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.