Introduction to finite element analysis

What is finite element analysis (what is it and why do we carry it out? This free course, Introduction to finite element analysis, introduces the essence of finite element analysis. As an example of its use, you will look at the case of FEA of the tub of a racing car. You will also have the opportunity to try out two exercises to carry out a simple analysis of a plate and a square beam.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• 1 Finite element analysis
• 1 Finite element analysis
• 1.1 What is finite element analysis?
• 1.2 Why do finite element analysis?
• 1.3 Capabilities of finite element programs
• 1.4 Results of finite element analyses
• 1.5 Basic principles
• 1.6 Outline of the finite element analysis process: structural analysis
• 1.7 Hints and tips on finite element analysis
• 1.8 A further few words of caution!
• 2 Case study
• 2 Case study
• 2.1 Modelling the tub of a Formula 1 racing car
• Step 1 – The component
• Step 2 – The loads
• Step 3 – Boundary conditions
• Step 4 – Modelling issues and assumptions
• Step 5 – Building and solving the FEA model
• Step 6 – Post-processing the FEA model
• Step 7 – Post testing and verification
• 3 FEA exercises
• 3 FEA exercises
• 3.1 Exercise: Analysis of a plate with a hole
• Interactive step-by-step solution
• 3.2 Exercise: Cantilever beam
• Interactive step-by-step solution
• Conclusion
• References
• Acknowledgements