Lecture Notes: Introduction to Finite Element Method
Chapter 4. FE Modeling and Solution Techniques
© 1998 Yijun Liu, University of Cincinnati
105
Chapter 4. Finite Element Modeling and
Solution Techniques
I. Symmetry
A structure possesses symmetry if its components are
arranged in a periodic or reflective manner.
Types of Symmetry:
•
Reflective (mirror, bilateral) symmetry
•
Rotational (cyclic) symmetry
•
Axisymmetry
•
Translational symmetry
•
...
Examples:
…
Lecture Notes: Introduction to Finite Element Method
Chapter 4. FE Modeling and Solution Techniques
© 1998 Yijun Liu, University of Cincinnati
106
Applications of the symmetry properties:
•
Reducing the size of the problems (save CPU time, disk
space, postprocessing effort, etc.)
•
Simplifying the modeling task
•
Checking the FEA results
•
...
Symmetry of a structure should be fully exploited and
retained in the FE model to ensure the efficiency and quality of
FE solutions.
Examples:
…
Cautions:
In vibration and buckling analyses, symmetry concepts, in
general, should not be used in FE solutions (works fine in
modeling), since symmetric structures often have antisymmetric
vibration or buckling modes.