Development of the Plane Stress and Plane

Strain Stiffness Equations

Introduction
In Chapters 2 through 5, we considered only line elements. Line elements are
connected only at common nodes, forming framed or articulated structures such
as trusses, frames, and grids. Line elements have geometric properties such as
cross-sectional area and moment of inertia associated with their cross sections.
However, only one local coordinate along the length of the element is required to
describe a position along the element (hence, they are called line elements).
Nodal compatibility is then enforced during the formulation of the nodal
equilibrium equations for a line element.
This chapter considers the two-dimensional finite element. Two-dimensional
(planar) elements are thin-plate elements such that two coordinates define a
position on the element surface.

The elements are connected at common nodes and/or along common edges
to form continuous structures. Nodal compatibility is then enforced during the
formulation of the nodal equilibrium equations for two-dimensional elements. If
proper displacement functions are chosen, compatibility along common edges is
also obtained.

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The two-dimensional element is extremely important for:

(1) Plane stress analysis, which includes problems such as plates with
holes, fillets, or other changes in geometry that are loaded in their plane
resulting in local stress concentrations; and
(2)

Plane strain analysis, which includes problems such as a long

underground box culvert subjected to a uniform load acting constantly
over its length or a long cylindrical control rod subjected to a load that
remains constant over the rod length (or depth).

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Plane Stress Problems

Plane Strain Problems

We begin this chapter with the development of the stiffness matrix for a basic
two-dimensional or plane finite element, called the constant-strain triangular
element. The constant-strain triangle (CST) stiffness matrix derivation is the
simplest among the available two-dimensional elements.
We will derive the CST stiffness matrix by using the principle of minimum
potential energy because the energy formulation is the most feasible for the
development of the equations for both two- and three-dimensional finite
elements.

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General Steps in the Formulation of the Plane Triangular Element

Equations
We will now follow the steps described in Chapter 1 to formulate the governing
equations for a plane stress/plane strain triangular element. First, we will
describe the concepts of plane stress and plane strain. Then we will provide a
brief description of the steps and basic equations pertaining to a plane triangular
element.
Plane Stress
Plane stress is defined to be a state of stress in which the normal stress and
the shear stresses directed perpendicular to the plane are assumed to be zero.
That is, the normal stress z and the shear stresses xz and yz are assumed to
be zero. Generally, members that are thin (those with a small z dimension
compared to the in-plane x and y dimensions) and whose loads act only in the xy plane can be considered to be under plane stress.
Plane Strain
Plane strain is defined to be a state of strain in which the strain normal to the
x-y plane z and the shear strains xz and yz are assumed to be zero. The
assumptions of plane strain are realistic for long bodies (say, in the z direction)
with constant cross-sectional area subjected to loads that act only in the x and/or
y directions and do not vary in the z direction.
Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain
The concept of two-dimensional state of stress and strain and the stress/strain
relationships for plane stress and plane strain are necessary to understand fully
the development and applicability of the stiffness matrix for the plane
stress/plane strain triangular element.
A two-dimensional state of stress is shown in the figure below. The
infinitesimal element with sides dx and dy has normal stresses z and y acting in
the x and y directions (here on the vertical and horizontal faces), respectively.
The shear stress xy acts on the x edge (vertical face) in the y direction. The
shear stress yx acts on the y edge (horizontal face) in the x direction.
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Since xy equals yx, three independent stress exist:

{ }

= x y xy
Recall, the relationships for principal stresses in two-dimensions are:

1 =

2 =

x +y
2

y
2
+ x
+ xy = max
2

x + y
2

x y

2

2
+ xy = min

Also, p is the principal angle which defines the normal whose direction is
perpendicular to the plane on which the maximum or minimum principle stress
acts.
tan 2 p =

xy

x y

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The general two-dimensional state of strain at a point is show below.

