A Comparison of Finite Element and Fourier Series Solutions as Applied to Radially Loaded Circular Rings

Abstract

An examination and a comparison of the relative merits of the finite element and Fourier series methods of solving radially loaded circular ring problems are made. The procedure employed to evaluate the two methods is to use each method to solve for three different load conditions and to compare the performance of the two methods on the basis of accuracy, ease of usage, and equipment required. The results indicate a satisfactory accuracy for both methods under most conditions. The Fourier series method is superior for solving problems with a distributed load condition. The finite element method is superior for solving problems with concentrated loads.