ASSIGNMENT 3

TRUSS ELEMENT

AE5030 Advanced Finite Element Method

By:

Budi Aji Warsiyanto 23620014

Lecturer:

Dr. Ir. Muhamad Giri Suada

AEROSPACE ENGINEERING STUDY PROGRAM

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

BANDUNG INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

2020
1. PROBLEM
The truss in Figure 1-1 is composed of three elements and four nodes. The coordinates of the nodes
(in mm) and the cross-sectional areas of the elements are as follows:
Node 1 (1829, 0, 0) Node 2 (0, 914, 0)
Node 3 (0, 914, 1829) Node 4 (0, 0, -1219)
A1 = 50 mm2 A2 = 20 mm2 A3 = 20 mm2
The modulus of elasticity E = 8275 N/mm2 for all elements. A load of 4450 N is applied at node 1 in the
negative 𝑧-direction. Nodes 2, 3, and 4 are supported by ball-and-socket joints and thus constrained from
movement in all directions. Node 1 is constrained from movement in the 𝑦-direction by a roller. Determine
internal forces at each truss element and displacement at node 1.

Figure 1-1. A three-member truss

2. SOLUTION
2.1 ANALYTICAL METHOD
The solutions used to solve the problems are divided into two, namely the analytical and the finite
element (numerical) method. Analytical solutions use an equation which is obtained from the relationship
between force (𝐹), stiffness (𝑘), and displacement (𝑑) or it can be written mathematically as follows:
𝐹=𝑘𝑑 (1)

The stiffness matrix for each element can be obtained using equation (4-45).
 𝐶𝑥 2 𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑧 −𝐶𝑥 2 −𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑧
𝐶𝑦 2 𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑧 −𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑦 −𝐶𝑦 2 −𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑧
𝐴𝐸 𝐶𝑧 2
−𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑧 −𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑧 −𝐶𝑧 2
[𝑘] = (2)
𝐿 𝐶𝑥 2 𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑧
𝑆𝑦𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝐶𝑦 2 𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑧
[ 𝐶𝑧 2 ]

To simplify numerical calculations, the matrix will be expressed as

𝐴𝐸 𝜆 −𝜆
[𝑘] = [ ] (3)
𝐿 −𝜆 𝜆

where 𝜆 is a 3 x 3 sub-matrix defined by

𝐶𝑥 2 𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑧
𝜆 = [𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑦 2 𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑧 ] (4)
2
𝐶𝑧 𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑧 𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑧

For element 3:
𝑥4 − 𝑥1 𝑦4 − 𝑦1 𝑧4 − 𝑧1
𝐶𝑥 = 𝐶𝑦 = 𝐶𝑧 = (5)
𝐿3 𝐿3 𝐿3

The length and 𝐶𝑖 can be obtained as follows:

𝐿3 = [18292 + (−1219)2 ]1/2 = 2198 𝑚𝑚
−1829 −1219
𝐶𝑥 = = −0.832 𝐶𝑦 = 0 𝐶𝑧 = = −0.554 (6)
2198 2198

Hence
0.69 0 0.46
𝜆=[ 0 0 0 ] (7)
0.46 0 0.31

and, from equation (3),

(30)(8275) 𝜆 −𝜆
[𝑘3 ] = [ ] (8)
2198 −𝜆 𝜆

Performing the same calculations for element 1, we obtain

𝐿1 = 2045 𝑚𝑚
 −1829 −914
𝐶𝑥 = = −0.894 𝐶𝑦 = = 0.447 𝐶𝑧 = 0 (9)
2045 2045

0.8 −0.4 0
𝜆 = [−0.4 0.2 0]
0 0 0

(50)(8275) 𝜆 −𝜆
[𝑘1 ] = [ ] (10)
2045 −𝜆 𝜆

Similarly, for element 2:

𝐿2 = 2743 𝑚𝑚
−1829 914 1829
𝐶𝑥 = = −0.667 𝐶𝑦 = = 0.333 𝐶𝑧 = = 0.667 (11)
2743 2743 2743

0.44 −0.22 −0.44

𝜆 = [−0.22 0.11 0.22 ]
−0.44 0.22 0.44
(20)(8275) 𝜆 −𝜆
[𝑘2 ] = [ ] (12)
2743 −𝜆 𝜆

The boundary conditions state that, except for 𝑑1𝑥 and 𝑑1𝑧 , nodal displacements in the other direction is
constrained. After superimposing the element stiffness matrices and considering the nodal boundary
conditions, we derive the structural stiffness matrix.

