0 Finite To Infinite Practical Finite Tae waUrel ble© Finite To Infinite Practical Finite a eA ALeAes 4th India/ASEAN HyperWorks Technology Conference 2008 July 34 - August 2, 2008, The Leela Palace, Bengaluru wwwaltairhte.com Dear Conference Delegate, We present this complimentary copy of “Practical Finite Element Analysis’, distributed as Part of the 4th Altair India/ASEAN HTCO8 (HyperWorks Technology Conference) organised between July 31- August 2, 2008. The conference is part of the global conference series, with similar events scheduled across Asia, North America and Europe. This HTCO8 will bring together experts from different industries, presenting their CAE experiences with HyperWorks and highlighting the latest trends, developments and applications in the field of enterprise simulation. In addition, the conference gives you the opportunity to network with international Altair experts to help you learn more about latest applications and enhancements of HyperWorks, PBS GridWorks and HiQube as well as ecosystem of Altair partners ranging across Workstations, Clusters, Networks, Storage and Complementary Software solutions which are part of the HyperWorks Partner Solutions Community. (www.hyperworkscommunity.com) This conference, with a mix of keynotes from distinguished group of industry thought-leaders, technical papers from Altair's HyperWorks customers as well as interactive demos, contests, quiz events is bound to make this conference a truly unforgettable experience for all the attendees. We thank all of you'll for attending this conference and Nitin Gokhale for this informative book that delivers a practical oriented approach to learning and solving engineering problems related to FEA. Happy Learning! Altair [ fi erWorks So etme A. Altair www.hyperworks.in wwwaltair.comPractical Finite Elem UIE First EditionPractical Finite Element Analysis First Edition - Nitin S Gokhale Sanjay $ Deshpande - Sanjeev V Bedekar -Anand N Thite Finite To InfiniPublished by: Finite To Infinite ‘686, Budhwar Peth, Shivganga Chambers, Near Prabhat Talkies Pune - 411002. Maharashtra, India. Tel: 0091 - 20 - 24454981 Mobile: 0091- 9423571952 E-mail finite@vsnl.com Website: www-finitetoinfinite.com Copyrights © 2008 by Finite To Infinite All rights strictly reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission from Finite To Infinite, ISBN 978-81-906195-0-9 ‘The export rights of this book are vested solely with the publisher. First Printing: January 2008 Images sourced from Altair Calendar 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are copyright of Altair Engineering, India and have been used with prior consent. Commercial software names, company names, other product trademarks, registered trademark logos are the properties of their respective owners, Price: Rs. 650/- Disclaimer: Every efforts have been made to keep the book free from technical as well as. other mistakes. However, publishers and authors will not be responsible for loss, damage in any form and consequences arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book. ‘Our Bankers: Bank of Maharashtra, Shaniwar Peth Branch, Pune Printed at: K Joshi & Co,,1745/2, Sadashiv Peth, Near Bhikardas Maruti Temple, Pune - 30 Cover Designed by : Mooon Design Studio Composed by: Shailesh Bhingareacsictes) ~ Dr eter Fischer Finite Element Analysis... complicated mathematical theory for computer specialists; ... or an indispensable too! for all-day industrial product development? Finite Element Analysis. ‘a myth which allows to solve most of the worlds technical problems; .. or {an analysis method which produces just results that *.. have to be checked by further testing. All the answers may be correct. However, none of the answers really describes Finite Element Analysis properly. Originally Finite Elements were developed to approximate continuous structures by discrete equation systems. That's all. These equation systems can then be solved by any numerical and computer aided technique. The method of Finite Elements was developed at perfectly right times: growing computer capacities, growing human skills and industry demands for ever faster and cost effective product development made it a synonym for high-tech engineering and nearly unlimited possibilities of the technical community. In this context, the name ‘Finite Element Analysis” is nowadays commonly used fora wide range of computation techniquesin engineering practice. ‘ vilThis book summarizes the most important techniques of current Finite Element applications. itis dedicated to the needs of practising engineers and provides