FINITE ELEMENT METHODS

Subject: FEM (MH-717) Prepared By:

Mr. D. S. Patel,
B.Tech. Mech. (Sem 7)
Asst. Professor,
Mechanical Engineering Department,
D. D. University , Nadiad.
 Introduction to FEM
2
 System: A system is any arranged and particular collection of matter, whose behavior is
being examined.
 All other matter which is outside the system is termed as the surroundings or
atmosphere.
 The system and the surroundings altogether build up the universe. (Fig. (b)).

Fig. (a) system and surrounding Fig. (b) system analysis

 Analysis: The process of determining the behavior of the system when it is subjected to
some sort of excitation is known as analysis (Fig. (b)).
 Introduction to FEM
3
 There are different methods to solve analysis problem of any engineering system. i.e.
theoretical methods and experimental methods.
Methods of Analysis

Theoretical Methods Experimental Methods

Analytical Methods Numerical Methods

- Finite element method (FEM)
- Finite volume method (FVM)
- Finite difference method (FDM)
- Boundary element method (BEM)

Fig. (c) Methods of analysis

 Introduction to FEM
4
 Experimental methods:
 These methods basically require building of the physical model (prototype) of the
system which is to be analyzed.
 The prototype is then subjected to certain experimental tests and results are obtained.
The experimental method is most reliable.
 However, when the analysis is to be performed on various concepts of the system in
early stages of design process, this method is expensive in terms of time, efforts and
money.
 Analytical methods:
 In analytical methods the system is modeled mathematically on the basis of various
equations governing the system.
 After that, this mathematical model is directly solved using various analytical equations
to obtain results.
 Introduction to FEM
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 Analytical methods:
 i.e. let’s assume a cylindrical bar subjected to axial tensile load (P) at both ends Fig.
(d).

Fig. (d) cylindrical bar

 The axial deflection (Q) of the bar can be determined easily provided that the stiffness
of the material (K) is known.
P=K×Q
 Stress (σ) can also be determined directly by following equation,
σ=P/A
Where, A = π × r2 and r = radius of cylindrical bar.
 Strain (ε) can be determined by following equation,
ε=σ/E
Where, E = modulus of elasticity.
 Introduction to FEM
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 Analytical methods:
 It is very easy to solve the given problem by an analytical method since the geometry is
very simple, for which the analytical equations are easy to formulate.
 The results obtained by analytical method are exact.

Fig. (e) complex object

 If the geometry is complex as shown in Fig. (e), on which the load is exerted in any
direction and also if the problem is boundary value problem involving solution of partial
differential equations it is very difficult to solve such problems by analytical method.
 This type of analysis problems are solved by numerical methods.
 Introduction to FEM
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 Numerical methods:
 Like analytical methods, in numerical method also the system is modeled
mathematically on the basis of various equations governing the system.
 After that, this mathematical model is solved by assuming some initial solution and
based on the obtained solution the error is determined.
 Subsequently, the model is again solved with previously obtained solution to minimize
the error.
 This is carried out in iterative manner until the accurate results are obtained.
 Numerical methods have the limitation that the results obtained are approximate.
 Finite element method:
 A finite element method (FEM) is a numerical technique to obtain an approximate
solution to a class of problems governed by elliptic partial differential equations.
 Such problems are called as boundary value problems as they consist of a partial
differential equation and the boundary conditions.
 The finite element method converts the elliptic partial differential equation into a set of
algebraic equations which are easy to solve.
 Introduction to FEM
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 Finite element method:

Fig. (f) Meshing of geometry Fig. (g) Finite element analysis

 In FEM the entire geometry of the analysis problem is divided in a large number of
smaller-regular parts, called finite elements as shown in Fig. (f).
 This finite elements are connected at different points, called nodes and are separated
by element boundaries.
 The simple algebraic equations are written for all these finite elements based on
governing law and these equations are then assembled into a larger set of equations
that models the entire problem.
 The elemental equations are solved to determine the response at the nodes.
 By algebraically summing up the nodal responses of individual elements the response
of entire part is determined.
 In other words, it follows part to whole approach for solving the analysis problem.
 Introduction to FEM
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 Finite element method:

Fig. (f) Meshing of geometry Fig. (g) Finite element analysis

 An analysis which is carried out on the system using Finite Element Method (FEM) is
known as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Fig. (g).
 There are different type of elements like, bar , beam, frame, grid, Plane (triangular,
quadrilateral), Solid (tetrahedron, hexahedron, prismatic) etc.
 DEVELOPMENT OF TRUSS
EQUATIONS
Subject: FEM (MH-6xx) Prepared By:
Mr. D. S. Patel,
B.Tech. Mech. (Sem 7)
Asst. Professor,
Mechanical Engineering Department,
D. D. University , Nadiad.
 Content
11
 Introduction
 Bar element
 Finite element formulation for bar element
 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
 Examples
 Introduction
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 “A truss is the structure consisting of bar elements (members) connected by frictionless
pin joints in such a manner that their assembly behaves as a single object”.
 Members of the truss (called two force members or bars) are designed to carry the
axial load, and not designed for carrying bending moment or twisting moment.
 One such possible configuration of truss is shown in Fig. 1