The general definitions of normal and shear strains are:

x =

u
x

y =

v
x

xy =

u v
+
y x

The strain may be written in matrix form as:

{ }

= x

y xy

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For plane stress, the stresses z, xz, and yz are assumed to be zero. The
stress-strain relationship is:

x
E

y =
2
1
xy
where

0
x
1

1
0
y

0 0 0.5(1 ) xy

1
E

[D ] =
1
0
2

1
0 0 0.5(1 )
is called the stress-strain matrix (or the constitutive matrix), E is the modulus
of elasticity, and is Poissons ratio.
For plane strain, the strains z, xz, and yz are assumed to be zero. The
stress-strain relationship is:
x

1
E


1
y =

(
)(
)
+

1
2

0
0
xy
where

1
E

[D ] =
1
(1 + )(1 2 )
0
0

x

0 y
0.5 xy
0

0
0

0.5

The partial differential equations for plane stress are:

2 u 2 u 1 + 2 u 2v
+
=

x 2 y 2
2 y 2 xy
2v 2v 1 +
+
=
x 2 y 2
2

2v
2u
2

xy
y

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Steps in the Formulation of the Element Stiffness Equations

Consider the problem of a thin plate subjected to a tensile load as shown in

the figure below:

Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types

Discretize the thin plate into a set of triangular elements. Each element is
define by nodes i, j, and m.

We use triangular elements because boundaries of irregularly shaped bodies can

be closely approximated, and because the expressions related to the triangular
element are comparatively simple. This discretization is called a coarse-mesh
generation if few large elements are used. Each node has two degrees of
freedom: displacements in the x and y directions. We will let ui and vi represent
the node i displacement components in the x and y directions, respectively.
The nodal displacements for an element with nodes i, j, and m are:

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di
{d } = d j
d
m
where the nodes are ordered counterclockwise around the element, and
u
{d i } = i
v i
Therefore:
ui
v
i
u
{d } = j
v j
u m

v m
Step 2 - Select Displacement Functions

The general displacement function is:

{ } =
i

u( x, y )

v ( x, y )

The functions u(x, y) and v(x, y) must be compatible with the element type.
Step 3 - Define the Strain-Displacement and
Stress-Strain Relationships

The general definitions of normal and shear strains are:

x =

u
x

y =

v
x

xy =

u v
+
y x

For plane stress, the stresses z, xz, and yz are assumed to be zero. The
stress-strain relationship is:
x
E

y =
2
1
xy

0
1
x
1

0

y
0 0 0.5(1 ) xy

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For plane strain, the strains z, xz, and yz are assumed to be zero. The
stress-strain relationship is:
x

1
E

1
y =

(
)(
)
+

1
1
2

0
0
xy

x

y
0.5 xy
0
0

Step 4 - Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations

Using the principle of minimum potential energy, we can derive the element
stiffness matrix.

{f } = [k ]{d }
This approach is better than the direct methods used for one-dimensional
elements.
Step 5 - Assemble the Element Equations and
Introduce Boundary Conditions

The final assembled or global equation written in matrix form is:

{F } = [K ]{d }
where {F} is the equivalent global nodal loads obtained by lumping distributed
edge loads and element body forces at the nodes and [K] is the global structure
stiffness matrix.
Step 6 - Solve for the Nodal Displacements

Once the element equations are assembled and modified to account for the
boundary conditions, a set of simultaneous algebraic equations that can be
written in expanded matrix form as:
Step 7 - Solve for the Element Forces (Stresses)

For the structural stress-analysis problem, important secondary quantities of

strain and stress (or moment and shear force) can be obtained in terms of the
displacements determined in Step 6.

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Derivation of the Constant-Strain Triangular Element Stiffness

Matrix and Equations
Consider the problem of a thin plate subjected to a tensile load as shown in
the figure below:
Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types

The basic triangular element, shown below, is define by nodes i, j, and m

labeled in a counterclockwise manner.

The nodal displacement matrix is:

ui
v
i
u
{d } = j
v j
u m

v m
Step 2 - Select Displacement Functions

We will select a linear displacement function for each triangular element,

defined as:

u( x, y ) a1 + a2 x + a3 y
=

v ( x, y ) a 4 + a5 x + a6 y

{ } =
i

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Linear representation of u(x, y)

um

y
ui

uj
(xi, yi)

(xm, ym)
(xj, yj)

A linear function ensures that the displacements along each edge of the element
and the nodes shared by adjacent elements are equal.
a1
a
2
a + a x + a3 y 1 x y 0 0 0 a3
{i } = 1 2
=

a 4 + a5 x + a6 y 0 0 0 1 x y a 4
a5

a6
To obtain the values for the as substitute the coordinated of the nodal points into
the above equations:

u i = a1 + a2 x i + a3 y i
u j = a1 + a2 x j + a3 y j
u m = a1 + a2 x m + a3 y m

v i = a 4 + a5 x i + a 6 y i
v j = a 4 + a5 x j + a6 y j
v m = a 4 + a5 x m + a 6 y m

Solving for the as and writing the results in matrix forms gives:
u i 1 x i

u j = 1 x j
u 1 x
m
m

y i a1

y j a2

y m a3

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{a} = [x ] {u}
1

Page 255

The inverse of the [x] matrix is:

i
1

[ x ]1 =
i
2A
i
where
1 xi
2A = 1 x j
1 xm

j m

j m
j m
yi
yj
ym

is the determinant of [x].