clearly structured, well understandable information for managers, design & test engineers, students and all interested technicians. Basing on demonstrative examples the fundamental theory is summarized. The focus's to explain those principles, which have most important affects on the practical work, for understanding and for interpreting the results. Most valuable are the guidelines, tips, tricks and checklists, which result from long term experiences and many successful projects of the authors. The book aims to understand Finite Element Analysis as a computational engineering tool and to share the knowledge and experiences in this field. ‘twill provide appreciation between various disciplines working together in engineering projects, But | wish, that this book will be also a seed for better understanding between all people working for common objectives of our fives, societies and cultures, our world and our spirits - Dr Peter Fischer ‘Managing Director DTECH STEYR - Dynamics & Technology Services GmbH AustriaForeward -Mr Ashok R Sonalkar | have great pleasure and feel honored in sharing my thoughts with the readers through this preface, because of following reasons - 1) This is a unique book of its kind in the sense itis combining many years of actual hands on experience with adequate coverage of theoretical treatment. 2) | personally know the authors Nitin Gokhale, Sanjeev Bedekar, Sanjay Deshpande and Dr Anand Thite. We have worked together in research and development for some years and | had many occasions to discuss the problems related with Finite Element Analysis. 3) This book is going to be a kind of Bible’ or ‘Geeta’ for the CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) engineers for many years to come. When we started the CAE DEPARTMENT in our company in 1995 (we wereall new to this technique), arranged for intensive training ofa specially selected group of highly talented young engineers. The training was imparted by many experts of international repute and also by university and IIT professors. The authors were in this group. The group showed outstanding results which surprised even the teachers. Very quickly they could grasp the fundamental concepts, get a deep insight and develop a feel of FEA (which is very essential for one to be really competent). They had enough confidence to take a plunge in this very new field (it was noteven known widely in India in those days) by starting theirown company solely to provide this technology service and training to engineering industry globally. They have not looked back since. Itis this feel and the sixth sense which they have sincerely attempted to pass on to the serious students through many examples, thumb rules, empirical rules etc. These are generally regarded as professional secrets which mostexperts are not willing to share. This is that knowledge which (in the true Indian style) the disciples learn at the feet of their ‘GURU’ From this point of view also, | feel this is a rare book written with a true and sincere desire to spread knowledge. In the last few years, not only have they been relentlessly devouring all available technicalliteratureon FEA, but alsoassimilating itandputtingitto test by taking newer and newer (more and more formidable) challenges. They must certainly have faltered many a times. Failures come only to those who are courageous enough to venture in to new lands. They have learnt a lot from each and every mistake and sprang back with double the energy and enthusiasm to achieve and conquer even more exalted heights. They have very sincerely documented these mistakes and ‘the lessons learnt’ and included in this book for the benefit of devoted students. This ~in my opinion- one of the most valuable feature of this book which sets it apart from most other books on the subject. This is not only a book which adds to your knowledge and makes you aware of new technology but it is also a practical quide which tells you about the nuts and bolts of this technique and tells you which mistakes you should guard against, what are the tricks of this trade and where are the pitfalls. I wish a most enriching learning experience to all those who want to take a dip in this ‘Gyan kund' (source of knowledge). - Ashok R Sonalkar R&D Head (Retired) ‘Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. FES ~ Tractor DivisionWhy the book has been written ... FEA is gaining popularity day by day and is a sought after dream career for mechanical engineers. Enthusiastic engineers and managers who want to refresh or update the knowledge on FEA are encountered with volumes