Workshop Exercises n◦5:

Bar
and
beam stiness matrix

Statements and solutions of exercises

Laruelle Cédric Volvert Martin

Assistant Assistant

cedric.laruelle@uliege.be m.volvert@uliege.be

Bât. B52/3 +2/541 Bât. B52/3 +2/418

Author: Gaëtan Wauthelet

March 12, 2018

rev. 21 1

Contents
Exercise n◦ 1: Stiness matrix of a KA bar element of 2nd degree. 2
Exercise n◦ 2: Cantilever beam. 17
Exercise n◦ 3: Simply supported beam and concentrated loads. 30
Exercise n◦ 4: Doubly clamped bar with distributed load. 42
Exercise n◦ 5: Clamped bar with concentrated and distributed loads. 47
Exercise n◦ 6: Doubly clamped beam and concentrated torsional torques. 49
Exercise n◦ 7: Simply supported beam with distributed load. 54
Exercise n◦ 8: Doubly clamped beam with concentrated load. 68
Exercise n◦ 9: Doubly clamped beam with uniform load. 69
rev. 21 2

Exercise n◦1: Stiness matrix of a KA bar element of 2nd

degree.
Consider a bar of constant extensional stiness EA [N ] submitted to an uniformly distributed
load f [N/m] over one half of its length L [m], you are asked to:

1. Write down the elementary stiness matrix

K (e) of a KA bar element with a complete
polynomial displacement eld of second de-
gree, f
y

2. Calculate the elementary nodal loads g (e)

as-
sociated with each connector, O x

L/2
3. Calculate the bar displacement eld u(x), L/2

4. Calculate the reaction forces, Figure 1: Wording of exercise n◦ 1

5. Compare the solutions obtained with one and
two KA bar elements with a complete poly-
nomial displacement eld of rst degree.

During this exercise, we always work with the structural axes Oxy .

1) Elementary stiness matrix K (e) of a second degree bar element

A bar element can only withstand tensile-compressive loads !

In the case of a simple tension loading, one has (cf. theoretical reminders)
1

Z L
(e) dNi dNj
⇒ Kij = EA ds
0 ds ds
,→ Shape functions Ni (s) (same principle as in the workshop exercises 4)
Since we consider a 1D problem and a complete poly-
nomial displacement eld of second degree, we need 3
connectors : L/2 L/2
u1 u3 u2
1 3 2
2
⇒ u(s) = α1 + α2 s + α3 s s=0 s s = L/2 s=L

We write down the connectivity relations and then we invert them :

 
u1 = u(s = 0) = α1
 α 1 = u 1

⇒ u2 = u(s = L) = α1 + α2 L + α3 L2 ⇔ α2 = −3L 1
u − L1 u2 + L4 u3
 2 
u3 = u(s = L2 ) = α1 + α2 L2 + α3 L4 α3 = L22 u1 + L22 u2 − L42 u3
 

1 Pay attention that the variable s is not the natural coordinate.

rev. 21 3

We get the shape functions and their rst derivative :

  dN (s)
1 1
N1 (s) =
 L2
(L2 − 3Ls + 2s2 )  1
 ds = L2
(−3L + 4s)
⇒ N2 (s) = 1
L2
(−Ls + 2s2 ) ⇒ dNds2 (s) = 1
L2
(−L + 4s)
 1  dN3 (s)
 1
N3 (s) = (4Ls − 4s2 ) = (4L − 8s)

L2 ds L2

The displacement eld u(s) in the bar element is :

⇒ u(s) = N1 (s)u1 + N2 (s)u2 + N3 (s)u3 , s ∈ [0, L]

,→ Stiness matrix components Kij (cf. Annex for integral calculations)

(e)

Z L  2 Z L
(e) dN1 EA
⇒ K11 = EA ds = 4 (−3L + 4s)2 ds
0 ds L 0
Z L  
(e) EA 2 EA
2 3 3 16 3 7EA
⇔ K11 = 9L − 24Ls + 16s ds = 4 9L − 12L + L =
L4 0 L 3 3L
Z L Z L
(e) (e) dN1 dN2 EA
⇒ K12 = K21 = EA ds = 4 (−3L + 4s)(−L + 4s) ds
0 ds ds L 0
EA L 2
Z  
(e) 2 EA 3 3 16 3 EA
⇔ K12 = 4
3L − 16Ls + 16s ds = 4 3L − 8L + L =
L 0 L 3 3L
Z L Z L
(e) (e) dN1 dN3 EA
⇒ K13 = K31 = EA ds = 4 (−3L + 4s)(4L − 8s) ds
0 ds ds L 0
EA L
Z  
(e) 2 2 EA 3 3 32 3 8EA
⇔ K13 = 4
−12L + 40Ls − 32s ds = 4 −12L + 20L − L = −
L 0 L 3 3L
Z L Z L
(e) (e) dN2 dN3 EA
⇒ K23 = K32 = EA ds = 4 (−L + 4s)(4L − 8s) ds
0 ds ds L 0
EA L
Z  
(e) 2 2 EA 3 3 32 3 8EA
⇔ K23 = 4
−4L + 24Ls − 32s ds = 4 −4L + 12L − L = −
L 0 L 3 3L
Z L 2 Z L
(e) dN2 EA
⇒ K22 = EA ds = 4 (−L + 4s)2 ds
0 ds L 0
Z L  
(e) EA 2 2 EA 3 3 16 3 7EA
⇔ K22 = L − 8Ls + 16s ds = L − 4L + L =
L4 0 L4 3 3L
Z L 2 Z L
(e) dN3 EA
⇒ K33 = EA ds = 4 (4L − 8s)2 ds
0 ds L 0
Z L  
(e) EA 2 2 EA 3 3 64 3 16EA
⇔ K33 = 4
16L − 64Ls + 64s ds = 4 16L − 32L + L =
L 0 L 3 3L
   
