89

CHAP 4. Finite Element Analysis with Beam

Although, the finite element equation of the truss has been obtained using the direct
matrix method in Chapter 3, the finite element equation of the beam cannot be obtained
using the same method. Instead, the principle of minimum total potential energy is going
to be used to derive the finite element equation of the beam in this chapter. The same
finite element equation can be obtained using the principle of virtual work, which
requires mathematical knowledge and is not discussed in this course.
4.1. Total Potential Energy of Beam
The total potential energy is the net amount of energy that is stored in the structure
during its deformation. Let us define the total potential energy, as
U W = (4.1)
where U is the strain energy, and W is the work done by external forces. The objective is
to represent the total potential energy in terms of displacement, and then to differentiate it
with respect to the displacement in order to calculate the stationary condition of the total
potential energy.

Different from the truss structure, the beam element can carry the transverse load and
the slop of the beam can change along the span. For simplicity, we will consider cross-
sections which are symmetric with respect to the plane of loading. The fundamental
assumption of the beam structure is that the initially flat cross-section remains flat during
deformation. Although the advanced beam theory can handle the transverse shear
deformation (Timoshenko beam theory), we want to consider a technical beam theory
(Euler beam theory) which is only composed of bending stress. Thus, the only non-zero
stress component of the beam structure is axial stress. Accordingly, the cross section that
is perpendicular to the neutral axis remains to be perpendicular after deformation.

90 Finite Element Analysis and Design


L
F

y

= dv/dx

Figure 4.1 Cantilevered beam structure

Figure 4.1 shows a cantilevered beam structure with a concentrated load at the tip. In
order to resists the applied transverse load, the beam deflects and rotated with respect to
its neutral axis. From Figure 4.1, the x-directional displacement of a point that locates y
distance from the neutral axis can be represented by

dv
u y
dx
=
Note that the positive y-direction has a negative deformation in the x-axis, and the
displacement is linear function of y along the cross-section.

From the definition of strain in Chapter 1, the strain of the beam along the x-axis can
be defined as

2
2 xx
du d v
y
dx dx
= =
Note that
xx
is the only strain component for the beam structure. Again, the strain is a
linear function of y along the cross-section.

Since the axial strain is the only component of non-zero strain, the stress-strain
relation is basically the same as the uni-axial problem. Thus, the stress can be calculated
from the strain, as

2
2 xx xx
d v
E Ey
dx
= =

Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 91


F
1
, v
1
F
2
, v
2

M
2
,
2
M
1
,
1

q

Figure 4.2 Positive directions for force, moment, displacement, and rotational angle

Now, we are ready to define the strain energy. From Chapter 1, the strain energy is
the area under the stress-strain curve. For the case of a linear elastic beam, the strain
energy can be defined as

2
2
2 2
2
2
2
2
0
1
2
1
,
2
1
2
xx xx
L
U dV
d v
Ey dAdx I y dA
dx
d v
EI dx
dx
=
| |
= =
|
\ .
| |
=
|
\ .

(4.2)
where I is the second moment of inertia.

Figure 4.2 shows positive directions of displacement, slop, forces, moments, and
distributed forces. Using these notations, the work done by external forces can be
represented by

1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2
0
L
W qv dx Fv M F v M = + + + +

(4.3)
Thus, the total potential energy in Eq. (4.1) can be represented using the displacement
and slop (derivative of displacement), as

2
2
1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2
0 0
1
2
L L
d v
U W EI dx qv dx Fv M F v M
dx

| |
= =
|
\ .

