FLEXURAL ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Course Instructor:
Atique Ahmad
‫عتیق احمد‬
Contact:
atiq@pieas.edu.pk
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Pakistan Institute of Engineering

and Applied Sciences
1
Chapter – 4
Flexural Elements
Introduction
●
The bar element carries axial load only, there is no bending involved.
●
Now we will use elementary beam theory to develop 1D beam
elements that will not only include bending effects but also loading
along the element length as well.
●
First, we develop beam element capable of bending in a plane; this is
what you studied in mechanics of material.
●
Later on, we may add torsion and axial load effects and also extend it
to 3D framed structures.
03/01/21 | 08:48 ME-424 Finite Element Analysis 2/53

Elementary Beam Theory – A Review
●
The beam under distributed load q(x) expressed
in force per unit length.
●
Deflected beam element & the sign convention.
●
Assumptions:
1) The beam is loaded only in the y direction.
2) Deflections of the beam are small in comparison
to the characteristic dimensions of the beam. i.e.,
max deflection < 0.1h.
3) The beam is prismatic and the cross section has
an axis of symmetry in the plane of bending. i.e.,
The L-section bends out of xy plane too.
4) The material of the beam is linearly elastic,
isotropic, and homogeneous.

Elementary Beam Theory – A Review
●
Without going into detailed derivations …
●
Let v(x) be the deflection curve,
2
●
Normal strain: ε =− y d v =− y v ' '
x 2
dx
2
●
Normal stress: d v
σ x = E ε x =− E y 2 =− E y v ' '
dx
●
Internal bending moment: 2 2
d v 2 d v
M ( x)=−∫ y σ x dA= E 2 ∫ y dA= E I z 2
A dx A dx
●
Thus normal stress: M (x) y 2
d v
σ x =− =− y E 2
Iz dx
●
These will now be used in derivation of 2D beam (flexural) element.

2D Beam Element – Basic Assumptions
●
Assumption rewritten for finite element terminology for a simplified
2D beam element:
●
The element is of length L and has two nodes, one at each end.
●
The element is connected to other elements only at the nodes.
●
Element loading occurs only at the nodes.
●
Field variable here is deflection v(x), which must be continuous.
●
Deflection may be very different for same end conditions.
●
Thus the element formulation must also take into account the slope of
deflection function, dv/dx.

2D Beam Element – End Conditions
●
The beam element needs more end conditions.
●
Field variable is defined as:
v(x) = f (v1, v2, θ1, θ2, x)
●
Subject to end conditions as follows:
dv dv
v|x=0 =v 1 , v|x=L=v 2 ,
dx |x=0
= θ1 ,
dx |
x=L
= θ2
●
To accommodate these four conditions, we need a cubic polynomial:
v(x) = a0 + a1 x + a2 x2 + a3 x3
●
Applying the end-conditions to this function:
2 3
v|x=0 =v 1=a 0 , v|x= L =v 2=a 0 +a 1 L+a 2 L +a 3 L
dv dv
dx |
x=0
=θ1=a 1 ,
dx |
x=L
=θ2=a 1 +2 a 2 L+3 a 3 L
2