7 1 −8 u
EA    1
⇒ K (e) = 7 −8 ; q (e) = u2 
   
1
3L    
−8 −8 16 u3
rev. 21 4

2) Elementary nodal loads g (e) associated to each connector

Generally, the consistent nodal load vector g (e) components are (cf. workshop exer-
cises 4) :
Z Z
(e)
gi = NijT ρb̄j dV0 + NijT t̄j dS0
V0 Sσ

In our case, the loading is such that :

• t̄j = 0 : there are no surface tractions,

L/2 L/2
, if s ∈ 0, L2
 
• ρb̄j = f /A g1 f g3 g2
1 3 2
|{z}
N 1
[m . 2 ]=[ N3 ] s=0 s s = L/2 s=L
m m A
i.e. over V0 with V0 such that:
Z Z L
dV0 = A ds
V0 0

So, it comes (cf. Annex for integral calculations)

Z L/2 Z L/2 Z L/2
(e) f f
⇒ g1 = A N1 (s) ds = f N1 (s) ds = (L2 − 3Ls + 2s2 ) ds
0 A 0 L2 0
f L3 3L3 2L3
 
(e) 5f L
⇔ g1 = 2
− + =
L 2 8 24 24
Z L/2 Z L/2 Z L/2
(e) f f
⇒ g2 = A N2 (s) ds = f N2 (s) ds = (−Ls + 2s2 ) ds
0 A 0 L2 0
L3 2L3
 
(e) f fL
⇔ g2 = 2
− + =−
L 8 24 24
Z L/2 Z L/2 Z L/2
(e) f f
⇒ g3 = A N3 (s) ds = f N3 (s) ds = (4Ls − 4s2 ) ds
0 A 0 L2 0
f 4L3 4L3
 
(e) 8f L
⇔ g3 = 2
− =
L 8 24 24
    fT = fL/2
5 u L/2 L/2
fL    1
⇒ g (e) = −1 ; q (e) = u 2  1 5fT/12 3 8fT/12 -fT/12 2
   
24     s
s=0 s = L/2 s=L
8 u3

Remark : Since the displacement eld u(s) has to be continuous over the bar length L, it
implies that the shape functions Ni (s) have also to be continuous over the bar length L.
Thus, the consistent nodal load g2 associated with the connector u2 is non zero, although
this part of the bar is not loaded ! Due to the fact that the shape functions are negative in
some parts of the bar length, it is possible to have negative consistent nodal loads associated
with some connectors.
rev. 21 5

Check :
Z L/2
CM f fL
⇒ Ftot = A ds =
0 A 2
3
fL 12f L fL
⇒ ok
F EM
X
→ Ftot = gi = (5 − 1 + 8) = =
i=1
24 24 2
3) Bar displacement eld u(x)

,→ Structural nodal displacements q (s) :

We have to solve the 3 × 3 linear system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) :

    
7 1 −8 u 5
EA    1 f L  
⇒ K (s) q (s) = g (s) ⇔ K (e) q (e) = g (e) ⇔ 7 −8 u2  = −1
    
1
3L    24  
−8 −8 16 u3 8
Taking into account the support condition u1 = 0, one gets the 2 × 2 reduced linear
system of equations :
    
EA  −8 7 u −1
⇒   2 = f L  
3L −8 16 u3 24 8
K RED q RED g RED
| {z } | {z } | {z }

The determinant of K RED

is :
 2  2
RED
EA EA
⇒ det K = × (7 × 16 − (−8) × (−8)) = 48
3L 3L
The inverse matrix of K RED
is :
 
2
16 8

RED

−1 3L EA 1
⇒ K = × × × 
EA 3L 48 8 7
The reduced nodal displacements q RED
are:
RED RED

−1 RED
⇒ q = K g
  
  
u 3L 1 16 8 −1
⇔  2 = × ×  × fL ×  
u3 EA 48 8 7 24 8
   
u f L2 −16 + 64
⇔  2 =  
u3 16 × 24 × EA −8 + 56
   
u 2
 2 f L 1
⇔ =
u3 8EA 1
rev. 21 6

,→ Displacement eld u(x) in the bar

We have
⇒ u(x) = u(s), ∀x, s ∈ [0, L]
f
⇔ u(s) = N1 (s)u1 + N2 (s)u2 + N3 (s)u3 ⇒ u(s) = (3Ls − 2s2 ) , s ∈ [0, L]
8EA
Remark : FEM gives us a consistent result with respect to the exact solution at the nodes
2 and 3 : u2 = u3 . Indeed, since the second half of the bar is not loaded, the displacement
eld u(x) is expected to be constant in all this part.

However, (s) 6= 0 and σ(s) 6= 0 in all the second half of the bar, since u(x) is not constant
in this part! This result was expected because the rst derivative of the shape functions is
discontinuous across the element boundary and continuous inside the element in order to ex-
actly satisfy the compatibility equations, which is an essential condition for the convergence
of FEM with the KA approach.

