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ME6603 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

UNIT -1 INTRODUCTION
PART - B

1. An alloy bar 1m long and 200 mm2 in cross section is fixed at one end is subjected to a
compressive load of 20 kN. If the modulus of elasticity for the alloy is 100GPa, find the
decrease in the length of the bar. Also determine the stress developed and the decrease in
length at 0.25m, 0.5m and 0.75m. Solve by collocation method. (16)

2. An alloy bar 1m long and 200 mm2 in cross section is fixed at one end is subjected to a
compressive load of 20 kN. If the modulus of elasticity for the alloy is 100GPa, find the
decrease in the length of the bar. Also determine the stress developed and the decrease in
length at 0.25m, 0.5m and 0.75m. Solve by Ritz method. (16)

3. Discuss the following methods to solve the given differential equation:

𝑑 2𝑦
𝐸𝐼 − 𝑀 𝑥 = 0 with the boundary conditions y(0) = 0 and y(H) = 0
𝑑𝑥 2
(i) Variational method (ii) Collocation method. (16)

𝑑 2𝑦
4. The differential equation for a phenomenon is given by − 500 𝑥2 = 0; 0≤x≤5. The
𝑑𝑥 2
boundary condition are y(0) = 0, y(5)=0. Find the approximate solution using any classical
technique. Start with minimal possible approximate solution.

5. Determine using any Weighted Residual technique the temperature distribution along a
circular fin of length 6 cm and radius 1 cm. The fin is attached to a boiler whose wall
temperature is 140°C and the free end is insulated. Assume convection coefficient h=10
W/cm2 ° C. Conduction coefficient K = 70 W/cm2 °C and T∞ = 40°C. The governing
equation for the heat transfer through the fin is given by

𝑑 𝑑𝑇
− 𝐾𝐴 𝑋 + ℎ𝑝 𝑥 (𝑇 − 𝑇∞) = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Assume appropriate boundary conditions and calculate the temperatures at every 1 cm
from the left end.

6. Derive the governing equation for a tapered rod fixed at one end and subjected to its own
self weight and a force P at the other end as shown in Figure. Let the length of the bar be l
and let the cross section vary linearly from A1 at the top fixed end to A2 at the free end. E
and γ represent the young’s modulus and specific weight of the material of the bar.
Convert this equation into its weak form and hence determine the matrices for solving
using the Ritz Technique.

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7. A simply supported beam subjected to uniformly distributed load over entire span.
Determine the bending moment and deflection at mid span by using Rayleigh-Ritz method
and compare with exact solutions.

2. The following differential equation is available for a physical phenomenon.

d2y/ dx2 + 50 = 0, 0≤ x ≤ 10. Trial function is y = a1x (10-x) boundary conditions are;
y(0)= 0, y(10)= 0. Find the value of the parameter a1 by the following methods: (i) Point
collocation (ii) Subdomain collocation (iii) Least squares and (iv) Galerkin’s Method.

3. The differential equation of a physical phenomenon is given by d2y/ dx2 + 500 x2 = 0,

0≤ x ≤ 1 trial function, y = a1(x-x4). Boundary conditions are y(0) = 0, y(1) = 0. Calculate the
value of the parameter a1 by the following methods: (i) Point collocation, (ii) Subdomain
collocation, (iii) Least squares, and (iv) Galerkin’s method.

4. Find the deflection at the centre of a simply supported beam of a span length “l” subjected
to uniformly distributed load throughout its length as shown in Fig. 02 using: (i) Point
collocation method, (ii) Subdomain collocation method, (iii) Least squares method and (iv)
Galerkin’s method

6. A beam AB of span “l” simply supported at ends and carrying a concentrated load W at the
centre “C” as shown in Fig. 03. Determine the deflection at midspan by using Rayleigh-Ritz
method and compare with exact solutions.