Fig. 1 A loaded truss

 Truss can mainly be classified as

i. Planar truss (2D –truss)
ii. Space truss (3D-truss)
 Introduction
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 Planar truss (2D –truss):
 A planar truss is the one where all the two force members (bar elements) and their
joints (nodes) lie in a common plane, and is subjected to in-plane loading. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 2 Planar truss Fig. 3 Space truss

 Space truss (3D –truss):

 A space truss is the one where all the two force members (bar elements) and their
joints (nodes) lie in multiple planes, and is subjected to multi-plane loading. (Fig. 3)
 Bar element
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 A bar element is basically a member subjected to axial (tension or compression) load
which undergoes axial displacement.
 As discussed before, they are designed to carry the axial load only, and not designed
for carrying bending moment or twisting moment.
 For example, tie rod, push rod, cable etc. can be represented by bar element.

Fig. 4 Bar element

 In the next topic, we are going to derive the finite element equations for the bar
element
 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Let’s consider linear elastic constant cross sectional bar element as shown in Fig. 5.
 It is subjected to tensile forces T acting along the axis of bar and applied at nodes 1
and 2.
 Hence it is subjected to axial nodal forces, 𝑓1𝑥 = −𝑇 and 𝑓2𝑥 = 𝑇 at nodes 1 and 2
respectively.

Fig. 5 Bar element subjected to tensile forces T

 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Assumptions:
 Bar material is linear, elastic, isotropic.
 Bar element is only subjected to axial loads. Effect of transverse displacement is
ignored.
 Bar element cannot sustain shear load or bending moment.
 It obeys Hooke’s law, that is axial stress 𝜎𝑥 is directly proportional to axial strain 𝜀𝑥 .
 No intermediate applied load.

Fig. 5 Bar element subjected to tensile forces T

 Finite element formulation for bar element
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Let, A = Uniform cross sectional area of bar
E = Modulus of elasticity
L = Length of bar element
 According to Hooke’s law 𝜎𝑥 = 𝐸 . 𝜀𝑥 (1)
 Where, 𝜎𝑥 = axial stress in bar element
𝜀𝑥 = axial strain
 Now,
𝜎𝑥 = 𝑇/𝐴 or 𝑇 = 𝜎𝑥 × 𝐴 (2)
𝜀𝑥 = 𝑑𝑢/𝑑𝑥 (3)
 From equations (1), (2) and (3)
𝑑𝑢
𝑇 = 𝐴. 𝐸. (4)
𝑑𝑥
 Force F is constant throughout the length of bar hence differentiating equation (4) w.r.t x.
𝑑𝑇 𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑2 𝑢
=0 ∴ 𝐴. 𝐸. =0 ∴ =0 (5)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2
 Using these equations, we will derive finite element equations for bar element.
 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 A general procedure of Finite element analysis of bar element.
 Step 1. Select the Element Type:
 Selecting a bar element as shown in Fig. 5 with axial nodal forces and corresponding
displacements.
𝑓1𝑥 = axial force at node 1
u1 = axial displacement at node 1
𝑓2𝑥 = axial force at node 2
u2 = axial displacement at node 2
 This bar element has 1 Degree of freedom (D.O.F) per each node, that is axial
displacement.

Fig. 5 Bar element subjected to tensile forces T

 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Step 2 Define a Displacement Function :
 Assuming, a linear displacement variation along x (length of bar) because a linear
function with specified end point values (u1 and u2 ) has a unique path. (see Fig. 6)

∴ 𝑡1 = 𝑎2

Fig. 6 Displacement (u) Vs. Length(x) for bar element

 The linear displacement function u is,
𝑢 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 𝑥 (1)
 Where 𝑎1 and 𝑎2 are polynomial coefficients.
 In the assumed displacement function no. of coefficients must be equal to total no. of
D.O.F. For bar element total D.O.F. = 2 , hence no. of coefficients must be equal to 2.
 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Step 2 Define a Displacement Function :

∴ 𝑡1 = 𝑎2

Fig. 6 Displacement (u) Vs. Length(x) for bar element

 Using displacement function, it is possible to determine axial displacement of any point

within element located at distance x from node 1.
 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Step 2 Define a Displacement Function :
 The linear displacement function u is,
𝑢 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 𝑥 (1)
 Where, 𝑎1 and 𝑎2 are polynomial coefficients and 𝑥 is space variable along length of
element.
 Applying boundary conditions,

