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QUESTION BANK

( CEM-611 ) CAD in Civil Engineering

UNIT-1 GENERAL CONCEPTS & MATHEMATICS PRELIMINARIES

Introduction to Computer Aided Design, Brief history and over view of finite
element method, matrices and matrix operation methods of solution of simultaneous equations. Shape
functions & their derivation. Introduction to boundary value problems and variational calculus.

UNIT-2 DIRECT STIFFNESS METHOD

Introduction to direct stiffness method and its application to springs, electrical

networks, flow in pipes and bars. Truss analysis with direct approach. Determination of local element
characteristics, assemblage of global element characteristics, application of the prescribed
displacements and loads & solution.

UNIT-3 VARIATIONAL FORMULATION

Variational approach to Boundary value problems. The weak formulation. The

Euler-Lagrange equation. One dimensional axial deformation and heat conduction problems.
Geometric and natural boundary conditions.

UNIT-4 INTRODUCTION TO WEIGHTED RESIDUAL METHODS

Galerkin’s approach to one dimensional problems. Completeness requirements,

isoparametric elements and concepts of numerical integration.

UNIT-5 APPLICATION TO SOLID MECHANICS

Introduction to theory of elasticity, principle of virtual displacements, plane stress

and plane strain problems, Axi-Symmetric and three dimensional stress analysis.

SUGGESTED READING:

1. FRANK L. STASA – APPLIED FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS FOR ENGINEERS

2. PAUL ALLAIRE – INTRODUCTION TO FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
3. ZINKIEWICZ, O.C – THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
4. HUEBNER, K.H. – THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR ENGINEERS
5. WILLIAM B. BICKFORD – FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
6. DESAI & ABEL – INTRODUCTION TO THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
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D.E.I. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, DAYALBAGH
CEM611 – CAD in Civil Engineering
QUESTION BANK

UNIT 1
Q.1. (a) Explain various steps of finite element method.

Q.1. (b) The two dimensional plate shown in the figure-1 has been
labeled as indicated, determine the bandwidth of resulting system of
algebraic equations. Renumber the node points to produce the
minimum bandwidth. Assume a single degree of freedom per node.

Q.2.Derive shape functions of a 2D triangular element.

Q.3. Derive shape functions of a 2D rectangular element with a suitable method.

Q.4. (a) Define the terms i) Continuum ii) Continuity iii) Essential and Non Essential Boundary
condition iv) Discretization
Q.4. (b) Explain the three steps in a finite element program implementation

Q.5. (a) Derive the shape function of a 1D bar element

Q.5. (b) A rod is subjectedto an axial force F. If the rod is divided into a number of quadratic
elements,let element 3 be locatedbetween the points x = 3.0 mm and x = 7.0 mm. The axial
displacement at the three nodal points is given below. Determine element strains

Q.6. (a) Briefly explain any three methods of formulating finite element equations
Q.6. (b) Enumerate the different types of finte elements 1D, 2D and 3D used.

Q.7. (a) Define the term shape function

Q.7. (b) A two-dimensional simplex element for a thin heat-conducting plate has nodal coordinates (in
mm) as follows

Find the element area and interpolation function using the pyramid functions.A diagram is
shown in Figure

UNIT II
Q.8.(a) Derive the stiffness matrix of a spring element using influence co-
efficient method.
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Q.8.(b) Two spring, with spring constants k(1) =30 N/mm and k(2) =20 N/mm, form a spring system as
shown in figure -2. The left end is attached to a wall. Forces of the following magnitude are applied to
remaining node points: F2=-2N and F3=6N. Determine the nodal displacement and internal reaction
forces.

Q.9. A set of five node point and four springs is shown in figure-3.
The prescribed nodal displacements are u2=0.2mm and u5=0mm, and
the externally applied nodal forces are F1=2N, F3=-3N, and F4=-1N.
The springs have stiffness k(1) =25N/mm, k(2) =20N/mm, k(3)
=40N/mm and k(4) =10N/mm. Determine nodal displacements using
direct method.