2D Beam Element – Field Variable
●
Solve these simultaneously:
a 0=v 1 , a 1=θ1
3 1 2 1
a2 = 2 (v 2 −v 1 )− (2 θ1 + θ2 ) , a3 =− 3 (v 2 −v 1 )+ ( θ1 + θ2 )
L L L L
●
Substitute these into v(x) and after a little algebra:
2 3 2 3 2 3 3 2
x x x x x x x x
(L L ) (L L ) (
v ( x)= 1−3 2 +2 3 v 1 + x−2 + 2 θ1 + 3 2 −2 3 v 2 + 2 −
L L L ) (
L
θ2
)
v (x)=N 1 ( x) v 1 + N 2 ( x)θ1 + N 3 ( x) v 2 + N 4 ( x)θ2
v1
{}
Matrix Form
θ1
v (x)=[ N 1 N 2 N 3 N4] =[ N ]{δ}
v2
●
Let ξ = x / L , then θ2
2 3 2 2 3 2
v ( x)=(1−3 ξ +2 ξ )v 1 + L ξ (1−2 ξ+ ξ )θ1 +(3 ξ −2 ξ )v 2 + L ξ (ξ−1)θ2
●
This form will look more suitable for integration later on.
2D Beam Element – Our Concern is Max Stress
●
Stress distribution on a cross section located at axial position x is:
2 2
M (x) y d v (x) d [N]
σ x (x , y)=− =− y E =− yE {δ }
Iz dx
2
dx
2
●
Maximum stress is the largest tensile stress:
2
d [N]
σ x (x)= y max E 2
{δ }
dx
●
Substitute for [N] and carry out the differentiation:
x 1 x 1 x 1 x 1
[(
σ x ( x)= y max E 12
L3
−6
L2
v 1
) (
+ 6
L 2
−4
L
θ 1 −
) (
12
L 3
−6
L2
v 2 + 6
L) (
2
−2
L
θ2
) ]
●
Nodal stresses are thus:
6 2
L[
σ x (0)= y max E 2 (v 2−v 1 )− (2 θ1 + θ 2)
L ] Check all these for any typos!
6 2
[
σ x ( L)= y max E 2 (v 1−v 2)− (2 θ2+ θ1)
L L ]
2D Beam Element – Strain Energy of Bending
●
Using strain & stress formulations for beams:
2
d v
σ x =E ε x , ε x=− y 2
●
Strain energy: dx
2 2
1 E 2 d v
U e=
2V
∫ σ ε
x x dV = ∫
2 V
y
dx
2
dV
( )
L 2 2 L
E d v 2
EI 2
d v
U e= ∫ ( )(
2 0 dx 2
∫
A
y
2
dA dx=
)
z
∫
2 0 dx 2
dx
( )
●
This is strain energy of bending in any beam of uniform cross-section
that obeys assumptions of elementary beam theory.
●
Next, we will use our interpolation functions [N] to get an
approximation to be used in finite element modeling.

2D Beam Element – Strain Energy Discretized
2
EI z L d 2 [ N ]{δ} 2 EI z L d 2 N 1 d2 N 2 d2 N 3 d2 N 4
U e=
2 0
∫ ( dx 2 )
dx= ∫
2 0 dx 2
v 1+ (
dx 2
θ 1+
dx 2
v2+
dx 2
θ2 dx )
●
Apply Castigliano’s First Theorem for displacement component:
L
∂Ue d2 N 1 d2 N 2 d2 N 3 d2 N 4 d2 N 1
∂ v1
=EI z ∫
0
(
dx 2
v1 +
dx 2
θ1 +
dx 2
v2 +
dx 2
θ2
dx 2
dx=F 1 )
L
∂Ue d2 N 1 d2 N 2 d2 N 3 d2 N 4 d2 N 2
∂ θ1
=EI z ∫( dx 2
v1+
dx 2
θ1 +
dx 2
v2+
dx 2
θ2 ) dx 2
dx=M 1
0
L
∂Ue d2 N 1 d2 N 2 d2 N 3 d2 N 4 d2 N 3
∂ v2
=EI z ∫( dx 2
v1+
dx 2
θ1 +
dx 2
v2+
dx 2
θ2 ) dx 2
dx=F 2
0
L
∂Ue d2 N 1 d2 N 2 d2 N 3 d2 N 4 d2 N 4
∂ θ2
=EI z ∫( dx 2
v1+
dx 2
θ1 +
dx 2
v2+
dx 2
θ2 ) dx 2
dx= M 2
0
●
These relate the four nodal displacement components to the four applied
forces (moments for rotations)
2D Beam Element – Stiffness Matrix
●
Now we can write the matrix form of stiffness matrix as:
k 11 k 12 k 13 k 14 v1 F1
●
Where
[ k 21
k 31
k 41
k 22
k 32
k 42
k 23
k 33
k 43
L
k 24
k 34
k 44
]{ } { }
θ1
v2
θ2
d2 N m d2 N n
=
M1
F2
M2
⇒[k ]{v }={f }
k mn=k nm=EI z ∫ 2 2
dx
dx dx
0
– Since Nm = 0 at node n and Nm = 1 at node m.
●
Of course these expressions look a little cumbersome; this is where a
normalized (dimensionless) Lindependent 1
variable ξ = x/L helps.
●
Since: d 1 d
= , ∫ f (x )dx=∫ f (ξ) L d ξ
dx L d ξ 0 0
2 2 1
●
Therefore: k =k = EI z d N m d N n d ξ
mn nm 3 ∫ 2 2
L 0 dξ dξ

