Presentation of the FEM analysis methodology using MathCAD software

Abstract

This paper presents the authors' experience with teaching the finite element method (FEM) at a university using the MathCAD software. With the development of computational tools in the second half of the 20th century, there was also the development of computational methods aimed at algorithmizing engineering tasks based on FEM. This method is very effective for determining the forces and deformations of truss and frame structures under the influence of the external environment. Many processes in the automatic design system take place as if in a "black box", and the process of verifying the achieved results becomes the most important stage in the design activity. Without knowing the theoretical foundations of FEM, physical and mathematical modelling, verification procedures and methods, the structure design cannot be safe and reliable. In this paper, we present one of the possibilities, how a student can familiarize himself with the theoretical foundations of FEM and calculation procedures using the MathCAD software. MathCAD can be used as a vehicle to create, organize, and assemble all the pieces of the engineering calculations. MathCAD is open software for using input data from other programs.