7. A cantilever beam of length L is loaded with a point load at the free end. Find the
maximum deflection and bending moment using Rayleigh-Ritz method using the function
Y= A [ 1 – cos(π x/ 2 L) ].

8. Consider a uniform rod subjected to a uniform axial load as illustrated in fig. It can be
readily shown that the deformation of the bar is governed by the differential equation
𝑑 2𝑦
𝐴𝐸 + 𝑞0 = 0
𝑑 2𝑥
𝑑𝑢
With the boundary conditions u (0) =0, ⋮ x=L = 0. Find the approximate solution to this
𝑑𝑥
problem by point collocation method.

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9. The governing equation for a fully developed steady laminar flow of a Newtonian viscous
fluid on an inclined flat surface as shown in fig is given by

d 2y
µ dx 2 + ρg cos θ =0
Where,
µ = coefficient of viscosity
ν = fluid velocity
ρ = density
g = acceleration due to gravity
θ = angle between inclined surface and the vertical
𝑑𝑣
The boundary conditions are given by 𝑑𝑥 ⋮ x=0 = 0 (Zero Shear Stress)
ν (L) = 0 (no slip)
Find the velocity distribution ν(x) using weighted residual method.

10. Consider the problem of a cantilever beam under uniformly distributed load qo as shown
𝑑 4𝜈
in figure. The governing differential equation is given by EI 𝑑𝑥 4 -qo=0 and the boundary
𝑑𝜈 𝑑 2𝜈 𝑑 3𝜈
conditions are given by ν (0) = 0, 𝑑𝑥 0 = 0,𝑑𝑥 2 (L)= 0, 𝑑𝑥 3 (L)= 0. Where the first two boundary
conditions enforce zero displacement and slope at the fixed end and the last two conditions
prescribe zero bending moment and shear force at the free end. weighted residual method.

11. Let us consider the example of a simply supported beam under uniformly distributed load as
shown in figure . The governing differential equation and the boundary conditions are given by

Solve this problem using weighted residual method.

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12.Consider the problems of a long cylinder of radius R with uniformly distributed heat source qo.
The governing differential equation is given by
𝑑 2𝑇 1 𝑑𝑇 𝑞o
+ + =0
𝑑𝑟 2 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑘
And the boundary conditions are given by
T(R) = Tw the wall temperature
𝑑𝑇
qO πR2 = (-k) (2πRL) ⋮ r=R
𝑑𝑟
the second boundary conditions implies that heat generated = heat lost. Determine the
temperature distribution T as a function of radial location

13. Consider the simply supported rectangular plate subjected to a uniform load, as shown in fig.
The governing differential equation is given by
Eh 3 ∂ 4y ∂ 4w ∂ 4𝑤
[ + 2 ∂x 2 ∂y 2 + ∂y 4 ] – qo = 0 and the boundary conditions by
12 (1−v)2 dx 4
𝜕2 𝑤 𝜕2 𝑤
W(o,y) = 0 = w(a,y); w(x,0) =0 =w(x,b); 𝜕𝑥 2
= 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 ; 𝜕𝑦 2
= 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏
solve this using Galerkin’s method.

PART – A

1. Define the term finite element.& mathematical modelling?

2. What does discretization mean in the finite element method?
3. List and briefly describe the general steps of finite element method.
4. What is the displacement method?
5. List four common types of finite elements.
6. Name three commonly used methods for deriving the element stiffness matrix and element
equations. Briefly describe each method.
7. To what does the term degrees of freedom refer?
8. List five typical areas of engineering where the finite element method is applied.
9. List five advantages of the finite element method.
10. On what basis the collocation points are selected?
11. Why the polynomial functions are preferred over trigonometric functions?
12. Define Boundary value problem with example.
13. With example define initial value problem.
14. Discuss about Eigen Value problem.
15. State the principle of minimum potential energy? Variational Techniques
16. State the principle of virtual work?
17. What do you mean by Galerkin’s method of weighted residual?