 At node 1, x=0
𝑢(0) = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 (0) ∴ 𝑢1 = 𝑎1 ∴ 𝑎1 = 𝑢1 (2)
 At node 2, x=L
𝑢2 −𝑢1
𝑢(𝐿) = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 (𝐿) ∴ 𝑢2 = 𝑎2 𝐿 + 𝑢1 ∴ 𝑎2 = (3)
𝐿
 Substituting values of 𝑎1 and 𝑎2 in equation (1).
𝑢2 −𝑢1
𝑢 𝑥 = 𝑢1 + 𝑥 (4)
𝐿
𝑢 𝑥 = 𝑁1 𝑢1 + 𝑁2 𝑢2
 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Writing displacement function in the form,
𝑢 𝑥 = 𝑁1 𝑢1 + 𝑁2 𝑢2
𝑥 𝑥
𝑁1 = 1 − 𝑁2 =
𝐿 𝐿

 Writing in vector form,

𝑢1
𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑁1 𝑁2 𝑢2

𝑢(𝑥) = 𝑁 𝑢 (5)

 Where,

𝑥 𝑥
𝑁 = 𝑁1 𝑁2 = 1 − (6)
𝐿 𝐿

𝑢1
𝑢 = 𝑢2
(7)
 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Step 3 Define the Strain/Displacement and Stress/ Strain relationships
 Differentiating equation (4) w.r.t. x,
𝑑𝑢 𝑑 𝑢2 −𝑢1
𝜀𝑥 = = 𝑢1 + 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝐿
𝑢2 −𝑢1
𝜀𝑥 = (8)
𝐿

Also,
𝐸
𝜎𝑥 = 𝐸 𝜀𝑥 = (𝑢2 − 𝑢1 ) (9)
𝐿

 Step 4 Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations

 From elementary structural mechanics, we have
𝑇 = 𝐴 × 𝜎𝑥
𝐴𝐸
𝑇= (𝑢2 − 𝑢1 ) (10)
𝐿
 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Step 4 Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations
 As per finite element nodal sign conventions
𝐴𝐸 𝐴𝐸
𝑓1𝑥 = −𝑇 = − 𝑢2 − 𝑢1 = 𝑢1 − 𝑢2
𝐿 𝐿
𝐴𝐸 𝐴𝐸
𝑓2𝑥 = 𝑇 = 𝑢2 − 𝑢1 = −𝑢1 + 𝑢2
𝐿 𝐿
 Writing in matrix form,
𝑓1𝑥 𝐴𝐸 1 −1 𝑢1
= (11)
𝑓2𝑥 𝐿 −1 1 𝑢2
𝑓 = 𝐾 𝑑 (12)
 Where,
𝑓 = Force vector
𝐾 = Stiffness matrix
𝑑 = Displacement(DOF) vector.
 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Step 5 Assembling element equations to obtain Global set of equations
 This step applies for the structure consisting of more than one bar elements. (see Fig. 8)
 Let’s assume two bar elements connected at node 2, having same C/s area (A),
modulus of elasticity (E) and length (L).

Fig. 8 A bar discretized into two bar elements

 Finite element equations for element 1

𝑓1𝑥 𝐴𝐸 1 −1 𝑢1
= 𝑓 (1) = 𝐾 (1) 𝑑 (1) (a)
𝑓2𝑥 𝐿 −1 1 𝑢2
 Where,
𝐴𝐸 1 −1
𝐾 (1) = = stiffness matrix of element 1
𝐿 −1 1
 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Step 5 Assembling element equations to obtain Global set of equations
 Finite element equations for element 2
𝑓2𝑥 𝐴𝐸 1 −1 𝑢2
= 𝑓 (2) = 𝐾 (2) 𝑑 (2) (b)
𝑓3𝑥 𝐿 −1 1 𝑢3
 Where,
𝐴𝐸 1 −1
𝐾 (2) = = stiffness matrix of element 2
𝐿 −1 1
 Assembling equations (a) and (b),
𝑓1𝑥 1 −1 0 𝑢1
𝐴𝐸
𝑓2𝑥 =
𝐿
−1 2 −1 𝑢2 𝑓 = 𝐾 𝑑 (13)
𝑓3𝑥 0 −1 1 𝑢3
 Where, 𝑁

𝐾 = ෍ 𝐾 𝑒 = Global Stiffness matrix

𝑁
𝑒=1
𝑓 =෍ 𝑓 𝑒
= Global Force vector 𝑁
𝑒=1
𝑑 = ෍ 𝑑𝑒 = Global Displacement(DOF) vector.
𝑒=1
 Finite element formulation for bar element
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 Step 6 solve for the nodal displacements
 Determine the displacements by imposing loading and boundary conditions and
simultaneously solving a set of equations, 𝑓 = 𝐾 𝑑

 Step 7 solve for the element forces and stresses

 Finally, determine element forces by back substitution of the displacements into
equations, 𝑓 = 𝐾 𝑑
 Also determine stress and strain in each element.
 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Consider a bar element arbitrarily oriented in the global 𝑥 − 𝑦 coordinate system (GCS)
as shown in Fig. 9.
 The bar element makes an angle of θ with 𝑥 axis of the global 𝑥 − 𝑦 coordinate system.
 Let’s consider a local 𝑥 ′ − 𝑦 ′ coordinate system (LCS) such that 𝑥 ′ axis is coaxial with axis
of bar element, and makes and angle of θ with 𝑥 axis.

