Finite Element Methods - Assignment 4 & 5

1. Derive Hermite shape function for a beam element.

2. Figure depicts a statically indeterminate beam subjected to a transverse load
applied at the mid span. Using two flexure elements, obtain a solution for mid span
deflection.

Solution: Divide the beam into two elements

Finite Element Equation is,

𝐹1𝑦 12 6𝐿 − 12 6𝐿 𝑑1𝑦
𝑚 2 2 Ф1
𝐸𝐼 6𝐿 4𝐿 − 6𝐿 2𝐿
[ 1 ] = 𝐿3 [ ]
𝐹𝑦 −12 − 6𝐿 12 − 6𝐿 𝑑2𝑦
𝑚2 6𝐿 2𝐿2 − 6𝐿 4𝐿2 { Ф2 }

For element 1: (Nodes 1, 2, 3, 4 i.e. 𝑑1𝑦 , 𝐹1𝑦 , 𝑑2𝑦 , 𝐹2𝑦 )

Finite Element equation is, (L = L/2)

 12 3𝐿 − 12 3𝐿 𝑑1𝑦 𝐹1𝑦
2 2
8𝐸𝐼 3𝐿 𝐿 − 3𝐿 𝐿 /2 Ф1 𝑚
[ ] = [ 1 ] -------- 1
𝐿3 −12 − 3𝐿 12 − 3𝐿 𝑑2𝑦 𝐹2𝑦
3𝐿 𝐿2 /2 − 3𝐿 𝐿2 { Ф2 } 𝑚2

For element 2: (Nodes 3, 4, 5, 6 i.e. 𝑑2𝑦 , 𝐹2𝑦 , 𝑑3𝑦 , 𝐹3𝑦 )

Finite Element equation is, (L = L/2)

12 3𝐿 − 12 3𝐿 𝑑2𝑦 𝐹2𝑦
2 2
8 𝐸 𝐼 3𝐿 𝐿 − 3𝐿 𝐿 /2 Ф2 𝑚
[ ] = [ 2 ] -------- 2
𝐿3 −12 − 3𝐿 12 − 3𝐿 𝑑3𝑦 𝐹3𝑦
3𝐿 𝐿2 /2 − 3𝐿 𝐿2 { Ф3 } 𝑚3

𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 1 and 2

12 3𝐿 − 12 3𝐿 0 0
2
𝑑1𝑦 𝐿2𝐹1𝑦
3𝐿 𝐿 − 3𝐿 0 0
2 Ф1 𝑚1
8𝐸𝐼
−12 − 3𝐿 24 0 − 12 3𝐿
𝑑2𝑦 𝐹
𝐿2 2 2 = 2𝑦 ------------ 3
𝐿3 3𝐿 2 0 2 𝐿 − 3𝐿 𝐿 /2 Ф2 𝑚2
0 0 − 12 − 3𝐿 12 3𝐿 𝑑3𝑦 𝑑3𝑦
2 { 𝑚3 }
𝐿2 ] { Ф3 }
𝐿
[ 0 0 3𝐿 2 3𝐿
Boundary conditions: 𝑑1𝑦 = Ф1 = 𝑑3𝑦 = 0; 𝑚3 = 0; 𝐹2𝑦 = −𝑃

Delete 1st row and 1st column, 2nd row and 2nd column, 5th row and 5th column in the
stiffness matrix,
24 0 3𝐿
𝐿2 𝑑2𝑦 −𝑃
2
8𝐸𝐼 0 2𝐿 { Ф2 } = { 0 }
2
𝐿3
𝐿2 Ф3 0
[ 3𝐿 𝐿2 ]
2

Solving,

− 𝟕 𝑷 𝑳𝟑
The mid span deflection, 𝒅𝟐𝒚 =
𝟕𝟔𝟖 𝑬 𝑰
 𝟏
3. Evaluate ∫−𝟏(𝒙𝟒 + 𝒙𝟐 ) 𝒅𝒙 by applying 3-point Gaussian quadrature.