2 A = xi (y j y m ) + x j (y m y i ) + xm (y i y j )
where A is the area of the triangle and

i = x j y m y j xm

i = y j ym

i = xm x j

j = xi y m y i xm

j = ym yi

j = xi xm

m = xi y j y i x j

m = yi y j

m = x j xi

The values of a may be written matrix form as:

i
a1
1

a2 =
i
2
A
a
i
3

j m ui

j m u j
j m um

and
i
a4
1

a5 =
i
2
A
a
i
6

j m v i

j m v j
j m v m

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We will now derive the displacement function in terms of the coordinates x and y.
a1
{u} = [1 x y ]a2
a
3
Substituting the values for a into the above equation gives:

i j m ui
1
{u} = [1 x y ] i j m u j
2A
i j m um

Expanding the above equations

i u i + j u j + mu m

y ] i u i + j u j + mu m
i u i + j u j + mu m

Multiplying the matrices in the above equations gives

1
{u} = [1 x
2A

u ( x, y ) =

1
( i + i x + i y ) ui + ( j + j x + j y ) u j + ( m + m x + m y ) um
2A

A similar expression can be obtained for the y displacement

v ( x, y ) =

1
( i + i x + i y ) v i + ( j + j x + j y ) v j + ( m + m x + m y ) v m
2A

The displacements can be written in a more convenience form as:

u ( x, y ) = N i u i + N j u j + N m u m

v ( x, y ) = Ni v i + N j v j + Nmv m

where
Ni =

1
( i + i x + i y )
2A

Nj =

1
( j + j x + j y )
2A

Nm =

1
( m + m x + m y )
2A

The elemental displacements can be summarized as:

u( x, y ) Ni ui + N j u j + Nmum
=

v ( x, y ) Ni v i + N j v j + Nmv m

{ } =
i

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In another form the above equations are:

Ni
{ } =
0

0
Ni

Nj

0
Nj

ui
v
i
0 uj

Nm v j
um

v m

Nm

{ } = [N ]{d }

where
Ni
0

[N ] =

0
Ni

0
Nj

Nj
0

Nm
0

0
Nm

The linear triangular shape functions are illustrated below

Nj

Ni

Nm
1

1
x

y
m

1
x

y
x

Step 3 - Define the Strain-Displacement and Stress-Strain Relationships

Elemental Strains: The strains over a two-dimensional element are:

x x
v
{ } = y =

y
xy u v
+
y x

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Substituting our approximation for the displacement gives:

u

(N i u i + N j u j + N m u m )
= u,x =
x
x
u,x = Ni ,xui + N j ,xu j + Nm,xum
where the comma indicates differentiation with respect to that variable. The
derivatives of the interpolation functions are:

1
( i + i x + i y ) = i
2 A x
2A
Therefore:
Ni ,x =

N j ,x =

Nm ,x =

2A

m
2A

u
1
( i ui + j u j + mum )
=
x 2 A
In a similar manner, the remaining strain terms are approximated as:
v
1
=
( iv i + jv j + mv m )
y 2 A
u v
1
( i ui + iv i + j u j + jv j + mum + mv m )
+
=
y x 2 A

We can write the strains in matrix form as:

u

x x
i
1
v
{ } == y =
=
0
2

y
A

xy u v
i
+

y x

i
i

j
j

ui
v
0 i
u
m j
v
m j
um

v m

or
{ } = [Bi

Bj

di

Bm ] d j
d
m

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where
j 0
i 0
1
1
[Bi ] = 0 i
[B j ] = 0 j
2A
2A
j j
i i
These equations can be written in matrix form as:

m
1
[Bm ] = 0
2A
m

0
m
m

{ } = [B ]{d }
Stress-Strain Relationship: The in-plane stress-strain relationship is:

x
x


y = [D ] y


xy
xy
where [D] for plane stress is:
0
1

[D ] =
1
0
2

1
0 0 0.5(1 )
and [D] for plane strain is:

1
E

[D ] =

1
(1 + )(1 2 )
0
0

0
0

0.5

In-plane stress can be related to displacements by:

{ } = [D][B ]{d }

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Step 4 - Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations

The total potential energy is defined as the sum of the internal strain energy U
and the potential energy of the external forces :

p = U + b + p + s
where the strain energy is:
U=

1
{ } T { }dV

2V

U=

1
{ } T [D]{ }dV

2V

or

The potential energy of the body force term is:

b = { }T { X }dV
V

where {} is the general displacement function, and {X} is the body weight per
unit volume.
The potential energy of the concentrated forces are:
p = {d }T {P }
where {P} are the concentrated forces, and {d} are the nodal displacements.
The potential energy of the distributed loads are:
s = { }T {T }dS
S

where {} is the general displacement function, and {T} are the surface tractions.
Then the total potential energy expression becomes:

p =

1
T
T
T
T
{d } [B]T [D][B]{d} dV {d} [N ]T { X }dV {d} {P} {d} [N ]T {T }dS

2V
V
S

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The nodal displacements {d} are independent of the general x-y coordinates,
therefore
1
T
T
T
T
{d} [B]T [D][B ]dV {d} {d} [N ]T { X }dV {d} {P} {d} [N ]T {T }dS
2
V
V
S

p =

We can define the last three terms as:

{f } = [N ]

{ X }dV + {P} + [N ]T {T }dS

S

Therefore:
1
T
T
{d} [B]T [D][B]dV {d} {d} {f }
2
V

p =

Minimization of p with respect to each nodal displacement requires that:

p

{d }

= [B ]T [D ][B ]dV {d } {f } = 0
V

The above relationship requires:

[B ]

[D][B ]dV {d } = {f }

The stiffness matrix can be defined as:

[k ] = [B ]T [D][B ]dV
V

For an element of constant thickness, t, the above integral becomes:

[k ] = t [B ]T [D][B ] dx dy
A

The integrand in the above equation is not a function of x or y (global

coordinates); therefore, the integration reduces to:
[k ] = t [B ]T [D][B ] dx dy
A

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or
[k ] = tA [B ]T [D][B ]
where A is the area of the triangular element. Expanding the stiffness relationship
gives:

[k ii ] [k ij ] [k im ]

[k ] = [k ji ] [k jj ] [k jm ]
[k mi ] [k mj ] [k mm ]
where each [kii] is a 2 x 2 matrix define as:
[k ii ] = [Bi ]T [D][Bi ] tA

[k ij ] = [Bi ]T [D][B j ] tA

[k im ] = [Bi ]T [D][Bm ] tA

Recall:

i
1
[Bi ] = 0
2A
i

0
i
i

j
1
[B j ] = 0
2A
j

j
j

m
1
[Bm ] = 0
2A
m

0
m
m

Step 5 - Assemble the Element Equations to Obtain the Global Equations

and Introduce the Boundary Conditions

The global stiffness matrix can be found by the direct stiffness method.
N

[K ] = [ k ( e ) ]
e =1

The global equivalent nodal load vector is obtained by lumping body forces
and distributed loads at the appropriate nodes as well as including any
concentrated loads.
N

{F } = {f ( e ) }
e =1

The resulting global equations are:

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{F } = [K ]{d }
where {d} is the total structural displacement vector.
In the above formulation of the element stiffness matrix, the matrix has been
derived for a general orientation in global coordinates. Therefore, no
transformation form local to global coordinates is necessary. However, for
completeness, we will now describe the method to use if the local axes for the
constant-strain triangular element are not parallel to the global axes for the whole
structure.

To relate the local to global displacements, force, and stiffness matrices we

will use:

d = Td

f = Tf

k = T T kT

The transformation matrix T for the triangular element is:

C S
S C

0 0
T =
0 0
0 0

0 0

0
0

0
0

S C
0 0
0

0
0
0 0

0 0
C S

S C
0
0

where C = cos and S = sin , and q is shown in the figure above.

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Step 6 - Solve for the Nodal Displacements

Step 7 - Solve for Element Forces and Stress

Having solved for the nodal displacements, we can obtain strains and
stresses in x and y directions in the elements by using:
{ } = [B ]{d }

{ } = [D][B ]{d }

Plane Stress Example

Consider the structure shown in the figure below.

