UNIT 3

1. State the properties of stiffness matrix

It is a symmetric matrix
The sum of elements in any column must be equal to zero
It is an unstable element. So the determinant is equal to zero.

2. Write down the expression of shape function N and displacement u for one

dimensional bar element.

U= N1u1+N2u2
N1= 1-X /l
N2 = X / l

3. Define total potential energy.

Total potential energy, π = Strain energy (U) + potential energy of the external forces

4. State the principle of minimum potential energy.

Among all the displacement equations that satisfied internal compatibility and the boundary
condition those that also satisfy the equation of equilibrium make the potential energy a minimum is
a stable system.

5. What is truss?
A truss is defined as a structure made up of several bars, riveted or welded together.

6. States the assumption are made while finding the forces in a truss.
All the members are pin jointed. The truss is loaded only at the joint
The self weight of the members is neglected unless stated.

7. State the principles of virtual energy?

A body is in equilibrium if the internal virtual work equals the external virtual work for the
every kinematically admissible displacement field

8. What is essential boundary condition?

Primary boundary condition or EBC Boundary condition which in terms of field variable is
known as Primary boundary condition.

9. Natural boundary conditions?

Secondary boundary natural boundary conditions which are in the differential form of field
variable is known as secondary boundary condition

10. How do you define two dimensional elements?

Two dimensional elements are define by three or more nodes in a two dimensional plane.
The basic element useful for two dimensional analysis is the triangular element.

11. What is CST element?

Three noded triangular elements are known as CST. It has six unknown displacement
degrees of freedom (u1, v1, u2, v2, u3, v3). The element is called CST because it has a constant
strain throughout it.
12. What is LST element?
Six nodded triangular elements are known as LST. It has twelve unknown displacement
degrees of freedom. The displacement function for the elements are quadratic instead of linear as in
the CST.

13. What is QST element?

Ten nodded triangular elements are known as Quadratic strain triangle. It is also called as
cubic displacement triangle.

14. What meant by plane stress analysis?

Plane stress is defined to be a state of stress in which the normal stress and shear stress
directed perpendicular to the plane are assumed to be zero.

15. Define plane strain analysis.

Plane strain is defined to be state of strain normal to the xy plane and the shear strains are
assumed to be zero.

1. Differentiate CST and LST elements. (Nov/Dec 2014)

Three nodded triangular element is known as constant strain triangular element. It has 6unknown degrees
of freedom called u1, v1, u2, v2, u3, v3. The element is called CST because it has constant strain throughout
it.
Six nodded triangular element is known as Linear Strain Triangular element. It has 12unknown
displacement degrees of freedom. The displacement function for the element are quadratic instead of linear
as in the CST.
2. What do you mean by the terms: C0, C1 and Cn continuity?

C0 – Governing differential equation is quasiharmonic, ø has to be continuous.

C1 – Governing differential equation is biharmonic, øas well as derivative has to be continuous inside
and between the elements.

Cn – Governing differential equations is polynomial.

3. How do we specify two dimensional elements? (May/June 2014)

Two dimensional elements are defined by three or more nodes in two dimensional plane (i.e x and y
plane). The basic element useful for two dimensional analysis is a triangular element.
4. What is QST element?(May/June 2014)

Ten noded triangular elements are known as Quadratic strain element (QST).

5. Write the governing differential equation for two dimensional heat transfer.
The governing
differential
equation for two
dimensional heat
transfer is given by,

6. Write the governing differential equation for shaft with non-circular cross-section subjected to
torsion.

The governing differential equation is given by,

1 𝑑2 ∅ 1 𝑑2 ∅
+ + 2𝜃 = 0
𝐺 𝑑𝑥 2 𝐺 𝑑𝑦 2
Where,

Ø – Field variable
 - Angle of twist per unit length (rad/m)
G – Modulus of rigidity or shear modulus (N/m2)
7. What is geometric isotropy?(May/June 2013)
An additional consideration in the selection of polynomial shape function for the displacement
model is that the pattern should be independent of the orientation of the local coordinate system. This
property is known as Geometric Isotropy, Spatial Isotropy or Geometric Invariance.