In order to highlight some FEM features, we have determined the following expressions :

• Strain eld ε(s) in the bar :

du f
(s) = = (3L − 4s), ∀s ∈ [0, L]
ds 8EA

• Stress eld σ(s) in the bar :

f
σ(s) = E(s) = (3L − 4s), ∀s ∈ [0, L]
8A

• Body equilibrium equation : the body equilibrium equations are

 
dσ f L
+ = 0, ∀s ∈ 0,
ds A 2

and  
dσ L
= 0, ∀s ∈ ,L
ds 2
In our case, one gets  
f f L
− + 6= 0, ∀s ∈ 0,
2A A 2
and  
f L
− 6= 0, ∀s ∈ ,L
2A 2
So, the body equilibrium equation is not exactly satised pointwise, as expected in the
KA approach. But in the variational principle on displacement, we require that the
rev. 21 7

body equilibrium equation is satised at best on average over the volume V0 : 2

L
Z Z Z   Z L
∂σij 1D dσxx 2 dσ f dσ
⇒ +ρb̄i dV0 = +ρb̄x dV0 = A + ds+A ds = 0
V0 ∂xj V0 dx 0 ds A L
2
ds

−f L f L −f L
⇔ A + +A =0
2A 2 2 2A 2
So, the body equilibrium equation is satised on average over the bar length.
• Surface equilibrium equation : The surface equilibrium equation is :
fL
σ(L) = 0 ⇒ − 6= 0
8
So, the surface equilibrium equation is not exactly satised pointwise, as expected in
the KA approach. But in the variational principle on displacement, we require that the
surface equilibrium equation is satised at best on average over the surface Sσ :
Z Z Z
nx =+1 fL
(σij nj − t̄i ) dS0 = (σxx nx − t̄x ) dS0 = (σ(L) − 0) dS0 = − 6= 0
Sσ Sσ Sσ 8

So, the surface equilibrium equation is not satised on average over the bar free bound-
ary.
,→ Reaction force

We use the equilibrium equation at node 1, i.e. the rst equation of the 3 × 3 linear
system of equation K (s) q (s) = g (s) . The out of balance force F =F −F must be OOB INT EXT

equal to the reaction force F : Reaction

EA 5f L
⇒ (7u1 + u2 − 8u3 ) − = F Reaction

|3L 24
F INT F EXT
{z } |{z}
u2 =u3
u1 =0 7EA 5f L
⇔ −u2 − = F Reaction
3L 24
7EA f L2 5f L
⇔ − × − = F Reaction
3L 8EA 24
fL
⇔ F Reaction = −
2
Note that F Reaction is always positive in the direction of each axis !

2 In
order to be rigorous, the body equilibrium equation is satised at best on weighted average over the
volume V0 : Z   Z  
∂σij 1D dσxx
⇒ δui + ρb̄i dV0 = δux + ρb̄x dV0 = 0
V0 ∂xj V0 dx
rev. 21 8

4) Comparison of the solution obtained with one bar element of rst degree

,→ Shape functions Ni (s)

It is the same principle as with a KA bar ele-
ment of 2 degree, with u(s) = α1 + α2 s and
nd

two connectors : L
( u2
u1
u1 = u(s = 0) = α1 1 2
s
u2 = u(s = L) = α1 + α2 L s=0 s=L

By inverting the relations, we get the shape functions and their rst derivative :
( ( (
s dN1 (s)
α1 = u1 N1 (s) = 1 − L ds
= − L1
⇔ ⇒ ⇒ dN2 (s)
α2 = − uL1 + u2
L
N2 (s) = Ls ds
= L1

,→ Elementary stiness matrix of a rst degree bar element

The stiness matrix is well known :

   
EA  −1 1 u1
K (e) = ; q (e) = 
L −1 1 u2

,→ Elementary nodal loads g (e) associated with each connector

The consistent nodal load vector g (e) is (it is the same principle as with a KA bar
element of 2 degree) :
nd

L/2 L/2
L L2
Z Z  
(e)
 s 3f L
g1 = f N1 (s) ds = f 1− ds = f − =
0 0 L 2 8L 8
Z L/2 Z L/2
(e) s fL
g2 = f N2 (s) ds = f ds =
0 0 L 8
,→ Structural nodal displacements q (s)

We have to solve the 2 × 2 linear system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) :


   
3f L
EA  1 −1 u1   8 
⇒ K (s) q (s) = g (s) ⇔ =
L −1 1 u2 fL
8

Taking into account the support condition u1 = 0, one gets the reduced structural
equation :
EA fL f L2
⇒ u2 = ⇔ u2 =
L 8 8EA
rev. 21 9

,→ Bar displacement eld u(x)

⇒ u(x) = u(s), ∀x, s ∈ [0, L]

fL
⇔ u(s) = N1 (s)u1 + N2 (s)u2 = s, ∀s ∈ [0, L]
8EA

In order to highlight some FEM features, we have determined the following expressions
:
• Strain eld ε(s) in the bar :
du fL
ε(s) = = , ∀s ∈ [0, L]
ds 8EA
• Stress eld σ(s) in the bar :
fL
σ(s) = Eε(s) = , ∀s ∈ [0, L]
8A
We notice that there are still non-zero strain and stress elds in the bar for s ∈ ,L .
L 
2

,→ Reaction force

We use the equilibrium equation at node 1, i.e. the rst equation of the 2 × 2 linear
system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) . The out of balance force F =F −F must be
OOB INT EXT

equal to the reaction force :

EA 3f L
⇒ (u1 − u2 ) − = F Reaction

| L {z 8
INT F EXT
} |{z}
F
2
 
u1 =0 EA fL 3f L
⇔ − − = F Reaction
L 8EA 8
fL
⇔ F Reaction = −
2

5) Comparison of the solution obtained with two bar elements of rst degree

,→ Structural nodal displacement vector q (s)

  y f
u
 1 1 x 2 3
O
q (s) = u2  u1 u2 u3
 
 
L/2 L/2
u3
Element 1 Element 2
rev. 21 10

,→ Elementary stiness matrix K (e) for each bar element

Element 1 : L(e1 ) = L
2
and extensional stiness EA
     
EA −1
1 1 −1 u1
K (e1 ) = (e1 )   = 2EA  ; q (e1 ) = 
L −1 1 L −1 1 u2

Element 2 : L(e2 ) = L
2
and extensional stiness EA
     
EA −1
1 1 −1 u2
K (e2 ) = (e2 )   = 2EA  ; q (e2 ) = 
L −1 1 L −1 1 u3

,→ Structural stiness matrix K (s)

