Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
The local 𝑥 axis is directed from node 1 to node 2. The original distance
between nodes before deformation is denoted by L. The material property
(spring constant) of the element is k.
ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,
A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Fourth Edition, Daryl L. Logan 3
Direct Stiffness Method
To Derive Spring Element Equations
Step 2: Select a Displacement Function
We must choose in advance the mathematical function to represent the
deformed shape of the spring element under loading. The most common
functions used are polynomials. 𝒖=𝒂 +𝒂 𝒙 𝟏 𝟐
𝑥 𝑥
𝑢 = 1− 𝑑 + 𝑑
𝐿 1𝑥 𝐿 2𝑥
Here N1 and N2 are called the shape functions or often called interpolation
functions. In this case, N1 and N2 are linear functions that have the
properties that N1 = 1 at node 1 and N1 = 0 at node 2, whereas N2 = 1 at
node 2 and N2 = 0 at node 1.
ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,
A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Fourth Edition, Daryl L. Logan 6
Direct Stiffness Method
To Derive Spring Element Equations
Step 3: Define the Strain/ Displacement and Stress/Strain Relationships
The deformation of the spring is then represented by:
We obtain,
where k and f are now element stiffness and force matrices expressed in a
global reference frame.
The nodes of the assemblage have been numbered 1, 3, and 2 for further
generalization because sequential numbering between elements generally does
not occur in large problem
Based on the fact that external forces must equal internal forces at each
node, we can write nodal equilibrium equations at nodes 3, 2, and 1 as:
F1x is not necessarily zero and can be determined once d2x and d3x are
solved for.
ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,
A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Fourth Edition, Daryl L. Logan 19
Example 2.1:
For the spring assemblage with arbitrarily numbered nodes shown in Figure
below, using direct stiffness method obtain (a) the global stiffness matrix, (b)
the displacements of nodes 3 and 4, (c) the reaction forces at nodes 1 and 2,
and (d) the forces in each spring. A force of 5000 lb is applied at node 4 in the
x direction. The spring constants are given in the figure. Nodes 1 and 2 are
fixed.
Applying the boundary conditions d1x=0 and d2x=0, substituting applied nodal
forces, and deleting the first two rows of {F} and {d} and the first two rows and
columns of [K] corresponding to the zero-displacement boundary conditions,
we obtain:
From these results, we observe that the sum of the reactions F1x and F2x is
equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the applied force F4x. This
result verifies equilibrium of the whole spring assemblage.
ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,
A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Fourth Edition, Daryl L. Logan 24
Example 2.1:
Next, we use local element Eqs. to obtain the forces in each element.
By simplifying, we obtain,
A free-body diagram of spring element 1 is shown in Figure (a) below. The
spring is subjected to tensile forces. Also, ^f1x is equal to the reaction force
F1x. A free-body diagram of node 1, Figure (b) shows this result.
By simplifying, we obtain,
By simplifying, we obtain,
Applying the boundary conditions d1x=0 and d5x=20 mm (= 0.02 m), deleting
the first and fifth equations corresponding to these boundary conditions, and
substituting known global forces F2x=0, F3x=0, and F4x=0, we obtain:
The results yield the reaction F1x opposite that of the nodal force F5x required
to displace node 5 by d = 20 mm. This result verifies equilibrium of the whole
spring assemblage.
ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,
A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Fourth Edition, Daryl L. Logan 33
Example 2.2:
(d). Next, we use local element Eqs. to obtain the forces in each element.
Total potential energy (p) is defined as the sum of the internal strain energy
(U) and the potential energy of the external forces (); that is,
𝝅𝒑 = 𝑼 + 𝜴
ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,
A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Fourth Edition, Daryl L. Logan 41
Potential Energy Approach
To Derive Spring Element Equations
Internal Strain Energy (U):
The differential internal work (or strain energy) dU in the spring for a small
change in length of the spring is the internal force multiplied by the change
in displacement through which the force moves, given by: 𝒅𝑼 = 𝑭𝒅𝒙
𝟏 𝟐
Now evaluate The Total Potential Energy (p) as: 𝝅𝒑 = 𝒌𝒙 − 𝑭𝒙
𝟐
1 2
𝜋𝑝 = 𝑘 𝑑2𝑥 − 𝑑1𝑥 − 𝑓1𝑥 𝑑1𝑥 − 𝑓2𝑥 𝑑2𝑥
2
1 2 2
𝜋𝑝 = 𝑘 𝑑2𝑥 − 2𝑑2𝑥 𝑑1𝑥 + 𝑑1𝑥 − 𝑓1𝑥 𝑑1𝑥 − 𝑓2𝑥 𝑑2𝑥
2
𝑘 −𝑘
[𝑘 ] =
−𝑘 𝑘
(3)
+𝑘3 𝑑2𝑥 − 𝑘3 𝑑4𝑥 = 𝑓2𝑥
1 (2)
−𝑘1 𝑑1𝑥 + 𝑘1 + 𝑘2 𝑑3𝑥 − 𝑘2 𝑑4𝑥 = 𝑓3𝑥 + 𝑓3𝑥
2 (3)
−𝑘3 𝑑2𝑥 − 𝑘2 𝑑3𝑥 + 𝑘2 + 𝑘3 𝑑4𝑥 = 𝑓4𝑥 + 𝑓4𝑥