2D Beam Element – Stiffness Matrix
●
Using expressions for normalized coordinate ξ , [k] can be derived as:
12 6 L −12 6 L
●
beam
[k ]= 3
[
EI z 6 L 4 L2 −6 L 2 L2
L −12 −6 L 12 −6 L
6 L 2 L2 −6 L 4 L2
As for bar element, [k] is symmetric and singular.
]
●
Any consistent system of units is valid, however, all rotational degrees
of freedom must be in radians.
●
You must perform all the intermediate steps of these derivations as
preparation for sessional and terminal exams.
●
Go through all these over the weekend, so that you are better prepared
for further mathematical derivations.

2D Beam Element – Element Load Vector
● Here we have forces F1, F2 and moments M1, M2 applied at nodes 1, 2.

● These correspond to displacements v1, v2 and rotations θ1, θ2.
●
About the sign convention
●
In finite element method:
●
From the theory studied in mechanics of materials:
●
The directions at node 1 are opposite to each other!
●
If two flexure elements are joined at a common node, the internal
shear forces are equal and opposite unless an external force is applied
at that node, in which case the sum of the internal shear forces must
equal the applied load.
●
Therefore, when we assemble the finite element model using flexure
elements, the force at a node is simply equal to any external force at
that node.
●
Similar argument for bending moment.
2D Beam Element – Element Load Vector
●
At the mid-point under a point load and a point
moment, there is a discontinuity in both BM and
SF diagrams.
●
Magnitude of these discontinuities are equal to
the applied load/moment.
●
Therefore, if this beam is modeled using two
elements with a connecting node at the point of
load application, the net force at the node is the
applied external force and net moment is the
applied external moment.
– This is clarified using an example.

2D Beam Element – An Example
●
Use 2 elements to find deflection at mid-point.
●
Solution:
●
Length of each element is L/2, thus
12 3 −12 3
●
[k ]= 3
[
8 EI z 3
L −12 −3
3
L
2
2
−3
12
L / 2 −3
L
2
−3
L
/2
2 ]
Assemble [k(1)] and [k(2)] into [K] to get:

● Beam support conditions are: v1 = θ1 = v3 = 0

●
After removing corresponding rows/columns:

●
Final FE equation is:
192 0 24 L v 2
[ ]{ } { }
EI z −P
2 2
3 0 16 L 4 L θ2 = 0
L 2 2
0
24 L 4 L 8 L θ3
●
Solve this easy matrix equation: ●
Validate the results by
7 PL3 PL2 PL 2 checking force and moment
v 2=− , θ2 =− , θ3 = equilibrium, i.e.,
768 EI z 128 EI z 32 EI z
●
Sum of all forces
●
Find reactions by back
11 5
substitution: ∑ F y= P−P+ P=0
EI z 16 16
11
F 1= (−96 v 2 +24 L θ2 )= P
L
3
16 ●
Sum of moments about
EI z 5 node 1
F 3 = 3 (−96 v 2−24 Lθ2−24 Lθ3 )= P
L 16 3 PL L 5P
EI z 3
∑ M node 1= 16 − P 2 + 16 L=0
M 1= 3 (−24 L v 2 + 4 L2 θ2 )= PL
L 16
2D Beam Element – Final Remarks
●
For many beam problems having point loads and point moments, the
FEM results are mathematically exact.
●
Solve some examples from any textbook on mechanics of materials.
●
However, if there is distributed loading, this method yields
approximate results, as will be shown later.

Distributed Loads
On
2D Beam Elements

Work Equivalence for Distributed Loads
●
In FEM, all loads and boundary conditions are specified at nodes only.
●
Distributed loads are replaced with nodal force and moments such that
the work done by nodal load system is equivalent to that by
distributed load. L
●
Work done by load q(x) is: W =∫ q (x)v (x)dx
0
●
In FE terms:
L
W =∫ q (x)v (x)dx= F 1 q v 1 + M 1 q θ1 +F 2 q v 2 + M 2 q θ2
0
– where, F and M are equivalent nodal forces and moments.