After assembly, one gets :

   
1 −1 0 u
2EA    1
K (s) = −1 2 −1 ; q (s) = u 2 
   
L    
0 −1 1 u3

,→ Elementary nodal load vector g (e) for each bar element

Element 1 : uniform load f and L(e1 ) = L

2
   
1
(e1 )  2  f L 1
g (e1 ) = f L =
1 4 1
2

Element 2 : no load  
0
g (e2 ) = 
0

,→ Structural nodal load vector g (s)

After assembly, one gets :

 
fL
F Reaction + 4 

g (s) = fL
 
4

 
0
where F Reaction is the reaction force at node 1.
rev. 21 11

,→ Structural nodal displacements q (s)

We have to solve the 3 × 3 linear system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) :

⇒ K (s) q (s) = g (s)

    
fL
1 −1 0 u F +
2EA    1  Reaction 4 

⇔ fL
−1 2 −1 u2  = 
    
L  4

   
0 −1 1 u3 0

Taking into account the support condition u1 = 0, one gets the 2 × 2 reduced linear
system of equations :     
fL
2EA  2 −1 u2   4 
⇒ =
L −1 1 u3 0
K RED q RED g RED
| {z } | {z } | {z }

The determinant of K RED

is :
 2  2
RED
2EA 2EA
⇒ det K = × (2 × 1 − (−1) × (−1)) =
L L

The inverse of K RED

is :
 
2
2EA 1 1

RED

−1 L
⇒ K = ×
2EA L 1 2

The reduced nodal displacements q RED

are :
RED

−1 RED RED
⇒ q = K g
    
fL
u2 L 1 1
⇔  =   4 
u3 2EA 1 2 0
   
u 2 1
⇔  2 = f L  
u3 8EA 1
rev. 21 12

,→ Displacement eld u(x) in the bar

We have
u(e1 ) (s(e1 ) ), ∀x ∈ 0, L2 and ∀s(e1 ) ∈ 0, L2
(    
⇒ u(x) =
u(e2 ) (s(e2 ) ), ∀x ∈ L2 , L and ∀s(e2 ) ∈ 0, L2
   

N1 (s(e1 ) )u1 + N2 (s(e1 ) )u2 , ∀x ∈ 0, L2 and ∀s(e1 ) ∈ 0, L2

(    
⇔ u(x) =
N1 (s(e2 ) )u2 + N2 (s(e2 ) )u3 , ∀x ∈ L2 , L and ∀s(e2 ) ∈ 0, L2
   
 
 1 − s(e1 ) u1 + s(e1 ) u2 , ∀x ∈ 0, L and ∀s(e1 ) ∈ 0, L
   
L L 2 2
⇔ u(x) =  
 1 − s(e2 ) u2 + s(e2 ) u3 , ∀x ∈ L , L and ∀s(e2 ) ∈ 0, L
   
L L 2 2

, ∀x ∈ 0, 2 and ∀s(e1 ) ∈ 0, 2
( 2 (e )
fL s 1
 L  L

⇔ u(x) = 8EA L
, ∀x ∈ L2 , L and ∀s(e2 ) ∈ 0, L2
fL 2    
8EA

,→ Reaction force

We use the equilibrium equation at node 1, i.e. the rst equation of the 3 × 3 linear
system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) :
 
u
2EA    1 fL
⇒ 1 −1 0 u2  = F +
 
Reaction
L   4
u3
u1 =0 2EA fL
⇔ − u2 = F Reaction +
L 4
2EA f L2 fL
⇔ − × − = F Reaction
L 8EA 4
fL
⇔ F Reaction = −
2
,→ Comparison of bar displacement eld u(x) for bar elements of degree 1 and 2

If we want to recover the exact solution, we need at least two second degree bar elements.
 rev. 21 13

,→ Comparison of TPE for bar elements of degree 1 and 2

Because of the boundary conditions (ū = 0) and the loading driven by force (ρb̄ 6= 0
and t̄ = 0), one has
1 1 T
U − P = − P = − q (s) g (s)
2 2
And thus
1 (s)
|U − P| = ui gi
2

Degree 2 Degree 1 (1 element) Degree 1 (2 elements)

1 (s) (s) 1 (s) 1 (s) (s)
⇒ |U − P| = 2 u2 g2 + u3 g3 ⇒ |U − P| = 2 u2 g2 ⇒ |U − P| = 2 u2 g2 + u3 g3
(s)
g3 =0
 
f L2 f L2 f L2 f L2
⇔ |U − P| = 1
2 8EA × − f24L + 8EA × 8f L
24 ⇔ |U − P| = 1
2 8EA × fL
8 ⇔ |U − P| = 1
2 8EA × fL
4

7f 2 L3 3f 2 L3 6f 2 L3
⇔ |U − P| = ⇔ |U − P| = ⇔ |U − P| =
384EA 384EA 384EA

Increase the degree of bar element

Increase the number of bar elements
Exact solution

In conclusion, we notice that the FEM solution monotonically tends towards the exact
solution, when we add bar elements (mesh renement) and/or we increase the degree of bar
element.

