This section reviews the basics of the finite element method. The
first step of any finite element simulation is to
discretize the actual geometry of the structure
using a collection of finite elements.
Each finite element represents a discrete portion of the physical
structure. The finite elements are joined by shared
nodes. The collection of nodes and finite elements
is called the mesh. The number of elements per
unit of length, area, or in a mesh is referred to as the mesh
density. In a stress analysis the displacements of the nodes are
the fundamental variables that
Abaqus
calculates. Once the nodal displacements are known, the stresses and strains in
each finite element can be determined easily.