UNIT -2

ONE DIMENSIONAL PROBLEM

One Dimensional Second Order Equations – Discretization – Element Types – Linear & Higher
Order Elements – Derivation of shape functions and stiffness matrices & force vectors – Assembly of
matrices – Solution of problems from solid mechanics and heat transfer. Longitudinal vibration
frequencies and mode shapes – Fourth order beam equation – Transverse deflections and natural
frequencies of beam.

PART – B

Derivation:

1. Shape function (Ni), Stiffness matrix [K] , Force vector derivation for
(i) Linear bar element (ii) Quadratic bar element (iii) Truss element (iv) Beam element
(v) Longitudinal vibration of bar element (vi) Heat transfer problems.

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Problems:

1. A two noded truss element is shown in Figure. The nodal displacements are u1 = 5 mm and
11 1
u2 = 8 mm. Calculate the displacement at x = 4 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2 (16)

2. For the two bar truss shown in Figure, determine the displacements of node 1 and the stress
in element 1-3. (16)

3. Derive the shape functions for one dimensional linear element using direct method. (16)

4. The loading and other parameters for a two bar truss element is shown in Fig. Determine

(i) The element stiffness matrix for each element

(ii) Global stiffness matrix
(iii) Nodal displacements
(iv) Reaction forces
(v) the stress induced in the elements. Assume E=200 GPa. (16)

5. Determine the shape function and element matrices for quadratic bar element. (16)
6. Derive the shape functions for a 2D beam element. (8)
7. Derive the stiffness matrix for 2D truss element. (8)
8. Write the mathematical formulation for a steady state heat transfer conduction problem and
derive the stiffness and force matrices for the same. (16)
9. A tapered bar of aluminium is having a length of 500 cm. The area of cross section at the
fixed end is 80 cm2 and the free end is 20 cm2 with the variation of the sectional area as
linear. The bar is subjected to an axial load of 10 kN at 240 mm from the fixed end.
Calculate the maximum displacement and stress developed in the bar. (16)
10. A fixed beam AB of 5 m span carries a point load of 20 kN at a distance of 2m from A.
Determine the slope and deflection under the load. Assume EI = 10 × 103kN- m2. (16)

11. For the spring system shown in Figure 1, calculate the global stiffness matrix,
displacements of nodes 2 and 3, the reaction forces at node 1 and 4. Also calculate the
forces in the spring 2. Assume, k1= k3 = 100 N/m, k2 = 200 N/m, u1=u4=0 and P = 500 N.

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12. Derive an equation to find the displacement at node 2 of fixed-fixed beam subjected to
axial load P at node 2 using Rayleigh-Ritz method.

13. A concentrated load P = 50 kN is applied at the center of a fixed beam of length 3 m,

depth 200 mm and width 120 mm. Calculate the deflection and slope at the midpoint.
Assume E = 2 × 105 N/mm2

14. A circular fin 0f 40 mm diameter is fixed to a base maintained at 50°C as shown in

figure. The fin is insulated on the surface except the end face which is exposed to air at
25°C. The length of the pin is 1000 mm, the fine is made of metal with thermal
conductivity of 37W/m K. If the convection heat coefficient with air is 15 W/m2 K. If the
convection heat coefficient with air is 15 W/m2 K. Find the temperature distribution at
250, 500, 750 and 1000 mm from base.

15. Determine the maximum deflection and slope in the beam, loaded as shown in Figure.
Determine also the reactions at the supports. E = 200 GPa, I=20 × 10-6 m4, q = 5 kN/m
and L= 1m.

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16. For a three-bar assemblage shown in figure, determine (a) the global stiffness matrix, (b)
the displacements of nodes 2 and 3, (c) the reactions at nodes 1 & 4. A force of 3000 lb is
applied in the x direction at node 2. The length of each element is 30 in. Let E = 30 × 106
psi and A =1 in2 for elements 1 and 2, Let E = 15 × 106 psi and A = 2 in2 for element 3.
Nodes 1 and 4 are fixed.

