Lecture 6

CENG6504: Finite Element Methods
Plane Stress and Plane Strain

Equations – Part I
Dr. Tesfaye Alemu
1
Plane Stress/Strain Equations
Learning Objectives
• To review basic concepts of plane stress and plane
strain.
• To derive the constant-strain triangle (CST)

element stiffness matrix and equations.
• To demonstrate how to determine the stiffness

matrix and stresses for a constant strain element.
• To describe how to treat body and surface forces

for two-dimensional elements.
2
Plane Stress/Strain Equations
Learning Objectives
• To evaluate the explicit stiffness matrix for the
constant-strain triangle element.
• To perform a detailed finite element solution of a

plane stress problem.
3
Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations
In Chapters 2 through 5, we considered only line elements.
Line elements are connected only at common nodes, forming
framed or articulated structures such as trusses, frames, and
grids.
Line elements have geometric properties such as cross-
sectional area and moment of inertia associated with their
cross sections.
4
However, only one local coordinate along the length of the
element is required to describe a position along the element
(hence, they are called line elements).
Nodal compatibility is then enforced during the formulation of
the nodal equilibrium equations for a line element.
This chapter considers the two-dimensional finite element.
5
Two-dimensional (planar) elements are thin-plate elements
such that two coordinates define a position on the element
surface.
The elements are connected at common nodes and/or along
common edges to form continuous structures.
6
Nodal compatibility is then enforced during the formulation of
the nodal equilibrium equations for two-dimensional
elements.
If proper displacement functions are chosen, compatibility
along common edges is also obtained.
7
The two-dimensional element is extremely important for:
(1) Plane stress analysis, which includes problems such

as plates with holes, fillets, or other changes in
geometry that are loaded in their plane resulting in local
stress concentrations.
Plane Stress Problems
8

9

10

11

12
(2) Plane strain analysis, which includes problems such

as a long underground box culvert subjected to a
uniform load acting constantly over its length or a long
cylindrical control rod subjected to a load that remains
constant over the rod length (or depth).
Plane Strain Problems
13

14

15

16

17

18
We begin this chapter with the development of the stiffness
matrix for a basic two-dimensional or plane finite element,
called the constant-strain triangular element.
The constant-strain triangle (CST) stiffness matrix derivation is

the simplest among the available two-dimensional elements.
We will derive the CST stiffness matrix by using the principle

of minimum potential energy because the energy formulation
is the most feasible for the development of the equations for
both two- and three-dimensional finite elements.
19
Formulation of the Plane Triangular Element Equations
We will now follow the steps described in Chapter 1 to formulate

the governing equations for a plane stress/plane strain
triangular element.
First, we will describe the concepts of plane stress and plane
strain.
Then we will provide a brief description of the steps and basic
equations pertaining to a plane triangular element.
20
Plane Stress
Plane stress is defined to be a state of stress in which the

normal stress and the shear stresses directed
perpendicular to the plane are assumed to be zero.
That is, the normal stress z and the shear stresses xz and yz
are assumed to be zero.
Generally, members that are thin (those with a small z
dimension compared to the in-plane x and y dimensions) and
whose loads act only in the x-y plane can be considered to be
under plane stress.
21
Plane Strain
Plane strain is defined to be a state of strain in which the

strain normal to the x-y plane z and the shear strains xz
and yz are assumed to be zero.
The assumptions of plane strain are realistic for long bodies

(say, in the z direction) with constant cross-sectional area
subjected to loads that act only in the x and/or y directions and
do not vary in the z direction.
22
Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain
The concept of two-dimensional state of stress and strain and

the stress/strain relationships for plane stress and plane strain
are necessary to understand fully the development and
applicability of the stiffness matrix for the plane stress/plane
strain triangular element.
23
A two-dimensional state of stress is shown in the figure below.
24
The infinitesimal element with sides dx and dy has normal

stresses x and y acting in the x and y directions (here on the
vertical and horizontal faces), respectively.
25
The shear stress xy acts on the x edge (vertical face) in the y
direction. The shear stress yx acts on the y edge (horizontal
face) in the x direction.
26

Since xy equals yx, three independent stress exist:
     x  y  xy 
T
Recall, the relationships for principal stresses in two-

dimensions are: 2
x y x y 
1       xy   max
2
2  2 
2
x y  y 
2    x    xy   min
2
2  2 
27

Also, p is the principal angle which defines the normal whose
direction is perpendicular to the plane on which the maximum
or minimum principle stress acts.
2 xy
tan 2 p 
x y
28

The general two-dimensional state of strain at a point is show
below.
29

u v u v
x  y   xy  
x y y x
30

u v u v
x  y   xy  
x y y x
The strain may be written in matrix form as:
     x y  xy 
T
31

For plane stress, the stresses z, xz, and yz are assumed to
be zero. The stress-strain relationship is:
 x  1  0   x 
  E   
 y    1 0   y 
  1  
2
 xy  0 0 0.5 1      xy 
 x   x  1  0 
    E  
 y   D    y  [D ]  2 
 1 0 
    1 
 xy   xy  0 0 0.5 1    
is called the stress-strain matrix (or the constitutive matrix),

E is the modulus of elasticity, and  is Poisson’s ratio.
32

For plane strain, the strains z, xz, and yz are assumed to be
zero. The stress-strain relationship is:
 x  1    0   x 
     
0   y 
E
 y   1 
  1   1  2   0
 
 xy   0 0.5     xy 
 x   x  1    0 
      0 
E
 y   D    y  [D ]  1 
    1   1  2   0 0