Solution:
1
Given: Integral, I = ∫−1(𝑥 4 + 𝑥 2 ) 𝑑𝑥

f(x) = 𝑥 4 + 𝑥 2

We know that, for three-point Gaussian quadrature

3
𝑥1 = √5 = 0.774596669;

𝑥2 = 0;

3
𝑥3 = - √5 = - 0.774596669

5
𝑤1 = = 0.555555;
9
8
𝑤2 = = 0.888888;
9
5
𝑤3 = 9 = 0.555555

We know that, f(x) = 𝑥 4 + 𝑥 2

f (𝑥1 ) = 𝑥1 4 + 𝑥1 2

= (0.774596669)4 + (0.774596669)2 = 0.96

𝑤1 f (𝑥1 ) = 0.555555 x 0.96 = 0.5333 ---------- (1)

f (𝑥2 ) = 𝑥2 4 + 𝑥2 2

= (0)4 + (0)2 = 0

𝑤2 f (𝑥2 ) = 0.888888 x 0 = 0 ---------- (2)

f (𝑥3 ) = 𝑥3 4 + 𝑥3 2

= (− 0.774596669)4 + (− 0.774596669)2 = 0.96

𝑤3 f (𝑥3 ) = 0.555555 x 0.96 = 0.5333 ---------- (3)

Adding equation (1), (2) and (3),

𝑤1 f (𝑥1 ) + 𝑤2 f (𝑥2 ) + 𝑤3 f (𝑥3 )

= 0.5333 + 0 + 0.5333 = 1.0666

𝟏
Result: ∫−𝟏(𝒙𝟒 + 𝒙𝟐 ) 𝒅𝒙 = 1.0666 Ans.
4. Evaluate the Cartesian co-ordinates of the point P which has local coordinates ε =
0.6 and η = 0.8 as shown in figure.

Solution:
Given: Natural co-ordinates of point P,
ε = 0.6, η = 0.8
Cartesian co-ordinates of point 1, 2, 3, and 4
𝑥1 = 3; 𝑦1 = 2; 𝑥2 = 9; 𝑦2 = 4; 𝑥3 = 6; 𝑦3 = 8; 𝑥4 = 4; 𝑦4 = 5

We know that, Shape functions for quadrilateral elements are,

1 1
𝑁1 = (1 – ε) (1 – η); 𝑁2 = (1 + ε) (1 – η)
4 4
1 1
𝑁3 = (1 + ε) (1 + η); 𝑁4 = (1 – ε) (1 + η)
4 4
Substitute ε, and η values in the above equations,
1 1
𝑁1 = (1 – 0.6) (1 – 0.8) = 0.02; 𝑁2 = (1 + 0.6) (1 – 0.8) = 0.08
4 4
1 1
𝑁3 = (1 + 0.6) (1 + 0.8) = 0.72; 𝑁4 = (1 – 0.6) (1 + 0.8) = 0.18
4 4
We know that,
Coordinate, x = 𝑁1 𝑥1 + 𝑁2 𝑥2 + 𝑁3 𝑥3 + 𝑁4 𝑥4
= (0.02) (3) + (0.08) (9) + (0.72) (6) + (0.18) (4) = 5.82
y = 𝑁1 𝑦1 + 𝑁2 𝑦2 + 𝑁3 𝑦3 + 𝑁4 𝑦4
= (0.02) (2) + (0.08) (4) + (0.72) (8) + (0.18) (5) = 7.02
Result: The cartesian co-ordinates of point P, are (5.82, 7.02)
 5. Derive the stiffness matrix for the four-noded tetrahedron element from the first
principles.
Answer: Derivation of Element stiffness matrix for Tetrahedron element:

The tetrahedron element, with three translational degrees of freedom per node, is shown
in the global xyz coordinate system in Figure. (the global coordinates are denoted as
x, y, z instead of X, Y, Z, for simplicity). Since there are 12 nodal degrees of freedom
Q3i-2, Q3i-1, Q3i, Q3j-2 ...,Q3l and three displacement components u, v, and w, we choose
the displacement variation to be linear as

and similar expressions for v(x, y, z) and w(x, y, z). Thus, the displacement field can be
expressed in matrix form as
and similar expressions for v(x, y, z) and w(x, y, z). Thus, the displacement field can be
expressed in matrix form as

the strain–displacement relations can be expressed as

with the other constants defined by cyclic interchange of the subscripts in the order l, i, j, k.
The signs in front of determinants in the above equations are to be reversed when generating aj
, bj , cj , dj and al, bl, cl, dl.
The stress–strain relations, in the case of three-dimensional analysis, are given by
The stiffness matrix of the element (in the global system) can be obtained as

Since the matrices [B] and [D] are independent of x, y, and z, the stiffness matrix can be
obtained by carrying out matrix multiplications as
6. Derive the Shape functions for Constant Strain Triangular (CST) element.
 𝟏
7. Evaluate the Jacobian matrix [J] at ε = η = for the linear quadrilateral element
𝟐
shown in figure.

Solution:
1 1
Given: Natural coordinates at point, P coordinates ε = 2 = 0.5 and η = = 0.5
2
Cartesian co-ordinates of point 1, 2, 3, and 4
𝑥1 = 4; 𝑦1 = 4; 𝑥2 = 7; 𝑦2 = 5; 𝑥3 = 8; 𝑦3 = 10; 𝑥4 = 3; 𝑦4 = 8

Jacobian matrix for equilateral element is given by,

𝐽 𝐽
[ J ] = [ 11 12 ]
𝐽21 𝐽22
1
𝐽11 = 4 [− (1 − 𝜂)𝑥1 + (1 − 𝜂) 𝑥2 + (1 + 𝜂)𝑥3 − (1 + 𝜂)𝑥4 ]
1
= 4 [− (1 − 0.5) 𝑥 4 + (1 − 0.5) 𝑥 7 + (1 + 0.5) 𝑥 8 − (1 + 0.5) 𝑥 3 ] = 2.25
1
𝐽12 = 4 [− (1 − 𝜂)𝑦1 + (1 − 𝜂) 𝑦2 + (1 + 𝜂) 𝑦3 − (1 + 𝜂) 𝑦4 ]
1
= 4 [− (1 − 0.5) 𝑥 4 + (1 − 0.5) 𝑥 5 + (1 + 0.5) 𝑥 10 − (1 + 0.5) 𝑥 8 ] = 0.875
1
𝐽21 = 4 [− (1 − 𝜀)𝑥1 − (1 + 𝜀) 𝑥2 + (1 + 𝜀)𝑥3 + (1 − 𝜀)𝑥4 ]
1
= 4 [− (1 − 0.5) 𝑥 4 − (1 + 0.5) 𝑥 7 + (1 + 0.5) 𝑥 8 + (1 − 0.5) 𝑥 3] = 0.25
1
𝐽22 = 4 [− (1 − 𝜀)𝑦1 − (1 + 𝜀) 𝑦2 + (1 + 𝜀)𝑦3 + (1 − 𝜀)𝑦4 ]
1
= 4 [− (1 − 0.5) 𝑥 4 − (1 + 0.5) 𝑥 5 + (1 + 0.5) 𝑥 10 + (1 − 0.5) 𝑥 8] = 2.375
𝐽 𝐽 2.25 0.875
[ J ] = [ 11 12 ] = [ ]
𝐽21 𝐽22 0.25 2.375