Fig. 9 Bar element arbitrarily oriented in the global x-y plane

 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Let, 𝑓1𝑥 ′ = local axial force at node 1
𝑢1 ′ = local axial displacement at node 1
𝑓2𝑥 ′ = local axial force at node 2
𝑢2 ′ = local axial displacement at node 2

Fig. 9 Bar element arbitrarily oriented in the global x-y plane

 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
30
 Now consider bar element in LCS first,
 Relating local nodal forces with local nodal displacements by local stiffness matrix.
𝑓1𝑥 ′ 𝐴𝐸 1 −1 𝑢1 ′
′ =
𝑓2𝑥 𝐿 −1 1 𝑢2 ′
𝑓 ′ = 𝐾 ′ 𝑑′ (A)
 Where,
𝑓 ′ = Local Force vector
𝐾 ′ = Local Stiffness matrix
𝑑 ′ = Local Displacement(DOF) vector.
 Now, let’s consider bar element in GCS,
 Relating global nodal forces with global nodal displacements by global stiffness matrix.
𝑓1𝑥 𝑢1
𝑓1y 𝑣1
= 𝐾 𝑢2 𝑓 = 𝐾 𝑑 (B)
𝑓2𝑥
𝑓2y 𝑣2
 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Where,
𝑓 = Global Force vector
𝐾 = Global Stiffness matrix
𝑑 = Global Displacement(DOF) vector

Fig. 9 Bar element arbitrarily oriented in the global x-y plane

 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Defining relationship between local coordinates and global coordinates:
 At first, we define relationship between local and global displacements. (See Fig. 10 )
 We assume origins of LCS and GCS are coincident.
 A left node of arbitrarily oriented bar element is at origin.
 If the node has local axial displacement 𝑢′ along 𝑥 ′ , then 𝑢′ = 𝑂𝐶.

Fig. 10 Relationship between local and global coordinates

 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Defining relationship between local coordinates and global coordinates:
 From ∆𝑂𝐴𝐶, 𝑂𝐶 = 𝑂𝐵 + 𝐵𝐶
𝑂𝐶 = 𝑂𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝐴𝐶 sinθ
𝑢′ = 𝑢 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑣 sinθ (i)

Fig. 10 Relationship between local and global coordinates

 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Defining relationship between local coordinates and global coordinates:
 Similarly, If the node has local transverse displacement 𝑣 ′ along 𝑦 ′ , then 𝑣 ′ = 𝑂𝐹.
 From ∆𝑂𝐹𝐷, 𝑂𝐹 = 𝑂𝐸 + 𝐸𝐹
𝑂𝐹 = 𝑂𝐷 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝐷𝐹 sinθ
𝑣 ′ = 𝑣 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑢 sinθ
𝑣 ′ = −𝑢 sinθ + 𝑣 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 (ii)

Fig. 10 Relationship between local and global coordinates

 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Defining relationship between local coordinates and global coordinates:
 Writing equations (i) and (ii) for both the nodes of bar element.
𝑢1′ = 𝑢1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑣1 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 (a)
𝑣1′ = −𝑢1 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑣1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 (b)
𝑢2′ = 𝑢2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑣2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 (c)
𝑣2′ = −𝑢2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑣2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 (d)

(ii)

Fig. 10 Relationship between local and global coordinates

 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Defining relationship between local coordinates and global coordinates:
 Writing equations (a),(b),(c) and (d) in matrix form
𝑢1′ 𝐶 𝑆 0 0 𝑢1
𝑣1′ −𝑆 𝐶 0 0 𝑣1
= 𝑢2
𝑢2′ 0 0 𝐶 𝑆
𝑣2′ 0 0 −𝑆 𝐶 𝑣2

