MDP 2520 Structural Mechanics Questions – Matrix Structural Analysis Fall 2020

(1) Prove that for a 1-D bar that the summation of the coefficients of each column of the
structure stiffness matrix is equal to zero. Hint ∑ Fx = 0.
(2) Calculate the nodal displacements, reaction forces and the elemental forces. In addition,
calculate the normal stresses for Figs. 2a-c.

(3-a) Prove that for a plane truss that ∑ K2i-1,j = 0 and ∑ K2i,j = 0, where i = 1 to number-of-
nodes.
(3-b) Show that for a plane truss δ = (u2 - u1) cos θ + (v2 - v1) sin θ.
(4-a) Prove that the reduced equations are

. If v1 = 1 and u1 = 0, get the forces in each element. Take EA/L

= k for all members.

Faculty of engineering, Cairo University 1/4

MDP 2520 Structural Mechanics Questions – Matrix Structural Analysis Fall 2020

(4-b) Calculate the nodal displacements, element forces, and reaction forces.
(4-c) Calculate the nodal displacements, reaction forces and element stresses. The table
shows the relevant data.
Element number Material Area mm2
1 Aluminium, E = 70 GPa 900
2 Steel, E = 200 GPa 600
3 Aluminium, E = 70 GPa 1250

(4-d) Calculate the nodal displacements and elemental forces. A(1) = A(2) = 30 mm2 and A(3) =
10 mm2. Take E = 200 GPa.

Faculty of engineering, Cairo University 2/4

MDP 2520 Structural Mechanics Questions – Matrix Structural Analysis Fall 2020

(5) Elements 1-3 and 2-4 have cross-sectional areas = A. The other four elements have
areas = √2 A. Young’s modulus = E.
Find the nodal displacements of nodes 2 and 4. Then find the forces in elements 1-2, 2-3, 3-
4, 4-1, and 2-4.

3 P
2 P
L
1
3
L

4
y
x L L

Fig. 5

(6) Get the linear and angular nodal displacements. Calculate the forces and moments
transmitted to each element. E = 200 GPa, and the beam has a circular cross-section with D
= 100 mm.

Faculty of engineering, Cairo University 3/4

MDP 2520 Structural Mechanics Questions – Matrix Structural Analysis Fall 2020

(7) Calculate the nodal displacements and the transmitted nodal loads to element ab, in terms
of E, I and L. Take Iab = 2I, Ibc = I and E = constant.

(8) Show that when the CCW moments and slopes are assumed positive, the stiffness matrix
for 2-D beam elements takes the following form:

Hint: put a minus sign before m1, m2, θ1, and θ2 in the element matrix equation given in the
notes.

Faculty of engineering, Cairo University 4/4