2.25 0.875
Result: Jacobian Matrix, [ J ] = [ ] Ans.
0.25 2.375
8. Calculate the temperature distribution in a one-dimension fin with physical
properties given in figure. The fin is rectangular in shape and is 120 mm long, 40
mm wide and 10 mm thick. Assume that convection heat loss occurs from the end
of the fin. Use two elements. Take k = 0.3 W/mm 0C; h = 1 x 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 W/mm2 0C; 𝑻𝜶
= 200 C
9. Explain the importance of Eigen value and Eigen vectors.
Answer: Importance of Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors:
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors play a crucial role in Finite Element Methods, especially
in problems involving dynamic analysis, stability, and vibration analysis:
1. Vibration Analysis:
o In structural dynamics, eigenvalues represent the natural frequencies of a
system, which are critical for understanding its response to vibrations.
o Eigenvectors correspond to the mode shapes that describe how the
structure deforms at each natural frequency.
2. Dynamic Analysis:
o They help determine the critical frequencies to avoid resonance, ensuring
the safety and reliability of structures and mechanical systems.
3. Stability Analysis:
o Eigenvalues are used to analyze buckling problems in structures. The
smallest eigenvalue indicates the critical load at which buckling occurs.
4. Simplifying Complex Systems:
o Eigenvectors form a basis to decouple complex systems of equations into
independent equations, simplifying computations in dynamic and stability
analysis.
5. Energy Methods:
o The eigenvalues relate to the energy levels in the system and aid in
understanding the potential and kinetic energy distribution.
Thus, eigenvalues and eigenvectors are indispensable in ensuring that FEM solutions
accurately predict the behavior of engineering systems under various conditions.
10. Derive the stiffness matrix for one-dimensional Heat conduction element.
 11. Explain the following:
(i) Consistent mass matrix, (ii)Lumped mass matrix

Answer:
i) Consistent mass matrix for bar element:
mass matrix, [m] = ∫ 𝜌 [𝑁]𝑇 [N] dv
𝑙 𝑁1
= ρ A ∫0 { } [𝑁1 𝑁2 ] dx
𝑁2
𝑥 𝑥
Substituting, 𝑁1 = 1 − ; 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑁2 = 𝑙
𝑙
𝑥
𝑙 1− 𝑥 𝑥
𝑙
[m] = ρ A ∫0 { 𝑥 } [(1 − 𝑙 ) ( 𝑙 )] dx
𝑙
 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥2
𝑙 (1 − )2 −
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙2
= ρ A ∫0 [ 𝑥 𝑥2 𝑥2
] dx
−
𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙2

Integrating and simplifying, we get

𝜌𝐴𝑙 2 1
[m] = [ ]
6 1 2
Consistent mass matrix for beam element:
mass matrix, [m] = ∫ 𝜌 [𝑁]𝑇 [N] dv
𝑁1
𝑙 𝑁
= ρ A ∫0 { 2 } [𝑁1 𝑁2 𝑁3 𝑁4 ] dx
𝑁3
𝑁4
3 𝑥2 2 𝑥3 2 𝑥2 𝑥3
Substituting 𝑁1 = 1 − + ; 𝑁2 = 𝑥 − +
𝑙2 𝑙3 𝑙 𝑙2
3 𝑥2 2 𝑥3 𝑥2 𝑥3
𝑁3 = − ; 𝑁4 = − +
𝑙2 𝑙3 𝑙 𝑙2

and after performing all the integrations, we get

156 22𝑙 54 − 13𝑙
2
𝜌𝐴𝑙 22𝑙 4𝑙 13𝑙 − 3𝑙 2
[m] = [ ]
420 54 13𝑙 156 − 22𝑙
−13𝑙 − 3𝑙 2 − 22𝑙 4𝑙 2
ii) Lumped mass matrix for bar element:

Lumped mass matrix for a bar element is given by,

𝜌𝐴𝑙 1 0
[m] = [ ]
2 0 1
Lumped mass matrix for beam element:

Lumped mass matrix for a beam element is given by,

1 0 0 0
𝜌𝐴𝑙 0 0 0 0
[m] = [ ]
2 0 0 1 0
0 0 0 0
12. For the bar as shown in figure with length 2L, modulus of elasticity E, mass density
ρ, and cross-sectional area A, determine the first two natural frequencies.