Q.10. A three pipe network is shown in figure-4. The known pressures at

the three exterior nodes are P1 = 20 Pa , P3 = 17 Pa and P4 = 15 Pa. The
fluid viscosity  = 1.5 x 10-8 N-S/m2 and density  = 19.3 kg/m3.

Q.11. An electrical network with one 20-volt battery and six

resistors is shown in figure-5. Assume that node 1 is
grounded (0) and node 2 is at a potential of 20 volts.
Determine the voltages at all of the node points and the
current through all of the resistors.

Q.12. Two bars one made of steel and the other made of aluminum Form an axially aligned set, as shown in
figure-6. the set has fixed ends where the displacement is
zero. An axial force of 10kN is applied at the center pinned
joint, as indicated. This problem is statically indeterminate
but easily solved with finite elements. The element
properties are as follows. The first bar is made of steel with
properties E(1) = 200 kN/mm2, A(1) =5 mm2, and L(1) =40mm,
while the second bar is made of aluminium with properties
E(2) =69 kN/mm2 , L(2) =60mm , obtain the displacement of
the pinned joint between the bars as well as the axial strain,
and internal force in each member.

Q.13.An axisymmetric steel rod has a linear taper sach that the
diameter is 1.0 cm at x = 0, and 0.5 cm at x = 6 cm. It is observed that
the rod has a total displacement of 1.5 x 10-2 cm over its length.
Determine the displacement, strain, stress and force in the rod, using
three equal length bar elements. (fig-7)
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Q.14. Using the direct method derive the stiffness matrix for the truss
element shown in figure-8, whose area of cross-section is A and modulus of
elasticity is E.

Q.15. A truss composed of three bars – two aluminium and one

steel supports a weight of 0.4 kN. The yield stresses of two
materials are Al = 0.0375 kN/mm2 and Steel = 0.0586 kN/mm2.
At the wall joint 1 has no displacement. Joint 2 has roller support ,
which allows vertical movement but no horizontal. Obtain the
displacement of joints 2 and 3 as well as the axial strain, stresses
and internal force in each member. (refer figure-9)

Q.16.(a) Two spring shown in figure-10 are fixed at both ends. A

force of 4 N is applied at the center node. Determine the
displacement of the center node, using the FEM. K(1)=10 kN/mm , k(2) =18 kN/mm
Q.16.(b) Figure-11 shows two spring in series. Determine the displacement of the two nodes using the element
matrix and assembly techniques.

Q.17. A series of springs and applied forces is illustrated in figure-12.

Determine the displacement of nodes 2,3,4 using the element matrix
and assembly technique.

Q.18. Four springs are shown in figure-13, three

forces are applied as indicated. Two displacements
are prescribed. Determine the displacements of nodes
2,3,5 and the force on node 4, using the element
matrix and assembly method.
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Q.19. An incompressible fluid flows through a pipe network
shown in figure 14. the fluid has viscosity and density  =
2.0 x 10-6 N sec/mm2 and  = 1.9 x 10 kg/m3. determine the
pressure at node 3 and the volume role of flow through
each pipe. Also find the Reynolds number for each pipe to
determine whether the flow is laminar.

Q.20.(a) A simple electrical network is indicated in the

figure-15, with a battery and three resistors. Assume that
node 1 is grounded. Determine the voltage at node 2 and
the current through each resistor, using the element matrix and assembly procedure.
Q.20.(b) An electrical network is shown in figure -16. node 2 is grounded, node 1 is 50 volts, node 5 is
grounded, node 6 is at 80 volts. Find the nodal voltages and the current through each resistor.

Q.21. A bronze bar and a steel bar are shown in

figure -17. calculate the displacements, strains
and stresses in the two bars with the FEM.

Q.22 A concrete support with variable cross sectional area is indicated

in figure-18 use a three element model to solve for the displacement
and stress in the support at locations 9 cm and 18 cm from the left end.