L L
●
But, W =∫ q (x)v (x)dx=∫ q (x) [ N ( x)v + N (x)θ + N (x)v +N ( x)θ ] dx
1 1 2 1 3 2 4 2
0 0
L L
●
Comparing the two equations: F 1q =∫ q( x) N 1 (x)dx , M 1q =∫ q( x) N 2 ( x)dx
0 0
L L
F 2 q=∫ q (x) N 3 (x)dx , M 2q =∫ q( x) N 4 ( x)dx

0 0

Work Equivalence for Distributed Loads
●
These expressions must be evaluated for any particular type of load
distribution.
●
For uniformly distributed load (UDL) q(x) = q = constant
qL
{}
2
F1q qL2
{}
M1q
F2q
M2q
=
−
12
qL
2
qL
2
12
●
Note the negative sign in the last term!
●
See example 4.2

Mixed Elements Analysis
●
Beam OC is supported by smooth pin connection at O
and supported at B by an elastic bar BD, through pin
joints B & D. Determine the deflection of point C and
axial stress in rod BD.
Ebar = 69 GPa, Abar = 78.54 mm2.
Ebeam = 207 GPa, Abeam = 40 mm × 40 mm.
●
The finite element model is shown:
●
Note that rotations on nodes of beams elements are
also denoted by U.
●
This diagram is in global coord system.
●
There are two beam elements 1 & 2.
●
Element number 3 is a bar / truss element.

(e)
Elements’ Stiffness Matrices in LCS [k ]
●
Both beam elements #1 & #2 are similar.
● Length L = 300mm, Iz = bh3/12 = 40(40)3/12, [k(1)] = [k(2)]
12 6 L −12 6 L 19630 2.94e6 −19630 2.94e6
[k ]= 3
–
[
EI z 6 L 4 L −6 L 2 L
2 2
= 2.94e6
2.94e6
][
5.89e8 −2.94e6 2.94e8
L −12 −6 L 12 −6 L −19630 −2.94e6 19630 −2.94e6
6 L 2 L 2 −6 L 4 L2 2.94e8 −2.94e6 5.89e8
DoF in beam element 1 : U1 , U2 , U3 , U4
]
– DoF in beam element 2 : U3 , U4 , U5 , U6
●
As for the bar element #3:
●
L = 200 mm, A = 78.54 mm2 ,
AE 1 −1
[k (3)]= [ ][= 27096 −27096 ]
L −1 1 −27096 27096
– DoF in bar element 3: U3 , U7

(e)
Elements’ Stiffness Matrices in GCS [K ]
●
To write entries of [k(e)] at proper places in [K], it is better to write
[K(e)] first without assembly.
19630 2.94e6 −19630 2.94e6 0 0 0
[ ]
2.94e6 5.89e8 −2.94e6 2.94e8 0 0 0
−19630 −2.94e6 19630 −2.94e6 0 0 0
(1)
[ K ]= 2.94e6 2.94e8 −2.94e6 5.89e8 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0

(e)
●
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
[ ]
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 19630 2.94e6 −19630 2.94e6 0
(2)
[ K ]= 0 0 2.94e6 5.89e8 −2.94e6 2.94e8 0
0 0 −19630 −2.94e6 19630 −2.94e6 0
0 0 2.94e6 2.94e8 −2.94e6 5.89e8 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0

(e)
●
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
[ ]
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 27096 0 0 0 −27096
[ K (3)]= 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 −27096 0 0 0 27096
●
As for assembly, just superpose all these matrices, since these are now
in a common Global Coordinate systems.

Boundary Conditions and Load Vector
● Boundary conditions are simply: U1 = U7 = 0

●
And the load vector is simply given by:
F1 R1
{ }{ }
M1 0
F2 0
M2 = 0
F3 −10000
M3 0
F4 R4
● Solve the 5×5 system of equations [K]{U} = {F}; results are:
● U1 = v1 = 0 , U2 = θ1 = +9.3638e–4 rad,
● U3 = v2 = –0.73811 mm , U4 = θ2 = –0.0092538 rad
● U5 = v3 = –5.5523 mm , U6 = θ3 = –0.019444 rad
● U7 = v4 = 0

Post-processing for Derived Results
●
Axial stress in element #3 can be calculated like a truss element,
however, to adopt a more general approach. U
{}
ix
(e)
du ( x) d (e) cos θ sin θ 0 0 U iy
(e)
σ =E
dx
=E
dx [
[ N 1 ( x ) N 2 ( x)]
0 0 ]
cos θ sin θ U jx
●
In our example, θ = π/2 since bar is vertical. U jy
●
Thus axial stress is calculated to be +254.6 MPa.
●
Reaction forces are calculated by back substitution:
● R1 = –10 kN, R2 = +20 kN
●
You must validate the results by checking for moment equilibrium
within numerical accuracy.

