Chapter 4. Finite Element Modeling and

Solution Techniques

I. Symmetry

A structure possesses symmetry if its components are arranged in a periodic or reflective manner.

Types of Symmetry:

•Reflective (mirror, bilateral) symmetry

•Rotational (cyclic) symmetry

•Axisymmetry

•Translational symmetry

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Examples:

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Applications of the symmetry properties:

•Reducing the size of the problems (save CPU time, disk space, postprocessing effort, etc.)

•Simplifying the modeling task

•Checking the FEA results

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Symmetry of a structure should be fully exploited and retained in the FE model to ensure the efficiency and quality of FE solutions.

Examples:

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Cautions:

In vibration and buckling analyses, symmetry concepts, in general, should not be used in FE solutions (works fine in modeling), since symmetric structures often have antisymmetric vibration or buckling modes.