of published books. Often professionals realize that they are not in touch with theoretical concepts as being pre-requisite and find it too mathematical and Hi-Fi, Many a times these books just end up being decoration in their book shelves... ‘Authorsof this bookare fromIT’s&lIScandafterjoining theindustry realized gap between university education & the practical FEA. Over the years they learned it via interaction with experts from international community, sharing experience with each other and hard route of trial & error method. The basic aim of this book is to share the knowledge and practices used in the industry with experienced and in particular beginners so as to reduce the learning curve and avoid reinvention of the cycle. Emphasis ison simple language, practical usage, minimum mathematics & no pre-requisites. All basic concepts of engineering are included as and where it is required. It is hoped that this book would be helpful to beginners, experienced users, managers, group leaders and as additional reading material for university courses. - Nitin S Gokhale Dec. 21, 2007 xixl Acknowledgement ‘Thanks to the teachers Thanks to co-authors for their contributions cD Non-linear analysis Crash Analysis Thermal Analysis NVH Experimental Validation and Data acquisition ‘Thanks for image contribution ‘Special Thanks Thanks to softwares compa Altair Engineering cs FEMFAT Thanks to colleagues and students Thanks to family members Thanks for painstaking DTP efforts Thanks for Cover Design & Book Layout Thanks to printer Thanks to our bank Helmut Dannbauer, Dr Peter Fischer, Dr Seshu, Dr Vijay Ukadgaonkar, Dr $ K Maiti Sanjay $ Deshpande Sanjay S Deshpande, Chaman Lal Sahu Sanjay S Deshpande, Rajesh $ Koli Sanjeev V Bedekar Dr Anand NThit Prashant R Pawar, Dr Anand N Thite Altair Engineering, Apollo Tyres Ltd, ARAI, Ashok Leyland, Bajaj Auto Ltd,, BHEL. Bharat Forge Ltd, DOW India, Emerson Climate Technologies, Engineering Center Steyr, Lear Corporation, L&T Ltd. (Switch Gear Div.), Maruti Udyog Ltd. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (Tractor Div), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (Automotive Sector), Piaggio Vehicle Ltd, Tata Motors Ltd. Tata Johnson Controls Automotive Ltd, TVS Motor Company Ltd. Rajneesh Shinde, Nelson Dias, A. R. Sonalkar Nitin Kshirsagar, S. R, Marathe MLR. Saraf, Vijay V Patharkar Rohit Sadalge, Amalraj Tatapudi Jagdish Tahalyani, Sujatha KG Nawdeep Puranik, Kaushik Choudhuri Axel Werkhausen, Eberhard Dutzler Mandar Kulkarni, Tushar Akolkar, Sachin Mate, Manoj Gothe, Balaji Rajmane, Shakti Chavan, Jitendra Pawar, Sachin Dani, Nitin Karhade, DS Bhalerao, Prasanna Shanbhag, Parag Shimpi, Prashant Khedkar, CL. Patel, Ajay Sohani, Swapnil Wadkar, Rahul Pardesi, Santosh Belure, Jitendra Chaugule, Shrikant Sheodey Parents and specially to brother Sandeep Shailesh Bhingare Mooon Design Studio K. Joshi & Co’, nil Joshi and team MK Deval, PS Bagade, $$ Deo Bank of Maharashtra, Shaniwar Peth Branch Thanks to all who have helped directly or indirectlyIntroduction to Finite Element Analysis 1.1 Methods Solve any Engineering Problem 1.2 Procedure for Solving any Analytical or Numerical Problem 1.3 Brief introduction to Different Numerical Methods 1.4 What is DOF 1.5 Why do we Carry Out Meshing, What isFEM 1.6 Advantages of FEA 1.7 Design Cycles 1.8 Absolute vs. Relative Design 1.91s FEA @ Replacement for Costly and Time Consuming Testing Past, Present and Future of FEA 2.1 History of Finite Element Method 22 Present 23 Theoretical Finite Element Analysis 2.4 Software Based FEM 255 Practical Applications of FEA 26 Failure Analysis 27 Future of FEA ‘Types of Analyses (Brief Introduction) 3.1 Linear Static Analysis. 3.2 Non Linear Analysis, 3.3 Dynamic Analysis 3 Linear Buckling ‘Analysis 3.5 Thermal Analysis 3.6 Fatigue analysis 3.7 Optimization 3.8 Computational Fluid Dynamics 3.9 Crash Analysis 3.10 Noise Vibration and Harshness, NVH Basics of Statics and Strength of Materials 4.1 What is Stress. 42 Types of Stress. 43 Types of Forces 44Types of Moments 45 Uniaxial Stress 4.6Bi-axial Stress 4.7 Tri-axial Stress 4.8What is'l” Area Moment of Inertia and" Polar Moment ofinertia Introduction to Meshing 5.1 Why do We Carry Out Meshing 5.2 Types of Elements 5.3 How to Decide Element Type 5.4 Can We Solve Same Problem Using 1-d, 2-d, 3-d Elements 5.5 How to Decide Element Length 5.6 How to Start Meshing 5.7 Meshing Techniques 5.8 Meshing in Critical Areas 5.9 Mesh Display Options 1-D Meshing 6.1 When to Use 1-d Elements 6.2 Stiffness Matrix Derivation 6.3 Stiffness Matrix: Assembly of Two Rod Elements 64 Beam Element 6.5 Special Features of Beam Elements 2-D Meshing 7.1 When to Use 2-d Elements 7.2 Family of 2-d Elements 7.3 Thin Shell Elements 7.4 Effect of Mesh Density in the Critical Region 7.5 Effect of Biasing in the Critical Region 7.6 Symmettic Boundary Conditions 7.7 Different Element Type Options for Shell Meshing 7.8 Geometry Associative Mesh 7.9 Quality Checks 7.10 Other Checks for 2-d Meshing 7.11 How Not to Mesh ry9. 