Assume plane stress conditions. All coordinates are shown on the figure. Let E =
30 x 106 psi, = 0.25, and t = 1 in. Assume the element nodal displacements
have been determined to be u1 = 0.0, v1 = 0.0025 in., u2 = 0.0012 in., v2 = 0.0, u3
= 0.0, and v3 = 0.0025 in. Determine the element stiffness matrix and the element
stresses.
First, we calculate the element s and s as:

i = y j y m = 0 1 = 1

i = xm x j = 0 2 = 2

j = y m y i = 0 ( 1) = 2

j = xi xm = 0 0 = 0

m = y i y j = 1 0 = 1

m = x j xi = 2 0 = 2

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Therefore, the [B] matrix is:

i
1
[B ] = 2 A 0
i

i
i

j
j

0
1 0 2 0 1 0
1

0 2 0 0 0 2
m =

2(2)
2 1 0 2 2 1
m

For plane stress conditions, the [D] matrix is:

1
30 10 6
[D ] =
0 . 25
1 ( 0 . 25 ) 2
0

0 . 25
1
0

0 . 375
0
0

Substitute the above expressions for [D] and [B] into the general equations for
the stiffness matrix:
[k ] = tA [B ]T [D][B ]
1 0 2
0 2 1

1
0.25
0
1 0 2 0 1 0
6
1
(2)30 10 2 0
1
0 2 0 0 0 2
1
0
k=

0.25

4(0.9375) 2 0 2
2(2)
0

0
0.375
2 1 0 2 2 1
1 0 2

0 2 1
Performing the matrix triple product gives:
1.25
0.25
2 1 .5
0.5
2.5
1.25 4.375 1 0.75 0.25 3.625

lb
2
1
4
0
2
1

k = 4 10 6

0
1.5
1.5
0.75 in
1.5 0.75
0.5 0.25 2
1.5
2 .5
1.25

0.25 3.625 1 0.75 1.25 4.375

The in-plane stress can be related to displacements by:
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{ } = [D][B ]{d }
0.0

0.0025 in

x
0.25
0
1
1 0 2 0 1 0
6
30 10
1 0 2 0 0 0 2 0.0012 in
0.25
1
0
y =

2(2)
0.0
0.9375 0

2 1 0 2 2 1
0
0.375

xy
0.0

0.0025 in
The stresses are:
x 19,200 psi

y = 4,800 psi
15,000 psi

xy
Recall, the relationships for principal stresses and principal angle in twodimensions are:

1 =

2 =
p =

x + y
2

x + y
2

x y
+
2

2
+ xy = max

x y

2

2
+ xy = min

2 xy
1
tan 1

2
x
y

Therefore:
2

19,200 + 4,800
19,200 4,800
2
1 =
+
+ ( 15,000 ) = 28,639 psi
2
2

19,200 + 4,800
19,200 4,800
2
1 =

+ ( 15,000 ) = 4,639 psi
2
2

p =

1
2( 15,000 )
tan 1
= 32.3 o

2
19,200 4,800

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Treatment of Body and Surface Forces

The general force vector is defined as:

{f } = [N ]

{ X }dV + {P} + [N ]T {T }dS

S

Body Force

Lets consider the first term of the above equation.

{fb } = [N ]T { X }dV
V

where
Xb

Yb

{X} =

where Xb and Yb are the weight densities in the x and y directions, respectively.
The force may reflect the effects of gravity, angular velocities, or dynamic inertial
forces.
The integration of the {fb} is simplified if the origin of the coordinate system is
chosen at the centroid of the element, as shown in the figure below. With the
origin placed at the centroid, we can use the definition of a centroid.

x dA = 0
A

y dA = 0
A

For a given thickness, t, the body force term becomes:

{fb } = [N ]T { X }dV = t [N ]T { X }dA

V

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Recall the interpolation functions for a place stress/strain triangle:

Ni =

1
( i + i x + i y )
2A

Nj =

1
( j + j x + j y )
2A

Nm =

1
( m + m x + m y )
2A

Therefore the terms in the integrand are:

x dA = y dA = 0
i

and
2A
3
The body force at node i is given as:

i = j = m =

{fbi } =

tA X b

3 Yb

The general body force vector is:

fbix
Xb
f
Y
biy
b
fbjx tA X b
=
f
{ b} f =
bjy 3 Yb
fbmx
Xb

fbmy
Yb
Surface Force

The third term in the general force vector is defined as:

{fs } = [N ]T {T }dS
S

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Page 269

Lets consider the example of a uniform stress p acting between nodes 1 and 3
on the edge of element 1 as shown in figure below.