[𝐾] = [266 26] (13)

26 61

The structural equation is then

0 266 26 𝑑1𝑥
{ }=[ ]{ } (14)
−4450 26 61 𝑑2𝑥

The solutions for equation (14) are

𝒅𝟏𝒙 = 𝟕, 𝟒𝟒 𝒎𝒎 𝒅𝟏𝒛 = −𝟕𝟔. 𝟏𝟐 𝒎𝒎 (15)

The internal forces of the elements can be obtained by the equation which states the relationship between
the force, stiffness, and displacement of each element. The stiffness matrix for each element can be obtained
using equations (8), (10), and (12) for elements 3, 1, and 2, respectively.
Internal forces of element 3:
 𝑓1𝑥 78 0 52 −78 0 −52 𝑑1𝑥
𝑓1𝑦 0 0 0 0 0 0 𝑑1𝑦
𝑓1𝑧 −52 0 −35 𝑑1𝑧
= 52 0 35
𝑓4𝑥 −78 0 −52 78 0 52 𝑑4𝑥
𝑓4𝑦 0 0 0 0 0 0 𝑑4𝑦
{ 𝑓4𝑧 } [ −52 0 −35 52 0 35 ] { 𝑑4𝑧 }
𝑓1𝑥 78 0 52 −78 0 −52 7.44 −3377.92
𝑓1𝑦 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
𝑓1𝑧 −52 0 −35 −76.12 = −2277.12 𝑁
= 52 0 35
0 3377.92
𝑓4𝑥 −78 0 −52 78 0 52
𝑓4𝑦 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
[−52 0 −35 52 0 35 ] { 0 } { 2277.12 }
{ 𝑓4𝑧 }

The internal forces of element 3 can be illustrated as follows:

3377.92 N

2277.12 N 3
𝑓3 1
𝑓3 2277.12 N
4

3377.92 N

Figure 2.1 Internal force of element 3

The internal force of element 3 is given by

𝑓3 = √(3377.92)2 + (2277.12)2 = 𝟒𝟎𝟕𝟑. 𝟕𝟕 𝑵

Internal forces of element 2:

𝑓1𝑥 26 −13 −26 −26 13 26 7.44 2172.56
𝑓1𝑦 −13 7 13 13 −7 −13 0 −1086.28
𝑓1𝑧 26 −13 −26 −76.12 = −2172.56 𝑁
= −26 13 26
0
𝑓3𝑥 −26 13 26 26 −13 −26 −2172.56
𝑓3𝑦 13 −7 −13 −13 7 13 0 1086.28
[ 26 −13 −26 −26 13 26 ] { 0 } { 2172.56 }
{ 𝑓3𝑧 }

The internal forces of element 2 can be illustrated as follows:

 2172.56 N
𝑓2 1086.28 N
2172.56 N

1
2172.56 N
1086.28 N

𝑓2
2172.56 N

Figure 2.2 Internal force of element 2

The internal force of element 2 is given by

𝑓2 = √(2172.56)2 + (1086.28)2 + (2172.56)2 = 𝟑𝟐𝟓𝟖. 𝟖𝟒 𝑵

Internal forces of element 1:

𝑓1𝑥 162 −81 0 −162 81 0 7.44 1205.28
𝑓1𝑦 −81 40 0 81 −40 0 0 −602.64
𝑓1𝑧 0 0 0 0 0 0 −76.12 = 0
= 0 −1205.28 𝑁
𝑓2𝑥 −162 81 0 162 −81 0
𝑓2𝑦 81 −40 0 −81 40 0 0 602.64
[ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ] { 0 } { 0 }
{ 𝑓2𝑧 }

The internal forces of element 1 can be illustrated as follows:

 𝑓1 602.64 N

2
1205.28 N
1

1205.28 N
1
602.64 N
𝑓1

Figure 2.3 Internal force of element 1

The internal force of element 1 is given by

𝑓1 = √(1205.28)2 + (602.64)2 = 𝟏𝟑𝟒𝟕. 𝟓𝟒 𝑵

The element stress can be obtained using the following equation for an element with nodes 𝑖 and 𝑗:
𝑑𝑖𝑥
𝑑𝑖𝑦
𝐸 𝑑
𝜎= [−𝐶𝑥 −𝐶𝑦 −𝐶𝑧 𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑦 𝐶𝑧 ] 𝑖𝑧
𝐿 𝑑𝑗𝑥
𝑑𝑗𝑦
{ 𝑑𝑗𝑧 }
For example, for element 3:
7.44
0
8275 −76.12
𝝈𝟑 = [0.832 0 0.554 −0.832 0 −0.554] = −𝟏𝟎𝟖. 𝟓𝟓 𝑵/𝒎𝒎𝟐
2198 0
0
{ 0 }

In a similar manner, for elements 1 and 2:

𝝈𝟏 = 𝟏𝟔𝟖. 𝟏𝟒 𝑵/𝒎𝒎𝟐 𝝈𝟐 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟗𝟏 𝑵/𝒎𝒎𝟐

2.2 NUMERICAL METHOD

The Abaqus application is used as a finite element (numeric) solution to the problem in the truss
element above. Abaqus was chosen because it is one of the advanced applications for analyzing a structure.
The working process using the finite element method application is divided into three, namely pre-
processing, solution, and post-processing. In addition, in the process of operation, several modules are used
to set up numerical modeling of truss elements. The following shows the module used to perform numerical
modeling:
a. Part (geometry)
The model is created based on the coordinate (x, y, and z) of nodes as shown in Section 1. Figures
2-4 show the truss structure with three-element members. The truss structure is modeled as a line
element.

Figure 2-4. A truss structure model

b. Property
The modulus of elasticity and cross-sectional area is input on this module. Figures 2-5 show the truss
element that has inputted its properties. The model is displayed using idealizations render profiles with
a scale factor of 5 to provide an overview of the truss structure that has been inputted with an area (mm2).

Figure 2-5. A truss structure model that has inputted by the property
c. Step
The step is used to determine the type of simulation, whether static or dynamic. In this assignment,
the static simulation type linear perturbation is used because the force F given has a constant value in
accordance with time and the problem is still in the scope of linear analysis. Figure 2-6 shows the setup
used in this module. "Nlgeom: Off" is chosen because the structure does not experience large
displacement during loading.

Figure 2-6. Setup in the module step

d. Load
Figure 2-7 (a) shows the truss element that has applied boundary conditions and loads in the form
of concentrated force (CF). Figures 2-7 (b) and (c) show the boundary condition setup which is
constrained from movement in all directions (ENCASTRE), while node 1 is constrained from movement
in the 𝑦-direction.

BC

(a) (b)
 (c) (d)
Figure 2-7. Setup on "Module Load": (a) illustration of truss elements that have applied boundary
conditions and load, (b) load, (c) boundary conditions of node 1, and (d) boundary conditions of nodes
2, 3, and 4

e. Mesh
The mesh module is used to define the mesh setup, such as the size or number and type (structured,
unstructured) of the elements. In this assignment, because the truss elements are modeled with a one-
dimensional line, only the size or number of elements can be determined. Figures 2-8 show the truss
structure which consists of one element in each member.

element

node

Figure 2-8. The number of elements and nodes in the truss structure
 f. Job
The job module is used to perform the computation process (running) modeling that has been created.
Figure 2-9 shows the job manager in the Abaqus application.

Figure 2-9. Job manager

2.2.1 Results
The simulation results are displayed in terms of values and visualization of the displacement and the
internal forces for each member. Figures 2-10 (a) and (b) show the visualization and displacement values
in the 𝑥- (U1) and 𝑧- (U3) directions, respectively. The color gradient shows the difference in displacement
values for each length of an element. It can be seen that the maximum displacement occurs at node 1, which
is the location of load 𝐹. The maximum displacement value in the 𝑥-direction is positive 7.13 mm, while
in the 𝑧-direction it is negative 75.23 mm (-75.23 mm). The positive and negative signs only indicate that
the structure or element has moved towards the positive and negative direction of the axes.

