ME2103 Finite Element Analysis - Assignment (ODD1920 Semester)

Date Assigned: October 04, 2019 Date Due: October 17, 2019 Marks: 5

Mandatory – For Credit (towards 5 marks)

1) Write the shape functions for a bi-linear rectangular element in global (x-y), local (s,t), local
(q,r), and natural (ξ, η) coordinates showing the element and the various co-ordinate
systems clearly

2) It is required to solve (find the nodal displacements, strains and stresses) a plane-stress
problem using a bi-linear rectangular element. As part of the solution procedure, element
stiffness matrices are required to be evaluated. One of the elements in the domain has
nodal x,y co-ordinates for the nodes i, j, k, and m (in the same counter-clockwise order as
discussed in class) as given below:

Case 1: (0,0), (0.25, 0), (0.25, 0.25), and (0, 0.25)

Thickness = 0.025m, E=2.1x1011 N/m2, ν = 0.3

Case 2: (0,0), (8, 0), (8,4), and (0,4)

Thickness = 1 unit, E=2.1x1011 in consistent units, ν = 0.3

i) Using global (x,y) coordinate system, determine the numerical value of (1,1) element
in the element stiffness matrix (i.e., K(e)(1,1) ) for each case
ii) Compute the determinant of Jacobian in each of the above two cases for
a) ξ = -1, η = -1 and b) ξ = 1, η = 1.

3) If it is required to compute the element matrix (all terms) for the element described in
question (2) above, how will you use natural coordinate system and Gauss Quadrature to
accomplish the same? i.e., show all the steps involved in computing the element stiffness
matrix (step-by-step with necessary comments about what each module of your write-up
does and how the element stiffness matrix is finally computed)

NOTE: Evaluation may include a one-on-one discussion

Optional – Not for marks

As a stretch activity, you may write a computer program (in any language of your choice OR in
any tool like MATLAB, etc)

i) to take as input a) the nodal co-ordinates, b) thickness, c) Young’s modulus, and d)

Poisson’s ratio
ii) compute element stiffness matrix
iii) print results from (ii)