𝑞1 0 𝑞2 0 𝑞3 0 𝑞 = 𝑦 − 𝑦 𝑞 = 𝑦 − 𝑦 𝑞3 = 𝑦1 − 𝑦2
1
[B]= 0 𝑟1 0 𝑟2 0 𝑟3 𝑟1 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 3 𝑟2 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 1 𝑟3 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
2𝐴
𝑟1 𝑞1 𝑟2 𝑞2 𝑟3 𝑞3 1 3 2 2 1 3

𝑝1 = 𝑥2 𝑦3 − 𝑥3 𝑦2 𝑝2 = 𝑥3 𝑦1 − 𝑥1 𝑦3 𝑝3 = 𝑥1 𝑦2 − 𝑥2 𝑦1

8. Why higher order elements are preferred?

Higher order elements are preferred to,
(i) Represent the curved boundaries
(ii) Reduce the number of elements when compared with straight edge elements to model geometry.

9. Evaluate the following area integrals for the three noded triangular element
𝛼 ! 𝛽! 𝛾!
𝑋 2𝐴 𝑁𝑖 𝑁𝑗2 𝑁𝑘3 𝑑𝐴. (May/June 2013), (Nov/Dec 2012)
𝛼+ 𝛽+ 𝛾+2
We know that,
𝛽 𝛾 1! 2! 3!
𝐿𝛼𝑖 𝐿2 𝐿𝑘 𝑑𝐴 = (1+ 2+ 3+2)! 𝑋 2𝐴
Here, α = 1, β = 2, γ = 3

1! 2! 3!
𝑁𝑖 𝑁𝑗2 𝑁𝑘3 𝑑𝐴 = (8)!
𝑋 2𝐴

𝐴
=1680 𝑁𝑖 𝑁𝑗2 𝑁𝑘3 𝑑𝐴

10. Write the strain displacement relation for CST element.

 𝑢1
𝑒𝑋 𝑣1
1 𝑞1 0 𝑞2 0 𝑞3 0 𝑢2
𝑒𝑌 = 0 𝑟1 0 𝑟2 0 𝑟3 𝑣
𝛾𝑥𝑦 2𝐴 𝑟 𝑞 𝑟 𝑞 𝑟3 𝑞3 𝑢23
1 1 2 2
𝑣3
11. List out the two theories for calculating the shear stress in a solid non circular shaft subjected to
torsion.
The two theories which helps in evaluating the shear stresses in a solid non circular shaft is proposed
by,
(i) St. Venant called as St.Venant theory
(ii) Prandtl called as Prandtl’s theory.
12. Write down the shape functions associated with three noded linear triangular element and plot the
variation of the same.(April/May 2015)
1 1 1
𝑁1 = 2𝐴
𝑝1 + 𝑞1 𝑥 + 𝑟1 𝑦 ; 𝑁2 = 2𝐴
𝑝2 + 𝑞2 𝑥 + 𝑟2 𝑦 ; 𝑁3 = 2𝐴
𝑝3 + 𝑞3 𝑥 + 𝑟3 𝑦 ;

UNIT-III

PART - B

1. For a four Noded rectangular element shown in fig. determine the temperature at the
point (7, 4). The nodal values of temperature are T1=420C, T2=540C, T3= 560C, & T4=
460C. Also determine 3 points on the 500C contour line.

Given:

ϕi= 420C m (5,5) 460C k(8,5) 560C

ϕj= 540C

ϕk=560C

ϕm=460C
i (5,3) 460C j(8,3) 540C
2b=3 2a=2

b=3/2 a=1

To find:

1. Temperature at point (2,1),ϕ

2. Three points on 500C.

Formula used:

 s  t   s  t 
Ni= 1  1    1  1  
 2b  2a   3  2 

 s  t   s  t
Nj=  1     1  
 2b  2a   3  2 
  
 st 
 st    =  st 
Nk=  
 4ab   4  3 1   6 
 
 2 

 t  s   t  s 
Nm=  1     1  
 2a  2b   2  3 

Solution:

The point (7,4) in global coordinate (x,y) is changed in the local coordinate (s,t)

S= x-xi  7-5=2

t= y-yi  4-3=1

the temperature at point (2,1) in local coordinate as

ϕ = Niϕi + Njϕj + Nkϕk + Nmϕm.

 2  1  1
Ni= 1  1   =
 3  2  6

 2  1  1
Nj=  1   =
 3  2  3

 2 1  1
Nk=  =
 6  3

 1  2  1
Nm =  1   =
 2  3  6

1 1 1 1
ϕ =  42   54   56   46 .
6 3 3 6

ϕ = 51.40C
2. For the plane stress element shown in Fig, the nodal displacements are:

[Anna University, May 2002]

U1=2.0mm; v1=1.0mm;

U2=0.5mm; v2=0.0mm;

U3=3.0mm; v3=1.0mm.

