11/7/2019 Engr. Dr. Nazeer A.

Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

 ME- 6202
Finite Element Analysis
Lect. # 8
Variational and Weighted Residual
Formulation
Ch # 4 from Stasa

Dr. Nazeer Ahmad Anjum

Mechanical Engineering Program
University of Engineering Taxila
11/7/2019 Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
 Introduction 3
Steady-state and one-dimensional problems
will be studied in this chapter.
In steady-state the field variable is a function
of special coordinates only and not a function
of time.
Problems that allow for time-varying field
variables are said to be unsteady, transient,
dynamic, or time-dependent.
In some texts transient problems are referred
to as propagation problems.

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019
 Introduction 4
In structural and stress analysis, time-
independent problems are referred to as static
or equilibrium problems, whereas time-
dependent problems are almost exclusively
referred to as dynamic.

K =F/d
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Introduction 5
K =F/d
The vector or column matrix ‘d’ always
contains the nodal unknowns, which are really
the values of the field variables at the nodal
points, these unknowns are the nodal
displacements;
In thermal models, they are the nodal
temperatures; and
In fluid flow problems, they are the nodal
velocities and pressures.

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019
 Introduction 6
The main purpose of a finite element analysis
is to determine the values of the field
variable(s) at the node points.
Other quantities such as the stresses or heat-
flows may then be determined.

Physical problems are governed by

differential equations which satisfy Boundary
conditions Initial conditions
One variable: Ordinary differential equation
(ODE)
Multiple independent variables: Partial
differential equation (PDE)
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Formulation of FEM Model 7
Direct Method
Formulation of FEM Model Variational Method
Weighted Residuals
 Several approaches can be used to transform
the physical formulation of a problem to its
finite element discrete analogue.
 If the physical formulation of the problem is
described as a differential equation, then the
most popular solution method is the Method
of Weighted Residuals.
 If the physical problem can be formulated as
the minimization of a functional, then the
Variational Formulation is usually used
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Physical Problems 8
Axially loaded elastic bar
A(x) = cross section at x.
b(x) = body force distribution
(force per unit length)
E(x) = Young’s modulus
u(x) = displacement of the bar at x

Differential equation governing the response of the

bar.

Second order differential equations

Requires 2 boundary conditions for solution
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Physical Problems 9
Axially loaded elastic bar
Boundary conditions (examples)

Differential equation + Boundary conditions =

Strong form of the “boundary value problem”

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019
 Physical Problems 10
Flexible String S = tensile force in string
p(x) = Lateral force
distribution (force per unit
length)
w(x) = lateral deflection of the
string in the y-direction

Differential equation governing the response of the bar

Second order differential equations

Requires 2 boundary conditions for solution
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Physical Problems 11
Heat conduction in Fin
A(x) = cross section at x
Q(x) = Heat input per unit
length per unit time [J/sm]
k(x) = Thermal conductivity
[J/oC ms]
T(x) = temperature of the fin at
x
Differential equation governing the response of the fin

Second order differential equations

Requires 2 boundary conditions for solution
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Physical Problems 12
Fluid Flow Through a Porous Medium
(e.g., flow of water through a dam)
A(x) = Cross Section at x
Q(x) = Fluid Input per unit
volume per unit time
k(x) = Permeability Constant
 (x) = Fluid Head

Differential equation Boundary conditions (examples)

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019
 Introduction 13
Difference between ordinary differential calculus
and variational calculus
If we want to determine the value of x that
maximizes or minimizes some function y = f(x),
we simply take the derivative of Y with respect to x,
set the result equal to zero, and solve for x.
The sign of the second derivative at this value of x
indicates whether a minimum, maximum, or point
of inflection has been found.
But, if we want to know what function results in a
certain definite integral taking on a minimum or
maximum value, then the calculus of variations is
required.
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Introduction 14
For example, if we want to obtain the equation
of the "curve" that results in the shortest
distance between two points in a plane, the
calculus of variations may be used. This very
example will be illustrated later.