0.5   
 xy   xy  
is called the stress-strain matrix (or the constitutive matrix),
E is the modulus of elasticity, and  is Poisson’s ratio.
33

The partial differential equations for plane stress are:
 2u  2u 1     2u  2v 
    
x 2 y 2 2  y 2 xy 
 2v  2v 1     2v  2u 
    
x 2 y 2 2  y 2 xy 
34
Consider the problem of a thin plate subjected to a tensile load

as shown in the figure below:
35
Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types
Discretize the thin plate into a set of triangular elements. Each

element is define by nodes i, j, and m.
36
We use triangular elements because boundaries of irregularly

shaped bodies can be closely approximated, and because the
expressions related to the triangular element are
comparatively simple.
37
This discretization is called a coarse-mesh generation if few

large elements are used.
Each node has two degrees of freedom: displacements in the x
and y directions.
38
We will let ui and vi represent the node i displacement

components in the x and y directions, respectively.
39
The nodal displacements for an element with nodes i, j, and m

are:
 di 
d    d j 
d 
 m
where the nodes are ordered counterclockwise around the

element, and
u 
d i    i 
v i 
40
The nodal displacements for an element with nodes i, j, and m

are:
 ui 
v 
 i
u 
d    j 
v j 
um 
 
v m 
41
Step 2 - Select Displacement Functions

u( x, y )
The general displacement function is:  i    
v ( x, y )
The functions u(x, y) and v(x, y) must be compatible with the
element type.
Step 3 - Define the Strain-Displacement and

Stress-Strain Relationships
The general definitions of normal and shear strains are:
u v u v
x  y   xy  
x y y x
42

For plane stress, the stresses z, xz, and yz are assumed to
be zero. The stress-strain relationship is:
 x  1  0   x 
  E   
 y    1 0   y 
  1  
2
 xy  0 0 0.5 1      xy 
43
Step 4 - Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations
Using the principle of minimum potential energy, we can derive

the element stiffness matrix.
f   [k ]d 
This approach is better than the direct methods used for one-
dimensional elements.
44

For plane strain, the strains z, xz, and yz are assumed to be
zero. The stress-strain relationship is:
 x  1    0   x 
  E    
 y   1 0
 y 
  1   1  2   0

 xy   0 0.5     xy 
45
Step 5 - Assemble the Element Equations and

Introduce Boundary Conditions
The final assembled or global equation written in matrix form is:
F   [K ]d 
where {F} is the equivalent global nodal loads obtained by

lumping distributed edge loads and element body forces at the
nodes and [K] is the global structure stiffness matrix.
46
Step 6 - Solve for the Nodal Displacements

Once the element equations are assembled and modified to
account for the boundary conditions, a set of simultaneous
algebraic equations that can be written in expanded matrix
form as:
F   [K ]d 
Step 7 - Solve for the Element Forces (Stresses)
For the structural stress-analysis problem, important secondary
quantities of strain and stress (or moment and shear force)
can be obtained in terms of the displacements determined in
Step 6.
47
Derivation of the Constant-Strain Triangular Element
Stiffness Matrix and Equations

Consider the problem of a thin plate subjected to a tensile load
as shown in the figure below:
 ui 
v 
 i
u 
d    j 
v j 
um 
 
v m 
48
We will select a linear displacement function for each triangular

element, defined as:
u
u( x, y )
Linear representation of u(x, y)
 i    
v ( x, y )
u m
y
ui
x uj
 a  a2 x  a3 y 
(xi, yi) (xm, ym)  1 
(xj, yj) a4  a5 x  a6 y 
A linear function ensures that the displacements along each

edge of the element and the nodes shared by adjacent
elements are equal.
49
We will select a linear displacement function for each triangular

element, defined as:
 a1 
a 
 2
 a  a x  a y   1 x y 0 0 0  a3 
 i   a1  a2 x  a3 y     
 4 5 6  0 0 0 1 x y  a4 
a5 
 
a6 
50
To obtain the values for the a’s substitute the coordinated of the
nodal points into the above equations:
ui  a1  a2 xi  a3 y i v i  a4  a5 xi  a6 y i
u j  a1  a2 x j  a3 y j v j  a4  a5 x j  a6 y j
um  a1  a2 xm  a3 y m v m  a4  a5 xm  a6 y m
51
Solving for the a’s and writing the results in matrix forms gives:
 ui  1 xi yi   a1 
    a 
a   x  u
1
 u j   1 x j yj
 2

u  1 x y m  a3 
 m  m
52

The inverse of the [x] matrix is:
i
 i  j m 
1  
1
[x]  i  j m  m
2A  j
  i  j  m 
 i  x j y m  y j xm i  y j  y m  i  xm  x j
 j  xm y i  y m xi  j  ym  yi  j  xi  xm
 m  xi y j  y i x j m  y i  y j  m  x j  xi
53

The inverse of the [x] matrix is:
 i  j m  1 xi yi
1  
[ x ] 1  i  j m  2A  1 xj yj
2A 
  i  j  m  1 xm ym
2 A  xi  y j  y m   x j  y m  y i   xm  y i  y j 
where A is the area of the triangle
54

The values of a may be written matrix form as:
 a1   i  j  m   ui 
  1   
a2    i  j m   u j 
a  2 A    j  m  um 
 3  i
a4   i  j m   vi 
  1   
a5  
2 A  i  j m   v j 
a    i  j  m  v m 
 6
55