𝑑′ = 𝑇 𝑑 (1)
 Where,
𝑑 ′ = Local Displacement(DOF) vector
𝑇 = Transformation/ Rotation matrix
𝑑 = Global Displacement(DOF) vector
𝐶 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑆 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Defining relationship between local coordinates and global coordinates:
 Since the forces transform in the same manner as displacements, the relationship
between local nodal forces and global nodal forces is given by,
′
𝑓1𝑥 0 𝑓1𝑥
′ 𝐶 𝑆 0
𝑓1𝑦 −𝑆 𝐶 0 0 𝑓1𝑦
′ =
𝑓2𝑥 0 0 𝐶 𝑆 𝑓2𝑥
′
𝑓2𝑦 0 0 −𝑆 𝐶 𝑓2𝑦
𝑓′ = 𝑇 𝑓 (2)
 Where,
𝑓 ′ = Local Force vector
𝑇 = Transformation/ Rotation matrix
𝑓 = Global Force vector
 Now, relating local nodal forces with local nodal displacements.
 Earlier we derived,
𝑓1𝑥 ′ 𝐴𝐸 1 −1 𝑢1 ′
=
𝑓2𝑥 ′ 𝐿 −1 1 𝑢2 ′
 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Defining relationship between local coordinates and global coordinates:
 Writing in broad sense,
′
𝑓1𝑥
1 0 −1 0 𝑢1′
′
𝑓1𝑦 𝐴𝐸 0 0 0 0 𝑣1′
′ =
𝑓2𝑥 𝐿 −1 0 1 0 𝑢2′
′
𝑓2𝑦 0 0 0 0 𝑣2′
𝑓 ′ = 𝐾 ′ 𝑑′ (3)
 Combining equations (1) and (2) with (3),
𝑇 𝑓 = 𝐾′ 𝑇 𝑑
 Multiplying both the sides of above equation with 𝑇 −1
𝑇 −1 𝑇 𝑓 = 𝑇 −1 𝐾 ′ 𝑇 𝑑 (4)
 Since matrix T is orthogonal matrix,
𝑇 𝑇 −1 = 𝐼 and
𝑇 −1 = 𝑇 𝑇
 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Defining relationship between local coordinates and global coordinates:
 Where,
𝑇 −1 = Inverse of matrix 𝑇
𝑇 𝑇 = Transpose of matrix 𝑇
𝐼 = Identity matrix
 Modifying equation (4)
𝑓 = 𝑇𝑇 𝐾′ 𝑇 𝑑
𝑓 = 𝐾 𝑑
 Where,
𝐾 = 𝑇 𝑇 𝐾 ′ 𝑇 = Global stiffness matrix
𝐶 −𝑆 0 0 1 0 −1 0 𝐶 𝑆 0 0
𝑆 𝐶 0 0 𝐴𝐸 0 0 0 0 −𝑆 𝐶 0 0
𝐾 =
0 0 𝐶 −𝑆 𝐿 −1 0 1 0 0 0 𝐶 𝑆
0 0 𝑆 𝐶 0 0 0 0 0 0 −𝑆 𝐶
 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
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 Defining relationship between local coordinates and global coordinates:
𝐶2 𝐶𝑆 −𝐶 2 −𝐶𝑆
𝐾 =
𝐴𝐸 𝐶𝑆 𝑆2 −𝐶𝑆 −𝑆 2
𝐿 −𝐶 2 −𝐶𝑆 𝐶2 𝐶𝑆
−𝐶𝑆 −𝑆 2 𝐶𝑆 𝑆2
𝑓1𝑥
𝑓1𝑦
𝑓 =
𝑓2𝑥
𝑓2𝑦
𝑢1
𝑣1
𝑑 = 𝑢
2
𝑣2
 For more than one elements, 𝑁

𝐾 = ෍ 𝐾 𝑒 = Global Stiffness matrix

𝑁
𝑒=1
𝑓 =෍ 𝑓 𝑒
= Global Force vector 𝑁
𝑒=1
𝑑 = ෍ 𝑑𝑒 = Global Displacement(DOF) vector.
𝑒=1
 Arbitrarily oriented bar element
41
 Determining axial stress:
 For a bar element local forces are related to local displacements by,
𝑓1𝑥 ′ 𝐴𝐸 1 −1 𝑢1 ′
′ =
𝑓2𝑥 𝐿 −1 1 𝑢2 ′
′ 𝐴𝐸 𝑢1 ′
𝑓2𝑥 = −1 1
𝐿 𝑢2 ′
 Axial tensile stress can be obtained by dividing axial force by c/s area,
𝑓2𝑥 ′ 𝐸 𝑢1 ′
𝜎𝑥 = = −1 1
𝐴 𝐿 𝑢2 ′
𝐸
𝜎𝑥 =
𝐿
−1 1 𝑑′
𝐸
𝜎𝑥 =
𝐿
−1 1 [𝑇 ∗ ] 𝑑
𝐸 𝐶 𝑆 0 0
𝜎𝑥 = −1 1 𝑑
𝐿 0 0 𝐶 𝑆
𝑢1
𝐸 𝑣
𝜎𝑥 = −𝐶 −𝑆 𝐶 𝑆 𝑑 where, 𝑑 = 𝑢1
𝐿 2
𝑣2
 Boundary Conditions
42
 Boundary conditions are support conditions/ end conditions of various joints of truss.

𝑢 = 0, 𝑣 = 0
𝑢 ≠ 0, 𝑣 = 0

(a) Fixed end (b) Roller end

𝑢 ≠ 0, 𝑣 ≠ 0

(c) Free end

Fig. 10 Boundary conditions

 Examples
43
 Example 1: A two member truss is shown in Fig.1. The cross sectional area of each
member is 200 𝑚𝑚2 and modulus of elasticity is 200 GPa. Determine deflections,
reactions and stresses in each of the members.

Fig. 1 planar truss (example 1)

 Solution:
 Examples
44
 Finite element model of the given planar truss is shown in Fig. 2.
 Determining element stiffness matrices for both elements based on element
connectivity data given in Table 1
 Note: A global coordinate system origin is assumed at node 1.