Determine the element stresses σx, σy, σ1, and σ2 and the principal angle θp, let E=210 GPA,
ν= 0.25 and t=10 mm. All coordinates are in millimetre.

Given:

Nodal Displacements: U1=2.0mm; v1=1.0mm;

U2=0.5mm; v2=0.0mm;

U3=3.0mm; v3=1.0mm

X1= 20mm y1=30mm

X2= 80mm y2=30mm

X3=50mm y3=120mm

Young’s modulus, E= 210 GPa =210x109 Pa

= 210x109N\m2 = 210x103 N\mm2

=2.1x 105 N\mm2

Poisson’s ratio, ν=0.25

Thickness, t= 10mm
To find: 1. Element stress

a) Normal stress, σx
b) Normal stress, σy
c) Shear stress,  xy
d) Maximum normal stress, σ1
e) Minimum normal stress, σ2

2. Principle angle,θp

Formula used:

 Stress {σ} = [D] [B] {u}

 x  y  x  y
2

 Maximum normal stress, σmax = σ1 =     2 xy
2  2 

 x  y  x  y
2

 Minimum normal stress, σmin = σ2 =     2 xy
2  2 
2 xy
 principle angle, tan 2θp=
 x  y

Solution: we know that

1 x1 y1 1 20 30 
1
y 2  1 80 30 
 1
Area of the element, A= 1 x 2
2 2
1 x3 y3 1 50 120

1
= x[ 1x(80x120-50x30)-20(120-30)+30(50-80)]
2

1
= x [8100-1800-900]
2

A=2700 mm2

 Normal stress, σx =  5288.36 N/mm2

Normal stress, σy =  155.54 N/mm2
Shear stress,  xy = 233.31 N/mm2

We know that,

 x  y  x  y
2

Maximum normal stress, σmax = σ1 =     2 xy
2  2 

 5288.36  155.54   5288.36  155.54 

2
=     (233.31)
2

2  2 
 σ1 = -144.956 N/mm2

 x  y  x  y
2

Minimum normal stress, σmin = σ2 =     2 xy
2  2 

 5288.36  155.54   5288.36  155.54 

2

=     (233.31)
2

2  2 

σ2 = -5298.9N/mm2

2 xy
We know that principle angle, tan 2θp=
 x  y

 2 xy 
 tan 2θp = tan-1  
 x   y 

 2  233.31 
= tan-1 
  5288.36  155.54 

2θp=-5.1940

 θp = -2.590

Result: 1. Element stress

a) Normal stress, σx=  5288.36 N/mm2

b) Normal stress, σy=  155.54 N/mm2
c) Shear stress,  xy = 233.31 N/mm2
d) Maximum normal stress, σ1= -144.956 N/mm2
e) Minimum normal stress, σ2= -5298.9N/mm2

2. Principle angle,θp= -2.590

3. Calculate the element stiffness matrix and the temperature force vector for the plane stress
element as shown in figure. The element experiences a 20°C increase in temperature, Assume
coefficient of thermal expansion is 6 x 10-6/°C. Take Young’s modulus E = 2 X
105N/mm2,possion ratio v=0.25,Thickness t=
5mm.

Given data:
X1 = 0; Y1 = 0
X2 = 2; Y2 = 0
X3 = 1; Y3 = 3
E = 2 X 105N/mm2
V = 0.25
t= 5mm
ΔT = 10°C
α = 6 x 10-6/°C
To find: 1. Element stiffness matrix [K]
2. The temperature force vector [F]
Formula used:
 Stiffness matrix [K] = [B] T [D] A t
 Temperature force vector, {F} = [B] T [D] {eo} A t

Solution:
We know that, stiffness matrix [K] = [B] T [D] A t
Where A = Area of the element

1 X 1 Y1 1 0 0
1 1
= 1 X 2 Y2 = 1 2 0
2 2
1 X 3 Y3 1 1 3

1
= [1(6-0)-0+0]; A= 3 mm2.
2
Result:

 37.5 7.5  34.5  1.5 3 6 

 7.5 17.5 1.5  9.5 9 8 
 
 34.5 1.5 37.5  7.5 3 6 
Stiffness matrix [K] = 22.23 X 103  
  1.5  9.5  7.5 17.5 9 8 
 3 9 3 9 6 0 
 
  6 8 6 8 0 16 

 120.15
 40.05 
 
120.15 
Temperature force vector, {F} =  
 40.05 
0 
 
80.10 
4. A thin plate is subjected to surface traction as shown in figure. Calculate the global stiffness
matrix.

fig (i)
Take Young’s modulus E = 2 X 105N/mm2, possion ratio v=0.30, Thickness t=25mm.Assume plane
stress condition.

