An Explicit Finite Element Primer

This Primer is one of many documents produced to help new and experienced analysts solve a range of problem types. It complements the books entitled A Finite Element Primer and NAFEMS Introduction to Non-linear Finite Element Analysis and is the first NAFEMS' booklet on explicit analysis. Explicit finite element codes have become increasingly more accessible to analysts and engineers for the solution of dynamic problems that are both non-linear and transient in nature. The functionality of these codes has also seen rapid development, as new applications are defined and older ones better understood. This primer document attempts to outline the theory behind some of the more common functionality, and, where possible to present objective methods on how best to apply it in analyses. The document is basically divided into three sections, Chapters 1 and 2 provide an introductory overview of the evolution and philosophy on how an explicit finite element code is arranged. Chapters 3 to 6 describe the basic functionality used in the generation of a model, namely material properties, loading and boundary conditions, contact and results selection. Contact is included as a separate chapter because it was (and still is) one of the main drivers for the development of explicit codes. Chapters 7 and 8 offer some guidance on methods of optimising the computational performance of a model and on alternative solution sequences that can be used to overcome problems of extreme mesh deformation.