Expanding the above equations
 a1 
 
u  1 x y  a2 
a 
 3
Substituting the values for a into the above equation gives:
 i  j  m   ui 
1
u  1 x y    i  j  m   u j 
2A
  i  j  m  um 
56

We will now derive the u displacement function in terms of the
coordinates x and y.
 i ui   j u j   mum 
1  
u  1 x y    i u i   j u j   m um 
2A
  i ui   j u j   mum 
Multiplying the matrices in the above equations gives:
1
u ( x, y ) 
2A

 i   i x   i y  u i    j   j x   j y  u j
  m   m x   m y um 
57

We will now derive the v displacement function in terms of the
coordinates x and y.
 i v i   j v j   mv m 
1  
v   1 x y    i v i   j v j   mv m 
2A
  i v i   j v j   mv m 
Multiplying the matrices in the above equations gives:
1
v ( x, y ) 
2A

 i   i x   i y  v i    j   j x   j y  v j
  m   m x   m y v m 
58

The displacements can be written in a more convenience form
as:
u ( x, y )  N i u i  N j u j  N m u m
v ( x, y )  N i v i  N j v j  N m v m
where:
1
Ni   i   i x   i y 
2A
1
Nj 
2A
 j   j x   j y 
1
Nm   m   m x   m y 
2A
59

The elemental displacements can be summarized as:
u( x, y ) Ni ui  N j u j  Nmum 
 i      
v ( x, y ) Ni v i  N j v j  Nmv m 
In another form the above equations are:  ui 
v 
 i
N i 0 Nj 0 Nm 0  uj 
{ }    
0 Ni 0 Nj 0 Nm   v j 
um 
 
{ }  [N ]{d } v m 
60

In another form the equations are: { }  [N ]{d }
N 0 Nj 0 Nm 0 
N    0i Ni 0 Nj 0 Nm 

The linear triangular shape functions are illustrated below:

Ni Nj Nm
1 y y y
1
x m x m x m
i i i
j j j
61

So that u and v will yield a constant value for rigid-body
displacement, Ni + Nj + Nm = 1 for all x and y locations on the
element.

Ni Nj Nm
1 y y y
1
x m x m x m
i i i
j j j
62

Ni Nj Nm
1 y y y
1
x m x m x m
i i i
j j j
63

element.
For example, assume all the triangle displaces as a rigid body in
the x direction: u = u0
u0  u0  u0  N i  N j  N m 
0
 
Ni 0 N j 0 Nm 0  u0   Ni  N j  Nm  1
{ }    
 0 N i 0 N j 0 N m0 
u0 
 
0
64

element.
For example, assume all the triangle displaces as a rigid body in
the y direction: v = v0
0 v 0  v 0  Ni  N j  Nm 
v 
 0
Ni 0 N j 0 Nm 0   0   Ni  N j  Nm  1
{ }     
 0 Ni 0 N j 0 Nm  v 0 
0
 
v 0 
65

The requirement of completeness for the constant-strain triangle
element used in a two-dimensional plane stress element is
illustrated in figure below.
The element must be able to translate uniformly in either the x
or y direction in the plane and to rotate without straining as
shown
66

The reason that the element must be able to translate as a rigid
body and to rotate stress-free is illustrated in the example of a
cantilever beam modeled with plane stress elements.
By simple statics, the beam elements

beyond the loading are stress free.
Hence these elements must be free
to translate and rotate without
stretching or changing shape.
67

Elemental Strains: The strains over a two-dimensional

element are:
 u 
 
  x   x 
   v 
{ }    y    
   y 
 xy   u v 
  
 y x 
68

Substituting our approximation for the displacement gives:

u 
x
 u,x 
x
 Ni ui  N j u j  Nm um 
u,x  Ni ,x ui  N j ,x u j  Nm,x um
where the comma indicates differentiation with respect to that

variable.
69

The derivatives of the interpolation functions are:

1  
Ni , x   i   i x   i y   i
2 A x 2A
j m
N j ,x  Nm, x 
2A 2A
Therefore:
u 1

x 2 A
  i ui   j u j   m um 
70

In a similar manner, the remaining strain terms are
approximated as:
v 1
   v   j v j   mv m 
y 2 A i i
u v 1
 
y x 2 A
  i u i   i v i   j u j   j v j   m u m   mv m 
71

We can write the strains in matrix form as:
 u   ui 
  v 
  x   x   i 0  j 0 m 0   i 
   v  1   u 
{ }    y       0 i 0  j 0 m   j 
   y  2 A     j
v
 m  m   j 
 xy   u v   i i j
um 
    
 y x  v m 
 di 
 
{ }  [B ]{d } { }  Bi Bj Bm   d j 
d 
 m
72

Stress-Strain Relationship: The in-plane stress-strain
relationship is:
 x   x 
    { }  [D ][B ]{d }
 y   [D ]   y 
   
 xy   xy 
For plane stress [D] is: For plane strain [D] is:
1  0  1    0 
E   [D ] 
E   1 0 
[D ]   1 0
1 2   1   1  2   0 
0 0 0.5 1      0 0.5   
73

The total potential energy is defined as the sum of the internal
strain energy U and the potential energy of the external forces
:  U   
p b p s
1 1
Where the strain energy is: U 
2V { }T { }dV   { }T [D]{ }dV
2V
The potential energy of the body force term is:
 b    { }T { X }dV
V
where {} is the general displacement function and {X} is the

body weight per unit volume.
74

:  U   
p b p s
1 1
2V { }T { }dV   { }T [D]{ }dV
2V
The potential energy of the concentrated forces is:
 p   {d }T {P }
where {P} are the concentrated forces and {d} are the nodal
displacements.
75