UNIT – 3

TWO DIMENSIONAL SCALAR VARIBALE PROBLEMS

1. Derive the Constitutive matrix for axis symmetric analysis. (10)

2. Explain with an example of each of the following

(1) Sub Parametric Element (2) Iso Parametric Element
(3) Super Parametric Element

3. Define bandwidth in finite element analysis and its significance in the solution of global
system matrices.

4. For the plane strain elements shown in figure, the nodal displacements are given as u1 =
0.005 mm, v1 = 0.002 mm, u2 = 0.0, v2 = 0.0, u3 = 0.005 mm, v3 = 0.30 mm. Determine the
element stresses and the principle angle. Take E = 70 Gpa and Poisson’s ration = 0.3 and use
unit thickness for plane strain. All coordinates are in mm.

5. Establish the traction force vector and estimate the nodal forces corresponding to a uniform
radial pressure of 7 bar acting on an axissymmetric element as shown in figure. Take E = 200
GPa and Poisson’s ratio = 0.25

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6. Determine the element stiffness matrix and the thermal load vector for the plane stress
element shown in figure. The element experiences 20°C increases in temperature. Take E =
15e6 N/cm2, γ=0.25, t =0.5 cm and α= 6e-6/°C.

7. For the plane strain element shown in the Figure, the nodal displacements are given as u1=
0.005 mm, u2 = 0.002 mm, u3 = 0.0 mm, u4=0.0 mm, u5=0.004 mm, u6 = 0.0 mm. Determine
the element stress. Take E = 200 Gpa and γ =0.3. Use unit thickness for plane strain.

8. Derive the shape fuctions for constant strain triangular element.

UNIT – 4

TWO DIMENSIONAL VECTOR PROBLEMS

1. Derive the Constitutive matrix for axis symmetric analysis. (10)

2. The nodal co-ordinates for an axisymmetric triangular element are given in figure.
Evaluate strain – displacement matrix for that element.

3. Calculate the element stiffness matrix for the axisymmetric triangular element shown in
Fig. The element experiences a 15°C increases in temperature. The coordinates are in mm.
Take α = 10×10-6/oC, E= 2×105 N/mm2, ν =0.25. The coordinates are (9,10) (6,7) (8,7).

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4. A two dimensional fin is subjected to heat transfer by conduction and convection. It is

discretised as shown in Fig, into two elements using linear triangular elements. Derive the
conduction, and thermal load vector. How is convection accounted for in solving the problem
using Finite element method?

5.

UNIT 5

ISOPARAMETRIC FORMULATION

1. Derive the element characteristics of a four node quadrilateral element

2. Define the following terms with suitable examples:

(i) Plane stress, Plane strain (ii) Node, Element and Shape functions

(iii) Iso-parametric element (iv) Axisymmetric analysis.

3. Explain with an example of each of the following

(1) Sub Parametric Element (2) Iso Parametric Element
(3) Super Parametric Element

4. Derive the shape fuctions for 4-noded rectangular element by using natural coordinate
system.

5. Evaluate the Cartesian coordinate of the point P which has local coordinates ε= 0.6 η= 0.8.

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5. For the four noded element shown in Fig. (i) determine Jacobian and evaluate its value at
the point (1/2,1/3)

6. Determine the first two natural frequencies of longitudinal vibration of the bar shown in
Fig. assuming that the bar is discretised into two elements as shown. E and ρ represent the
young’s modulus and the mass density of the material of the bar.

7. Using Gauss Quadrature evaluate the following integral.

8.Consider the Isoparametric quadrilateral element with nodes 1-4 at (5,5), (11,7), (12,5) and
(4,10) respectively. Computer the Jacobian matrix and its determinant at the element
centroid.

9. Use Gaussian quadrature with two points to evaluate the integral. The Gaussian points are
± 0.5774 and weights at the two points are equal to unity.

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