CVL757 – Finite Element Methods

Assignment 1

1. Obtain the stiffness matrix [k] in global coordinates for the (i) bar, and (ii) beam
element if [k’] is the stiffness in the local coordinates.

2. 1D beam Problem: Consider the beam as shown in the figure below. The dimension b
= 100 mm, and h = 500 mm. Consider E = 200 GPa. Write a finite element code in
MATLAB to determine the nodal displacements of the bar. Write the FE code
considering a discretization consisting of: (i) one beam element, (ii) five beam
elements. Plot the graph of the slope and displacement of the beam as a function of
the length. Compare it with the analytical solution. Please submit the MATLAB run-
ready code neatly commented.