6) Annex 1 : Integral calculations

L/2 L/2
L3
Z Z
L
ds = s2 ds =
0 2 0 24

L/2
L2
Z
s ds =
0 8
rev. 21 14

6) Annex 2 : Analytical solution

The exact solution satises :

• Body equilibrium equation
 
dσ f L
+ = 0, ∀x ∈ 0, (1)
dx A 2
 
dσ L
= 0, ∀x ∈ ,L (2)
dx 2
• Strain-displacement equation
du
ε= , ∀x ∈ [0, L] (3)
dx

• Constitutive equation
σ = Eε, ∀x ∈ [0, L] (4)
• Boundary conditions

- Kinematic
u = 0, x=0
- Static
tx = 0, x=L
⇔ σnx = 0, x=L
nx =1
⇔ σ = 0, x=L

If we insert Eqs. (3) and (4) into Eqs. (1) and (2), one gets two linear second order ordinary
dierential equations for the displacement eld u(x)
d2 u
 
f L
⇒ 2
+ = 0, ∀x ∈ 0,
dx EA 2

d2 u
 
L
⇒ = 0, ∀x ∈ ,L
dx2 2
By integrating these equations immediately, one has
 
f 2 L
⇒ u(x) = − x + C0 x + C1 , ∀x ∈ 0,
2EA 2
 
L
⇔ u(x) = C2 x + C3 , ∀x ∈ ,L
2
where C0 , C1 , C2 , C3 are integration constants.
rev. 21 15

In order to determine these constants, one has to impose the boundary conditions:
⇒ u(0) = 0
⇔ C1 = 0

⇒ σ(L) = 0
⇔ Eε(L) = 0
du
⇔ = 0
dx x=L
⇔ C2 = 0

The last two integration constants C0 and C3 are obtained by the following conditions at
x = L2 :
- Continuity of displacement eld :
   
L − + L
⇒ u x= = u x=
2 2
f L
⇔ − L2 + C0 = C3 (5)
8EA 2

- Continuity of surface traction vector : 3

   
L L
⇒ −
t x= +
+t x= = 0 (Newton's third law)
2 2
   
− L + L
⇔ tx x = + tx x = = 0
2 2
  
L L
⇔ σx− x = n−
x = −σx+
x= n+
x
2 2
   
L L
⇔ σx− x = = σx+ x =
2 2
−  + 
du L du L
⇔ x= = x=
dx 2 dx 2
fL
⇔ − + C0 = 0
2EA
fL
⇔ C0 =
2EA
- +
y n n

O x - +
t t

L/2 L/2

3 For bar elements, the continuity condition is imposed on the resultant force R ~ = ~t dS instead of the
R
A
surface traction vector t, so that it is possible to locally get a nite discontinuity in the cross section and the
~
stress eld.
rev. 21 16

Then, one deduces from Eq. (5)

f L2 f L2
⇒ C3 = − +
8EA 4EA
f L2
⇔ C3 =
8EA
Finally, the exact solution is
 
f 2 fL L
⇒ u(x) = − x + x, ∀x ∈ 0,
2EA 2EA 2
 
f Lx  x  L
⇔ u(x) = 1− , ∀x ∈ 0,
2EA L 2
2
 
fL L
⇒ u(x) = , ∀x ∈ ,L
8EA 2

From the exact solution, it is possible to determine the exact value of TPE. Because of the
boundary conditions (ū = 0) and the loading driven by force (ρb̄ 6= 0 and t̄ = 0), one has
1
⇒ U −P =− P
2
And thus
Z L/2
1 f
⇒ |U − P| = A u(x) dx
2 0 A
Z L/2
f f Lx  x
⇔ |U − P| = 1− dx
2 0 2EA L
f 2 L L/2 x2
Z
⇔ |U − P| = x− dx
4EA 0 L
f 2 L L2 1 L3
 
⇔ |U − P| = −
4EA 8 L 24
2 3
f L 2
⇔ |U − P| =
4EA 24
f 2 L3
⇔ |U − P| =
48EA
rev. 21 17

Exercise n◦2: Cantilever beam.

Consider a cantilever beam of constant bending stiness EI [N m2 ] along its span L [m].
This beam is loaded by a uniform load p along its span and a concentrated load P at its free
end.
You are asked to compare the solutions obtained
with : p
P

y
- FEM with a polynomial vertical displacement
eld of 3 degree
rd
O x

- FEM with a polynomial vertical displacement L

eld of 2 degree
nd

Figure 2: Wording of exercise n◦ 2

- the strength of materials (SOM)

We have a beam submitted to simple bending . So we are going to solve K (s) q (s) = g (s) ⇔
4

K (e) q (e) = g (e) with only one beam element. During this exercise, we always work with the
structural axes Oxy .
1) A polynomial vertical displacement eld of 3 degree rd

The unknowns are

• the vertical displacements at the two ends :
v1 and v2 .

• the cross section rotations at the two ends :

θ1 and θ2

The support conditions are dened by the restraint, i.e., one has
v1 = θ1 = 0

So, it remains    
v
 1  
0 [m]
[dimensionless]
   
θ1   0 
q (s) =
 = 
  
v2  v2  [m]
   
θ2 θ2 [dimensionless]
4 Pay attention, the beam element can not withstand tensile-compressive loading (no unknowns ui ). In
this exercise, we can only use beam elements because we are in a simple bending context.
rev. 21 18

,→ Shape functions (cf. theoretical reminders)

N1 (x) = 1 − 3 2
L2
x + 2 3
L3
x [dimensionless]
N2 (x) = x − L2 x2 + 1 3
L2
x [m]
N3 (x) = 3 2
L2
x − 2 3
L3
x [dimensionless]
N4 (x) = − L1 x2 + 1 3
L2
x [m]
Pay attention that the following relation is no longer valid for a beam element :
4
X 4
X
Ni (x) = 1 Ni (x) 6= 1
i=1 i=1
| {z } | {z }
Bar Beam

