MA3004 Mathematical Methods in Engineering

Tutorial 5 Solutions (Part II Finite Element Method)

(Related to Chapter 2)

1. Consider the problem of heat conduction through the composite wall shown
in the figure. Model the problem using two 1-D heat conduction elements
introduced in Chapter 2. Take the area of the wall through which heat flows
as 1 m2. Solve the global equilibrium equations for (i) the interfacial
temperature and (ii) the heat flowing through the composite wall.
kT = 20 W m-1 oC-1
kT = 6 W m-1 oC-1

1 2 3
x
-5 Co 20 oC

0.02 m 0.06 m
[Ans: 2.727oC, 2273 W/m2]
Solution:
(i) To find interfacial temperature
From Chapter 2, the equations for the 1-D heat conduction element are as
follows:

k  k  T1   q1( e ) 
 k   , k  kT A / L
 k  T2  q2 ( e ) 

where kT is the thermal conductivity of wall material, L is the thickness of the

wall, A is the area of the wall, T1 and T2 are temperatures at nodes 1 and 2,
(e) (e)
respectively, and q1 and q2 are the heat entering (by convention) the
element through nodes 1 and 2, respectively, per second.
For element no. 1, kT = 20.
Therefore, k  kT A / L  (20)(1) /(0.02)  1000 .
1
 kT = 20

T1 T2
(1)
 1000  1000  T1   q1  q (1) (1)
1
q2(1)
 1000 1000  T    (1)  1 2
   2   q2 

0.02 kT = 6
For element no. 2, kT = 6.
Therefore, k  kT A / L  (6)(1) /(0.06)  100 . T2 T3
q (2) (2) q3( 2 )
2
 100  100 T2  q2 
( 2)
2 3
 100 100  T    ( 2 ) 
   3  q3 
Assembling element equations, the global equations become 0.06
 1000  T1   q1   Q1 
(1)
 1000
 1000 1000  100  100 T  q (1)  q ( 2 )   Q 
  
  2   2 2   2
  100 100  T3   q3
( 2 )  Q 
  3

Q1 Q2 Q3
(1) (2)
q1(1) q2(1) q2( 2 ) q3( 2 )
1 2 3

where Q1, Q2, and Q3 are external heat inputs, if any, into nodes 1, 2 and 3,
respectively. There is no external heat input into node 2 specified in the problem
statement, so we take it as zero: Q2 = 0. The B.Cs T1 = 5 and T3 = 20 will
induce some heat inputs (or output) into (or out of) node 1 and 3. We may call
them ‘reaction heat’ (similar to reaction force in structural problems), and denote
them as R1 and R3, respectively. By convention we take R1 and R3 to be entering
node 1 and 3, respectively, from outside. Hence we can write
Q1  R1
Q2  0
Q3  R3

Thus, the global equations can be written as

2
  1000  1000 0  T1   R1 
    
  1000 1000  100  100  T2    0 
 0
  100 100  T3   R3 

Let us now apply the BCs ( T1 =  5 and T3 = 20). As these are non-homogeneous
boundary conditions (i.e., non zero temperatures), we cross out only the rows of
conduction matrix, but not the columns:
 1000  1000   5  R1 
    
  1000 1000  100  100   T2    0 

  100 100   20   R3 

where R1 and R3 are heat flows which are analogous to the reaction forces in
structural/elasticity problems. By definition, R1 and R3 are the amount of heat
entering nodes 1 and 3 per second. (Convention: The heat entering the node is
taken as positive. Eventually, if the solution for R1 and R3 gives negative values,
it only means that the ‘reaction heat’ leaves the nodes.)
The second equation of the above system gives
  1000 T1  1100T2  100T3  0
1100 T2  1000 T1  100T3
 1000(5)  100(20)
 3000
T2  3000 / 1100  2.7273o C
Thus, the interfacial temperature (T2) is 2.7273oC (Ans)

(ii) Heat flow through the composite wall

In order to find the heat flow through the composite wall, all we have to do is to
find how much heat is flowing into or out of node 1 (Alternatively, one can also
find how much heat is flowing into or out of node 3).
Using the first of the three global equations (that we crossed out),