Post-processing for Derived Results
●
As for bending stresses in each beam element:
6 2
σ (1)
x (0)= y max E
[L 2
(v 2 −v 1 )−
L ]
(2 θ1 + θ2 ) ≈0
6 2
σ (1)
x ( L)= y max E
[ L 2
(v 1 −v 2 )−
L ]
(2 θ2 + θ1 ) ≈281.3 MPa
6 2
σ (2)
x (0)= y max E
L[2
(v 2 −v 1 )−
L ]
(2 θ1 + θ2 ) ≈281.3 MPa
6 2
σ (2)
x (L)= y max E
L[2
(v 1 −v 2 )−
L ]
(2 θ2 + θ1 ) ≈0
●
Carefully observe here that the bending stress is the same at the juncture of the two
flexure elements; that is, at node 2. This is not the usual situation in FEA.
●
Formulation requires displacement and slope continuity but, in general, no continuity
of higher-order derivatives. Since the flexure element is based on a cubic displacement
function, the element does not often exhibit moment (hence, stress) continuity.
●
The convergence of derivative functions is paramount to examining the accuracy of a
finite element solution to a given problem. We must examine the numerical behavior of
the derived variables as the finite element “mesh” is refined.

Beam–Column Element
Frames with Axial Load

Flexure Element with Axial Loading
●
The major shortcoming of the flexure element developed so far is that
force loading must be transverse to the axis of the element.
●
Effectively, this means that the beam element can be used only in end-to-
end modeling of linear beam structures; very limited!
●
If the element is formulated to also support axial loading, the
applicability is greatly extended. Such an element is shown, where in
addition to the nodal transverse deflections and rotations, axial
displacements at the nodes. Thus, the element allows axial as well as
transverse loading.
●
However, some serious issues may arise:
●
In compression, the element may buckle.
●
Under significantly large tension, a phenomenon known as stress stiffening
can occur. This is like tightening of a guitar string. As the tension is
increased, the string becomes more resistant to motion perpendicular to the
axis of the string.
●
Including these in FE model is very complex; we ignore it for now.
The Superposed Stiffness Matrix
●
Ignoring buckling and stress stiffening, the stiffness matrix is just a
simple superposition of bar and beam elements with non-coupled
(mutually independent) DoFs, i.e.,
[ [k bar ] [0]
]
●
[k e ]=
[0] [k beam ]

The Superposed Stiffness Matrix
●
However, it is better to reorder the matrix so that we have linear
displacements ui , vi first and rotation θi afterwards, i.e.,

Element Load Vector
●
Reordered nodal displacements in LCS and GCS are now related as:
u1 U 1 cos ψ +U 2 sin ψ
{}{ }
v1 −U 1 sin ψ +U 2 cos ψ
Element’s Local CS
θ1 U3
{δ }= =
u2 U 4 cos ψ +U 5 sin ψ
v 2 −U 4 sin ψ +U 5 cos ψ
θ2 U6
{δ }=[T ]{U }
cos ψ sin ψ 0 0 0 0
[ ]
Global CS
−sin ψ cos ψ 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0 0
[T ]=
0 0 0 cos ψ sin ψ 0
0 0 0 −sin ψ cos ψ 0
0 0 0 0 0 1

Stiffness Matrix in Global Coordinates
●
The element stiffness matrix in GCS is found out as:
[ Ke ] = [ T ]T [ ke ] [ T ]
●
The end result is quite lengthy, so omitted here.
●
Applying this transformation is mainly done in computer code.
●
Finally, the assembly procedure is exactly like that of trusses.
●
The entire process is explained using an example …

