UNIVERSIDAD SANTO TOMAS

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM
Finite element Analysis
Workshop Link Element

Three rods of different materials are connected and placed between rigid supports at A and D, as shown
in the figure 1. Properties for each of three rods are given below. At the point B a force of 500 lb is
applied oriented to the left hand. At the point C a force of 750 lb is applied oriented to the right hand.
Using the matrix method determine:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

The normal stresses in the three rods

The force exerted on the rigid supports
The deflections of joints B and C relative to rigid support A.
The strain in the three rods
Solve the problem using analytical solution
Solve the problem using Ansys software (link element)
Compare the results get by the three methods and calculate the error for the nodal
displacements, stress, and strain.

Figure 1.
Aluminum (1)
L1 = 100 in
d1 = 1,25 in
E1 = 10.000 ksi

Cast iron (2)

L2 = 50 in
d2 = 2 in
E2 = 22.500 ksi

Bronze (3)
L3 = 70 in
d3 = 0,75 in
E3 = 15.000 ksi