Due to the complexity of finite element programs, performing a finite element analysis may seem unattractive for some geotechnical engineers. Interestingly, they may prefer to alternatively use simple traditional semi-empirical methods which are generally formulated based on some assumptions that may not be even applicable for the problem in hand. Nonetheless, the engineers rather use those approaches because they understand them better.
To be able to trust the outputs of a finite element program it is very important to first understand what happens inside a program when an analysis starts running. I included a playlist of Youtube videos below prepared by Schuster Engineering. In the videos, the procedure of a finite element analysis is explained step-by-step in a very simple way. The playlist presented below includes 33 short episodes, about 17 minutes long each.
It is recommended to watch all episodes, however in case you don’t have time you can just watch episodes 1 to 3, 6 to 8, 17, 21, 22, and 31 to 33.
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FEA 01: What is FEA?
FEA 02: What could go wrong?
FEA 03: Strength of Materials Review
FEA 04: Matrix Algebra Review
FEA 05: Bar Element Stiffness (using equilibrium)
FEA 06: Definitions of Key Terms
FEA 07: Equations from Energy Methods, Part 1
FEA 08: Equations from Energy Methods, Part 2
FEA 09: Bar Element Analysis
FEA 10: Bar Element Example
FEA 11: Truss Element Transformation
FEA 12: Truss Element Example
FEA 13: Thermal Analysis with a Bar/Truss Element
FEA 14: Beam Element Shape Function Development
FEA 15: Beam/Frame Element Stiffness Matrices
FEA 16: Frame Element Transformation
FEA 17: Frame Element Example, part 1
FEA 18: Frame Element Example, part 2
FEA 19: Dynamic Analysis - Intro
FEA 20: Dynamic - Normal Modes
FEA 21: Transient Implicit
FEA 22: Transient Explicit
FEA 23: 2-D Triangular Elements
FEA 24: 2-D Rectangular Elements
FEA 25: Axisymmetric Elements
FEA 26: Isoparametric Elements
FEA 27: Isoparametric Element Example
FEA 28: Distributed Loads with Isoparametric Elements