:  U   
p b p s
1 1
2V { }T { }dV   { }T [D]{ }dV
2V
The potential energy of the distributed loads is:
s    { }T {T }dS
S
where {} is the general displacement function and {T} are

the surface tractions.
76

Then the total potential energy expression becomes:
1
 p   d  [B ]T [D][B ]d  dV   d  [N ]T { X }dV
T T
2V V
 d  P   d  [N ]T {T }dS
T T
The nodal displacements {d} are independent of the general x-

y coordinates, therefore
1
 p  d   [B ]T [D][B ]dV d   d   [N ]T { X }dV
T T
2 V V
 d  P  d   [N ]
T T T
{T }dS
S
77

We can define the last three terms as:
f    [N ]T { X }dV  P   [N ]T {T }dS
V S
Therefore:
1
p  d   [B]T [D][B]dV d   d  f 
T T
2 V
Minimization of p with respect to each nodal displacement

requires that:
 p
  [B ]T [D][B ]dV d   f   0
 d  V
78

The above relationship requires:
 [B ]
T
[D][B ]dV d   f 
V
The stiffness matrix can be defined as:
[k ]   [B ]T [D][B ]dV
V
For an element of constant thickness, t, the above integral

becomes:
[k ]  t  [B ]T [D][B ] dx dy
A
79

The integrand in the above equation is not a function of x or y
(global coordinates); therefore, the integration reduces to:
[k ]  t [B ]T [D][B ] dx dy
A
[k ]  tA [B ]T [D][B ]
where A is the area of the triangular element.
80

Expanding the stiffness relationship gives:
 [k ii ] [k ij ] [kim ] 
 
[k ]   [k ji ] [k jj ] [k jm ] 
[k mi ] [kmj ] [kmm ]
where each [kii] is a 2 x 2 matrix define as:

[kii ]  [Bi ]T [D ][Bi ] tA [kij ]  [Bi ]T [D][B j ] tA
[kim ]  [Bi ]T [D][Bm ] tA
81

Recall:
 i 0  j 0
1  1 
Bi   2A  0  i  B j   0 j 

2A 
  i  i    j  j 
 m 0
1 
Bm   2A  0  m 
  m  m 
82
Step 5 - Assemble the Element Equations to Obtain the

Global Equations and Introduce the Boundary
Conditions
The global stiffness matrix can be found by the direct stiffness
method. N
[K ]   [ k ( e ) ]
e 1
The global equivalent nodal load vector is obtained by lumping

body forces and distributed loads at the appropriate nodes as
well as including any concentrated loads.
N
{F }   {f ( e ) }
e 1
83

Conditions
The resulting global equations are: F   K d 
where {d} is the total structural displacement vector.
In the above formulation of the element stiffness matrix, the

matrix has been derived for a general orientation in global
coordinates.
Therefore, no transformation form local to global coordinates is

necessary.
84

Conditions
However, for completeness, we will now describe the method to
use if the local axes for the constant-strain triangular element
are not parallel to the global axes for the whole structure.
85

Conditions
To relate the local to global displacements, force, and stiffness
matrices we will use:
d   Td f   Tf k  T T k T
86

Conditions
The transformation matrix T for the triangular element is:
 C S 0 0 0 0
 S C 0 0 0 0 
  C  cos 
 0 0 C S 0 0
T   S  sin
 0 0 S C 0 0 
 0 0 0 0 C S
 
 0 0 0 0 S C 
87
Step 6 - Solve for the Nodal Displacements
Step 7 - Solve for Element Forces and Stress
Having solved for the nodal displacements, we can obtain

strains and stresses in x and y directions in the elements by
using:
{ }  [B ]{d } { }  [D ][B ]{d }
88
Plane Stress Example 1
Consider the structure shown in the figure below.
Let E = 30 x 106 psi,  = 0.25, and t = 1 in.
Assume the element nodal displacements have been

determined to be u1 = 0.0, v1 = 0.0025 in, u2 = 0.0012 in,
v2 = 0.0, u3 = 0.0, and v3 = 0.0025 in.
89
First, we calculate the element  ’s and  ’s as:
 i  y j  y m  0  1  1  i  x m  x j  0  2  2
 j  y m  y i  0  ( 1)  2  j  xi  xm  0  0  0
 m  y i  y j  1  0  1  m  x j  xi  2  0  2
90
Therefore, the [B] matrix is:
 i 0 j 0 m 0  1 0 2 0 1 0 
1   1  0 2 0 0 0 2 
B   2 A  0 i 0 j 0 m 
2(2)  
  i i j j m  m   2 1 0 2 2 1
 i  y j  y m  0  1  1  i  x m  x j  0  2  2
 j  y m  y i  0  ( 1)  2  j  xi  xm  0  0  0
 m  y i  y j  1  0  1  m  x j  xi  2  0  2
91
For plane stress conditions, the [D] matrix is:
 1 0.25 0 
30  106 
[D ]  2 
0.25 1 0 
1  (0.25) 
 0 0 0.375 
Substitute the above expressions for [D] and [B] into the general
equations for the stiffness matrix:
[k ]  tA [B ]T [D ][B ]
92
[k ]  tA [B ]T [D][B ]
 1 0 2
 0 2 1
  1 0.25 0   1 0 2 0 1 0 
(2)30  10  2 0
6
1   1 
k   0.25 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 
4(0.9375)  2 0 2    2(2)  
 0 0 0.375   2 1 0 2 2 1
 1 0 2 
 
