Applied Mechanics Department

Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, India-211004

Assignment Sheet-1 (Theory): Finite Element Methods (AM-908)
M. Tech (2nd Semester; Applied Mechanics, Materials Science and Engineering), 2012-2013
Assume data/parameters rationally, wherever necessary, and mention them.
1.

Explain the differences between the delta operator used in variational calculus and the
differential operator used in ordinary calculus. With due example, explain what do you understand
by the admissible variation of a function. What is a Functional ? Give an example.

2.

Using methods of Variational Calculus, obtain the Euler-Lagrange equations and the natural /
force boundary conditions for the extremization of the functional:

I ( x)

x2

F x, w, x , w, xx dx , where w is the dependent variable of x and w, x x

etc.

x1

3.

Obtain the Euler-Lagrange equations and the natural / force boundary conditions for the
extremization of the functional:

I ( x, y )

y2 x2

F x, y, w, x , w, y , w, xx , w, yy , w, xy , w, yx dxdy

y1

x1

4.

State and obtain a mathematical expression for the Principle of Virtual Work. What is
Strain Energy Density Function ? Then, mentioning relevant assumption, obtain expression
for the Principle of Stationary (Total) Potential Energy, from the Principle of Virtual Work.
Which one, among these two principles, is more general than the other? Why?

5.

Explain the Principle of Complementary Virtual Work, with obtaining relevant expression.
What is Complementary Energy Density Function ? Show how this is used for obtaining the
Principle of Complementary Potential Energy, from the Principle of Complementary Virtual
Work.

6.

Using any of the energy methods of the previous two problems and methods of Variational
Calculus, obtain the Euler-Lagrange equations along with relevant natural / force boundary
conditions for a general boundary value problem in 3D elasticity. Mention relevant kinematic
/ essential / dispalcement boundary conditions, that are assumed to be satisfied for this
derivation.

7.

Obtain the element stiffness matrix for a two-noded bar element, with respect to its local
(axial) coordinate system. Obtain the element stiffness matrix for the same bar element, when
it is oriented arbitrarily on the X-Y plane, with respect to this (X-Y) global / structural
coordinate system. What would be the size of the stiffness matrix of this same element, when
it is oriented arbitrarily in space, with respect to the global / structural (X-Y-Z) coordinate
system?

8.

The degrees of freedom (DOF) are indicated for the truss shown in Figure-1. Determine
the total Degree of Indeterminacy for the truss in terms of its DOF and the number of

members present in the truss. Then, formulate the stiffness matrix for the truss with respect
to the degrees of freedom shown in the figure.
9.

Identify the degrees of freedom for the truss shown in Figure-2. Then formulate the
global stiffness matrix and the load vector for the truss. Solve for the joint displacements
using Gaussian elimination / any other suitable method, through a computer program. Also
compute the member forces using a computer program. Compare these member force values
with the analytical values calculated by you. Take the force applied at joint B as: F = 0.5x2 +
2x (kN), where x stands for the double-digit number (last two digit) from your Enrolment No.
[Example: Enrolment No. 2012AM17 => x = 17]

10. Derive from basic, the one dimensional Lagrangian quadratic interpolation / shape
functions. Explain why these are C0 shape functions. What are the important properties of
these shape functions? Can you write the expressions for the n-th order Lagrangian
interpolation / shape functions in one dimension?
11. Obtain expressions for the Hermite shape functions in one dimensions. Why are these
called C1 shape functions? For which type of finite elements such shape functions are used?
What is the significance of using the word shape, in the phrase shape function?

u2
u1

u4

u3

kN

3m
E

u6

u7

u5

3m
A

40 kN
6 m @ 3 m each

6 m @ 3 m each

Figure-2
Figure-1

Page-2 of Assignment Sheet-1 (Theory) of Finite Element Methods (AM-908)_M.Tech (AM & MSE), 2nd Semester, 2012-13_MNNIT Allahabad