(4.4)
In the following section, we are going to discuss how to approximate the total potential
energy using a finite element.
4.2. Finite Element Approximation
Finite element approximation is to represent the displacement and stress in terms of
nodal values. The objective is to approximate the total potential energy in Eq. (4.4) using
92 Finite Element Analysis and Design

nodal values. In the beam element shown in Figure 4.3, four nodal values exist:
transverse displacement and slop at each node.


v
1
v
2

1

L
x
1
x
2

Figure 4.3 Nodal displacements and rotations for the beam element

The vertical displacement (or transverse displacement) is the main unknown of the
beam element. The slop is related to the transverse displacement using the relation of:

1
1
2
2
, nodal values
v
dv
v dx

= =
`


)


Since general beam element has an arbitrary length L, it is convenient to define a
parameter s, which varies from zero to one such that a unified representation is possible
for any length of elements. For example, the parameter s of the beam element in Figure
4.3 can be defined as

1
1 1
, , ,
x x ds
s ds dx dx Lds
L L dx L

= = = = (4.5)

Lets approximate displacement first. Since the beam element has four nodal values,
it is appropriate to use a cubic function to approximate the displacement:

2 3
0 1 2 3
( ) v s a a s a s a s = + + + (4.6)
The four coefficients are going to be determined using four nodal values. Since the slop is
also nodal value, the first-order differentiation of the above approximation is required:

2
1 2 3
1
( 2 3 )
dv dv ds
a a s a s
dx ds dx L
= = + +
Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 93

The expression of the strain energy in Eq. (4.2) contains the second-order derivative of
the transverse displacement, whose expression can be approximated by differentiating the
above equation as

2
2 3 2 2
1
(2 6 )
d v
a a s
dx L
= + (4.7)

Now, the unknown four coefficients (a
0
, a
1
, a
2
, a
3
) are going to be calculated. First,
the displacement and slop at s = 0 can be used to calculate a
0
and a
1
, as

1 0
1
1 1 1
(0)
(0) ,
v v a
dv a
a L
dx L

= =
= = =

In addition, the displacement and slop at s = 1 yield the following simultaneous system
equations, as

2 1 1 2 3
2 1 2 3
(1)
1
(1) ( 2 3 )
v v v L a a
dv
L a a
dx L

= = + + +
= = + +

By solving the above two equations with respect to a
2
and a
3
,

2 1 1 2 2
3 1 1 2 2
3 2 3
2 2
a v L v L
a v L v L


= +
= + +

Thus, all unknown coefficients are expressed in terms of nodal values. By substituting
these coefficients into Eq. (4.6), we have

2
1 1 1 1 2 2
3
1 1 2 2
2 3 2 3
1 1
2 3 2 3
2 2
( ) ( 3 2 3 )
(2 2 )
(1 3 2 ) ( 2 )
(3 2 ) ( )
v s v L s v L v L s
v L v L s
s s v L s s s
s s v L s s

= + + +
+ + +
= + + +
+ + +
(4.8)

An important idea of the finite element approximation is the adoption of the shape
functions, which are the coefficients of the nodal values. Lets defined the following
shape functions for the beam element:
94 Finite Element Analysis and Design


2 3
1
2 3
2
2 3
3
2 3
4
1 3 2
( 2 )
3 2
( )
N s s
N L s s s
N s s
N L s s
= +

= +

= +

which are the coefficient of v
1
,
1
, v
2
,
2
in Eq. (4.8). Thus, we can represent the
approximation in Eq. (4.8) more systematically using a vector notation, as

1
1
1 2 3 4
2
2
( ) [ ] { } { }
T
v
v s N N N N
v

= =
`


)
N d (4.9)
where the vector {N} is called the shape function vector of the beam element. Equation
(4.9) approximates the displacement of the beam using the displacement and slop at two
nodes. For example, if the displacement at the center of the beam is desired, then the
evaluation of Eq. (4.9) with s = 0.5 will provide the displacement at that point. Since the
parameter s is calculated using the geometric relation, the whole approximation comes
down to the determination of the nodal values {d}.