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019
Approximate Solution Techniques15
1. Ritz method
2. The variational, or Rayleigh-Ritz method,
and
3. The weighted-residual method.
The Ritz method always refers to the non-
variational integral formulation and the
Rayleigh-Ritz method always refers to the
variational formulation.
The Ritz method is quite simple, requires no
additional mathematics beyond calculus,
whereas the variational method, on the other
hand, requires some knowledge of variational
calculus
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Introduction 16
Method of Weighted Residuals (MWR) and
Variational Approach are two approaches in Finite
Element Methods.
Variational Approach: It is also called ‘Energy
Approach’ and of finding displacements (unknowns
in structural mech) basically employs the concept of
minimizing the total energy of the body in a
variational sense w. r. t. the displacements.
MWR: is an integral approach in which we integrate
the weighted residual of the governing equation and
obtain the weak formulation.

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019
 General Concepts 17
To develop a general concepts before applying the
approximate solution techniques, let us
represent the governing equation as

Domain 

 [ T(x)] = 0 in  (1)
where T represents the function sought e. g.
temperature that is a function of x only. The
symbol  represents the domain of the region
governed by Eq. 1.
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 General Concepts 18
Domain 
Fig: 1

In addition, let us specify the boundary

conditions symbolically in the form

and (2)

where Γ1 and Γ2 include only those parts of

the domain  that are on the boundary as
shown in the figure.
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 General Concepts 19
Let us approximate the solution to Eqs. (1) and (2) with the
approximate function T' where
T  T x; a1 , a 2 ,..., a n    a i N i ( x)
n
' '
(3)
i 1
a1, a2, ….., an are the unknown but constant parameters
which satisfies the boundary conditions given by Eq. (2)
exactly. Prime (‘) denotes an approximate solution (not a
derivative). The function Ni(x) are referred to as the trial
functions.
In general, if a sequence of approximations could be made,
such as: 𝑇 ′ = 𝑇 ′ (𝑥; 𝑎1 )= 𝑎1 𝑁1 (𝑥)
𝑇 ′ = 𝑇 ′ (𝑥; 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 )= 𝑎1 𝑁1 (𝑥)+𝑎2 𝑁2 𝑥 (4)
𝑇 ′ = 𝑇 ′ (𝑥; 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 )= 𝑎1 𝑁1 (𝑥)+𝑎2 𝑁2 (𝑥) +𝑎3 𝑁3 (𝑥)
Better accuracy could be obtained with each successive
higher order approximation. Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila 11/7/2019
 General Concepts 20
𝑇 ′ = 𝑇 ′ (𝑥; 𝑎1 )= 𝑎1 𝑁1 (𝑥) 𝑛
 [ T(x)] = 0 in  𝑇 ′ = 𝑇 ′ (𝑥; 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , … . . , 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑖 𝑁𝑖 (𝑥)
′ ′
𝑇 = 𝑇 (𝑥; 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 )= 𝑎1 𝑁1 (𝑥)+𝑎2 𝑁2 𝑥
𝑖=1
𝑇 ′ = 𝑇 ′ (𝑥; 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 )= 𝑎1 𝑁1 (𝑥)+𝑎2 𝑁2 (𝑥) +𝑎3 𝑁3 (𝑥)

Equations (4) is referred to as the first-order, second-order, and

third-order approximations, respectively.
It should not be surprising that if T’ given in equation (3) is
substituted for T in eq (1), the governing equation will not be
satisfied exactly.
Instead of getting f(T’) equal to zero, we get a residual R.
Mathematically, we may write:
𝑓 𝑇 ′ 𝑥; 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , … , 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑅 𝑥; 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , … , 𝑎𝑛 (5)
Where the notation is supposed to indicate that the residual R is
a function of x and the parameters a1, a2 etc.
For the approximate solution methods, the residual is not in
general zero everywhere in , although it may be zero at some
selected points. Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 The Ritz Method 21
The Ritz method for the first-order approximation is the
integral of the residual R(x;a1) with respect to x be zero
over the domain , or

Ω
𝑅 𝑥; 𝑎1 𝑑𝑥 = 0 (6)
Equ (6) results in an algebraic equation in the unknown
parameter a1.
For well-posed problems and a well-behaved trial
function N1(x), this equation may be solved for a1.