Fig. 2 Finite element model of the planar truss (example 1)

 Examples
Table 1 Element connectivity data
45
Element length (mm) 𝐴𝐸 𝑦𝑗 − 𝑦𝑖
Elem Nodes 𝜃 𝑥𝑗 − 𝑥𝑖 𝑆=
𝑙 𝐶= 𝑙 𝐶2 𝑆2 𝐶𝑆
ent i j 𝑙= (𝑥𝑗 − 𝑥𝑖 )2 +(𝑦𝑗 − 𝑦𝑖 )2 (Degree) 𝑙
(N/mm)

1 1 2 4000 10000 0 1 0 1 0 0

2 2 3 (0 − 4000)2 +(3000 − 0)2 8000 143.13 -0.8 0.6 0.64 0.36 -0.48
= 5000

Fig. 2 Finite element model of the planar truss (example 1)

 Examples
46
 Stiffness matrices for elements (1) and (2)
 Element-1:
𝐶2 𝐶𝑆 −𝐶 2 −𝐶𝑆
2
𝐾 (1) =
𝐴𝐸 𝐶𝑆 𝑆 −𝐶𝑆 −𝑆 2
2
𝑙 −𝐶 −𝐶𝑆 𝐶 2 𝐶𝑆
−𝐶𝑆 −𝑆 2 𝐶𝑆 𝑆2
𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2
1 0 −1 0 𝑢1
= 104 0 0 0 0 𝑣1
−1 0 1 0 𝑢2
0 0 0 0 𝑣2
 Element-2:
𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
0.64 −0.48 −0.64 0.48 𝑢2
(2) 3 −0.48 0.36 0.48 −0.36 𝑣2
𝐾 = 8 × 10
−0.64 0.48 0.64 −0.48 𝑢3
0.48 −0.36 −0.48 0.36 𝑣3
 Examples
47
 Taking 1000 common in both the stiffness matrices.
𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2
10 0 −10 0 𝑢1
𝐾 (1)
= 103 0 0 0 0 𝑣1 (1)
−10 0 10 0 𝑢2
0 0 0 0 𝑣2
𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
5.12 −3.84 −5.12 3.84 𝑢2
𝐾 (2)
= 10 3 −3.84 2.88 3.84 −2.88 𝑣2 (2)
−5.12 3.84 5.12 −3.84 𝑢3
3.84 −2.88 −3.84 2.88 𝑣3
 Combining equations (1) and (2) to get global stiffness matrix.
𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
10 0 −10 0 0 0 𝑢1
0 0 0 0 0 0 𝑣1
𝐾 = 103 −10 0 15.12 −3.84 −5.12 3.84 𝑢2
0 0 −3.84 2.88 3.84 −2.88 𝑣2
0 0 −5.12 3.84 5.12 −3.84 𝑢3
0 0 3.84 −2.88 −3.84 2.88 𝑣3
 Examples
48
 Writing global set of finite element equations,
𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
𝑓1𝑥 0 0 0 𝑢1
10 0 −10
𝑓1𝑦 0 0 0 0 0 0 𝑣1
𝑓2𝑥 = 103 −10 0 15.12 −3.84 −5.12 3.84 𝑢2
𝑓2𝑦 0 0 −3.84 2.88 3.84 −2.88 𝑣2
𝑓3𝑥 0 0 −5.12 3.84 5.12 −3.84 𝑢3
𝑓3𝑦 0 0 3.84 −2.88 −3.84 2.88 𝑣3

 Applying load and boundary conditions,

𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
𝑓1𝑥 = 0 0 0 𝑢1 = 0
10 0 −10 0
𝑓1𝑦 = 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 𝑣1 = 0
𝑓2𝑥 = 0 = 103 −10 0 15.12 −3.84 −5.12 3.84 𝑢2
𝑓2𝑦 = −10 × 103 0 0 −3.84 2.88 3.84 −2.88 𝑣2
𝑓3𝑥 = 0 0 0 −5.12 3.84 5.12 −3.84 𝑢3 = 0
𝑓3𝑦 = 0 0 0 3.84 −2.88 −3.84 2.88 𝑣3 = 0
 Examples
49
 By elimination approach,
𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
𝑓1𝑥 = 0 0 0 𝑢1 = 0
10 0 −10 0
𝑓1𝑦 = 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 𝑣1 = 0
𝑓2𝑥 = 0 0 = 103 −10 0 15.12 −3.84 −5.12 3.84 𝑢2
𝑓2𝑦 = −10 × 103 0 0 −3.84 2.88 3.84 −2.88 𝑣2
𝑓3𝑥 = 0 0 0 −5.12 3.84 5.12 −3.84 𝑢3 = 0
𝑓3𝑦 = 0 0 0 3.84 −2.88 −3.84 2.88 𝑣3 = 0

