Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design, 2nd Edition

Chapter 10Structural Design Using Finite Elements

10.8 INTRODUCTION

Finite element analysis is concerned with determining the response (displacements and stresses) of a given structure for a given set of loads and boundary conditions. It is an analysis procedure in which the structural configuration—its geometry, material properties, boundary conditions and loads—is well defined, and the goal is to determine its response. On the other hand, engineering design is a process of synthesis in which parts are put together to build a structure that will perform a required set of functions satisfactorily. Analysis is very systematic and can be taught easily. Design is an intuitive and iterative process. Clearly, analysis is one of the several steps in the design process because we use analysis to evaluate the adequacy of the design. In this chapter, we will briefly discuss the basic steps in structural design and the use of finite element analysis (FEA) in the process of designing a structure.

There are two general approaches to design: creative design and adaptive design. The former is concerned with creating a new structure or machine that does not exist, whereas the latter is concerned with modifying an existing design to perform better. Although analysis techniques such as FEA play a crucial role, the designer’s experience and creative ideas are important for the former. Adaptive design is an evolutionary process and is encountered much more frequently in practice. For example, ...