Beam – Columns, a thorough example
●
The frame is composed of identical beams having
a 1-in square cross-section and a modulus of
elasticity of 10×106 psi. The supports at O and C
are to be considered completely fixed. The
horizontal beam is subjected to a uniform load of
intensity 10 lb/in., as shown. Compute the
displacements and rotation at B.
●
Solution Procedure:
●
First draw the finite element model.
●
Draw all the degrees of freedom appropriately.
●
Apply equivalent forces and moments for UDL.
● Compute stiffness matrices [ke] in LCS.
● Transform to GCS [Ke] and assemble.
●
Apply BCs by removing rows/columns.
●
Solve the remaining equations.
The Finite Element Model
●
Two beam-column elements:
●
1 – vertical element under axial load
●
2 – horizontal element under UDL
● To calculate [ke], first do some preliminary
work:
● Iz = bh3/12 = 1/12 = 0.083 in4
● Axial stiffness: AE/L = 5×105 lb/in
● Bending stiffness: EIz/L3 = 104.2 lb/in
●
For both elements, Z-axis is same but X, Y
axes are different. Thus [ke] is same but [Ke]
will be different.

Element Stiffness Matrix in LCS

Element Stiffness Matrices in GCS
●
Element #2 is horizontal, so no transformation is required.
●
Element #1 is vertical, thus it must be rotated through ψ = π/2.
●
What will be the transformation matrix?
●
This simple transformation can be performed by hand!
● Note that for a 90º rotation no values of [k1] change, only their
positions in the matrix [K1] are different, why?
●
Assembly; what is size of [K] ?

Equivalent Loads
●
UDL on element #2 must be replaced by nodal forces and moments.
●
Since O and C are fixed, these have unknown reactions.
●
At B, there is no horizontally applied force, but there must be a
vertical equivalent force and an equivalent moment.
●
Thus, system’s FE equation is:
U1 RX 1
{ }{ }
U2 RY 1
U3 M R1
U4 0
[K] U5 = −100
U6 −333.33
U7 RX 3
U8 R Y 3 −100
U9 M R 3 +333.3

Solution
● Displacement constraints imply that U1 = U2 = U3 = U7 = U8 = U9 = 0

●
Removing corresponding rows / columns reduces the system to:
●
And the solution is:
● U4 = +2.47974×10–5 in
● U5 = –1.74704×10–4 in
● U6 = –9.94058×10–4 rad
●
Calculate the reaction forces and moments by back substitution.

Post-processing – Stress
●
As for the element #1, we must superpose the direct axial stress and
the bending stress.
●
First, transform GCS displacements at node 2 into element’s LCS.
●
Instead of using transformation matrix [T], just visually inspect the
corresponding axes in GCS and LCS, i.e., u2 = U5 , v2 = –U4 , θ2 = U6
●
Bending stresses at node 1, 2 are:
6 2
σ (1)
x (1)= y max E
[
L 2
(v 2 −v 1 )−
L
(2 θ1 + θ2 )
]
=495.2 psi
6 2
σ (1)
x (2)= y max E
[
L
2 ( v 1 −v 2 )−
L
(2 θ2 + θ1 )
]
=992.2 psi
●
Axial stress:
−4
ΔL 6 −1.74704×10
σ axial =E =10×10
L 20
=−87.35 psi
Post-processing – Stress
●
As bending stresses are both tensile and compressive in beams
depending on which side of neutral surface is considered, it is better to
write the bending stresses calculated as:
σ1 = ±495.2 psi and σ2 = ±992.2 psi
●
Therefore, the largest stress magnitude occurs at node 2, where the
compressive axial stress adds to the compressive portion of the
bending stress distribution to give:
σ = 992.2 + 87.35 = 1079.6 psi (compressive)
●

