Finite Element Analysis Theory
In order to more efficiently analyze composite parts, the finite element method is utilized.
The basic theory behind the finite element method is to discretize a body into small parts or
elements and assume a displacement field within each element. Then, by applying boundary
conditions such as loads and known displacements, the unknown displacements can be solved for
by equation where is the displacement for each degree of freedom for each node of the
element, is the stiffness matrix for the system, and is the force applied to each degree of
freedom for each node.