DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

ME8692 – FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

QUESTION BANK
UNIT I INTRODUCTION
PART-A

1. Distinguish between Error and Residual.

2. Discuss the finite element method work.
3. List any four advantages of finite element method.
4. List out the types of nodes. BT1
5. List any four advantages of weak formulation? BT1
6. Compare the Ritz technique with the nodal approximation method. BT4
7. How to develop the equilibrium equation for a finite element? BT6
8. Classify boundary conditions BT3
9. List the various method of solving boundary value problems. BT1
10. Formulate the boundary conditions of a cantilever beam AB of span L fixed at A and
BT6
free at B subjected to a uniformly distributed load of P throughout the span.
11. Name the weighted residual methods. BT1
12. How will you identify types of Eigen Value Problems? BT1
13. Explain weak formulation of FEA BT4
14. Why are polynomial types of interpolation function recommended over trigonometric
BT5
function?
15. What should be considered during piecewise trial function? BT5
16. How will you develop total potential energy of a structural system? BT6
17. Explain the principle of minimum potential energy. BT4
18. Differentiate between initial value problem and boundary value problem? BT2
19. List out the advantages of finite element method over other numerical analysis
BT1
method.
20. Define node or joint. BT1
PART-B

1. Explain the step by step procedure of FEA. (BT 4)

2. Explain the process of discretization of a structure in finite element method in detail,
with suitable illustration for each aspect being and discussed. (BT 3)
3. A uniform rod subjected to a uniform axial load is illustrated in figure, the
deformation of the bar is governed by the differential equation given below.
Determine the displacement by applying Weighted Residual Method (WRM) (BT3)

4. Find the approximate deflection of a simply supported beam under a uniformly

distributed load ‘P’ throughout its span. By applying Galerking and Least Square
Residual Method (BT3)
5. Solve the differential equation for a physical problem expressed as d2y/dx2 + 100 = 0,
0≤x≤10 with boundary conditions as y(0)=0 and y(10)=0 using (i) Point collocation
method (ii) Sub domain collocation method (iii) Least square method and (iv)
Galerkin method (BT3)
6. Develop the characteristic equations for the one dimensional bar element by using
piece-wise defined interpolations and weak form of the weighted residual method?
(BT6)
7. A simple supported beam subjected to uniformly distributed load over entire span and
it is subjected to a point load at the centre of the span. Calculate the deflection uing
Rayleigh-Ritz method and compare with exact solutions. (BT3)
8. Calculate the value of central deflection in the figure below by assuming
Y = a sin πx/L the beam is uniform throughout and carries and central point load
P.(BT3)

9. Determine the expression for deflection and bending moment in a simply supported
beam subjected to uniformly distributed load over entire span. Find the deflection and
moment at mid span and compare with exact solution Rayleigh-Ritz method. Use

(BT5)

10. A simply supported beam carries uniformly distributed load over the entire span.
Calculate the bending moment and deflection. Assume EI is constant and compare the
results with other solution. (BT5)
 UNIT II ONE-DIMENSIONAL PROBLEMS
PART-A

1. What are the types of problems consider as one dimensional problem? BT5
2. Define shape function. BT1
3. illustrate shape function of a two node line element BT3
4. List out the stiffness matrix properties. BT1
5. Describe the characteristics of shape functions BT2
6. Differential global and local coordinate. BT2
7. Express the element stiffness matrix of a truss element BT2
8. illustrate a typical truss element shown local global transformation BT3
9. Define natural coordinate system BT1
10. List the types of dynamic analysis problems BT1
11. Define Lumped mass matrix? BT1
12. Define mode superposition technique? BT1
13. Formulate the lumped mass matrix for the truss element. BT6
14. Assess the accuracy of the values of natural frequencies obtained by using lumped
BT5
mass matrices and consistent mass matrices.
15. Determine the element mass matrix for one-dimensional dynamic structural analysis
BT4
problems. Assume the two-node, linear element.
16. Write down the Governing equation and for 1D longitudinal vibration of a bar fixed
BT6
at one end and create the boundary conditions
17. Explain the transverse vibration? BT4
18. Compare primary nodes and secondary nodes? BT4
19. Show that the global stiffness matrix is differed from element stiffness matrix? BT3
20. Classify some of the structural problems. BT3
PART-B