 Now there are two equations with two unknowns,

0 3 15.12 −3.84 𝑢2
= 10
−10 × 103 −3.84 2.88 𝑣2
 Solving these equations, we get,
 𝑢2 = −1.3333 𝑚𝑚
 𝑣2 = −5.25 𝑚𝑚
 Examples
50
 Determining reaction forces:
𝑓𝑅 = 𝐾 𝑑 − 𝐹
0
𝑓1𝑥 10 0 −10 0 0 0 0 0
𝑓1𝑦 0 0 0 0 0 0 −1.3333 0
= 1000 −
𝑓3𝑥 0 0 −5.12 3.84 5.12 −3.84 −5.25 0
𝑓3𝑦 0 0 3.84 −2.88 −3.84 2.88 0 0
0
 𝑓1𝑥 = 1000 −10 −1.3333 + 0 −5.25
𝑓1𝑥 = 13333 𝑁
 𝑓1𝑦 = 1000 0
𝑓1𝑦 = 0 𝑁
 Similarly,
 𝑓3𝑥 = −13333 𝑁
 𝑓3𝑦 = 10000 𝑁
 Examples
51
 Determining stresses:
𝑢𝑖
𝐸 𝑣𝑖
𝜎𝑥 = −𝐶 −𝑆 𝐶 𝑆 𝑢𝑗
𝐿
𝑣𝑗
 Element 1:
0
(1) 200×103 0
𝜎𝑥 = −1 0 1 0
4000 −1.3333
−5.25
= −66.67 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
 Element 2:
−1.3333
(2) 200×103 −5.25
𝜎𝑥 = 0.8 −0.6 −0.8 0.6
5000 0
0
= 83.312 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
 Examples
52
 Example 2: for the plane truss shown in Fig. 1, determine the displacement at node 3
and the axial stresses in each bar. Bar 1 is subjected to a temperature rise of 47.62º C.
Let 𝐸 = 210 𝐺𝑃𝑎, 𝛼 = 12.5 × 10−6 𝑚𝑚/𝑚𝑚°𝐶 and 𝐴 = 12 𝑐𝑚2 for both bar elements. Also
determine reaction forces.

Fig. 1 planar truss (example 2)

 Examples
53
 Finite element model of the given planar truss is shown in Fig. 2.
 Determining element stiffness matrices for both elements based on element
connectivity data given in Table 1
 Note: A global coordinate system origin is assumed at node 1.

Fig. 2 Finite element model of the planar truss (example 2)

 Examples
Table 1 Element connectivity data
54
Element length (mm) 𝐴𝐸 𝑦𝑗 − 𝑦𝑖
Elem Nodes 𝜃 𝑥𝑗 − 𝑥𝑖 𝑆=
𝑙 𝐶= 𝑙 𝐶2 𝑆2 𝐶𝑆
ent i j 𝑙= (𝑥𝑗 − 𝑥𝑖 )2 +(𝑦𝑗 − 𝑦𝑖 )2 (Degree) 𝑙
(N/mm)

1 1 3 2400 105000 90 0 1 0 1 0

2 2 3 (0 − 1800)2 +(2400 − 0)2 84000 126.87 -0.6 0.8 0.36 0.64 -0.48
= 3000

Fig. 2 Finite element model of the planar truss (example 2)

 Examples
55
 Stiffness matrices for elements (1) and (2)
 Element-1:
𝐶2 𝐶𝑆 −𝐶 2 −𝐶𝑆
𝐶𝑆 2 −𝐶𝑆 −𝑆 2
𝐾 (1) =
𝐴𝐸 𝑆
𝑙−𝐶 2 −𝐶𝑆 𝐶2 𝐶𝑆
−𝐶𝑆 −𝑆 2 𝐶𝑆 𝑆2
𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢3 𝑣3
0 0 0 0 𝑢1
= 105000 0 1 0 −1 𝑣1
0 0 0 0 𝑢3
0 −1 0 1 𝑣3
 Element-2:
𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
0.36 −0.48 −0.36 0.48 𝑢2
(2) 𝑣2
𝐾 = 84000 −0.48 0.64 0.48 −0.64
−0.36 0.48 0.36 −0.48 𝑢3
0.48 −0.64 −0.48 0.64 𝑣3
 Examples
56
 Taking 1000 common in both the stiffness matrices.
𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢3 𝑣3
0 0 0 0 𝑢1
𝐾 (1) 3
= 10 0 105 0 −105 𝑣1 (1)
0 0 0 0 𝑢3
0 −105 0 105 𝑣3
𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
30.24 −40.32 −30.24 40.32 𝑢2
𝐾 (2)
= 10 3 −40.32 53.76 40.32 −53.76 𝑣2 (2)
−30.24 40.32 30.24 −40.32 𝑢3
40.32 −53.76 −40.32 53.76 𝑣3
 Combining equations (1) and (2) to get global stiffness matrix.
𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
0 0 0 0 0 0 𝑢1
0 105 0 0 0 −105 𝑣1
𝐾 = 103 0 0 30.24 −40.32 −30.24 40.32 𝑢2
0 0 −40.32 53.76 40.32 −53.76 𝑣2
0 0 −30.24 40.32 30.24 −40.32 𝑢3
0 −105 40.32 −53.76 −40.32 158.76 𝑣3
 Examples
57
 Determining temperature effect on elements.
 Thermal force vector
 Element 1
−𝐶
−𝑆
𝑓𝑡1 = 𝐴 𝐸 𝛼 ∆𝑇
𝐶
𝑆
0
−1
= 1200 × 210000 × 12.5 10−6 × 47.62
0
1
0 𝑢1
−150000 𝑣1
=
0 𝑢3
150000 𝑣3
 Element 2
0 𝑢2
0 𝑣2
𝑓𝑡2 =
0 𝑢3
0 𝑣3
 Examples
58
 Total thermal force vector for the given truss.
0 𝑢1
−150000 𝑣1
0 𝑢2
𝑓𝑡 = 𝑣2
0
0 𝑢3
150000 𝑣3
 External force vector for the given truss.
0 𝑢1
0 𝑣1
0 𝑢2
𝑓𝑎 = 𝑣2
0
0 𝑢3
100000 𝑣3
 Global force vector for the given truss.
0 𝑢1
−150000 𝑣1
0 𝑢2
𝑓 = 𝑓𝑡 + 𝑓𝑎 = 𝑓𝑡 = 𝑣2
0
0 𝑢3
250000 𝑣3
 Examples
59
 Writing global set of finite element equations,
𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
𝑓1𝑥 0 0 0 𝑢1
0 0 0
𝑓1𝑦 0 105 0 0 0 −105 𝑣1
𝑓2𝑥 = 10 3 0 0 30.24 −40.32 −30.24 40.32 𝑢2
𝑓2𝑦 0 0 −40.32 53.76 40.32 −53.76 𝑣2
𝑓3𝑥 0 0 −30.24 40.32 30.24 −40.32 𝑢3
𝑓3𝑦 0 −105 40.32 −53.76 −40.32 158.76 𝑣3

