Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Σ

K132 NAS F INAL E XAM (15.12.2011)

Problem 1 (Direct stiffness method) [11 points] Consider a two-truss structure shown next. For given
displacements u2 and u3 , plot the distribution of normal forces.
1 2 3
1 2
L1 L2

E = 30 GPa, L1 = 3 m, L2 = 2 m, A = 10−2 m2 , u2 = 1 mm, u3 = 2 mm.

Problem 2. (One-dimensional finite element technology) [15 points] Express the stiffness matrix for
one-dimensional finite element element with linear basis functions and linearly varying cross-section area.

A1 A2

x
`

Problem 3. (One-dimensional elasticity) [15 points] Consider a one-dimensional structure subject to

uniform loading and prescribed displacement.
b
u

x
L

Discretize the structure using two linear finite elements and determine displacement for x = L/2 m.
E = 30 GPa, L = 4 m, b = 10 kNm−1 , A = 10−2 m2 , u = 1 mm
Problem 4. (One-dimensional heat transfer) [7 points] Consider a layered structure shown next. Define
the corresponding weak solution.

surface temperature convection

Ti 1 2 αe , Te

L1 L2

Problem 5. (Finite element technology in 2D) [6 points] For a given linear triangular element, sketch
element basis functions N1e (x, y) and N3e (x, y).
3
y

1
2

Problem 6. (Two-dimensional elasticity) [15 points] Compute strains εx and εy , provided that the dis-
placement values at element nodes are given as ue1 = −1 mm, ue2 = 0 mm, ue3 = 1 mm, v1e = 1 mm,
v2e = 1 mm, v3e = 3 mm.

y
3 2

e
1m

1
1m x

Problem 7 (Heat conduction) [6 points] What are the physical units of a heat flux component qx , tem-
perature gradient dT /dx and of the coefficient of thermal conductivity λ?

G OOD L UCK !