1. Develop the Shape function, Stiffness matrix and force vector for one dimensional
linear element. (BT6)
2. Consider a bar as shown in fig. Young’s Modulus E= 2 x 105 N/mm2. A1 = 2cm2,
A2 = 1cm2 and force of 100N. Calculate the nodal displacement (BT3)
3. Consider the bar shown in figure axial force P = 30KN is applied as shown.
Determine the nodal displacement, stresses in each element and reaction forces.(BT5)

4. Axial load of 500N is applied to a stepped shaft, at the interface of two bars. The ends
are fixed. Calculate the nodal displacement and stress when the element is subjected
to all in temperature of 100˚C. Take E1 = 30 x103 N/mm2&E2 = 200 x 103 N/mm2,
A1=900 mm2 & A2 = 1200mm2, α1 = 23x10-6 /˚C & α2 = 11.7x10-6/˚C, L1=200mm &
L2 =300mm. (BT3)
5. The loading and other parameters for a two bar truss element is shown in figure.
Calculate (i) The element stiffness matrix for each element (ii) Global stiffness matrix
(iii) Nodal displacements (iv) Reaction force (v) The stresses induced in the elements.
Assume E=200GPa. (BT3)

6. Figure shown a typical continuous beam. We wish to obtain the deflection of the
beam using the beam element just described. For simplicity we assume EI=1 (BT1)
7. Find the natural frequencies of transverse vibrations of the cantilever beam shown in
figure by applying one 1D beam element (BT3)

8. Calculate the displacements and slopes at the nodes for the beam shown in figure.
Find the moment at the midpoint of element 1 (BT3)

9. For the beam and loading as shown in figure. Calculate the slopes at nodes 2 and 3
and the vertical deflection at the mid-point of the distributed load. Take E=200 GPa
and I=4x10-6 m4 (BT3)

10. Calculate the force in the members of the truss as shown in fig. Take E=200 GPa.
(BT3)
 UNIT III TWO DIMENSIONAL SCALAR VARIABLE PROBLEMS

PART-A

1. Define two-dimensional scalar variable problem. BT1

2. How will you modify a three-dimensional problem to a Tow-dimensional problem? BT6
3. List out the application of two-dimensional problems. BT1
4. Express the shape functions associated with the tree noded linear triangular element
BT2
and plot the variation of the same.
5. Why a CST element so called? BT4
6. How do you define two dimensional elements? BT1
7. Explain QST (Quadratic strain Triangle) element? BT4
8. With suitable examples and the governing equation distinguish between vector and
BT2
scalar variable problems.
9. Formulate the (B) matrix for CST element. BT6
10. Express the interpolation function of a field variable for three-node triangular
BT2
element
11. List out the CST and LST elements. BT1
12. illustrate the shape function of a CST element. BT3
13. Define LST element. BT1
14. Express the nodal displacement equation for a two dimensional triangular elasticity
BT2
element
15. Show the transformation for mapping x-coordinate system into a natural coordinate
BT3
system for a linear spar element and for a quadratic spar element.
16. What do you understand by area coordinates? BT2
17. Define Isoperimetric elements with suitable examples BT1
18. Explain shape function of four node quadrilateral elements. BT4
19. Explain geometric Isotropy. BT5
20. Write the Lagrange shape functions for a 1D, 2noded elements. BT5
PART-B