3
 1000 (5)  1000 T2  R1
1000 (5)  1000 (2.7273)  R1
 5000  2727.3  R1
 2272.7  R1

Thus, the heat entering node 1, i.e., the left end of the wall is 2272.7 W. In
other words, the heat leaving the left end face of the wall is 2272.7 W (Ans).
There is no heat source or heat sink within the walls, so there is no gain/loss of
heat inside the wall. Therefore, whatever heat that leaves the left end face must
be equal to whatever heat that enters the right end face. Let us check this using
the third equation:
 100 T2  100 T3  R3
 100 (2.7273)  100 (20)  R3
2272.73  R3
2272.7  R3 (rounded to one decimal place)
Thus, the heat entering the right end of the composite wall is 2272.7 W which is
the same as the heat leaving the left end face. This ensures heat balance. (Ans)

4
2. Consider laminar incompressible flow in the branched network of circular
pipes shown. If 0.085 cubic metre of fluid enters the piping network per
second and leaves out at ambient pressure (P3 = 0), calculate the fluid
pressures at nodes 1 and 2. How much fluid flow takes place in pipe (3)? Use
the 1-D fluid flow element discussed in Chapter 2 to build your finite element
model. Ignore the effects of bends in the pipes.

(1) 2 (2)
= 0.9610-3 N.s/m2
Pipe D (cm) L (m)
Q1 = 0.085 m3 /s (3) P3 = 0
1 (1) 7.6 305
3 (2) 5.1 45.8
(3) 5.1 45.8
(4) (4) 10.2 91.5

[Ans: P1 = 2633 Pa, P2 = 711Pa, 268.5  10 5 m 3 /s ]

Solution:
From Chapter 2, the equations for a 1-D fluid flow element are as follows:

k  k   P1   q1( e ) 
 k   
 k   P2  q2 ( e ) 

D 4
where k  ,
128L

 = dynamic viscosity of the fluid ( N.s. m 2 or Pa.s ),

P1, P2 = pressures at node 1, 2 (Pa),
D = diameter of the pipe (m),
(e) (e)
q1 , q2 =amount of fluid entering the element through node 1, 2 (m3 s-1),
L= length of the pipe (m).
Element equilibrium equations:

5
 D 4  0.076 4
For element no. 1, k1    0.2796  10  5
128 L 128 (305)(0.96  10 )
3
(1) q2(1)
2
 k1  k1   P1   q1(1) 
 k   
 1 k1   P2  q2 (1)  q1(1)
1

D 4  0.0514
For element no. 2, k 2    0.3776  10  5
128 L 128 (45.8)(0.96  10 )
3
(2)
q2 (2)
 k2  k 2   P2  q2  ( 2)
2
 k   
 2 k 2   P3   q3( 2 ) 
q3( 2 )

D 4  0.0514 3
For element no. 3, k3    0.3776  10  5
128 L 128 ( 45.8)(0.96  10 )
3

 k3  k3   P2  q2 ( 3)  2
 k    q2( 3)
 3 k 3   P3   q3( 3)  (3) q3( 3)
3

D 4  0.102 4
For element no. 4, k 4    3.0240  10  5
128 L 128 (91.5)(0.96  10 )
3

1
3
 k4  k 4   P1   q1( 4 )  q1( 4 ) q3( 4 )
 k   
 4 k 4   P3  q3( 4 ) 
(4)
The element equations can be assembled to give global equilibrium equations as
0.2796  3.024  0.2796  3.024   P1   Q1 
   
10  5   0.2796 0.2796  0.3776  0.3776  0.3776  0.3776   P2   Q2 
  3.024  0.3776  0.3776 0.3776  0.3776  3.024  P3  Q3 
Q2
where
Q1  q1(1)  q1( 4 ) (1) q ( 1) q(2) (2)
2 2 2

Q2  q ( 1)
2 q ( 2)
2 q ( 3)
2 q2( 3)
Q3  q (2)
3 q ( 3)
3 q (4)
3 Q1 q1(1) (3)
q3( 3) q3( 2 ) Q3
1
3
q1( 4 ) q3( 4 )
6

(4)
 Q2

q2(1) 2 q2( 2 ) (2)

By definition, Q1, Q2 and Q3 are (1)

external fluid inputs (if any) into q2( 3)

nodes 1, 2 and 3, respectively, q1(1) (3) q3( 2 )
Q1 q3( 3) Q3
(expressed in m3/s) as shown. 1
3
q1( 4 ) q3( 4 )
Sign convention: Any fluid entering
a node is taken as positive.
(4)

The external fluid input to node 1 is 0.085 m3s-1 (given). So, we take
Q1  0.085 .
There is no external fluid input or output specified at node 2. So, we take Q2=0.
There is a zero pressure boundary condition (P3=0) at node 3. In order to
maintain this pressure, there should be a fluid flow into or out of node 3. We
may call this ‘reaction fluid flow’ and denote it as R3. So, Q3  R3 . Thus, we can
write:
Q1  0.085
Q2  0
Q3  R3

(R3 is something similar to the reaction force in structural/elasticity problems.)