 0 2 1
93
Performing the matrix triple product gives:
 2.5 1.25 2 1.5 0.5 0.25 

1.25 4.375 1 0.75 0.25 3.625 
 
  2  1 4 0 2 1  lb
k  4  106  
 1.5 0.75 0 1.5 1.5 0.75  in
 0.5 0.25 2 1.5 2.5 1.25 
 
0.25 3.625 1 0.75 1.25 4.375 
94
The in-plane stress can be related to displacements by:

{ }  [D ][B ]{d }
0.0 
0.0025 in 
 x   1 0.25 0   1 0 2 0 1 0   
  30  10 
6
1 0.0012 
0   0 2 0 0 0 2  in
 y   
0.25 1
 2(2)   0.0 
  0.9375  
 xy  
 0 0 0.375 
 
  2 1 0 2 2 1
 0.0 
 
0.0025 in 
95
The stresses are:  x   19,200 psi 

   
 y    4,800 psi 
   15,000 psi 
 xy   
Recall, the relationships for principal stresses and principal

angle in two-dimensions are:
2
x y  y  1  2 xy 
1    x    xy   max
2
p  tan1  
2  2  2   x   y 
2
x y  y 
2    x    xy   min
2
2  2 
96
Therefore:
2
19,200  4,800  19,200  4,800 
   15,000   28,639 psi
2
1   
2  2 
2
19,200  4,800  19,200  4,800 
   15,000   4,639 psi
2
2   
2  2 
1  2( 15,000) 
p  tan1    32.3
o
2 19,200  4,800 
97
Treatment of Body and Surface Forces
The general force vector is defined as:
f    [N ]T { X }dV  P   [N ]T {T }dS

V S
Let’s consider the first term of the above equation.
fb    [N ]T { X }dV  Xb 
X   
V  Yb 
where Xb and Yb are the weight densities in the x and y
directions, respectively.
The force may reflect the effects of gravity, angular velocities, or

dynamic inertial forces.
98
For a given thickness, t, the body force term becomes:
fb    [N ]T { X }dV  t  [N ]T { X }dA

V A
 Ni 0 
0 Ni 
 
 Xb 
N
[N ]T   j
0  X   
  Yb 
0 Nj 
Nm 0 
 
0 Nm 
99
The integration of the {fb} is simplified if the origin of the

coordinate system is chosen at the centroid of the element, as
shown in the figure below.
With the origin placed at the centroid, we can use the definition
of a centroid.
 y dA  0
A
 x dA  0
A
100
Recall the interpolation functions for a plane stress/strain

triangle:
1 1
Ni 
2A
 i   i x   i y  Nj 
2A
 j   j x   j y 
1
Nm   m   m x   m y 
2A
With the origin placed at the centroid, we can use the definition
of a centroid.
 y dA  0
A
 x dA  0
A
101
bh
Therefore the terms in the integrand are: A
2
  x dA  0
A
i   y dA  0
A
i
b 2h
 i  x j y m  y j xm           0  
h bh
 2  3   3  3
b 2h
 j  xm y i  y m xi   0           
h bh
 3   2  3  3
 m  xi y j  y i x j              
b h b h bh
 2  3   2  3  3
2A 1 1
i   j  m  t  i dA  t  dA  tA
3 A
2A A
3 3
102
Therefore the terms in the integrand are:
fb    [N ]T { X }dV  t  [N ]T { X }dA

V A
The body force at node i is given as:

tA  X b 
fbi    
3  Yb   fbix   Xb 
f  Y 
The general body force vector is:  biy 
 b
 f  tA  X 
fb    fbjx    Y b 
 bjy  3  b 
fbmx   Xb 
   
fbmy   Yb 
103
The third term in the general force vector is defined as:
fs    [N ]T {T }dS
S
Let’s consider the example of a uniform stress p acting between

nodes 1 and 3 on the edge of element 1 as shown in figure
below.
p  p
T    px    
 y  0 
104
The third term in the general force vector is defined as:
fs    [N ]T {T }dS
S
 N1 0
0 N1 
 
N 0 p  p
[N ]T   2 
T    px    
  0 
0 N2  y
 N3 0
 
0 N3 
evaluated at x = a
105
Therefore, the traction force vector is:
fs    [N ]T {T }dS
S
 N1 0  N1p 
0 N1   0 
   
t L
N 0  p L
N2 p 
fs      2    dy dz  t  
0 
 dy
0 0
0 N2   0  0
 N3 0  N3 p 
   
0 N3  x = a  0 x=a
106
The interpolation function for i = 1 is:

1
Ni   i   i x   i y 
2A
For convenience, let’s choose the coordinate system shown in

the figure below.
 i  x j y m  y j xm
with i = 1, j = 2, and m = 3
1  x 2 y 3  y 2 x3
  0  0    0  a   0
107
The interpolation function for i = 1 is:

1
Ni   i   i x   i y 
2A
For convenience, let’s choose the coordinate system shown in

the figure below.
Similarly, we can find:

1  0 1  a
ay
N1 
2A
108
The remaining interpolation function, N2 and N3 are:

ay L(a  x ) Lx  ay
N1  N2  N3 
2A 2A 2A
Evaluating Ni along the 1-3 edge of the element (x = a) gives:
ay
N1 
2A
N2  0
a L  y 
N3 
2A
109
Substituting the interpolation function in the traction force vector
expression gives:
 N1p   y 
 0   0 
   
L
 N p  atp
L
 0 
fs    [N ]T {T }dS  t   02  dy  2 A   0  dy
S 0  0 
 N3 p  L  y 
   
 0   0 
110
Therefore, the traction force vector is:
 fs1x  L2   1
f    0 
 s1y   0  
 f  atp  0  pLt 0 
fs    [N ]T {T }dS  fs 2 x       
S  s2y  4 A  0 2 0 
fs 3 x  L2   1
     
fs 3 y   0 0 
aL
A
2
111
The figure below shows the results of the surface load

equivalent nodal for both elements 1 and 2:
From Element 1
From Element 2
112
For the CS triangle, a distributed load on the element edge can

be treated as concentrated loads acting at the nodes
associated with the loaded edge.
However, for higher-order elements, like the linear strain triangle

(discussed in Chapter 8), load replacement should be made
by using the principle of minimum potential energy.
For higher-order elements, load replacement by potential

energy is not equivalent to the apparent statically equivalent
one.
113
Explicit Expression for the Constant-Strain Triangle
Stiffness Matrix
Usually the stiffness matrix is computed internally by computer
programs, but since we are not computers, we need to
explicitly evaluate the stiffness matrix.
For a constant-strain triangular element, considering the plane

strain case, recall that: [k ]  tA[B ]T [D ][B ]
where [D] for plane strain is:

1    0 
[D ] 
E   1 0 
1   1  2   0

0

0.5   

114
Stiffness Matrix
Substituting the appropriate definition into the above triple
product gives:
[k ]  tA[B ]T [D ][B ]
 i 0 i 
0 i  i 
 1    0   i 0 j 0 m 0
j 0 j   
0 0
tE
[k ]    1  i 0 j 0 m 
4 A(1   )(1  2 ) 0
 j  j   
 0 0 0.5      i i j j m  m 
 m 0 m  
 
0 m m 
115
Stiffness Matrix
Substituting the appropriate definition into the above triple
product gives:
The stiffness matrix is a function of the global coordinates x and

y, the material properties, and the thickness and area of the
element.
116
Plane Stress Problem 2
Consider the thin plate subjected to the surface traction shown

in the figure below.
Assume plane stress conditions. Let E = 30 x 106 psi,  = 0.30,

and t = 1 in.
Determine the nodal displacements and the element stresses.
117
Discretization
Let’s discretize the plate into two elements as shown below:

20 in.
10 in.
This level of discretization will probably not yield practical results

for displacement and stresses; however, it is useful example
for a longhand solution.
118
Discretization
For element 2, The tensile traction forces can be converted into
nodal forces as follows:
fs 3 x   1  1 5,000 lb 
f  0  0   0 
 s3y       
 fs1x  pLt 0  1,000 psi (10 in )1 in 0   0 
fs 2        
0

 fs1y  2 0  2 0   
fs 4 x   1  1  5,000 lb 
       
fs 4 y  0  0   0 
119
Discretization
For element 2, The tensile traction forces can be converted into
nodal forces as follows:
20 in. 5 kips
F   A  1,000 psi 10 in 1in 

10 in.
 10,000 lb
5 kips
120
The governing global matrix equations are: {F }  [K ]{d }
Expanding the above matrices gives:
 F1x   R1x   d1x   0 

F    d   0 
 1y   R1y   1y   
F2 x   R2 x  d 2 x   0 
       
F2 y   R2 y  d 2 y   0 
    [ K ]    [K ]  
F3 x  5,000 lb  d 3 x  d 3 x 
F3 y   0  d 3 y  d 3 y 
       
F4 x  5,000 lb  d 4 x  d 4 x 
F4 y   0  d 4 y  d 4 y 
     
121
Assemblage of the Stiffness Matrix
The global stiffness matrix is assembled by superposition of the
individual element stiffness matrices.
The element stiffness matrix is: [k ]  tA[B ]T [D ][B ]
 i 0 j 0 m 0
1  
B   2 A  0 i 0 j 0 m 
  i i j j m  m 
1    0 
[D ] 
E   1 0 
 
1   1  2   0 0

0.5   

122
For element 1: the coordinates are xi = 0, yi = 0, xj = 20, yj = 10,

xm = 0, and ym = 10. The area of the triangle is:
bh (20)(10)
A   100 in.2
2 2
 i  y j  y m  10  10  0  i  xm  x j  0  20  20
 j  y m  y1  10  0  10  j  xi  xm  0  0  0
 m  y i  y j  0  10  10  m  xi  x j  20  0  20
123
 0 0 10 0 10 0 
1 
[B ]  0 20 0 0 0 20  1
200   in
 20 0 0 10 20 10 
 i  y j  y m  10  10  0  i  xm  x j  0  20  20
 j  y m  y1  10  0  10  j  xi  xm  0  0  0
 m  y i  y j  0  10  10  m  xi  x j  20  0  20
124

1  0  6
 1 0.3 0 
E   30  10 0.3 1
[D ]   1 0  0  psi
1 2   0.91  
0 0 0.5 1      0 0 0.35 
[k ]  tA [B ]T [D ][B ]
125
 0 0 20 
Therefore:  0 20 0 
   1 0.3 0 
30(10 6
)  10 0 0 
[B ] [D ] 
T
  0.3 1 0  lb 3
200(0.91)  0 0 10   in
 0 0 0.35 
 10 0 20 
 
