmas; Chapter 2. Al-Momani, E. and Rawabdeh, I. (2008). An Application of Finite Element Method and Design of Experiments in the Optimization of Sheet Metal Blanking Process. Jordan Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, vol.2, no.1, pp.53-63. Piccioni, A.M., Campos, A. E, Saad, J.R.C, Galvão, M.R. and Rached, A.A., 2013. Application of the finite element method in Dentistry. RSBO Journal, vol.1o, no.4, pp.369-377. Parashar, K.S., and Sharma, J.K., 2016. A review on application of finite element modeling in bone biomechanics. Perspectives in Science, vol.8, September 2016, pp.696-698. Chen, Y., 2012. "The Applications of Enriched Finite Element Analysis in Electronic Packaging.”Theses and Dissertations Paper 1342. Accessed on January 25, 2017, from http://preserve.lehigh.edu/etd Yue, X., Wang, L., Wang, R., Wang, Y and Zhou, F. (2012). Finite Element Analysis – From Biomedical Applications to Industrial Developments: Tissue Modeling and Analyzing for Cranium Brain with Finite Element Method Chapter 10. Mahendran, M., 2007. Applications of finite element analysis in structural engineering. In Siva Prasad, N. and Sekar, A.S. and Krishnapillai, S., Eds. Proceedings International Conference on Computer Aided Engineering, pages pp. 38-46, Chennai, India. Woods, R. I., 2003. THE APPLICATION OF FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS TO THE DESIGN OF EMBEDDED RETAINING WALLS; University of Surrey. Accessed on January 25, 2017, from http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/694/1/fulltext.pdf Read More