Figure 4.4 shows the plot of the shape functions. Sometimes, this shape functions are
called the Hermite shape functions. Note that when s = 0, all shape functions are zero
except for N
1
, which is one. Thus, Eq. (4.8) yields v(0) = v
1
, which is the desired result.
When s = 1, the only non-zero shape function is N
3
. Thus, the approximation in Eq. (4.8)
yields v(1) = v
2
.
-0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

Figure 4.4 Shape functions for beam element
N
1
N
3

N
2
/L
N
4
/L
Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 95


In order to approximate the strain energy, the second-order derivative of the
transverse displacement in Eq. (4.7) must be approximated using the calculated
coefficients a
2
and a
3
. After substituting a
2
and a
3
into Eq. (4.7) and after rearrangement,
we obtain

1
2
1
2
2 2
2
1
[ 6 12 ( 4 6 ) 6 12 ( 2 6 )] { } { }
T
v
d v
s L s s L s
v dx L

= + + + =
`


)
B d (4.10)
where the vector {B} is called the strain-displacement vector. Note that the vector {B} is
a linear function of parameter s. Thus, the strain is a linear function within an element.
Equation (4.10) can be used to approximate the strain energy as follows.
4.3. Approximation of the Total Potential Energy
In order to approximate the total potential energy, lets approximate the strain energy
first. The expression of the strain energy in Eq. (4.2) contains the second-order derivative
of displacement, which is approximated in Eq. (4.10). Thus, the square of Eq. (4.10) can
be written as

2
2 2 2
2 2 2
{ } { }{ } { }
T T
d v d v d v
dx dx dx
| | | | | |
= =
| | |
\ \ \ . . .
d B B d
Note that {B} is a column vector and {B}
T
is the row vector. In addition, the
multiplication of {B}{B}
T
becomes a 44 matrix. By substituting the above
approximation into Eq. (4.2), the strain energy can be approximated as

2
2
2
0
1
0
1
2
1
{ } { }{ } { }
2
1
{ } [ ]{ }
2
L
T T
T
d v
U EI dx
dx
EIL ds
| |
=
|
\ .
(
=
(

=

d B B d
d k d

where [k] is the element stiffness matrix, and the integral with dx is converted into
integral with ds using the relation of dx = Lds in Eq. (4.5). After integrating, the stiffness
matrix for the beam element can be derived as
96 Finite Element Analysis and Design


[ ]
1
3
0
2 2
3
2 2
6 12
( 4 6 )
[ ] 6 12 ( 4 6 ) 6 12 ( 2 6 )
6 12
( 2 6 )
12 6 12 6
6 4 6 2
12 6 12 6
6 2 6 4
s
L s
EI
s L s s L s ds
s L
L s
L L
L L L L
EI
L L L
L L L L
+ (
(
+
(
= + + +
(
(
+

(
(

(
=
(
(

k
(4.11)
which is the symmetric 44 matrix.

Next, the work done by external forces has to be approximated. First, consider the
contribution of the distribution force q. For simplicity, assume that q is constant along the
element. Let W
q
is the work done by distributed force q, then the finite element
approximation of W
q
can be written as

1 1
0 0 0
{ } { } { } { } { } { }
L
T T T
q q
W qvdx qL ds qL ds = = = =

N d d N d r (4.12)
where

2 3
2 2 3
1 1
2 3
0 0
2 2 3
/ 2 1 3 2
/12 ( 2 )
{ } { }
/ 2 3 2
/12 ( )
q
qL s s
qL s s s L
qL ds qL ds
qL s s
qL s s L
+

+
= = =
` `

+
) )

r N
Note that the distributed force q along the beam element is converted into equivalent
nodal forces in the above equation. The equal transverse nodal force qL/2 is applied to the
two nodes and the moment of qL
2
/12 is applied at the two nodes with different sign.

