Introduction

  

Introduction

VisualFEA/CBT is an extended version of VisualFEA, which is specialized for computer-based education in the finite element method. VisualFEA/CBT can be used as an aid for learning and teaching

finite element method. There are many concepts in finite element method which can be mastered only through numerical exercises. Such exercises are usually achieved either by pencil and paper work or by computer programming. Pencil and paper work involves a lot of rigorous and tedious manual calculations, and accordingly are limited in its extent. Computer programming is not feasible for those who are not familiar with the finite element method. Therefore, neither of these two conventional approaches are efficient for education of finite element method.

VisualFEA/CBT provides a number of educational tools which will innovate the way of learning and teaching finite element method. Using these educational aids, users can easily explore the inside of the method without manual calculation nor computer programming. The interactive exercises with graphical visualization will clarify many concepts which may otherwise be obscured or confused easily.
These educational functions a re not separated from but closely related to other functions of actual finite element modeling and analysis. Thus, the users may go forth and back easily between the educational exercises and the real analysis. Such a flexibility of combining exercise and analysis is an essential ingredient of educational functions, from which users can obtain vivid knowledge and experience in finite element method.

The educational functions in VisualFEA can be split into the following 6 parts.

They are activated by selecting items from "Stiffness" submenu items in menu.

  "Element Stiffness" : Contents of the element stiffness matrix and related computation are expanded hierarchically. They may be represented either by numerical expression or by symbolic expression.
  "Stiffness Assembly" : Various methods of assembling and solving the system equations are emulated so that users can explore the procedures and compare the different methods.
  "Shape Functions" : The shape functions and their derivatives used in element modeling are graphically examined. The element behaviors including inter-element continuity can be understood.
  "Eigen modes" : The eigenvalues and vectors of a stiffness matrix are graphically visualized. The characteristics of eigen modes can be examined in relation to element properties.
  "Stress Recovery" : Stress recovery and smoothing procedures are simulated and graphically visualized. The computational aspects and characteristics of the procedures can be studied and understood easily using this educational function.
  "Adaptive Process" : The analysis results and the mesh refinement at intermediate stages of adaptive analysis are visualized pro g ressively. Theuser can move quickly to the desired stage of the adaptive process, and examine the error distribution and corresponding mesh refinement.