 0 20 10 
 0 0 7 
 6 20 0 
 
30(10 6
)  10 3 0  lb
[B ]T [D]    3
200(0.91)  0 0 3.5  in
 10 3 7 
 
 6 20 3.5 
126
[k ]  tA [B ]T [D][B ]
 0 0 7 
 6 20 0 
   0 0 10 0 10 0 
(0.15)(106 )  10 3 0  1 
1(100)    0 20 0 0 0 20 
0.91  0 0 3.5  200  
 10 3 7   20 0 0 10 20 10 
 
 6 20 3.5 
127
Simplifying the above expression gives:

u1 v1 u3 v3 u2 v2
 140 0 0 70 140 70 
 0 400 60 0 60 400 
 
75,000  0 60 100 0 100 60  lb
[k (1) ]    in
0.91  70 0 0 35 70 35 
 140 60 100 70 240 130 
 
 70 400 60 35 130 435 
128
Rearranging the rows and columns gives:

u1 v1 u2 v2 u3 v3
 140 0 140 70 0 70 
 0 400 60 400 60 0 
 
75,000  140 60 240 130 100 70  lb
[k (1) ]    in
0.91  70 400 130 435 60 35 
 0 60 100 60 100 0
 
 70 0 70 35 0 35 
129
For element 2: the coordinates are xi = 0, yi = 0, xj = 20, yj = 0,

xm = 20, and ym = 10. The area of the triangle is:
bh (20)(10)
A   100 in.2
2 2
 i  y j  y m  0  10  10  i  xm  x j  20  20  0
 j  y m  y1  10  0  10  j  xi  xm  0  20  20
m  y i  y j  0  0  0  m  xi  x j  20  0  20
130
 10 0 10 0 0 0 
1 
[B ]  0 0 0 20 0 20  1
200   in
 0 10 20 10 20 0 
 i  y j  y m  0  10  10  i  xm  x j  20  20  0
 j  y m  y1  10  0  10  j  xi  xm  0  20  20
m  y i  y j  0  0  0  m  xi  x j  20  0  20
131

1  0  6
 1 0.3 0 
E   30  10 0.3 1
[D ]   1 0  0  psi
1  2   0.91  
0 0 0.5 1      0 0 0.35 
[k ]  tA [B ]T [D][B ]
132
 10 0 0 
Therefore:  0 0 10 
   1 0.3 0 
30(10 6
)  10 0 20  
[B ]T [D]    0.3 1 0 
200(0.91)  0 20 10   
 0 0 0.35 
 0 0 20 
 
 0 20 0 
 10 3 0 
 0 0 3.5 
 
30(10 6
)  10 3 7 
[B ]T [D]   
200(0.91)  0 20 3.5 
 6 0 7 
 
 6 20 0 
133
[k ]  tA [B ]T [D][B ]
 10 3 0 
 0 0 3.5 
   10 0 10 0 0 0 
(0.15)(106 )  10 3 7  1 
1(100)   0 0 0 20 0 20 
0.91  0 20 3.5  200  
 0 10 20 10 20 0 
 6 0 7 
 
 6 20 0 
134
Simplifying the above expression gives:

u1 v1 u4 v4 u3 v3
 100 0 100 60 060 
 0 35 70 35 700 
 
75,000  100 70 240 130 140 60 
[k (2) ]   
0.91  60 35 130 435 70 400 
 0 70 140 70 140 0 
 
 60 0 60 400 0 400 
135
Rearranging the rows and columns gives:

u1 v1 u3 v3 u4 v4
 100 0 0 60 100
60 
 0 35 70 0 70 35 
 
(2) 75,000  0 70 140 0 140 70 
[k ]   
0.91  60 0 0 400 60 400 
 100 70 140 60 240 130 
 
 60 35 70 400 130 435 
136
In expanded form, element 1 is:
u1 v1 u2 v2 u3 v3 u4 v4
 28 0 28 14 0 14 0 0 
 0 80 12 80 12 0 0 0 
 
 28 12 48 26 20 14 0 0 
 
375,000  14 80 26 87 12 7 0 0

[k (1) ] 
0.91  0 12 20 12 20 0 0 0 
 
 14 0 14 7 0 7 0 0 
 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
 
 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
137
In expanded form, element 2 is:
u1 v1 u2 v2 u3 v3 u4 v4
 20 0 0 0 0 12 20 12 
 0 7 0 0 14 0 14 7 
 
 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
 0
375,000  
[k (2) ] 
0.91  0 14 0 0 28 0 28 14 
 
 12 0 0 0 0 80 12 80 
 20 14 0 0 28 12 48 26 
 
 12 7 0 0 14 80 26 87 
138
Using the superposition, the total global stiffness matrix is:
u1 v1 u2 v2 u3 v3 u4 v4
 48 0 28 14 0 26 20 12 
 0 87 12 80 26 0 14 7 
 
 28 12 48 26 20 14 0 0 
 
375,000  14 80 26 87 12 7 0 0

[k ] 
0.91  0 26 20 12 48 0 28 14 
 
 26 0 14 7 0 87 12 80 
 20 14 0 0 28 12 48 26 
 
 12 7 0 0 14 80 26 87 
139
Applying the boundary conditions: d1x  d1y  d 2 x  d 2 y  0
 R1x   48 0 28 14 0 26 20 12   d01x 