Second, the work done by forces and moments at the nodes is denoted as W
f
, whose
approximation becomes:

1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2
{ } { }
T
f f
W Fv M F v M = + + + = d r (4.13)
where
1 1 2 2
{ } [ ]
T
f
F M F M = r is a vector of applied nodal forces. By combining Eqs.
(4.12) and (4.13), the work done by the external forces can be calculated by
{ } { }
T
q f q f
W W W = + = + d r r (4.14)
Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 97


Thus, the total potential energy can be approximated by

1
{ } [ ]{ } { } { }
2
T T
q f
U W = = + d k d d r r (4.15)
In the following section, the finite element equation will be derived using the stationary
condition of Eq. (4.15).
4.4. Principle of Minimum Total Potential Energy
The principle of minimum total potential energy says that when the structure is in
equilibrium status, the total potential energy has its minimum value. Although the total
potential energy in Eq. (4.15) is a vector function of nodal values {d}, let us consider {d}
is a scalar value for the moment. Then, is a quadratic function of {d} with positive
coefficient. Figure 4.5 shows a general quadratic function y = ax
2
+ bx + c. The minimum
point A in Figure 4.5 has the property that
0
dy
dx
=
which corresponds to the point whose slop is zero. In the same context, the minimum
point of the total potential energy can be found by differentiating with respect to {d}
and equate the result zero, as
0 [ ]{ } { }
{ }
q f

= = +

k d r r
d
(4.16)
Equation (4.16) is the finite element equation for the beam element under distributed load
q and nodal forces. Thus, the finite element equations for a beam element with uniformly
distributed load on the span and concentrated forces and moments applied at the nodes
are

1 1
2 2 2
1 1
3
2 2
2 2 2
2 2
12 6 12 6 / 2
6 4 6 2 /12
12 6 12 6 / 2
6 2 6 4 /12
v F L L qL
M L L L L qL
EI
v F L L qL L
M L L L L qL

(
(

(
= +
` ` `
(

(


) ) )
(4.17)

98 Finite Element Analysis and Design


A
y = ax
2
+bx+c
dy/dx = 0

Figure 4.5 Minimum point of a quadratic function

4.5. Calculation of Element Moments, Shear Forces, and
Stresses
To analyze any beam problem, the element equations are written and then assembled
in the usual manner. The solution of global equations gives nodal displacements and
slops. After solving for these nodal unknowns, bending moments and shear forces in
different elements can be computed from the shape functions as follows.

1
2
1
2 2
2
2
( ) [ 6 12 ( 4 6 ) 6 12 ( 2 6 )]
v
d v EI
M s EI s L s s L s
v dx L

= = + + +
`


)


1
3
1
3 3
2
2
( ) [12 6 12 6 ]
v
d v EI
V s EI L L
v dx L

= =
`


)

Note that the moment is a linear function of parameter s, while the shear force is constant
in the element. This is a limitation of the current beam element. If the structure has a
linear distribution of the shear force, then many beam finite elements must be used to
approximate the linear shear force using many constant functions.

After calculating the moment, the axial stress of the beam element can be easily
calculated using the following formula:

xx
My
I
=
Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 99

It is clear that the maximum stress appears either at the top or bottom of the beam
element, which corresponds to y = h where the beam height is 2h.

The computation of the shear stress is more complicated and depends on the shape of
the cross section. For a rectangular section, width b and height 2h, the shear stress can be
given by

2 2
1
( )
2
h
xy
y
V V
y dy y h
I I
= =

The maximum shear stress appears at the neutral axis of the beam (y = 0), and it is zero at
the top and bottom of the cross section.
Examples 4.1
Consider a simply-supported beam structure under distributed load q, as shown in
Figure 4.6.

q
E,I,L

Figure 4.6 One element model with distributed force q

The whole structure is approximated using one beam finite element. From Eq. (4.17)
since no nodal forces exist, the finite element equation can be written as

1
2 2 2
1
3
2
2 2 2
2
12 6 12 6 / 2
6 4 6 2 /12
12 6 12 6 / 2
6 2 6 4 /12
v L L qL
L L L L qL
EI
v L L qL L
L L L L qL

(
(

(
=
` `
(

(


) )

Since there is only one element, the global equations are the same as the local element
equations. The displacement boundary conditions are v
1
= v
2
= 0. Introducing these
boundary conditions and unknown reaction forces, we have
100 Finite Element Analysis and Design


