*3.1.3 Creating the model*

The model is drawn in 1-D (dimensional), 2-D, or 3-D space in the appropriate units (M, mm, inch etc.).

#### *3.1.4 Defining the element type*

This may be 1-D, 2-D, or 3-D.

#### *3.1.5 Applying a mesh*

Mesh generation is the process of dividing the analysis continuum into a number of discrete parts or finite elements. The finer the mesh, the better is the result but longer the analysis time.

#### *3.1.6 Assigning properties*

Material properties (Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, density and if applicable coefficient of expansion, friction, thermal conductivity, damping effect, specific heat etc.) have to be defined in this step. In addition, element properties may need to be set.

#### *3.1.7 Applying loads*

Usually, some type of load is applied to the analysis model. The loading may be in the form of a point load, a pressure or a displacement in a stress (displacement) analysis. The loads may be applied to a point, an edge, a surface or even a complete body.

#### *3.1.8 Applying boundary conditions*

When applying a load to the model, in order to stop accelerating infinitely through the computer's virtual ether, at least one constraint or boundary condition must be applied. A boundary condition may be specified to act in all directions axes (x, y, z) or in certain directions only. They can be placed on nodes, key points, areas or on lines.

#### **3.2 Solution**

This part is fully automatic and it can be logically divided into three main parts: the pre-solver, the mathematical engine and the post-solver. The pre-solver reads the model created by the pre-processor and formulates the mathematical representation of the model. The results are returned to the solver and the post-solver is used to calculate strains, stresses, etc., for each node within the component or continuum.

#### **3.3 Post-processor**

Here the results of the analysis are read and interpreted. They can be presented in the form of a contour plot, a table, deformed shape of the component or the mode shapes and natural frequencies if frequency analysis is involved. Most postprocessors provide an animation service, which produces an animation and brings the model to life. All post-processors now include the calculation of stress and strains in any of the x, y or z directions or indeed in a direction at an angle to the co-ordinate axes. The principal stresses and strains may also be plotted or if required the yield stresses and strains according to the main theories of failure.

**Figure 2.** *Workflow of FE analysis.*

In brief, the FE is a mathematical method for solving differential equations. It has the ability to solve complex problems that can be represented in differential equation form that occur naturally, in virtually all fields of the physical sciences. Accurate modeling is essential to ensure the relevance of the result for the corresponding FEA. The results solely depend on the model that has been created. Workflow of the entire finite element study is shown in **Figure 2**.