By convention, we take R3 as the fluid flow into node 3. Eventually, if the
calculations give a negative value for R3, it only means that the fluid is flowing
out from the node.
Applying the boundary condition P3 = 0,
0.2796  3.024  0.2796  3.024   P1  0.085
    
10 5   0.2796 0.2796  0.3776  0.3776  0.3776  0.3776   P2    0 
  3.024
  0.3776  0.3776 0.3776  0.3776  3.024  0   R3 

The reduced system becomes

 3.3036  0.2796  P1  0.085

10 5      
 0.2796 1.0348   P2   0 

7
Solving these equations, we get P1 = 2633 Pa and P2 = 711Pa. (Ans)

To find the flow through pipe 3, we need to consider element equilibrium

equations for pipe 3. Substituting the vales of P2 and P3 in the element equations
for element 3,

5   0.3776 711 q2 (3) 

0.3776
10 
   0    ( 3) 
 0 .3776 0 . 3776     q3 
from which we get,

q2(3)  268.5 10 5 m 3 / s (1)

q3(3)  268.5  10 5 m 3 / s (2)

5
Equation (1) means 268.5 10 m / s fluid enters element 3 through node 2.
3

5
Equation (2) means 268.5 10 m / s fluid leaves element 3 through node 3.
3

This means that the fluid flowing through pipe 3 is 268.5  10 5 m 3 /s .

(Ans)

Remark: Although not asked to calculate, the fluid flow though other pipes can
similarly be found by considering the respective element equilibrium equations
(DIY).
------------------------------------------------------------

8
3. Figure shows a tapered elastic bar of length L subjected to a tensile load P at
the bottom end and fixed to a support at the top end. The cross-sectional area
of the bar varies linearly from A0 at the top end to A0/2 at the bottom end.
Calculate the displacement at the bottom end (i) by modelling the bar as a
single bar element and (ii) using two bar elements of equal length. Take the
cross-sectional area of the bar elements equal to the actual cross-sectional
area of the tapered bar at the mid-sections of the elements (as shown).
Compare your answers with the exact solution, 1.386PL/A0E.
R
Area A0 1 1
U1 U1
(1)

U2 2
Area 7A0/8
(2)
Area A0/2
U2 2 U3 3
P Area 5A0/8
Area 3A0/4

[Ans: 1.333PL/A0E, 1.371PL/A0E]

Solution
(i) One-element model
For a single bar element, the cross-sectional area A = 3A0/4, and the equivalent
spring stiffness is given by
AE 3 A0 E
k 
L 4L
The element equations are given by

k  k  U 1   F1 
 k   
 k  U 2  F2 

The boundary condition is U1 = 0. Note that F1 ≡ R, the reaction force (see the
figure above), and F2 ≡ P. Applying the boundary condition and loads,
1
U1
k k   0   R 
 k   
 k  U 2   P  F1

9
U2 2

F2
we solve the second equation to get
P 4 PL PL
U2    1.333
k 3 A0 E A0 E
(ii) Two-element model
For element no. 1, the cross-sectional area A = 7A0/8. Hence,
AE 7 A0 E AE
k1    1.75 0
L / 2 8( L / 2) L
and the element equations are written as
A0 E  1.75  1.75 U 1   f1 
(1)

     
L  1.75 1.75  U 2   f 2(1) 
For element no. 2, the cross-sectional area A = 5A0/8. Hence, 1
U1
AE 5 A0 E AE (1)
F1
k2    1.25 0
L / 2 8( L / 2) L U2 2
F2 (2)
and the element equations are written as
U3 3
A0 E  1.25  1.25 U 2   f 2 
( 2)
F3
     
L  1.25 1.25  U 3   f 3( 2) 
Assembling the element equations, the global equations are obtained as
 1.75  1.75 0  U 1   f1(1)   F1 
A0 E      (1) ( 2)   
  1.75 1. 75  1. 25  1.25 U 2    f 2  f 2    F2 
L
 0
  1.25 1.25  U 3   f 3( 2)   F3 

where F1, F2, and F3 are external forces on nodes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. We
identify the external forces as
F1 = R (the reaction force at node1)
F2 = 0 (no force applied at node 2)
F3 = P
The boundary condition is U 1  0 . Applying this B.C, we rewrite the global
equations as

10
  1.75 1.75 0   0  R
A0 E 
1.75 1.75  1.25 1.25  U    0 
L   2  
 0 1.25 1.25  U 3   P 
which yields the reduced system of equations:
A0 E 1.75  1.25  1.25 U 2   0 
  
L   1.25 1.25  U 3   P 
Solving the reduced system,
PL
U 2  0.571
A0 E
PL
U 3  1.371
A0 E
Comparing U3 with the exact solution 1.386PL/A0E (given), the error in the FE
solution is seen to be just about 1.1% which is quite small.
Remark: If better accuracy is needed, one may model the bar with more number
of elements. The more the number of elements, the better will be the accuracy.