 Applying load and boundary conditions,

𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
𝑓1𝑥 = 0 𝑢1 = 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
𝑓1𝑦 = −150 × 103 0 105 0 0 0 −105 𝑣1 = 0
𝑓2𝑥 = 0 = 103 0 0 30.24 −40.32 −30.24 40.32 𝑢2 = 0
𝑓2𝑦 = 0 0 0 −40.32 53.76 40.32 −53.76 𝑣2 = 0
𝑓3𝑥 = 0 0 0 −30.24 40.32 30.24 −40.32 𝑢3 = 0
𝑓3𝑦 = 250 × 103 0 −105 40.32 −53.76 −40.32 158.76 𝑣3
 Examples
60
 By elimination approach,

𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
𝑓1𝑥 = 0 𝑢1 = 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
𝑓1𝑦 = −150 × 103 0 105 0 0 0 −105 𝑣1 = 0
𝑓2𝑥 = 0 = 103 0 0 30.24 −40.32 −30.24 40.32 𝑢2 = 0
𝑓2𝑦 = 0 0 0 −40.32 53.76 40.32 −53.76 𝑣2 = 0
𝑓3𝑥 = 0 0 0 −30.24 40.32 30.24 −40.32 𝑢3 = 0
𝑓3𝑦 = 250 × 103 0 −105 40.32 −53.76 −40.32 158.76 𝑣3

 Now there are two equations with two unknowns,

𝑓3𝑦 = 250 × 103 = 103 158.76 𝑣3
 Solving these equation, we get,
 𝑣3 = 1.5747 𝑚𝑚
 Examples
61
 Determining reaction forces:
𝑓𝑅 = 𝐾 𝑑 − 𝐹
𝑢1 𝑣1 𝑢2 𝑣2 𝑢3 𝑣3
𝑓1𝑥 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
𝑓1𝑦 0 105 0 0 0 −105 0 −150000
𝑓2𝑥 3 0 0 30.24 −40.32 −30.24 40.32 0 0
= 10 −
𝑓2𝑦 0 0 −40.32 53.76 40.32 −53.76 0 0
𝑓3𝑥 0 0 −30.24 40.32 30.24 −40.32 0 0
1.5747
𝑓1𝑥 0
𝑓1𝑦 −15343.5
𝑓2𝑥 63491.9
= 𝑁
𝑓2𝑦 −84655.87
𝑓3𝑥 −63491.9
 Examples
62
 Determining stresses:
𝑢𝑖
𝐸 𝑣𝑖
𝜎𝑥 = −𝐶 −𝑆 𝐶 𝑆 𝑢𝑗 − 𝐸 𝛼 ∆𝑇
𝐿
𝑣𝑗
 Element 1:
0
(1) 210×103 0
𝜎𝑥 = 0 −1 0 1 − 210 × 103 × 12.5 × 10−6 × 47.62
2400 0
1.5747
= 12.78 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
 Element 2:
0
(2) 210×103 0
𝜎𝑥 = 0.6 −0.8 −0.6 0.8 −0
3000 0
1.5747
= 88.18 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
 References
63
1. Daryl L. Logan, ‘First Course in the Finite Element Method', Thomson Publications.