1
2 2 2
1
3
2
2 2 2
2
0 12 6 12 6
6 4 6 2 /12
0 12 6 12 6
6 2 6 4 /12
L L F
L L L L qL
EI
L L F L
L L L L qL

(
(

(
=
` `
(

(


) )

The reduced equations corresponding to unknown slops are

2 2 2
1
3 2 2 2
2
4 2 /12
2 4 /12
L L L EI
q
L L L L

(
=
` ` (

) )

Solving this matrix equation yields the solution:

3 3
1 2
,
24 24
qL qL
EI EI
= =
Thus, the two ends of the structure do not move vertically but rotates with a slop
1
and

2
. Using Eq. (4.9), the displacement along the beam element can be approximated by

3
4 2
1 2 3 4
3
0
( )
24
( ) [ ]
0 24
24
qL
qL s s
EI
v s N N N N
EI
qL
EI




= =
`



)
(4.18)
Displacement v(s) is a quadratic function of parameter s with negative coefficient for s
2
.

The element bending moment and shear force can be calculated as follows:

3
2
2
3
0
24
( ) [ 6 12 ( 4 6 ) 6 12 ( 2 6 )]
0 12
24
qL
EI qL
EI
M s s L s s L s
L
qL
EI




= + + + =
`



)

Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 101


3
3
3
0
24
( ) [12 6 12 6 ] 0
0
24
qL
EI
EI
V s L L
L
qL
EI




= =
`



)

Since no shear force appears in the element, this loading condition produces a pure
bending moment.

The one of the biggest dangers in the finite element analysis is to believe the
accuracy of the solution without verification. Many people simply believe the output
results from the computer. In the truss structure, we have shown that the finite element
solution is exactly the same with the analytical solution. Is that true for the beam
element? Since the analytical solution of the beam structure in Figure 4.6 is known in the
literature, let us compare the analytical solution to the finite element solution. The
analytical solution of the transverse displacement is given by

4
3 4
( ) ( 2 )
24
analytical
qL
v s s s s
EI
= +
which is fourth-order function of s, while the finite element solution in Eq. (4.18) is the
second-order function of s. Figure 4.7 compares the difference between the analytical and
finite element solutions of the transverse displacements. The displacement from the finite
element solution at the element center is only 80% of that from the analytical solution.

0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 s
v
(
s
)
v analytical
v FE

Figure 4.7 Transverse displacement of the beam element
102 Finite Element Analysis and Design


The deviation of the finite element solution is more significant if the bending moment
and shear force of the beam structure is compared. From the analytical solution, the
bending moment and shear force of the beam can be calculated by

2
2
( ) ( )
2
analytical
qL
M s s s =
( ) (2 1)
2
analytical
qL
V s s =
Notice that the bending moment of the beam finite element was a constant function and
the shear force was zero. Figure 4.8 compares the bending moment and shear force from
the analytical and finite element solutions.
-0.30
-0.25
-0.20
-0.15
-0.10
-0.05
0.00
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 s
M
(
s
)
M Analytical
M FE

(a) Bending moments
Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 103

-1.00
-0.80
-0.60
-0.40
-0.20
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0.80
1.00
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 s
V
(
s
)
M Analytical
M FE

(b) Shear forces
Figure 4.8 Error from the one finite element analysis with beam

We have discussed that the finite element solution is not accurate for the beam
element. How can we improve the accuracy of the finite element solution? The
fundamental approach in the finite element method is that if the structure is refined using
more finite elements, then the finite element solution converges to the analytical solution.

4.6. Frame Structure
= Truss + Beam
= Axial force + transverse force + bending moment

f
f
2y
, v
2
f
1y
, v
1

f
2x
, u
2
f
1x
, u
1

M
2
,
2
M
1
,
1


Figure 4.9 Frame structure and finite element
104 Finite Element Analysis and Design


Assumption: the axial and bending effects are uncoupled from each other.
Reasonable in small deformation.

