QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

School of Civil & Environmental Engineering

EGB485 - FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS (2020 – Semester 1)
ASSIGNMENT 1

1. Use the finite element method to calculate nodal displacements, member stresses and the support reactions
in the bar shown in Fig. Q1.

Modulus of Elasticity = 200,000 MPa

250 N
A1 = 10 mm2
A2 = 25 mm2
A1 = 50 mm2 250 N

(1) (2) (3)

   
1 2 3 4

3 x 25 mm

Fig. Q1

The total load at node 3 is 500 N. This is a statically indeterminate problem and therefore it cannot be solved
by simple “Strength of materials” theory.

2. Following the usual steps in the finite element method and using a linear displacement function, derive
the stiffness matrix and the governing equations for a truss element. All steps must be shown.

3. A force of 2P and a moment of M are applied at the midpoint of the clamped beam as shown in Fig. Q3.
Find the deflection and rotation at the mid span using the finite element method.
2P

EI, L EI, L

Fig. Q3
4. A composite wall of a furnace shown in Fig. Q4 consists of 5 cm insulating cement, 15 cm of asbestos
board and 10 cm of red brick. The inside temperature of the oven is 225 oC and the outside wall temperature
is 25 oC. Determine the temperature distribution along the composite wall. Also determine the heat entering
and leaving the system. This is a non-structural or “analogous system” and shows you the versatility of the
FE method.

Thermal conductivity of,

Cement, k1 = 0.080 W/m. oC

Asbestos, k2 = 0.075 W/m. oC

Brick, k3 = 0.700 W/m. oC

Tinside = 225 oC

Toutside = 25oC
k1 k2 k3

5 cm 15 cm 10 cm

(1) (2) (3)

1 2 3 4

Fig. Q4