Q.23. Three bars are subjected to a force of 12 kN, as shown in figure-

19 below. All three bars are made of aluminium, young’s modulus and
cross-sectional area E = 10 x 106 N/mm2, A = 6.5 cm2. Use the finite
element method to obtain the stresses in the three bars.
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Q.24. A three bar truss supports an 8 kN load, as shown in figure-20 above. The properties of bars are E(1) =
30 x 106 N/mm2 , E(2) = 4.0 x 106 N/mm2 , E(3) = 4.0 x 106 N/mm2 , A(1) = 3.0 cm2, A(2) = 4.0 cm2, A(3) = 4.0 cm2.
Use the finite element method to solve for the nodal displacements, strain in each bar and stress in each bar.

UNIT III

Q.25. Explain the method of total potential energy applicable to elastic solids.

Q.26. (a) Explain functional with examples and its first & second variations.
Q.26.(b) Consider the functional I = 4 T12 + 2 T22- 3 T1 - T2 , which is a function of both nodal values T1 and T2.
Obtain the value of T1 and T2 that make I a stationary value. Determine whether this value is a minimum or
maximum.

Q.27. (a) Consider the functional I = 3.2 T12 + 4.7 T1 + 0.2 T22 + 3.4 T2 + 1.25 . Determine whether this is a
minimum, point, or maximum by evaluating the first and secod variations w.r.t. T1 and T2.
Q.27. (b) If a functional I has the form I = aT12 + bT22 + cT1 + dT2 where a, b, c, d are constants, determine the
conditions under which the functional is a minimum.

Q.28.(a). Derive the minimization equations for a spring element with potential energy as functional.
Q.28.(b). Solve problem-9 using variational method.

Q29.(a).Derive the total potential energy for a bar element and obtain the element
equations using the variational method.
Q29(b). Refer Fig. 21. A two section concrete rod has a square cross-section. The rod is
fixed at bottom and subjected to an upward force of 4 kN at the upper end use a two
element model to determine the elongation of the rod due to the upward force and self
weight. Also determine the stresses in each section of the rod. W1=1m, E(1) = 4 X 106
N/mm2, (1)(Sp.wt) = 100kg/m3, W2=1.5m, E(2) = 4 X 106 N/mm2, (2)(Sp.wt) = 100kg/m3,

Q.30. A solid slab has length ‘L’ mm in the direction of heat flow. The
fourier heat conduction law is qx = -k dt/dx . The boundary
conditions are different at the two ends of the slab. At the left end, the
value of temperature is specified, T=To , x=0. At the right end, the heat
flow is given with value QL.(refer fig. 25). Obtain the governing
differential equation and boundary conditions for the temperature in
the slab as a function of x using differential analysis. Determine the
coefficient functions of general equations d/dx(K dT/dx) +PT + Q = 0
and boundary conditions KL T/ + LT +L=0

Q.31. Refer figure 26. A thin fin has a length L in the

direction of the heat flow. It has small thickness‘t’ in
the Z- direction where t/L<< 1. Thus the temperature
is uniform over the fin thickness. The fin has a width
‘w’ in the y- direction, where t/w<< 1. Temperatures
in the fin are approximately a function of x only.
Conduction law is qx = -K dT/dx and convection law
is qz = h(T-TC )(out of top surface) + h(T-TC)(out of bottom surface)
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T - Temperature of the fin h - Convection coefficient
Tc - Temperature of the fluid. qz – Convection heat flow.
Obtain the governing differential equation and compare it general boundary value problem.

Q. 32. A solid slab of metal, described in question 50 (fig.31), has length L = 20mm and is infinitely long in the
upward (y) direction and (z) direction. The conduction coefficient is k = 0.3 w/mm-0C. At the left end the
temperature is maintained at T0 = 100 0C at x=0, While at the right end TL= 50 0C at x = 20 mm. Determine the
temperature distribution in the slab with a two element model (use triangular element)

Q.33.In the above problem, if the right end boundary condition changes to QL = 0 w at x = 20mm. Find the
temperature distribution

Q.34.In problem 32, if the right end boundary condition changes to QL = 0.6 w at x = 20mm, Find the
temperature distribution.

Q.35.The simple differential equation d2t/dx2 =0 with boundary conditions T =0, x = 0 and T = 1 at x =1. Use
the Euler-Lagrange equation to determine the functional for the problem.

