NPTEL Course

Finite Element Analysis & Constitutive Modelling in Geomechanics

Assignment-4: 3-node Constant Strain Triangle
January – April 2023 Total Marks: 14
(Write your answers neatly on white sheets of paper and upload scan copies on the course site
in a single file in pdf format)
Note: Marks for each question are shown in brackets

1. One finite element mesh consisting of two 3-node triangular elements is shown below
which represents compression loading of a column. The height and width of column
are 4 and 2 m respectively. Assume PLANE Stress conditions. Calculate the nodal
displacements, strains and stresses in the two elements by hand calculations. Clearly
show all the steps in your calculations including the element stiffness matrices. Use
the following properties and loading: Young’s modulus=25,000 kPa, Poisson’s ratio
= 0.2 and pressure loading is 40 kPa. Discuss if your solution is exact or not. (14)