 R   0  
87 12 80 26 0 14 7   d01y 
 1y   
 R2 x   28 12 48 26 20 14 0 0   d02 x 
    
0  d02 y 
 R2 y  375,000  14 80 26 87 12 7 0
 
  
5,000 lb  0.91  0 26 20 12 48 0 28 14  d 3 x 
 0   
 26 0 14 7 0 87 12 80  d 3 y 
   
 500 lb   20 14 0 0 28 12 48 26  d 4 xx 
 0   
 12 7 0 0 14 80 26 87   
d 4 yy 
140
The governing equations are:
5,000 lb   48 0 28 14  d3 x 
 0   0  
  375,000  87 12 80  d 3 y 
    
5,000 lb  0.91  28 12 48 26  d 4 x 
 0   
 14 80 26 87  d 4 y 
Solving the equations gives:
d 3 x  609.6 
d   
 3y   4.2 
   10 6
   in
d
 4x  663.7 
d 4 y   104.1
141
The exact solution for the displacement at the free end of the
one-dimensional bar subjected to a tensile force is:
PL (10,000)20
  6
 670  10 6 in
AE 10(30  10 )
The two-element FEM solution is:
d 3 x  609.6 
d   
 3y   4.2
   10 6
   in
d
  4 x 663.7 
d 4 y   104.1
142
The in-plane stress can be related to displacements by:
{ }  [D ][B ]{d }
 d ix 
d 
0 
iy 
1  0  i 0 j 0 m
E     d jx 
{ }   1 0 0 i 0 j 0 m   
2 A(1   2 )  d jy
0 0 0.5 1       i i j j m  m   
d mx 
 
d my 
143
Element 1: { }  [D][B ]{d }

 0.0 
 0.0 
 x   1 0.3 0  0 0 10 0 10 0  
  6 6
30(10 )(10 )  609.6 
 y   0.3 1 0  0 20 0 0 0 20 

0.96(200)   
   0.35   4.2 
 xy  0 0   20 0 0 10 20 10 

0.0 
 
 0.0 
 x  1,005 psi 
   
 y    301 psi 
   2.4 psi 
 xy   
144
Element 2: { }  [D][B ]{d }

 0.0 
 0.0 
 x   1 0.3 0   10 0 10 0 0 0  
 
6 6
30(10 )(10 )    0  663.7 
 y   
0.3 1 0

0 0 20 0 20 
 104.1
  0.96(200)  
 xy   0 0 0.35 
  0 10 20 10 20 0 

609.6 
 
 4.2 
 x   995 psi 
   
 y    1.2 psi 
   2.4 psi 
 xy   
145
The principal stresses and principal angle in element 1 are:
2
1005  301  1005  301 
1    2
  (2.4)  1,005 psi
2  2 
2
1005  301  1005  301 
2      (2.4)2  301 psi
2  2 
1  2(2.4) 
 p  tan 1   0
o
2 1005  301
146
The principal stresses and principal angle in element 2 are:
2
995  1.2  995  1.2 
1    2
  ( 2.4)  995 psi
2  2 
2
995  1.2  995  1.2 
2    2
  ( 2.4)  1.1 psi
2  2 
1  2( 2.4) 
 p  tan 1  0
o
2  995  1.2 
147

Lecture 6

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lecture 6

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CENG6504: Finite Element Methods

Plane Stress and Plane Strain

Dr. Tesfaye Alemu

• To derive the constant-strain triangle (CST)

• To demonstrate how to determine the stiffness

• To describe how to treat body and surface forces

• To perform a detailed finite element solution of a

(1) Plane stress analysis, which includes problems such

Plane Stress Problems

(1) Plane stress analysis, which includes problems such

(1) Plane stress analysis, which includes problems such

(1) Plane stress analysis, which includes problems such

(1) Plane stress analysis, which includes problems such

(2) Plane strain analysis, which includes problems such

Plane Strain Problems

(2) Plane strain analysis, which includes problems such

(2) Plane strain analysis, which includes problems such

(2) Plane strain analysis, which includes problems such

(2) Plane strain analysis, which includes problems such

(2) Plane strain analysis, which includes problems such

The constant-strain triangle (CST) stiffness matrix derivation is

We will derive the CST stiffness matrix by using the principle

We will now follow the steps described in Chapter 1 to formulate

Plane stress is defined to be a state of stress in which the

Plane strain is defined to be a state of strain in which the

The assumptions of plane strain are realistic for long bodies

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

The concept of two-dimensional state of stress and strain and

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

A two-dimensional state of stress is shown in the figure below.

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

The infinitesimal element with sides dx and dy has normal

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

Recall, the relationships for principal stresses in two-

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

The strain may be written in matrix form as:

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

 xy  0 0 0.5 1      xy 

is called the stress-strain matrix (or the constitutive matrix),

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain

Consider the problem of a thin plate subjected to a tensile load

Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types

Discretize the thin plate into a set of triangular elements. Each

Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types

We use triangular elements because boundaries of irregularly

Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types

This discretization is called a coarse-mesh generation if few

Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types

We will let ui and vi represent the node i displacement

Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types

The nodal displacements for an element with nodes i, j, and m

where the nodes are ordered counterclockwise around the

Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types

The nodal displacements for an element with nodes i, j, and m

Step 2 - Select Displacement Functions

Step 3 - Define the Strain-Displacement and

Step 3 - Define the Strain-Displacement and

 xy  0 0 0.5 1      xy 