Well behaved trial functions include those included in the

set of polynomials, circular functions (trigonometric
functions), and other continuous and differentiable
functions.
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Example 1 - The Ritz Method 22
Problem Statement: Solve the ordinary linear differential
equation
𝑑2 𝑇
+ 1000𝑥 2 = 0, 0≤𝑥≤1 (7)
𝑑𝑥 2
subject to the boundary conditions T(0) = 0 and T(1) = 0.
By the Ritz method with the trial function
N1(x) = x(1-x2) (8)
The particular trial function was chosen because it allows
T' to satisfy the boundary conditions exactly, and it does
not grossly violate the physics of the problem.
Solution: The first-order approximation T' from Eq (4)
becomes 𝑇 ′ = 𝑇 ′ (𝑥; 𝑎1 )= 𝑎1 𝑁1 (𝑥)
𝑻′ = 𝒂𝟏 𝑵𝟏 𝒙 = 𝒂𝟏 𝒙 𝟏 − 𝒙𝟐 (9)
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Example 1 - The Ritz Method 23
Ω
𝑅 𝑥; 𝑎1 𝑑𝑥 = 0
An expression for the residual R is needed, but first verify
that T' given by Eq. (6) satisfies the boundary conditions
exactly.
The residual R by definition may be computed from
𝑑2 𝑇 ′ 2 𝑑2 𝑇 ′
𝑅= + 1000𝑥 And since = −6𝑎1 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 2

we have R(x; a1) = -6a1x + 1000x2

Note that as the notation R(x;a1) indicates, the residual is
a function of x and the parameter a1 By Eq. (6), the first-
order Ritz method requires.
1
1 𝑥3
0
(−6𝑎1 𝑥 + 1000𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑥 = 0 ⇒ 2
−3𝑎1 𝑥 + 1000 =0
3
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila 0 11/7/2019
 Example 1 - The Ritz Method 24
Evaluating and solving for
a1= 1000/9
Therefore, an approximate
solution is given by
1000
𝑇 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥(1 − 𝑥 2) (10)
9
𝑑2𝑇
+ 1000𝑥 2 = 0, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1
𝑑𝑥 2 Fig: 2
Let us try to give some physical significance to the
governing differential equation given by Eq. (7), which is
special form of the heat conduction equation.
Furthermore Eq. (7) represents one-dimensional heat
conduction in a bar of unit length insulated around the
periphery with an internal heat source that is proportional
to the square of x as depicted in Fig.
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila 11/7/2019
 Example 1 - The Ritz Method 25
Therefore, higher temperatures are expected near the end
x = I, although the temperatures at both ends must be zero
by Eqs. (8). N (x) = x(1-x2)
1

For these reasons, the trial function given by Eq. (9) is

most appropriate.
𝑇 ′ = 𝑎1 𝑁1 𝑥 = 𝑎1 𝑥 1 − 𝑥 2

Hence, the trial function is said to satisfy approximately,

the physics of the problem.

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019
The Variational Method (Raleigh-Ritz) 26
A typical one-dimensional problem in variational calculus
is one in which we find a function T that minimizes or
maximizes integrals of the form.
𝑏
𝐼= 𝑎
𝐹 𝑥, 𝑇 𝑥 , 𝑇𝑥 (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 (11)
Where Tx denotes the first derivative of T with respect to x.
The processes of minimization and maximization are
frequently referred to collectively as extremization, and
the integral is said to be extremized or to be made
stationary.
This integral ‘I’ is referred to as a functional; sometimes
the integrand ‘F’ is also referred to as the functional.
The word “functional” means function of functions.
Since ‘F’ is a function of x, T, and Tx. T is a function of x
itself, clearly ‘I’ is also a function of functions.
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
The Variational Method (Raleigh-Ritz) 27
𝑑2𝑇
+ 1000𝑥 2 = 0, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1
𝑑𝑥 2

The functional ‘F’ that corresponds to Eq. (7) is

1 𝑑𝑇 2
𝐹 = 1000𝑥 2 − (12)
2 𝑑𝑥
The variational formulation of the problem becomes
1 1 𝑑𝑇 2
𝐼= 0
1000𝑥 2 𝑇− 𝑑𝑥 (13)
2 𝑑𝑥

The idea is to find the function T(x) that extremizes I.