(a) (b)
Figure 2-10. Visualization of the deformation of the truss structure in (a) 𝑥-direction and (b) 𝑧-direction
 Figures 2-11 (a), (b), and (c) show the value and visualization of the internal forces at each of the
elements 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The internal forces consist of the resultant and their components are
displayed in the 𝑥-, 𝑦-, and 𝑧-directions. In element 1 (Figure 2-10 (a)) there is an internal force on each
node 1 and 2. The direction of the internal force on element 1 node 1 consists of a positive 𝑥 with a value
of 1150 N and a negative 𝑦 with a value of 577.06 N so that it forms a resultant with a value of 1290 N.
The same internal and resultant force value also occur at node 2, but with a directional component different,
namely the negative 𝑥 and positive 𝑦. In element 2 (Figure 2-10 (b)) there is an internal force on each node
1 and 3. The direction of the internal force on element 2 node 1 consists of a positive 𝑥 with a value of 2210
N, a negative 𝑦 with a value of 1100 N, and a negative 𝑧 with a value of 2210 N so that it forms a resultant
with a value of 3310 N. Similar to element 1, the internal and resultant force value occur at other nodes in
the same element (element 2 node 3), but with different direction components, namely a negative 𝑥, positive
𝑦, and positive 𝑧. In element 3 (Figure 2-10 (c)) there is also an internal force on each node 1 and 4. The
direction of the internal force on element 1 node 1 consists of a negative 𝑥 with a value of 3360 N and
negative 𝑧 with a value of 2240 N so that it forms a resultant with a value of 4040 N. The same internal and
resultant force value also occur at node 4, but with a directional component different, namely a positive 𝑥
and negative 𝑧. There is an internal force component on an element that has a zero value, namely in element
1 with 𝑧-direction and element 3 with 𝑦-direction. This is because the element does not have an internal
force projection in one direction.
Stress occurs due to forces acting on an element surface. The values and visualizations of stress are
shown in Figure 2-12. The highest stress value occurs in element 2, then element 3, and then element 1
with a value of 165.63 MPa, 134.72 MPa, and 25.82 MPa, respectively. The difference in stress values is
displayed in different colors, namely red for the highest stress (element 2), orange for element 3, and blue
for the lowest stress (element 3).
After obtaining the results of the analytical and numerical solutions, it is necessary to compare the
values for each variable as shown in Tables 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3. The values are compared using only one
node of each element because the values between two nodes on one element are the same, only in different
directions. The average error value on all variables is below 10% so that the solution using the numerical
method is valid.

2 2

Component Resultant
1 1

1 1

(a)
 3
3

Component
2
2 Resultant

1
1

(b)

3 1 3 1
4
4 Component Resultant

(c)
Figure 2-11. Internal force of (a) element 1, (b) element 2, and (c) element 3
3

2
2

3
4 1

Figure 2-12. The stress of a three-member truss

Table 2-1. Comparison of the deformation of node 1 between the analytical and finite element method
Deformation of node 1 (mm)
Variable
Analytical Finite element Error (%)
𝑑1𝑥 7.44 7.13 4.2
𝑑1𝑧 -76.12 -75.23 1.2

Table 2-2. Comparison of the internal force of element 1, 2, and 3 between the analytical and finite
element method
Internal force (N)
Variable Analytical Finite element Error (%)
Element 1
𝑓1𝑥 1205.28 1150 4.6
𝑓1𝑦 -602.64 -577.06 4.3

Element 2
𝑓1𝑥 ; 𝑓1𝑧 2172.56 2210 1.7
𝑓1𝑦 -1086.28 -1100 1.3

Element 3
𝑓1𝑥 -3372.92 -3360 0.4
𝑓1𝑧 -2277.32 -2240 1.6

Table 2-3. Comparison of the stress between the analytical and finite element method
Stress (MPa)
Variable
Analytical Finite element Error (%)
𝜎1 26.91 25.82 4.1
𝜎2 168.14 165.63 1.5
𝜎3 -108.55 -134.72 24.1