SEMESTER 1 EXAMINATIONS 2018/2019

MODULE: MM421 - Finite Element Analysis

PROGRAMME(S):
CAM B.Eng. Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
BMED B.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering
MMME MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Eng
MMQA Qualifier A MEng in Mechanical & Manufac
ECSAO Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSA Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

YEAR OF STUDY: 4,C,O,X

EXAMINER(S):
Bryan MacDonald (Internal) (Ext:8046)
Dr. Gerard Ryder (External) External
Dr. Stephen Cassidy (External) External
Dr. Adrian Boyd (External) External

TIME ALLOWED: 3 Hours

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer all questions.

PLEASE DO NOT TURN OVER THIS PAGE UNTIL YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
The use of programmable or text storing calculators is expressly forbidden.

There are no additional requirements for this paper.

MM421 – Finite Element Analysis

Semester 1 Examinations 2018/2019 Page 1 of 5
QUESTION 1 [TOTAL MARKS: 35]

The transverse displacement due to bending only of a two-node beam finite element may be written
as:
𝑚 = 𝑆𝑖 𝑣𝑖 + 𝑆𝑖𝜃 𝜃𝑖 + 𝑆𝑗 𝑣𝑗 + 𝑆𝑗𝜃 𝜃𝑗

The Hermite shape functions may be used to interpolate vertical displacement and slope within the
element:
1 𝑙
𝑆𝑖 = (1 − )2 (2 + ) 𝑆𝑖 = 𝑒 (1 − )2 ( + 1)
4 8
1 𝑙𝑒
𝑆𝑗 = (1 + )2 (2 − ) 𝑆𝑗 = (1 + )2 ( − 1)
4 8

Figure Q1

Consider the beam shown in Figure Q1. A finite element analysis of this beam using two elements
and three nodes and considering bending only generated the following results:

 = {0 0 −0.1714 −0.4285 −0.3429 −0.4285}𝑇

Q 1(a) [5 Marks]
Consider the point P, located 0.8m from the beam root (and 0.2m from the beam tip). Determine the
natural coordinate, , of the point P.

Q 1(b) [10 Marks]

Hence, calculate the magnitude of each of the Hermite shape functions at the point P.

Q 1(c) [5 Marks]
Comment on your answer for part (b) – do the values you obtained for the shape functions seem
logical? Explain why/why not.

Q 1(d) [10 Marks]

Using your answer for part (b) – determine the vertical displacement of the point P.

Q 1(e) [5 Marks]
Comment on your answer for part (d).

[End of Question1]

MM421 – Finite Element Analysis

Semester 1 Examinations 2018/2019 Page 2 of 5
QUESTION 2 [TOTAL MARKS: 30]

Q 2(a) [10 Marks]

Construct the global stiffness matrix for the system of spring finite elements shown in figure Q2a

Figure Q2a

Q 2(b) [10 Marks]

Now, considering a system similar to the one shown in Figure Q1a, but with a different node
numbering scheme (see Figure Q1b), construct the global stiffness matrix for this system.

Figure Q2b

Q 2(c) [10 Marks]

Explain the differences between the stiffness matrices obtained in 1(a) and 1(b) and clearly detail the
consequences of these differences in terms of solving the finite element model.

[End of Question2]

MM421 – Finite Element Analysis

Semester 1 Examinations 2018/2019 Page 3 of 5
QUESTION 3 [TOTAL MARKS: 35]

𝐀 𝟏 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟒 𝐦𝟐
E𝟏 = 200 GPa
L𝟏 = 2 m

0
0
{𝑈} = 0
0
−1𝑥10−3
{−2𝑥10−3 }

Figure Q3: A Two-dimensional Truss Problem

Q 3(a) [10 Marks]

A one-dimensional truss element may be used to model two-dimensional truss problems by
developing a transformation matrix [L] that relates its local displacement vector {𝑈 ′ } = {𝑈𝑖′ 𝑈𝑗′ }𝑇 to
its global displacement vector {𝑈} = {𝑈𝑖 𝑉𝑖 𝑈𝑗 𝑉𝑗 }𝑇 . Determine the transformation matrix [L] for a
general two-dimensional truss element oriented at an angle  to the positive x-axis.

Note: You must show that you understand how the transformation matrix is determined. Simply
writing down the answer will not gain any marks.

Q 3(b) [10 Marks]

Hence, given the truss structure and data shown in figure Q3, calculate the axial displacement (i.e. the
displacement in the axial direction) of the two nodes in element number 1. Note that A = cross
sectional area of the truss, E = Young’s Modulus of the truss material and L = length of the truss.

Q 3(c) [8 Marks]
Using the strain-displacement matrix [B], calculate the strain in element number 1.

Q 3(d) [7 Marks]
Calculate the stress in element 1. Does this stress seem logical? Explain why/why not.

[End of Question3]

MM421 – Finite Element Analysis

Semester 1 Examinations 2018/2019 Page 4 of 5
 APPENDICES

Possibly Useful Equations:

For a line element with two nodes the transformation from local to natural coordinates is given by:
𝟐𝒙
𝝃= 𝒍
−𝟏

𝟏
For a one dimensional truss element the strain displacement matrix is given by: [𝑩] = [−𝟏 𝟏]
𝒍

[END OF APPENDICES]

[END OF EXAM]

MM421 – Finite Element Analysis

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