The surface traction becomes:

p

{T } = px =

and [N]T is:

N1 0
0 N
1

N
0
[N ]T = 2

0
N
2

N3 0

0
N
3

evaluated at x=a

Therefore, the traction force vector is:

N1 0
0 N
1

t L
N
0 p
{fs } = 2
dy dz
0
N
2 0
0 0
N3 0

0 N3

evaluated at x=a

CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

Page 270

After some simplification, the traction force vector is:

N1p
0

L
N2 p
{fs } = t dy
0
0
N3 p

0
The interpolation function for i = 1 is:
Ni =

1
( i + i x + i y )
2A

For convenience, lets choose the coordinate system shown in the figure below.

Recall:

i = x j y m y j xm
with i = 1, j = 2, and m = 3, we get

1 = x 2 y 3 y 2 x3
If we substitute the coordinates of the triangle show above in the above equation
we get:

CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

Page 271

1 = 0
Similarly, we can find:

1 = 0

1 = a

Therefore, the interpolation function, N1 is:

ay
2A
The remaining interpolation function, N2 and N2 are:
N1 =

N2 =

L(a x )
2A

N3 =

Lx ay
2A

Substituting the interpolation function in the traction force vector expression

gives:
fs1x
1
f
0
s1y

f pLt 0
{fs } = fs 2 x =

2 0
s 2y
fs 3 x
1


fs 3 y
0
Explicit Expression for the Constant-Strain Triangle Stiffness Matrix

Usually the stiffness matrix is computed internally by computer programs, but

since we are not computers, we need to explicitly evaluate the stiffness matrix.
For a constant-strain triangular element, considering the plane strain case, recall
that:
[k ] = tA[B ]T [D][B ]
where [D] for plane strain is:

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Page 272


0
1
E

[D] =
1
0

(1 + )(1 2 )
0
0
0.5
Substituting the appropriate definition into the above triple product gives:
i 0
0
i

j 0
tE
[k ] =

4 A(1 + )(1 2 ) 0 j
m 0

0 m

i
i

1
j
1

j
0
0
m

m
i

0
i

0
0
0.5

i
i

j
j

m
m

Therefore the global stiffness matrix is:

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Page 273

The stiffness matrix is a function of the global coordinates x and y, the material
properties, and the thickness and area of the element.
Finite Element Solution of a Plane Stress Problem

Consider the thin plate subjected to the surface traction shown in the figure
below.

Assume plane stress conditions. Let E = 30 x 106 psi, n = 0.30, and t = 1 in.
Determine the nodal displacements and the element stresses.
Discretization

Lets discretize the plate into two elements as shown below:

This level of discretization will probably not yield practical results for
displacement and stresses: however; it is useful example for a longhand solution.
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Page 274

The tensile traction forces can be converted into nodal forces as follows:
fs1x
1
1 5,000 lb
f
0
0

0
s1y

fs 2 x pLt 0 1,000 psi (1 in )10 in 0

0
{fs } = f =
=
=

2 0
2
0
0
s 2y

fs 3 x
1
1 5,000 lb

0
fs 3 y
0
0

The governing global matrix equations are:

{F } = [K ]{d }
Expanding the above matrices gives:
F1x R1x
d1x
0
F
d
0

1y R1y
1y

F2 x R2 x
d 2 x
0

F2 y R2 y
d 2 y
0
=
= [K ] = [K ]
F
lb
5,000
x
3

d 3 x
d 3 x
F3 y 0

d 3 y
d 3 y

F4 x 5,000 lb
d 4 x
d 4 x
F4 y 0

d 4 y
d 4 y

where [K] is an 8 x 8 matrix before deleting the rows and columns accounting for
the boundary supports.
Assemblage of the Stiffness Matrix

The global stiffness matrix is assembled by superposition of the individual

element stiffness matrices. The element stiffness matrix is:
[k ] = tA[B ]T [D][B ]

CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

Page 275

For element 1: the coordinates are xi = 0, yi = 0, xj = 20, yj = 10, xm = 0, and ym =