Given data:

E = 2 X 105N/mm2; Breath b =250mm

V = 0.25; length l =500mm
t= 25mm; tensile surface traction T= 0.4 N/mm2
1
“T” is converted into nodal force F = 2 T A = ½ x T x (b x t)
1
= x 0.4 x 250 x 25 F = 1250 N
2

Fig (ii) Discretized plate

To find:
Global stiffness matrix [K].
Formula used:
 Global Stiffness matrix [K]1 = [B] T [D][B] A t

Solution:

Fig (iii)
For element (1) - Nodal displacements are u1, v1, u3, v3 and u4 v4

Fig (iv)
Take node 1 as origin;
For node 1: X1= 0, Y1=0; For node 3: X2=500, Y2=250; For node 4: X3= 0, Y3=250;
We know that, stiffness matrix [K]1 = [B] T [D][B] A t

1 X 1 Y1 1 0 0
1 1
Where A =Area of the triangular element = 1 X 2 Y2 = 1 500 250
2 2
1 X 3 Y3 1 0 250

1
= x 1 (500x250 -0) = 62500mm2
2
A = 62.5 X 103 mm2
For element (2):

fig(v)
Nodal displacements are u1, v1, u3, v3 and u4 v4
Take node 1 as origin; For node 1: X1= 0, Y1=0; For node2: X2=500, Y2=0; For node 3: X3= 500, Y3=250;
We know that, stiffness matrix [K]2 = [B] T [D][B] A t

1 X 1 Y1 1 0 0
1 1
Where A =Area of the triangular element = 1 X 2 Y2 = 1 500 0
2 2
1 X 3 Y3 1 500 250

1
= x 1 (500x250 -0) = 62500mm2
2
A = 62.5 x 103 mm2
Shape functions are,
 N1 = L1 (2L1 -1)
N2 = L2 (2L2 -1)
N3 = L3 (2L3 -1)
N4 = 4L1 L2
N5 = 4L2 L3
N6 = 4L1 L3

6. Shape function derivation for the Constant Strain Triangular element (CST).

We begin this section with the development of the shape function for a basic two dimensional
finite element, called constant stain triangular element (CST).

We consider the CST element because its derivation is the simplest among the available two
dimensional elements.

Fig. Three noded CST elements.

Consider a typical CST element with nodes 1, 2 and 3 as shown in fig. let the nodal
displacements to be u1, u2, u3, v1, v2, v3.

 u1 
u 
 2
u3 
Displacement u   
 v1 
 v2 
 
 v3 

Since the CST element has gat two degrees of freedom at each node (u, v), the total degree of
freedom are 6. Hence it has 6 generalised coordinates.

Let, u  a1  a2 x  a3 y … (3.1)

v  a 4  a5 x  a 6 y … (3.2)

Where a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, and a6 are globalised coordinates

 u1  a1  a2 x1  a3 y1
 u 2  a1  a2 x2  a3 y 2
u3  a1  a2 x3  a3 y3

Write the above equations in matrix form,

u1  1 x1 y1   a1 
    
u 2   1 x 2 y 2  a 2 
u  1 x y 3  a3 
 3  3

1
 a1  1 x1 y1  u1 
    
a 2   1 x 2 y 2  u 2  … (3.3)
a  1 x y 3  u 
 3  3  3

1 x1 y1 

Let D = 1 x 2 y 2 

1 x3 y 3 

CT
We know, D-1 = … (3.4)
D

Find the co-factor of matrix D.