,→ Stiness matrix

Because of the support conditions (v1 = q1 = 0 and θ1 = q2 = 0), we don't need the
stiness matrix elements containing the subscripts 1 or 2 , i.e. we only need (cf. theoretical
reminders) :

(e) 12EI
K33 =
L3
(e) (e) 6EI
K34 = K43 = −
L2
(e) 4EI
K44 =
L
Finally, one has    
RED
2EI 6 −3L RED
v2
K = 3  ; q = 
L −3L 2L2 θ2

,→ Consistent generalized load vector

In the case of a beam in simple bending, one has

Z L
(e) dNi (x)
gi = Ni (x)q̄(x) dx + Ni (x)T̄ nx ST
+ M̄ nx
0 dx SM

In our case, the loading is such that

• M̄ = 0 [N.m], there are no concentrated moments applied to the beam ends,

• q̄(x) = −p [N/m],

• T̄ = −P [N] and nx = +1 at x = L.
rev. 21 19

So, the consistent generalized load vector is :

Z L Z L
g (e)
= T
N (x) × (−p) dx + N (L) × (−P ) = −p T
N T (x) dx − P N T (L) (6)
0 0

Because of the support conditions, we only need to calculate g3(e) and g4(e) (cf. theoretical
reminders) :
Force (corresponds to the vertical displacement v2 )
(e) RL
g3 = −p 0
N3 (x) dx − P N3 (L) = − pL
2 −P [N] →
[N/m.m2 ]=[N.m] → Moment (corresponds to the rotation θ2 )
(e) RL 2
pL
g4 = −p 0 N4 (x) dx − P N4 (L) = 12

Finally, one has    

pL
− −P v2
g RED
= 2 ; q RED
= 
pL2
12
θ2

,→ Generalized displacement vector

Since we have taken into account the support conditions, one has still to solve the
following 2 × 2 linear system of equations :
RED RED RED
⇒ K q =g
    
2EI  6 −3L v pL
− −P [N]
⇔   2 =  2 
3
L [N.m]
pL 2
−3L 2L2 θ2 12

K RED q RED g RED

| {z } | {z } | {z }

The determinant of K RED

is
 2  2
RED 2

2EI 2 2EI
det K = 6 × 2L − (−3L) × (−3L) × = 3L ×
L3 L3

The inverse matrix of K RED

is
 
3
2 2
2L 3L

RED

−1 1 L 2EI
K = × × 3 × 
3L2 2EI L 3L 6

The reduced generalized displacements are

RED RED

−1 RED
⇒ q = K g
rev. 21 20

     
2 pL
v 3 2L 3L − −P
⇔  2 = L × 1  × 2 
θ2 2EI 3L2 3L 6 pL2
12
   
3
v2 L −pL3 − 2L2 P + pL4
⇔  =  
θ2 6EI − 3pL2 − 3LP + pL2
2 2
   
v2 pL4
− 8EI L3
− P3EI [m]
⇔  = 
[dimensionless]
pL 3 2
θ2 − 6EI − P2EI
L

2) A polynomial displacement eld of 2 nd

degree

,→ Shape functions

In this case, the shape functions are not known, we are thus going to calculate them (as
in the workshop exercises 4). Generally, since the problem is 1D and the vertical displacement
eld is a complete polynomial of 2 degree , we need 3 connectors :
nd 5

dv(x)
v(x) = α1 + α2 x + α3 x2 ⇒ = α2 + 2α3 x (7)
dx
Which connectors to choose ?
Generally, we can choose any set of 3 connectors among the 4 ones used for the beam element
of 3 degree (v1 , θ1 , v2 and θ2 ) because they are linearly independent.
rd

• For simplicity's sake, we choose to keep the two vertical displacements v1 and v2 .

• Which one of the rotations are we going to keep ? θ1 or θ2 ?

→ If we choose θ1 , this DOF will simply be determined by the support conditions and
there will still be a 1 × 1 linear system of equations in v2 to solve.
→ If we choose θ2 , the imposition of the support conditions is much more tricky.
It has still to be ensured that :
(
v(0) = 0
dv
dx x=0
=0

But the second condition do not make 1 DOF null anymore, but links the 2 DOFs
6

v2 and θ2 through the essential boundary conditions.

5 Don't forget that the weak form associated with the strong form of the beam governing equations implies
that the second derivative of the vertical displacement v(x) should be dierentiable in the strain energy U .
6 If we forget this second condition, then there is still a rigid body mode ⇒ K (s) will be singular (This
result may be veried by calculations.).
rev. 21 21

For simplicity's sake, we are thus going to choose the connectors v1 , v2 and θ1
 
v1 = v(0) = α1
 α1 = v1

v2 = v(L) = α1 + α2 L + α3 L2 ⇔ α2 = θ1
 
dv
θ1 = dx = α2 α3 = − Lv12 + v2
− θ1
 
x=0 L2 L

By injecting this last result into Eq. (7), it comes

x2 x2 x2
   
⇒ v(x) = 1 − 2 v1 + x − θ1 + 2 v2 = N1 (x)v1 + N2 (x)θ1 + N3 (x)v2 (8)
L L L
Because of the support conditions v1 = θ1 = 0, we only need the second derivative of the
shape function N3 (x):
x2 dN3 (x) 2x d2 N3 2
N3 (x) = ⇒ = 2 ⇒ =
L2 dx L dx2 L2

,→ Stiness matrix

In the case of a simple bending loading, we have (cf. theoretical reminders)

L
d2 Ni d2 Nj
Z
(e)
Kij = EI dx
0 dx2 dx2
Because of the support conditions v1 = θ1 = 0, we only need :
L 2 L
d2 N3
Z  Z
(e) 4EI 4EI
K33 = EI dx = 4 dx =
0 dx2 L 0 L3

