ABSTRACT
The finite element method as used in engineering analysis may be regarded as a modelling followed by an analysis. It is applied to structures which are sufficiently complex to deny immediate analysis. The geometry of the struc ture is modelled by a network or mesh of simple geometric shapes or elements, typically triangular or rectangular plates or solid blocks. The math ematical properties of the individual elements are designed to model accurately or as accurately as possible the physical characteristics they are required to represent. For example, a ship’s hull might be modelled by a mesh of two-dimensional plate elements. The mathematics of each plate would be designed to simulate the behaviour of a steel plate, something which is perfectly feasible over a reasonably sized area. Having dissected the structure the analysis is performed on each individual element. The analysis uses the mathematics which are available for each element and takes account of the interaction between each element and its immediate neigh bours, and of the boundary conditions on the structure. The results from the individual elements are combined to produce results which apply to the whole structure. To continue with the example of the ship’s hull, the com bination of results from the individual plates produces the deformations and stresses of the whole structure under prescribed loadings.