10. is 12. 13. 14, 15. 16. 3-D Meshing 8.1 When to Use 3d Elements 8.2 DOFS for Solid Elements 8.3 Tetra Meshing Techniques 8.4 Quality Checks forTetra Meshing 85 Other Checks for Tetra Meshing 86 Brick Meshing 8.7 Brick Mesh Quality Checks 8.8 Other Checks for Brick Meshing &9How Not to Mesh Special Elements and Special Techniques 9.1 Connection of Solid Elements with Beams and Shells 9.2 Linear to Parabolic and Brick to Tetra Connection 9.3 Hybrid Meshing (Hex-Pyram-Tetra) 9.4 GAP Element 9.5 Mass Element 96 Spring and Damper Element 9.7 Rigid & Constraint Elements 9:8 Simple Linear Static Analysis Techniques to Simulate Contact Weld, Bolt, Bearing and Shrink Fit Simulation 10.1 Welding Simulation 10.2 How to Model Spot Weld 10.3 How to Model Arc Weld 10.4 Practical Considerations for Welded Joints 10.5 Bolted Joint 106 Bearing Simulation 107 Shrink Fit Simulation Material Properties and Boundary Conditions 11.1 E.G&u 11.2 Material Classification 11.3 Material Properties 11.4 Boundary Conditions 11.5 How to Apply Constraints 11.6 Symmetry Linear Static Analysis 121 Definition 12.2 While Starting any Finite Element Analysis Project 12.3 How to Check Mesh Model Submitted by a Vendor or Colleague 12.4 Design Modifications Based on Linear Static Analysis: A Case Study 125 Linear Static Solvers 12.6 Solution Restart Method 12.7 hrelement vs. p-element 12.8 Sub-modeling 12.9 Linear Buckling Analysis, Non Linear Analysis 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Comparison of Linear and Nonlinear FEA 13.3 Types of Nonlinearity 134 Stress- Strain Measures for Nonlinear Analysis 13.5 Solution Techniques for Nonlinear Analysis. 13.6 Issues Related to the Convergence of Newton Raphson Method 13.7 Essential Steps to Start with Nonlinear FEA 13.8 AGeneral Procedure for Nonlinear Static Analysis Project 13,9 Exercise Problem Dynamic Analysis 14.1 Why Dynamic Analysis 14.2 Static Analysis vs. Dynamic Analysis 14,3 Definitions 144 Whats Difference Between Time Domain and Frequency Domain 14.5 Types of Loading, 146 Simple Harmonic Motion 14 Free Vibration 148 Free — Free Run 14.9 How to Avoid Resonance 14.10 Damping Consideration 14.11 Forced Vibration 14,12 Single DOF System, Frequency Response Analysis 14.13 Single DOF System, Transient Response Analysis 14.14 Dynamic Analysis Solvers 14.15 Two DOF System, Frequency Response Analysis Base Excitation 14.16 Bracket, Transient Response Analysis (Short Duration Force) 14.17 What is PSD (Power Spectral Density) Thermal Analysis 15:1 Introduction 15.2 Conduction Heat Transfer 15,3 Steady State Conduction 15.4 Unsteady State Conduction 15.5 Convection Heat Transfer 15.6 Forced Convection (Internal Flow) 15.7 Forced Convection (External Flow) 15.8 Meshing for Thermal Analysis. 15.9 Free/Natural Convection 15.10 Radiation Heat Transfer 15.11 Practical Application of Thermal Analysis ‘Computational Fluid Dynamics 16.1 What is CFD 16.2.Various Levels of Approximations in Fluid Dynamics 16.3 Equilibrium Equations fora Fluid 16.6 The Physics of the Navier Stokes Equations 165 Conservation Form of Fluid Flow Equations 16.6 Integral Form of the Conservation Laws 16.7 Model Equations for Convection and Diffusion: Their Mathematical and Physical Aspects 168 Numerical Schemes fora Model Convection Equation 16.9 Numerical Schemes for a Standard Diffusion Equation 16.10 Explicit and Implicit Numerical Schemes 16.11 Different Types of on rad rey 59 ed rd 5rd7. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22, 23. Codes Used for CFO Calculations 16.12 Different Types of Grids Used for CFD 16.13 Difference Between Meshes Used in Computational Structural Mechanics and Computational Fluid Dynamics 16.14 Strengths and Weaknesses of CFD Against Experimental Fluid Dynamics ‘of Wind Tunnel Testing 16.15 CFD Project Tracking Sheet 16.16 Typical Applications of Computational Fluid Dynamics in Various Industries Fatigue Analysis 17-1 Why Fatigue Analysis 17.2 Static, Dynamic and Fatigue Analysis Comparison 17.3 What is Fatigue 17.4History of Fatigue 17.5 Definitions. 