,→ Consistent generalized load vector

Because of the support conditions v1 = θ1 = 0, we only need to calculate g3(e) (same

principle as in the beam element of 3 degree, cf. Eq. (6)) :
rd

Z L
(e)
⇒ g3 = −p N3 (x) dx − N3 (L)P
0
pL
− P [N] → Force
(e)
⇔ g3 = −
3
,→ Generalized displacement vector

Since we have taken into account the support conditions, one still has to solve the
following 1 × 1 linear system of equations :
RED RED RED
⇒ K q =g
4EI pL
⇔ 3
v2 = − −P
L 3
rev. 21 22

The reduced generalized displacement is

pL4 P L3
⇔ v2 = − − [m]
12EI 4EI
Using Eq. (8), we can deduce θ2 :
v1 =θ1 =0
⇒ v(x) = N1 (x)v1 + N2 (x)θ1 + N3 (x)v2 = N3 (x)v2
x2
⇔ v(x) = v2
L2
dv dN3 2
⇒ θ2 = = v2 = v2
dx x=L dx x=L L

pL3 P L2
⇒ θ2 = − − [dimensionless]
6EI 2EI
3) SOM solution

One has two contributions to the maximum vertical displacement v(x = L) : the distributed
load p and the concentrated load P , whose the SOM formulas are

Distributed load: Concentrated load:

p P
y
y
O x
O x
L
4 L
pL
v20 (L) = − 8EI 3

pL3
v200 (L) = − P3EI
L
θ20 (L) = − 6EI L2
θ200 (L) = − P2EI

Therefore, by virtue of the superposition principle, one has

[m]
(
pL4 L3
v2 (L) = v20 (L) + v200 (L) = − 8EI − P3EI
pL3 L2
θ2 (L) = θ20 (L) + θ200 (L) = − 6EI − P2EI [dimensionless]

4) Comparison

Max. vertical displacement [m] Rotation [dimensionless]

Degree 2 L3 L 2
v2 = − 24EI (2pL + 6P ) θ2 = − 6EI (pL + 3P )
∧ k
Degree 3 L3 L 2
v2 = − 24EI (3pL + 8P ) θ2 = − 6EI (pL + 3P )
k k
SOM L3 L 2
v2 = − 24EI (3pL + 8P ) θ2 = − 6EI (pL + 3P )
rev. 21 23

• The use of a polynomial displacement eld of 3 degree does give us the exact solution .
rd 7

• The use of a polynomial displacement eld of 2 degree exactly estimates θ2 , but

nd

underestimates the maximum vertical displacement because the element is too sti . 8

• If we take a polynomial displacement eld of degree superior to 3, we recover the exact

solution with longer calculations but one has to choose the extra connectors, which
have to be linearly independent with respect to v1 , θ1 , v2 , θ2 .

Remark : Solving by using the DOF θ2 as third connector :

One still has :

dv(x)
v(x) = α1 + α2 x + α3 x2 ⇒ = α2 + 2α3 x (9)
dx
,→ Connectors

v1 = v(0) = α1
v2 = v(L) = α1 + α2 L + α3 L2
dv
θ2 = = α2 + 2α3 L
dx x=L

1) First approach :

In this approach, we immediately determine some connectors via the support conditions
and the other ones will be determined, when we solve K (s) q (s) = g (s) .

,→ Support conditions

⇒ v(0) = 0 ⇔ α1 = 0
dv
⇒ =0 ⇔ α2 = 0
dx x=0

⇒ there is only one unknown left α3 :

 
v1 = 0
 v1 = 0

⇒ v2 = α3 L2 ⇔ α3 = Lv22
 
θ2 = 2α3 L θ2 = 2vL2
 

There is only one DOF left. We are going to choose v2 as DOF, while θ2 will be associated
with v2 through the support conditions according to θ2 = 2vL2 .

7 Pay attention that the exact solution for a clamped beam submitted to a distributed load p along its
span is a polynomial of 4th degree : v(x) = − 24EI
px2
(x2 − 4Lx + 6L2 ).
8 The exact maximum vertical displacement v(x = L) obtained with this displacement eld v(x) corre-
sponds to M (x) = const. over the beam span (pure bending).
rev. 21 24

,→ Vertical displacement eld

v(x) = α3 x2 ⇔ v(x) = N3 (x)v2

Thus, we only need one shape function :

x2
N3 (x) =
L2
Since the shape function N3 (x) is the same as the one with θ1 as 3 connector, the solution
rd

v2 will be the same, i.e.

pL4 P L3
v2 = − −
12EI 4EI
And one does has
2v2 pL3 P L2
θ2 = =− − → ok
L 6EI 2EI
In conclusion, we see that the solving is not computationally longer but it is trickier, i.e. less
systematic.

2) Second approach :

In this approach, we determine the shape functions to get the stiness matrix and the
consistent generalized load vector. Then, we apply the support conditions, when we solve
K (s) q (s) = g (s) for the unknown generalized displacements q (s) .