1. Develop the element strain displacement matrix and element stiffness matrix of a CST
element (BT6)
2. Determine the shape functions for a constant strain triangular (CST) element. (BT3)
3. The (x, y) coordinate of nodes i, j, and k of triangular elements are given by (0, 0), (3,
0) and (1.5, 4) mm respectively. Evaluate the shape functions N1, N2 and N3 at an
interior point P (2, 2.5) mm for the element. For the same triangular element, obtain
the strain-displacement relation matrix B. (BT5)
4. Calculate the value of pressure at the point A which is inside the 3 noded triangular
element as shown in fig. The nodal values are Φ1 = 40 MPa, Φ 2 = 34 MPa and
 Φ 3 = 46 MPa. point A is located at (2, 1.5). Assume the pressure is linearly varying in
the element. Also determine the location of 42 MPa contour line. (BT3)
(0, 0) 1
3 (2, 5)
(2, 1.5)

(4, 0.5)

5. Find the temperature at point (1, 1.5) inside a triangular element shown with nodal
temperature given as Ti = 40˚C, Tj = 34˚C and Tk = 46˚C. Also Calculate the location
of the 42˚C contour line for triangular element shown in fig. (BT3)

6. Calculate the element stiffness matrix and thermal force vector for the plane stress
element shown in fig. The element experiences a rise of 10˚C (BT3)

7. For a 4-noded rectangular element shown in fig. Calculate the temperature point (7,
4). The nodal values of the temperatures are T1 = 42˚C, T2 = 54˚C and T3 = 56˚C and
T4 = 46˚C. Also determine 3 point on the 50˚C contour line. (BT3)
8. A 3 noded triangular element as shown in fig Calculate the temperature at the point P
(4, 3), given that the temperatures at nodes 1, 2 and 3 are 75˚C, 90˚C and 60˚C
respectively. (BT3)

(2,
2) 3 (3, 6)

(7, 4)

9. Develop the shape function derivation for a two-dimensional quadratic element.

(BT6)
10. Evaluate the partial derivatives of the shape function at ζ = 1/2, η= ½ of a
quadrilateral element, assuming that the temperature is approximated by bilinear.
(BT5)
 UNIT IV TWO DIMENSIONAL VECTOR VARIABLE PROBLEMS
PART-A

1. Define 2D vector variable problems? BT1

2. What problems are considered as 2D vector variable problems? BT5

3. List out the various elasticity equations. BT1

4. Define plane stress and plane strain. BT1

5. Discuss ‘Principal stresses”. BT2

6. Discuss the difference between the use of linear triangular elements and bilinear
BT2
rectangular elements for a 2D domain.
7. Define axisymmetric solid? BT1

8. Distinguish between plane stress, plane strain and axisymmetric analysis in solid
BT2
mechanics.
9. Specify the machine component related with axisymmetric concept. BT3

10. Discuss axisymmetric formulation. BT2

11. Develop the Shape functions for axisymmetric triangular elements BT6

12. Explain about finite element modeling for axisymmetric solid. BT4

13. Develop the Strain-Displacement matrix for axisymmetric solid BT6

14. Write down Stress-Strain displacement matrix for axisymmetric solid BT3

15. Write down Stiffness matrix for axisymmetric solid BT3

16. Explain plane stress conditions. BT5

17. Explain constitutive relationship for the plane stress problems. BT4

18. State whether plane stress or plane strain elements can be used to model the
following structures. Explain your answer.
BT4
a. A wall subjected to wind load
b. A wrench subjected to a force in the plane of the wrench.
19. Define a plane strain with suitable example. BT1

20. Define a plane stress problem with a suitable example. BT1

PART-B

1. Develop elasticity equation for 2D element (BT6)

2. Develop shape function for axisymmetric triangular elements (BT6)
3. Develop Stress-Strain relationship matrix for axisymmetric triangular element (BT6)
4. Develop Strain-Displacement matrix for axisymmetric triangular element (BT6)
5. Calculate the global stiffness matrix for the plate shown in fig. Taking two triangular
elements. Assume plane stress conditions (BT3)