17.6 Various Approaches in Fatigue Analysis 177 Stress Life Approach 178 Strain Life Approach 17.9 Fracture Mechanics Approach 17.10 Cycle Counting 17.11 Multi-Axial Fatigue 17.12Welding Analysis 17.13 CAE (Fatigue) and Test Data Coreelation Crash Analysis 181 Introduction 182 What do We solve in Structural Crash Worthiness 18.3 Transient Dynamics Solution Methodology 18.4 Increasing the speed of Explicit Methods for Quasi Static Simulation 185 Comparison of Explicit vs. Implicit Methods 18.6 Typical Issues in Contact Analysis 18.7 Some Aspects of Shell Element Technology 18.8 Contact Impact Algorithms 18.9 Full Dynamic / Impact vs. Quasi Stati Simulations 18.10 Lagrangian and Eulerian Codes 18.11 Effect of Process and Residual Stress on Crash Analysis 18,12 Typical Application of Crash Worthiness Simulations in Various Industries NVH Analysis 19.1 Intfoduction to NVH Concepts. 19.2 Frequency Range of FE Dynamic Analysis 19.3 FEA for Structural Dynamics 19.4 FEA for Acoustics 19.5 Model Validation 19.6 Model Updating, 19.7 Design Modification 198 Vibration and Noise Control Post Processing Techniques 20.1 How to Validate & Check Accuracy of the Result 20.2 How to View Results 203 Average and Unaverage Stresses 20.4 Special Tricks for Post Processing 20.5 Interpretation of Results and Design Modifications. 20.6 CAE Reports, Experimental Validation and Data Acquisition 21.1 Strain Gauge 21.2 Photo-elasticity 21.3 Load Cells 21.4 Torque Sensors Torque Transducers 21.5 How to Collect Force vs. Time Data (Dynamic Test) 21.6 How to Measure Acceleration 21,7 How to Measure Fatigue Life 21.8 How to Measure Natural Frequency Common Mistakes and Errors Preparation for Interview Abbreviations ‘Appendix Era] Ered eye or xvIntroduction to Finite Element Analysis 1.1 Methods to Solve Any Enginee! g Problem | y | ’ ee ieee) Erne) Classical approach +100 % accurate results Closed form solution = Applicable only for simple problems like cantilever & simply supported beams etc, ~ Complete in itself Though analytical methods could ‘also give approximate results if the solution is not closed form, but in general and broad sense, analytical methods are considered as closed form solutions i. 100% accurate. “Mathematical representation Approximate, assumptions made - Applicable even if physical prototype not available (initial design phase) Real lfe complicated problems Results can not be believed blindly &must be verified by ‘experimental method or hand calculation for knowing the range of results Finite Element Method: Linear, Nonlinear, Buckling Thermal, Dynamic & Fatigue analysis Boundary Element Method: Acoustics / NVH Finite Volume Method: CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) & Computational Electromagnetics Finite Difference Method: Thermal & Fluid flow analysis in ‘combination with FVM) ~ Actual measurement Time consuming & needs ‘expensive set up Applicable only if physical prototypeis available Results can not be believed blindly & min. 3 to 5 prototypes must be tested =Strain gauge -Photo elasticity Vibration measurements ~Sensors for temp. & pressure etc. Fatigue test 1.2 Procedure for Solving Any Analytical or Numerical Problem There are 2 steps Step 1) Writing governing equation - Problem Definition or in other words formulating the problem in the form of a mathematical equation Step 2) Mathematical solution of governing equation Final result is summation of step 1 & step 2. Result will be 100 % accurate when there is no approximation at either of the steps (Analytical method) Numerical methods make approximation at step 1 as well as at step 2 & hence all the numerical methods are approximate.Introduction to Finite Element Analysis Analytical“Approximation” | _Numerical“Approximatio a. Cantilever beam deflection - Analytical approach im :To determine deflection of cantilever beam (y) Step 1: Governing equation o/y= M/=E/R MI=E/R ay/de |________________ Governing Equation (unknown = y) Step 2: Mathematical solution of governing equation - El d'y/dx? = M = -P x (Origin at free end, moment at a distance x from origin = -P x) Integrating it wrt. x, 1* integration El dy/dx =-P 7/2 +C, Integration constant C, could be determined by substituting known boundary conditions ie. at x=L dy/dx=0 =0=-PL/2+C, =C,=PL72 2nd integration - Ely =-Px'/6 +PL'x/2+C, Integration constant C, could be determined by substituting atx=L, y=0Practical Finite Element Analysis = 0=-PL?