Q36. The differential equation d2T/dx2 =0 with the boundary conditions T =0, x =0, and dT/dx -2T +0.5 = 0 at
x =1. Determine the functional for the problem.

UNIT IV
Q.37. What are parametric functions ? Explain compatibility and completeness criteria ?

Q.38.Derive 2-node, 1-D element using matrix inversion and choosing serendipity coordinates.

Q.39.What are sub parametric, super parametric and iso parametric elements?

Q.40. A bilinear isoparametric, serendipity quadrilateral element has the four nodal coordinates (0,0), (5,1),
(3,6) & (0,4). Find the coordinate transformation from global to local coordinates.

Q.41.(a). Derive jacobian in two dimensional problems for transformation.

Q.41.(b). The linear isoperimetric serendipity element of fig.24 is chosen.
Determine the jacobian of the transformation at the point (1/3, 1/3) in local
coordinates. Also find the partial derivatives T/ x & T/ y at that point from
equation.

Q.42. Explain errors and residuals with reference to weighted residual methods. Also explain weighing
functions.

Q.43. A rod of cross- sectional area A(x) and Young’s modulus E(x) shown
in figire-27 is subject to an axial force F applied at the ends. From simple
solid mechanics analysis EA du/dx –F = 0. Determine the element operator
L(e), the element error r(e)(x) and the residual Rn with one element.
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Q.44.In the above problem determine the element operator L(e), the element error r(e)(x) and the residual Rn
with three elements(three equal lengths)

Q.45. Explain the Galerkin method of solving engineering problems

Q. 46. The rod shown in the figure 28 has the differential equation EA
du/dx –F = 0. The associated boundary condition is u =u0 at x =x0 , E =
0.25 KN/mm2, A = 40-0.3x mm2, F = 0.2 KN, L =100mm and u0 =0 mm.
Use three simplex elements shown in figure-28 to obtain a finite
element solution by the Galerkin technique.

UNIT V
Q.47. (a) Define stress at a point.
Q.47.(b) Derive equations of static equilibrium.

Q.48. What are principle stresses and how the direction of principle planes is found.

Q.49. At point ‘P’ in an elastic body the stress components w.r.t. an orthogonal frame
of x y z are given in kPa by ij. Find principal stresses and associated directions of
maximum principal stress.

Q.50. What is plane state of stress. Derive stress transformation equations for plane stress.

Q.51. An element in plane stress is subjected to stresses xx = 16 MPa, yy = 6MPa and xy = 4MPa in an xy
coordinate system as shown. Determine the stresses acting on an element rotated through an angle  = 450.

Q.52. What is a strain tensor in 3D. What are principal strains ? How their directions are found.

Q.53. Given the following displacement field

U = [( x2 + 3 ) i + ( 3y2z ) j + ( x + 3z ) k ] x 10-2 mm. what are strain components at P (0,2,3).

Q.54. An elastic body under the action of external forces has a displacement field given by u = ( x2 + y )i + ( 3 +
z)j + ( x2 + 2y ) k. Determine the principal strains at a point P (3,1,-2), and the direction of the minimum
principle strain ?

Q.55. The state of strain at a point is given by the matrix shown on the
right. Given E = 207 x 106 kPa and ν = 0.3, determine the stress matrix.

Q.56. Develop the derivative matrix (D) for a two dimensional stress
problem using triangular element (to derive the strain matrix from displacement matrix with derivatives of
shape functions.)

Q.57. A simplex triangular element has nodal coordinates shown on the

right, where the units are in mm. The displacements are given as follows:

Determine element strains.

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Q.58. A simplex element as shown in figure 22 is given for analysis. The strains
were predicted as

Assume material properties as E = 3 x 107 N/mm2 and ν = 0.29

Determine the stresses for the element in plane stress and plane strain.

Q.59. A thin triangular aluminum plate is shown in figure 23. the plate has
the properties E = 1.0 x 107 N/mm2,  = 0.33 and t = 1mm. An applied force
of 6000 N/mm (into the paper) acts vertically downward, as shown. Use a
one element model of the plate to solve for the nodal displacements,
element strains and element stresses.