CEE 510/NA 512
INTRODUCTION
Ann Jeffers
University of Michigan
About me
Ann Jeffers
Associate Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept.
University of Michigan
Office: 2376 GG Brown
Email: jffrs@umich.edu
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Ph.D. (Structural Engineering), Virginia Tech, 2009
M.S. (Structural Engineering), Virginia Tech, 2005
B.S. (Civil Engineering), University of Pittsburgh, 2004
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Research interests:
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Advanced finite element methods
Analysis of structures subjected to fire
Heat transfer analysis
Structural mechanics
Multiphysics simulation
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
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Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Finite Element Method (FEM)
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Numerical approach to solving “field” problems
A field is a spatial distribution of one or more variables (e.g.,
displacement field, temperature field)
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
For a given structure or structural
system, want to know:
•Internal stresses
•Deformations
•Failure modes
Advantages of the FEM
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Applicable to any field problem, including solid mechanics, heat
transfer, fluid mechanics, etc.
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No geometric restrictions
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No restrictions on boundary conditions or loading
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Material properties are not restricted to isotropy or linear elasticity
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Can define models using multiple element types
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Can specify non-uniform mesh for improved accuracy and efficiency