/6+PL/2+C, PLY3 Substituting values of constants C, and C, Y= V/EI[-PX/6 + PL? x/2- PL/3] For cantilever beam, deflection is maximum, when force is applied at free end of beam i.e. x= 0 &above equation reduces to y=-PL/3EI_(-sign indicates deflection in downward direction) Obvious question is, if analytical methods are accurate then why are they not used for solving real life problems. Primary reason is step 1, the governing equation. For above problem beam bending equation was readily available as starting point but this type of equations are not available for solving real life problems like say for transmission casing or hydraulic housing, Basic beam bending equation is also based on many assumptions such as small deflection, isotropic material, c/s of the beam remains plane and perpendicular to the neutral axis and radius of curvature is large in comparison to cross-sectional dimensions etc. How does numerical methods solve the problem? Numerical methods like FEM are based on discretization of integral form of equation. Basic theme of all numerical methods is to make calculations at only limited number of points & then interpolate the results for entire domain (surface or volume). Even before getting the solution we assume how the unknown is going to vary over a domain. Say for example, when meshing is carried out using linear quadrilateral elements, assumption made is linear variation of displacement over the domain and for 8 noded quadrilateral element, assumption is parabolic variation. This may or may not be the case in real life & hence all numerical methods are based on an initial hypothetical assumption. After getting the results there are several ways to check numerical as well as practical or field result correlation accuracy & minimization of errors. 1.3 Brief Introduction to Different Numerical Methods 1) Finite Element Method (FEM) : FEM is the most popular numerical method. Applications - Linear, Nonlinear, Buckling, Thermal, Dynamic & Fatigue analysis. FEM will be discussed in detail at later stage. Are FEA and FEM different? Einite Element Method (FEM) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) both are one & the same. Term “FEA’is more popular in industries while “FEM” at universities. Many times there is confusion between FEA, FEM & one more similar but different term FMEAIntroduction to Finite Element Analysis (Failure Mode Effect Analysis). FEA/FEM is used by design or R&D department only while FMEA is applicable to all the departments, 2) Boundary Element Method (BEM) It is a very powerful and efficient technique to solve acoustics or NVH problems. Just like finite element method it also requires nodes and elements but as the name suggest it considers only outer boundary of the domain. So in case if the problem is of a volume, only outer surfaces are considered. If the domain is area then only outer periphery is considered. This way it reduces dimensionality of the problem by a degree of one & thus solving it faster. 3) ite Volume Method (FVM): All. Computational Eluid Dynamics (CFD) softwares are based on FVM, Unit volume is considered in Finite Volume Method (similar to element in finite element analysis). Vatiable properties at nodes are pressure, velocity, area, mass etc. It is based on Navier - Stokes equations (Mass, Momentum and Energy conservation equilibrium equations). 4) Finite Difference Method (FDM| Finite Element and Finite difference share many common things. In general Finite Difference Method is described as a way to solve differential equation. It uses Taylor's series to convert differential equation to algebraic equation. In the conversion process higher order terms are Neglected. It is used in combination of BEM or otherwise FVM to solve Thermal and CFD coupled problems. Is it possible to use all the above listed methods (FEA, BEA, FVM, FDM) to solve same problem (say cantilever problem)? ‘The answer is YES! But the difference is in accuracy achieved, programming ease & time required to obtain the solution. When internal details are required (such as stresses inside the 3-d object) BEM will lead to Poor results (as it considers only outer boundary], while FEM or FOM or FVM are preferable. FVM has been used for solving stress problem but it is well suited for computational fluid dynamics problems where conservation & equilibrium is quite natural. FDM has limitations with complicated geometry, assembly of different material components and combination of various types of elements (1-D, 2-D & 3-D). For this type of problems FEM is far ahead of its competitors. Discretization of problem: All real life objects are continuous. Means there is no physical gap between any two consecutive Particles, As per material science, any object is made up of small particles, particles of molecules, molecules of atoms and so on and they are bonded together by force of attraction. Solving a real