- Axial deformation

1 1
2 2
1 1
1 1
x
x
f u
EA
f u L
(
=
` `
(

) )
(4.19)
- Beam bending

1 1
2 2
1 1
3
2 2
2 2
2 2
12 6 12 6
6 4 6 2
12 6 12 6
6 2 6 4
y
y
v f L L
M L L L L
EI
v f L L L
M L L L L

(
(

(
=
` `
(

(

) )
(4.20)
- Combine Eqs. (4.19) and (4.20):

1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 1 1
2 2
2 2 2 2 1 1
1 1 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0
0 12 6 0 12 6
0 6 4 0 6 2
0 0 0 0
0 12 6 0 12 6
0 6 2 0 6 4
x
y
x
y
a a u f
a La a La v f
La L a La L a M
a a u f
a La a La v f
La L a La L a M

(
(

(
(

=
` ` (

(
(

(
(
) )
(4.21)
where

1 2 3
,
EA EI
a a
L L
= =
Equation (4.21) can be written in the symbolic notation, as
[ ]{ } { } = k u f (4.22)
Now the element stiffness matrix is a 66 matrix equation.

- Coordinate transformation
Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 105


1 1
1 1
1 1
2 2
2 2
2 2
cos sin 0 0 0 0
sin cos 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0 0
0 0 0 cos sin 0
0 0 0 sin cos 0
0 0 0 0 0 1
x x
y y
x x
y y
f F
f F
M M
f F
f F
M M




(
(

(
(

=
` ` (
(
(

(
(
) )

{ } [ ]{ } = f T F (4.23)
{ } [ ]{ } = u T U (4.24)
After substituting Eqs. (4.23) and (4.24) into Eq. (4.22), we obtain the finite element
matrix in the global coordinate system, as

{ } [ ] [ ][ ]{ }
{ } [ ]{ }
T
=
=
F T k T U
F K U


4.7. Frame Analysis Using I-DEAS
Consider a 2-D frame structure in Figure 4.10. The objective is to calculate the stress
at point C, and the maximum normal stress that the load produces in the steel member.

4 m 2 m
1.5 m
2.5 m
1.5 m
250 mm
50 mm
C
D
A
B
50 kN/m

Figure 4.10 Two-dimensional frame structure

The state of stress at point C can be determined by using the principle of
superposition. The stress distribution due to each loading (axial, shear, and bending) is
106 Finite Element Analysis and Design

first determined, and then every contribution is superposed to obtain the final stress
distribution. The principle of superposition can be used because of a linear relationship
between the stress and loads.

Let us calculate the reaction forces of the member using the free-body-diagram as

125 kN
97.59 kN
21.93 kN
16.45 kN


To find forces and moment at point C, let us examine the horizontal segment of the
member:

0 16.45 0, 16.45kN
0 21.93 0, 21.93kN
0 0, 21.93 kN
X
Y
AX
F N N
F V V
M F X M M X m
= = =
= = =
= + = =

16.45 kN
21.93 kN
X
N
V
M


Normal Force:
The normal stress at C is a compressive uniform stress.

normal_force 2
16.45 kN
1.32 MPa
0.05 0.25m
= =

Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 107




Shear Force:
Since point C is located at the top of the beam, no shear stress exists at point C.

Bending Moment:
Since point C is located 1.5 m from point A, and 125 mm from the neutral axis, the
normal stress is compressive

bending_moment 3 4
32.89kNm 0.125m
63.15MPa
0.05 0.25 /12m

= =

Superposition:
1.32MPa 63.15MPa 64.5MPa
C
= =

The maximum normal stress for the horizontal segment will occur at point D, where
X = 4m.

normal_force 2
bending_moment 3 4
max
16.45 kN
1.32 MPa
0.05 0.25m
87.72kNm 0.125m
168.4MPa
0.05 0.25 /12m
1.32MPa 168.4MPa 169.7MPa

= =

= =

= =

However, does this calculation provide us the maximum normal stress developed in the
structure? To be sure, we must evaluate the stress in the inclined member. Let us evaluate
the stress in the inclined segment using I-DEAS.