x2 y2
C11 =   ( x 2 y 3  x3 y 2 )
x3 y3

1 y2
C12 =   ( y 3  y 2 )  y 2  y 3
1 y3

1 x2
C13 =   ( x3  x 2 )
1 x3

x1 y1
C21 =   ( x1 y3  x3 y1 )  x3 y1  x1 y3
x3 y3

1 y1
C22 =   ( y3  y1 )
1 y3

1 x1
C23 =   ( x3  x1 )  x1  x3
1 x3

x1 y1
C31 =   x1 y 2  x2 y1
x2 y2
 1 y1
C32 =   ( y 2  y1 )  y1  y 2
1 y2

1 x1
C33 =   ( x2  x1 )
1 x2

 x 2 y 3  x3 y 2   y 2  y 3   x3  x 2 
x3 y1  x1 y3   y3  y1  x1  x3 
C= x1 y 2  x2 y1   y1  y 2  x2  x1 
x2 y3  x3 y 2  x3 y1  x1 y3  x1 y 2  x2 y1 
  y 2  y3   y3  y1   y1  y 2 
C =  x3  x 2 
T
x1  x3  x2  x1  …(3.5)

1 x1 y1
We know that, D= 1 x 2 y2
1 x3 y3

D = 1 ( x2 y3  x3 y 2 )  x1  y3  y 2   y1 x3  x2  …(3.6)

Substitute CT and D value in equation (3.4)

x2 y3  x3 y 2  x3 y1  x1 y3  x1 y 2  x2 y1 

1
  y 2  y3   y3  y1   y1  y2 
( x2 y3  x3 y 2 )  x1  y3  y 2   y1 x3  x2 
D-1 =  x3  x 2  x1  x3  x2  x1 
Substitute D-1 value in equation (3.3)

1
 a1  1 x1 y1  u1 
    
a 2   1 x 2 y 2  u 2 
a  1 x y 3  u 
 3  3  3

 a1  x2 y3  x3 y2  x3 y1  x1 y3  x1 y2  x2 y1  u1 

 
a 2  =
1
  y2  y3   y3  y1   y1  y2   u2 
 a  ( x2 y3  x3 y2 )  x1  y3  y 2   y1 x3  x2  x3  x2  x1  x3  x2  x1  u3  ..(3.7)
 3

The area of the triangle can be expressed as a function of the x,y coordinate of the nodes 1,2 and 3.

1 x1 y1 
1
1 x2 y 2 
2
A= 1 x3 y 3 
 ( x2 y3  x3 y 2 )  x1  y3  y 2   y1 x3  x2 
1
A
2

2 A  ( x2 y3  x3 y 2 )  x1  y3  y 2   y1 x3  x2 
... (3.8)

Substitute 2A value in equation (3.7),

 a1  x2 y3  x3 y2  x3 y1  x1 y3  x1 y2  x2 y1  u1 

  1
a 2  =  y 2  y3   y3  y1   y1  y2   u 2 
   2A u 
 a3  x3  x2  x1  x3  x2  x1   3 ...(3.9)

 a1   p1  p 2  p3 u1 

 
a 2  =
1
q1 q 2 q3  u 2 
 
  a3 
2A
r1 r 2 r 3 u3 

p1  x2 y3  x3 y2  p 2  x3 y1  x1 y3  p3  x1 y2  x2 y1 

q1   y2  y3  q 2   y3  y1  q3   y1  y2 
Where, r1  x3  x2  r 2  x1  x3  r 3  x2  x1 

From eq (3.1) we know that

 a1
 
u= 1 x y a 2
 a3
 

 a1 
 
Sub a 2 values from Eq (3.10)
 a3
 

 p1  p 2  p3 u1 

u= 1 x y 
1
q1 q2 q3  u 2 
2A
r1 r 2 r 3 u3 

 p1  p 2  p3 u1 

 
 1 x y  q1 q 2 q3  u 2 
1
2A
r1 r 2 r 3 u3 

 u! 
 
1
 p1  q1 x  r1 y p2  q2 x  r2 y p3  q3 x  r3 y  u2 
2A u 
 3
  u! 
 p1  q1 x  r1 y p2  q2 x  r2 y p3  q3 x  r3 y   
  u2 
u=
 2A 2A 2A u 
 3

The above equation is in the form of

 u1 
 
u = N1 N2 N 3 u 2 
u 
u=  3 … (3.11)

 v1 
 
V = N1 N2 N 3 v2 
v 
Similarly,  3 … (3.12)

p1  q1 x  r1 y
Where shape function , N1=
2A
p1  q1 x  r1 y
N2=
2A
p3  q3 x  r3 y
N3=
2A

Assembling the equations (3.11) and (3.12) in matrix form

 u1 
v 
 1
u ( x, y )  N1 0 N2 0 N3 0  u  
    2
 v ( x, y )   0 N1 0 N2 N3 0   v2 
Displacement matrix u = u3 
… (313)
 

 v3 