11
4. Use two plane truss elements to model the truss structure shown and thereby
determine the vertical and horizontal displacements of node 2. Assume the same
Young's modulus (E) and cross sectional area (A) for both truss elements. Treat E
and A as parameters.

1000 kN
(1)

3 1m 2

1m (2)

1 y
45o

[Ans: 3.828×106/EA, 106/EA]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solution Q4
Q6
The finite element model for this problem can be
drawn as shown (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Q5 (1) 2 Q3
3
Symbols Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6 denote the nodal
displacements, and the symbols F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6
Q2 (2)
denote the corresponding nodal forces.
Fig. 1
1 Q1
The boundary conditions are as follows:
At node 1: Q1  Q2  0
At node 3: Q5  Q6  0 F6 F4

F5 (1) 2 F3
3

F2 (2)
Fig. 2
1 F1
12
The stiffness matrix for the truss element (from lecture sides) is:
 l2 lm l2  lm 
 
EA  lm m2  lm  m 2 
L   l 2  lm l2 lm 
 
 lm  m
2
lm m 2 
where l = cos and m = sin, with  defined with respect to the “reference
node” (see lecture slides).
For element no. 1, we take node 2 as the “reference node”. So,   180o
l  cos(180 o )  1 ; m  sin(1800 )  0
For element no. 2, we take node 1 as the “reference node”, So,   45
o

1 1
l  cos(45o )  ; m  sin(45o ) 
2 2
Stiffness matrix for element no. 1 can be calculated as

 
node 
2 
 
node 3

Q Q Q Q
3 4 5 6
1 0 1 0  Q3
 
EA  0 0 0 0  Q4
1  1 0 1 0  Q5
L = 1 for element 1
 
 0 0 0 0  Q
6

Stiffness matrix for element no. 2 can be calculated as



node
1 

node
2

Q Q Q Q
1 2 3 4
 1 1 1 1 Q1
  
2 2 2 2
 1 1 1 1
EA     Q2
 2 2 2 2
2  1 1 1 1
 Q3
 2 2 2 2
L = √2 for element 2  1 1 1 1
   Q4
 2 2 2 2

13
Assembling the element stiffness matrices, the global equations become
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6
 1 1 1 1 
   0 0
 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 
 1 1 1 1
  0 0   Q1   F1 
 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2   F 
 1 1 1 1  Q2
   1 1 0     2
 F3 
Q
EA  2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2   3    
  1 
1 1 1
0 0  Q 4   F4 
 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2  Q   F5 
  5   
 0 0 1 0 1 0   Q 6   F6 
 
 
 0 0 0 0 0 0
 
Comparing Fig. 2 with Fig. 3, we identify the nodal forces as follows:
R3y
F1  R1x 1000 kN
R3x (1)
F2  R1 y
3 2
F3  0
F4  1000 kN (given) Fig. 3
(2)
F5  R3 x
R1y
F6  R3 y y
1 R1x

x
where R1x, R1y, R3x, and R3y are the reaction forces due to the B.Cs.
Applying the B.Cs (Q1  Q2  Q5  Q6  0) ,
 1 1 1 1 
 2 2   0 0
2 2 2 2 2 2
 1 1 1 1

   0 0  0   R1x 
 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2    R 
 1 1 1 1  0   1y 
   1 1 0
Q3   0 
EA 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
    
  1 1 1 1 Q  10 6 
 0 0  4  
 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2   0   R3 x 
    
 0 0 1 0 1 0   0   R3 y 
 
 0 0 0 0 0 0
 

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The reduced global equilibrium equations are:
 1 1 
2 2 1 2 2   Q3    0 
EA 
1 1  Q    10 6 
  4   
 2 2 2 2 
Solving the equations,
10 6
Q3  (Horizontal displacement) (ans)
EA
3 .828  10 6
Q4   (Vertical displacement) (ans)
EA

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