10. The area of the triangle is:
A=

bh
2

A=

(20)(10)
= 100 in.2
2

The matrix [B] is:

i
1
[B ] =
0
2A
i

i
i

j
j

m
m

We need to calculate the element s and s as:

i = y j y m = 10 10 = 0

i = xm x j = 0 20 = 20

j = y m y1 = 10 0 = 10

j = xi xm = 0 0 = 0

m = y i y j = 0 10 = 10

m = xi x j = 20 0 = 20

Therefore, the [B] matrix is:

0
0
1
[B ] =
0
20
200
20 0

10
0
0

0
0
10

10 0
0
20 1
in
20 10

For plane stress conditions, the [D] matrix is:

0
1 0.3
30 106
[D ] =
0.3 1
0 psi

0.91
0
0 0.35
CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

Page 276

Therefore:
0
20
0
0
20 0

0
1 0.3
0
0
30(106 ) 10
T
[B ] [ D ] =
0

0.3 1
200(0.91) 0
0
10
0
0 0.35
10 0
20

20 10
0
Simplifying the above expression gives:
7
0
0

3.5
7

3.5

0
0
6
20

3
30(106 ) 10
T
[B ] [ D ] =

200(0.91) 0
0
10
3

20
6
The element stiffness matrix is:
[k ] = tA[B ]T [D][B ]
therefore:
0
6

6
(0.15)(10 ) 10
tA[B ]T [D][B ] = 1(100)

0.91
0
10

0
20
3
0
3
20

0
0
1

20
0
200
20 0

CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

7
0
0

3.5
7

3.5
10
0
0

0
0
10

10 0
0
20
20 10

Page 277

Simplifying the above expression gives:

u1
140

0
75,000
[k ] =

0.91 70
140

70

v1

u3

v3

0
400
60
0
60
400

0
60
100
0
100
60

u2

70
0
0
35
70
35

140
60
100
70
240
130

v2
70
400
60

35
130

435

For element 2: the coordinates are xi = 0, yi = 0, xj = 20, yj = 0, xm = 20, and ym =

10. The area of the triangle is:

A=

(20)(10)
= 100 in.2
2

We need to calculate the element s and s as:

i = y j y m = 0 10 = 10

i = xm x j = 20 20 = 0

j = y m y1 = 10 0 = 10

j = xi xm = 0 20 = 20

m = yi y j = 0 0 = 0

m = xi x j = 20 0 = 20

Therefore, the [B] matrix is:

10
0
10 0
1
[B ] =
0
0
0
20
200
0
10 20 10

0
0
20

CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

0
20
0

1
in

Page 278

For plane stress conditions, the [D] matrix is:

0
1 0.3
30 106
[D ] =
0.3 1
0 psi

0.91
0
0 0.35
Therefore:
0
10 0
0

10

1 0.3
0
6

10
0
20

30(10 )

[B ]T [D] =
0

0.3 1
200(0.91) 0
20 10
0
0 0.35
0
0
20

20
0
0
Simplifying the above expression gives:
10
0

6
30(10 ) 10
[B ]T [D] =

200(0.91) 0
6

3
0
3
20
0
20

0
3.5
7

3.5
7

The element stiffness matrix is:

[k ] = tA[B ]T [D ][B ]

therefore:
10
0

6
(0.15)(10 ) 10
tA[B ]T [D][B ] = 1(100)

0.91
0
6

3
0
3
20
0
20

CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

0
3.5
7

3.5
7

Page 279

10
0
10 0
1

20
0
0
0
200
0
10 20 10
Simplifying the above expression gives:
u1
100
0

75,000 100
[k ] =

0.91 60
0

60
Element 1:

v1

u4

v4

u3

0
20
0

v3

0
100 60
60
70
0
35
70
240 130 140 60

130 435
70
400
140 70
140
0

60
400
0
400

0
35
70
35
70
0
u1

v1

u2

v2

u3

v3

0
28 14
0
14
28
0
80
12 80 12
0

28 12 48 26 20 14

12
7
375,000 14 80 26 87
[k ] =
0.91 0
12 20 12
20
0

14
7
0
7
14 0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0

Element 2:

0
0
20

u1

v1

0
20
0
7

0
0

0
375,000 0
[k ] =
0.91 0
14

12 0
20 14

12 7

u2

v2

u3

v3

u4

0
0

u4

v4
12

12

20

14

14

CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

v4

0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0

28
0
28 14

0
80
12 80
28 12
48 26

14 80 26 87
Page 280

Using the superposition, the total global stiffness matrix is:

u1

v1

u2

v2

u3

v3

u4

v4

0
0
28 14
26 20 12
48
0
87
12 80 26
0
14
7

0
0
28 12 48 26 20 14

80 26 87
12
0
0
7
375,000 14

[k ] =
0.91 0
48
0
26 20 12
28 14

26
0
14
7
0
87
12
80

20 14
0
0
48 26
28 12

0
0
14 80 26 87
12 7

The governing global matrix equations are:

{F } = [K ]{d }
0
28 14
0
26 20 12 d1x
R1x
48

R

0
87
12 80 26
0
14
7 d1y
1
y

R2 x
0
0 d 2 x
28 12 48 26 20 14

0
0 d 2 y
R2 y 375,000 14 80 26 87 12 7

=
0.91 0 26 20 12 48
0
28 14 d 3 x
5,000 lb

0
14
0
87
12 80 d 3 y
26
7

20 14
0
0
48 26 d 4 x
28 12
500 lb

12
7
0
0
14
80
26
87

d 4 y

Applying the boundary conditions:

d1x = d1y = d 2 x = d 2 y = 0
The governing equations are:
28 14 d3 x
0
5,000 lb
48

0

87 12 80 d3 y

375,000 0

=

0.91 28 12
5,000
48 26 d 4 x
lb

14 80 26 87 d 4 y
CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

Page 281

Solving the equations gives:

d 3 x
d
3y
6
= 10
d 4 x
d 4 y

609.6

4.2

in
663.7

104.1

The exact solution for the displacement at the free end of the one-dimensional
bar subjected to a tensile force is:

PL
(10,000)20
=
= 670 10 6 in
6
AE 10(30 10 )

The in-plane stress can be related to displacements by:

{s } = [D][B ]{d }

1
i
0
E

{ } =
1
0
0
2 A(1 2 )
0 0 0.5 (1 ) i

i
i

j
j

d ix
d
iy
0
d jx
m
d jy
m
d mx

d my

Element 1:

1
1 0 3
0
E

{ } =
1
0
2
0 1 0
2 A(1 )
0 0 0.5 (1 ) 1 1 3

CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

3 0
3 2

d1x
d
1y
0
d3 x
2
d3 y
2
d 2 x

d 2 y

Page 282

 x
0 0
0
1 0.3
6
6
30(10 )(10 )
0.3 1
0 0
20
y =

0.96(200)

0
0 0.35 20 0
xy

10
0
0

0
0
10

0.0
0.0

10 0

609.6
0
20

4.2
20 10
0.0

0.0

The stresses are:

x 1,005 psi

y = 301 psi
2.4 psi

xy
Element 2:

1
1 0 4
0
E

{ } =
1
0
2
0 1 0
2 A(1 )
0 0 0.5 (1 ) 1 1 4

x
0 10
1 0.3
6
6
30(10
)(10
)

0.3 1
0 0
y =

0.96(200)

0
0 0.35 0
xy

0
0
10

4 0
4 3

d1x
d
1y
0
d 4 x
3
d4y
3
d 3 x

d3 y

10
0
20
0
20 10

0
0
20

0.0
0.0

663.7
20

104.1
0
609.6

4.2

The stresses are:

x 995 psi

y = 1.2 psi
2.4 psi

xy
CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

Page 283

The principal stresses and principal angle are:

2

995 1.2
995 + 1.2
2
s1 =
+
+ ( 2.4) = 995 psi
2
2

995 1.2
995 + 1.2
2
2 =

+ ( 2.4) = 1.1 psi
2
2

2( 2.4)

p = tan 1
0o

2
995 + 1.2

CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

Page 284

Problems

16.

Do problems 6.5, 6.6, 6.9, 6.10, and 6.13 on pages 301 - 306 in your
textbook A First Course in the Finite Element Method by D. Logan.

17.

Rework the plane stress problem given on page 291 in your textbook A
First Course in the Finite Element Method by D. Logan using SAP2000 to
do analysis. Start with the simple two element model. Continuously refine
your discretization by a factor of two each time until your FEM solution is in
agreement with the exact solution for both displacements and stress. How
many elements did you need?

CIVL 7117 Finite Elements Methods in Structural Mechanics

Page 285