EML 5526 Finite Element Analysis and Applications

Assignment #3

Problem 1)

Temperature distribution through the thickness of a large slab of metal is to be computed. The
heat generation within the slab due to electric currents is 2000 W/m 3 . Use two parabolic 3-node
elements to model the problem. Use conductivity = k = 0.01 W/m oC, thickness of slab L =
0.01m, h = convection coefficient = 1 W/m2 oC and area A = 1 m2. The temperature on the left
side of the slab is assumed to be fixed at 100oC while heat is being lost on the other side through
convection to air at an ambient temperature of 20oC.
a) Set up the global equations [K]{X}={F}, apply the boundary conditions and solve for
temperatures at the nodes.
b) For this element, express temperature distribution within each
1 3 2
element as a function of the local coordinate T(r).
c) Compute the heat flux at the two ends of the slab. Is the heat r = -1 r=0 r=1
coming in equal to heat going out of the slab? Explain.

Problem 2)

Consider the 3-node iso-parametric element in figure 2(a). Suppose we use this element with the
physical coordinates shown in figure 2(b):
1 3 2 1 3 2

x1=0 x3=L/4 x2 = L
r = -1 r=0 r=1
(b)
(a)
Figure 2.

a) Determine the mapping function between x and r, i.e, x(r) = ?

b) If T1  0 , T2  100 and T3  50 , use the shape functions of the element to interpolate these
nodal values to determine the temperature distribution within the element, i.e., T(r) = ?

T
c) For the temperature distribution determined in part (b) compute (expressed in terms of x).
x
What is the gradient of temperature at x=0?