6. Calculate the stiffness matrix for the axisymmetric element shown in fig E= 2.1 x 106
N/mm2 and Poisson’s ratio as 0.3 (BT3)

7. Calculate the element strains for an axisymmetric triangular element shown in fig the
nodal displacement are. u1= 0.001, u2 = 0.002, u3 = -0.003, w1 = 0.002, w2 = 0.001
and w3 = 0.004 all dimensions are in mm. (BT3)

8. For an axisymmetric triangular elements as shown in fig. Evaluate the stiffness

matrix. Take modulus of elasticity E = 210 GPa. Poisson’s ratio = 0.25. the
coordinates are given in millimetres. (BT5)
9. The nodal coordinates for an axisymmetric triangular element shown in fig are given
below. Calculate the strain-displacement matrix for that element (BT3)

10. A long hollow cylinder of inside diameter 100mm and outside diameter 120mm is
firmly fitted in a hole of another rigid cylinder over its full length as shown in fig. The
cylinder is then subjected to an internal pressure of 2 MPa. By using two element on
the 10mm length shown calculate the displacements at the inner radius tame E = 210
GPa. μ = 0.3 (BT3)
 UNIT V ISOPARAMETRIC FORMULATION
PART-A

1. Define Isoparametric element? BT1

2. Differentiate between Isoparametric, super parametric and sub-parametric elements. BT4

3. Define Isoparametric formulation? BT1

4. Explain the Jacobian transformation? BT5

5. Give the shape functions for a four-noded linear quadrilateral element in natural
BT2
coordinates.
6. Describe the Jacobian of transformation for two-noded Isoparametric element. BT2

7. List out the advantages of Gauss quadrature numerical integration for Isoparametric
BT1
element?
8. Discuss about higher order element. BT2

9. Discuss about Numerical integration BT2

10. Discuss about Gauss-quadrature method. BT2

11. Differentiate between implicitly and explicitly methods of numerical integration BT4

12. Differentiate between geometric and material non-linearity. BT4

13. List out the significance of Jacobian transformation? BT1

14. Define Isoparametric element with suitable examples. BT1

15. Develop Stress- displacement matrix for Four noded quadrilateral element using
BT6
natural coordinates.
16 Develop Stiffness matrix for Isoparametric quadrilateral element BT6

17. Define Newton cotes quadrature method BT1

18. Distinguish between trapezoidal rule and Simpson’s rule BT2

19. Distinguish between trapezoidal rule and Gauss quadrature. BT2

20.Explain the transformation for mapping x-coordinate system into a natural coordinate
BT5
system for a linear spar element and for a quadratic spar element.
PART-B

1. Develop the shape functions for a four-noded Isoparametric quadrilateral element.

(BT6)
2. Develop Strain-Displacement matrix, Stress-Strain relationship matrix and Stiffness
matrix for Isoparametric quadrilateral element(BT6)
3. Calculate the Cartesian coordinates of the point P which has local coordinates ε = 0.8
and η = 0.6 as shown in figure (BT3)

4. For the four noded quadrilateral element shown in fig determine the Jacobian and
evaluate its value at the point (1/2, ½) (BT5)

5. Evaluate the Jacobian matrix at the local coordinates ε=η= 0.5 for the linear
quadrilateral element with its global coordinates as shown in fig. Also evaluate the
strain-displacement matrix. (BT5)

6. For a four noded rectangular element shown in fig Calculate the following
a. Jacobian matrix b. Strain-Displacement matrix c. Element strain and d.
Element stress. (BT3)
7. Find the integral I= using Gaussian quadrature method with 2
point scheme. The Gauss points are ±0.5774 and the weight at the two points are
equal to unity. (BT3)
8. Evaluate the integral (BT5)

9. Evaluate the integral I= using three point Gauss

integration. (BT5)
10. For the element shown in fig. Calculate the Jacobian matrix. (BT3)