For a well-posed problem such as in the previous
example, the function T(x) that extremizes ‘I’ in Eq. (13) is
exactly the same as that which satisfies the original
differential equation and boundary conditions.
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
The Variational Method (Raleigh-Ritz) 28
𝑑2𝑇
+ 1000𝑥 2 = 0, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1
𝑑𝑥 2

The original differential equation Eq. (7) contains a

second-order derivative of T, whereas the variational
formulation given by Eq. (13) contains only a first order
derivative.
Therefore, the variational form may be used to obtain
solutions to problems that are not readily admitted by
the differential formulation.

1 1 𝑑𝑇 2
𝐼= 0
1000𝑥 2 𝑇 − 𝑑𝑥 (13)
2 𝑑𝑥

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019
 Example-2 -The Variational Method 29
(Raleigh-Ritz)
1 2
2
1 𝑑𝑇
𝐼= 1000𝑥 𝑇 − 𝑑𝑥
Problem Statement: 0 2 𝑑𝑥

Solve the previous problem by the variational method by

extremizing ‘I’ given by Eq. (13) with respect to parameter
a1 in the approximation 𝑇 ′ (to T) given by

𝑇 ′ = 𝑎1 𝑁1 𝑥 = 𝑎1 𝑥 1 − 𝑥 2 (14)

Note that this same form of the approximate solution was

assumed in the previous example.

Solution In terms of the approximation 𝑻′ , Eq. (14) may be written

2
1 1 𝑑𝑇 ′
𝐼 𝑎1 = 0
1000𝑥 2 𝑇 ′ − 𝑑𝑥 (15)
2 𝑑𝑥
Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Example-2 -The Variational Method 30
(Raleigh-Ritz)
Solution
Note that ‘I’ is a function of a1 because ‘T’ is a function of
‘x’ and the parameter a1 and the ‘x’ is integrated-out. The
idea is to determine a1, such that 𝑑𝐼
=0
𝑑𝑎1
In other words, the functional I is extremized

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019
 Example-2 -The Variational Method 31
(Raleigh-Ritz)
1 2
2 ′
1 𝑑𝑇 ′
𝐼 𝑎1 = 1000𝑥 𝑇 − 𝑑𝑥
Solution 0 2 𝑑𝑥

The first derivative of T'(x) is needed in Eq. (15), which is

readily computed from Eq. (14) to be
𝑇 ′ = 𝑎1 𝑁1 𝑥 = 𝑎1 𝑥 1 − 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑇 ′
𝑇′ = = 𝑎1 1 − 3𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥
Therefore, Eq (15) becomes
1
1 2
𝐼 𝑎1 = 1000𝑥 2 𝑎1 𝑥 1 − 𝑥2 −
2
𝑎1 1 − 3𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
0

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019
 Example-2 -The Variational Method 32
(Raleigh-Ritz)
1
1 2
Solution 𝐼 𝑎1 = 1000𝑥 2 𝑎1 𝑥 1 − 𝑥2 −
2
𝑎1 1 − 3𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
0

Integration and evaluation the above equation

that yields

𝐼 𝑎1 = 1000/12𝑎1 − 2/5𝑎12

From which we may compute

𝑑𝐼
=1000/12—4/5a1
𝑑𝑎1

Setting the RHS to zero and solving for a1 gives,

a1 = 5000/48 Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila
11/7/2019
 Example-2 -The Variational Method 33
(Raleigh-Ritz)
Solution 𝑑2 𝑇
+ 1000𝑥 2 = 0, 0≤𝑥≤1
𝑑𝑥 2
An approximate solution to Eq. (7) by the variational method subject to
the boundary conditions given by Eqs. (8) is N1(x) = x(1-x2)
′
5000
𝑇 (𝑥) = 𝑥 1 − 𝑥2
48 Fig: 3

Figure shows a
comparison between
the present and Ritz
method.

Engr. Dr. Nazeer A. Anjum, MED, UET, Taxila

11/7/2019