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EML 5526 Finite Element Analysis and Design

Exam-I
50 minutes

Problem 1:
Using a 3-node (quadratic) 1D isoparametric heat conduction element, the temperatures at the nodes were
computed as T1=100oC (at left node), T2=120oC and T3=30oC. The length of the 2
1 3
domain . The conductivity of the material is k = 0.1W/m C.
o
L
(i) What is the temperature at x = 0.25? x (10 pts)
Method 1: analytical solution

The governing equation for heat transfer:

are constants
Apply the boundary conditions:

, , (unit: )

We get
Therefore,

Method 2 (recommended solution): one quadratic element (use quadratic interpolation)

Mapping: where

Note that the first node of the element is node 1, and the second node is node 3, and the third node is
node 2.

At , ,
Interpolation:

Note that

Method 3 (not recommended): two equal-length quadratic elements (solve for nodal values)
Assume that , then this system can be divided into two elements.

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Assembly:

(ii) Determine the gradient of temperature at x = 0 and x = 1m. (5 pts)

(unit: )

(iii) Compute the heat coming in / going out at nodes 1 and 3? (5pts)

(unit: )

(iv) How much heat is being generated within the element? Assume that the surface of the conductor is
insulated. (5pts)
We know that from part one.
In this case,

Problem 2:
For the spring-mass system shown in the figure: k u2
a) Write the connectivity table and a typical element stiffness 1
matrix. (10 pts) k2 u3
P

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1 k3 2
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Stiffness matrix:

For the first element:

b) Assemble the global equations (10pts)

Apply the equilibrium equation at node 2 and node 3:

Apply the boundary condition:

The equation can be written as:

c) If a displacement of is applied, compute the deflection as a function of , P and spring

constants? (10 pts)

d) What is the force transmitted by the spring element 2? (10 pts)

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Problem 3:

The governing equation of a system is:

(a) Derive the weak form for this governing equation for the domain . (10 pts)

ntegration by parts:
Apply i

The equation presented above is the weak form.

(b) For a 2-node linear isoparametric element of length as shown in figure, we want to convert
the weak form into an equation of the form . Derive and .

1 2
Le
x

(25 pts)
Shape function:

It can be written in matrix form:

Similarly,

Left-hand side:

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Stiffness matrix:

Right-hand side:

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