108 Finite Element Analysis and Design

In the previous chapter, we directly create nodes and elements by providing
coordinates and connectivity. In this section, we use the automatic generation capability
of I-DEAS to generate finite element model.

1. Create Model File (Beam.mf1, Simulation, Master Modeler)

2. Choose Unit (meter, Newton)

3. Create a coordinate system (Select work plane) the user coordinate is aligned to the
global coordinate system. Provide a name to the blank part

Coordinate system (1,2) Name Parts (10,2)

4. Sketch in Place (Sketch on XY plane using Polylines) in Polylines use right mouse
button to select Options: (0, 2) (4, 2), (4, 2) (6, 0.5). Note that the model that we
create is not a finite element model but a CAD model.

Sketch in Place (1, 1) Polylines

5. Create Cross Section (Go to Beam Section, choose Solid section with base = 0.05
and height = 0.25, store section).

Solid section Store section

6. Create FE-model (Go to Meshing, FE model name: Beam). Global coordinate
system (CS1, default) is generated.


7. Create material property (Examine the existing Generic_Isotropic_Steel)


8. Definite Beam Auto-Mesh (1, 1) (Pick two lines, Length = 0.5, Select beam cross
section)
Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 109



9. Create Beam Auto-Mesh (1, 3) (Pick two lines) check by hidden line


10. Create a local coordinate system aligned to the inclined line.
Go to Master Modeler
Select Sketch on Workplane to align the workplane to the global XY plane
Choose Coordinate Systems (Select 3-D part coordinate system)
Origin: right-end of the model
X-axis: choose inclined line and confirm X-direction


11. Node orientation alignment
Go to Meshing
Choose modify node: Select the right-end node
Choose Displacement coordinate system


12. Boundary Condition (Pin, rotation axis=Z; Roller, X trans Z rot, Distributed y-force =
-50000)

Displacement Distributed Load

13. Model Solution (Go to Model solution, Create, Solve). Procedure is shown in
Beam.lis

Solution Set. Manage Solve

14. Post-Processing (Go to Postprocessing). Turn off Fast Display for contour plot.
Check reaction force at the right-end is 97.59 kN.
110 Finite Element Analysis and Design

Check x-component of reaction force at the left-end is 16.45 kN.
Check y-component of reaction force at the left-end is 21.93 kN.

Results Display Display Template

15. Z-Bending Moment Diagram
Choose Results to Element Force
Choose Beam Postprocessing Icon
In the menu, Choose Force & Stress/Data Component/Force, Moment about Z,
Execute


16. Axial Force Diagram
In the menu, Choose Force & Stress/Data Component/Force, Axial Force, Execute

17. Shear Force Diagram
In the menu, Choose Force & Stress/Data Component/Force, Shear force in Y,
Execute

18. Maximum Normal Stress
Choose Results to Stress, and choose the Maximum Principal option. The maximum
stress is 183 MPa, which appears in the inclined member.

Figure 4.11 Finite Element Model of a Frame Structure
Chap. 4 Beam Finite Element 111


Figure 4.12 Bending Moment Diagram


Figure 4.13 Shear Force Diagram
112 Finite Element Analysis and Design


Figure 4.14 Stress Contour Plot for Frame Structure
4.8. Exercise
4.1 Consider a cantilevered beam structure with a Youngs modulus E, moment of
inertia I, height 2h, and length L. A bending moment M
0
is applied at the tip of
the beam. One beam finite element is used to approximate the structure.


L
M
0
A

B

2h

b



(a) Calculate the tip displacement v and tip slop using the finite element
equation.

(b) Calculate the bending moment and shear force at the wall using the finite
element equation.

(c) Calculate the stress
xx
at point A and B.