General 3D Description
Of Frames
An Overview

General Three-Dimensional Beam Element – Frame
●
Capable of both axial and torsional deflections
as well as two-plane bending.
●
To obtain the element stiffness matrix, first
extend the beam-axial element to include two-
plane bending and then add torsional capability.
●
A frame with attached LCS is shown.
●
x-axis is through the centroid.
●
y and z axes are principal axes of area moments.
● For bending in xy-plane, [kxy(e)] is as before.
● For bending in xz-plane, [kxz(e)] see figure:
● Distributed load: qz(x)
● Nodal displacements: w1 , w2
● Nodal rotations: θy1 , θy2
– Use the right-hand rule for positive θ .
Frame Element – Stiffness Matrix
●
For zx-plane, +y is into the paper, thus rotations are opposite to that we
defined for 2D case.
●
Thus, stiffness matrix in zx-plane will have sign change for off-
diagonal terms, i.e., 12 −6 L −12 −6 L
●
[k zx ]= 3
[
EI y −6 L
L −12
−6 L
4L
6L
2 L2
2
6L
12
6L
2L
6L
4 L2
2
]
Note the term Iy instead of Iz , which is for bending in xy-plane only.
●
Combine two bending with axial load:
[k axial ] [0] [0]
[
[k e ]= [0] [ k xy-bend ]
[0] [0]
[0]
[k zx-bend ] ]
●
Size of this stiffness matrix is …?
Frames – The Element Equation
●
Now the element equation [k]{u} = {f} can now be written as:
u1 f x1
{ }{ }
u2 f x2
v1 f y1
θ z 1
Mz1
[k axial ] [0] [0]
[ [0] [k xy-bend ]
[0] [0]
[0]
]
[k zx-bend ]
v 2
θz 2
w1
=
f y2
Mz2
f z1
θy 1 M y1
w2 f z2
θy 2 M y2

Frames – Adding Torsional Effects
●
A cylindrical rod is modeled as shown:
● Torques are denoted by Mx1 and Mx2.
●
Recall that angle of twist is given by:
Φ = TL / JG
● Here, angle of twist is θx in our LCS.
● Expressed in nodal terms: θx1 – θx2 = TL / JG
● Thus: T = JG / L (θx1 – θx2) = kT (θx1 – θx2)
●
And the stiffness matrix in torsion is similar to axial stiffness matrix:
JG 1 −1
[k torsion ]=
[
L −1 1 ]
●
Although, strictly speaking this is valid for circular cross-sections
only, however, an approximate value Jeq can be used for non-circular
cross-sections; generally available in mechanics of material books.

Frame – Full Detail
●
Combining all four: axial (bar), bending in two planes (xy & zx) and
torsion in a single matrix is simply adding another sub-matrix at the
diagonal. Size of [kframe] is now …?
f x1
●
Thus, final element equation becomes: u 1
{ }{ }
f
u2 x2
f y1
v1
θz 1 M z1
[k axial ] [0] [0] [0] v2 f y2
[
[0] [k xy-bend ]
[0]
[0]
[0]
[0]
[0]
[k zx-bend ]
[0]
[0]
[0] w1
]
θz 2 = M z 2
[k torion ] θ y 1
w2
f z1
M y1
f z2
●
Reordering may be performed. θy2 M y2
θx 1 M x1
θx 2
M x2

Frame – Assembly
●
This general beam element can be utilized in finite element analyses
of three-dimensional frame structures.
●
As with most finite elements, it is often necessary to transform the
element matrices from the element coordinate system to the global
coordinates.
●
The transformation procedure is quite similar to that discussed for the
truss elements, except, of course, for the added algebraic complexity
arising from the size of the stiffness matrix and certain orientation
details required.

Frame – Final Remarks
●
This general beam element can be utilized in finite element analyses
of three-dimensional frame structures.
●
All this theory must be in mind when modeling frame structures using
any commercial software.
●
Since, frame structures have differently oriented beams and columns
in 3D space, mistakes are commonly made regarding inconsistent
sectional data, mis-oriented torsion and axial loads.

Here Ends Chapter – 4

ْ ُ ُ ُ َْ ْ ُ ْ َ َ
‫علیکم انفسکم‬
Your lives; your responsibility!
ME-516
ME-516 ME-424
ME-424 Finite
Finite Element
ElementAnalysis
Analysis 1/3/21
1/3/21

FLEXURAL ELEMENT ANALYSIS

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FLEXURAL ELEMENT ANALYSIS

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Course Instructor:

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Pakistan Institute of Engineering

03/01/21 | 08:48 ME-424 Finite Element Analysis 2/53

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● Here we have forces F1, F2 and moments M1, M2 applied at nodes 1, 2.

– This is clarified using an example.

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● Beam support conditions are: v1 = θ1 = v3 = 0

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– where, F and M are equivalent nodal forces and moments.

F 2 q=∫ q (x) N 3 (x)dx , M 2q =∫ q( x) N 4 ( x)dx

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19630 2.94e6 −19630 2.94e6 0 0 0

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● Boundary conditions are simply: U1 = U7 = 0

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● Displacement constraints imply that U1 = U2 = U3 = U7 = U8 = U9 = 0

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