,→ Shape functions

We invert the relations :

 
v1 = α1
 α 1 = v 1

v2 = α1 + α2 L + α3 L2 ⇔ α2 = −θ2 − 2 vL1 + 2 vL2
 
θ2 = α2 + 2α3 L α3 = Lv12 − Lv22 + θL2
 

By injecting this last result into Eq. (9), it comes

2x x2 2x x2
     2 
x
⇒ v(x) = 1− + 2 v1 + − 2 v2 + − x θ2 = N1 (x)v1 +N2 (x)v2 +N3 (x)θ2
L L L L L

Because of the support condition v1 = 0, we only need the second derivative of the shape
functions N2 (x) and N3 (x) :
2x x2 dN2 (x) 2 2x d2 N2 2
N2 (x) = − 2 ⇒ = − 2 ⇒ 2
=− 2
L L dx L L dx L
x2 dN3 (x) 2x d2 N3 2
N3 (x) = −x ⇒ = −1 ⇒ =
L dx L dx2 L
rev. 21 25

,→ Stiness matrix

In the case of a beam in simple bending, one has (cf. theoretical reminders) :
L
d2 Ni d2 Nj
Z
(e)
Kij = EI dx
0 dx2 dx2
Because of the support condition v1 = 0, we only need :
L 2 L
d2 N2
Z  Z
(e) 4EI 4EI
K22 = EI dx = 4 dx =
0 dx2 L 0 L3
L 2
2
4EI L
Z  Z
(e) d N3 4EI
K33 = EI dx = dx =
0 dx2 L2 0 L
Z L 2 2 Z L
(e) d N2 d N3 4EI 4EI
K23 = EI 2 2
dx = − 3 dx = − 2
0 dx dx L 0 L

,→ Consistent generalized load vector

Because of the support condition, we only need to calculate g2(e) and g3(e) (cf. Annex 1 for
integral calculations) :
Z L
(e)
⇒ g2 = −p N2 (x) dx − P N2 (L)
0
L
2x x2
Z
(e)
⇔ g2 = −p − 2 dx − P × 1
0 L L
 2 3

(e) L L
⇔ g2 = −p − 2 −P
L 3L
2pL
− P [N]
(e)
⇔ g2 = −
3

Z L
(e)
⇒ g3 = −p N3 (x) dx − P N3 (L)
0
Z L 2 
(e) x
⇔ g3 = −p − x dx − P × 0
0 L
 3
L2

(e) L
⇔ g3 = −p −
3L 2
2
pL
⇔ g3
(e)
= [N.m]
6
rev. 21 26

,→ Generalized displacement vector

Since we have immediately imposed the support conditions to the connectors, one still has
to solve the following 2 × 2 linear system of equations :
RED RED RED
K ⇒ q =g
    
4EI  1 −L v − 2pL
− P [N]
⇔   2 =  3 
L3 −L L2 θ2 pL2
[N.m]
6

K RED q RED g RED

| {z } | {z } | {z }

The determinant of K RED

is
 2
RED 2

4EI
det K = 1 × L − (−L) × (−L) × =0
L3
The reduced stiness matrix is singular because there is still the rigid body rotation mode :
   
RBM
v2 αL
⇒ q =   =  , α 6= 0
θ2 α

In this approach, we have to impose the following condition at the restraint on the vertical
displacement eld v(x) :
dv
⇒ = 0
dx x=0
dN1 (x) dN2 (x) dN3 (x)
⇔ v1 + v2 + θ2 = 0
dx x=0 dx x=0 dx x=0
   
2 2x 2x
⇔ − v2 + −1 θ2 = 0
L L2 x=0 L x=0
2v2
⇔ − θ2 = 0
L
2v2
⇔ θ2 =
L

This kinematic constraint prevents the beam from deforming without straining. It is less
systematic because it is not possible to immediately impose this condition on the connectors
v1 , v2 and θ2 . Thus, we have to solve the following constrained problem :
    
4EI  1 −L v2 − 2pL − P
  =  3 
L3 −L L 2
θ2 pL2
6

2v2
θ2 − =0
L
rev. 21 27

We are going to use the Lagrange multiplier method (cf. Annex 2) to transform this con-
strained problem into an unconstrained one by adding a Lagrange multiplier λ associated
with the equality constraint θ2 − 2vL2 = 0 :
      
2 2pL
4EI  −L 1v − − − P
  2 + λ  L  =  3 
L 3 2 pL2
−L L θ2 1 6

 
  v2
− L2 1  =0
θ2
By gathering all the equations, we recover a 3 × 3 linear system of equations :
    
4EI
L3
− 4EI
L2
− L2 v2 − 2pL − P
    3 
 4EI 4EI     pL2
− L2 =

1 θ
L   2  6
    
 
− L2 1 0 λ 0

The last equation is used to eliminate the unknown θ2 in the two rst equations :
2v2
θ2 =
L

(
4EI
v − 4EI
L3 2
2v2
L2 L
− 2λ
L
= − 2pL
3
−P
⇒ 4EI 2v2 pL2
− 4EI v
L2 2
+ L L
+ λ = 6
(
− 4EI v − 2λ
L3 2 L
= − 2pL
3
−P
⇔ 4EI pL2
v +λ= 6
L2 2
    
4EI 2 2pL
− −L v − −P
⇔  L3   2 =  3 
pL 2
4EI
L2
1 λ 6

K sol
| {z }

The determinant of K sol

is :
   
sol
4EI 2 4EI 4EI
det K =− 3 ×1− − × 2
= 3
L L L L

The inverse of K sol

is :  
3 2
sol

−1 L  1 L
K = 
4EI − 4EI 4EI
− L3
L2
rev. 21 28

The solution is :
     
v L  3 1 2
− 2pL − P
⇒  2 = L × 3 
λ 4EI − 4EI − 4EI pL2
L2 L3 6
   
2pL pL
v
 2 L3  − 3 − P + 3
⇔ = 
λ 4EI 8EIp + 4EIP − 4EI pL2
3L L2 L3 6
   
pL
v
 2 L3  −P − 3 
⇔ =
λ 4EI 4EIP + 2EIp
L2 L
   
v pL4
− 12EI L3
− P4EI [m]
⇔  2 =  
[N.m]
2
λ P L + pL2

The Lagrange multiplier λ is interpreted as the reaction moment associated with the kine-
dv
matic constraint = 0 ⇔ θ2 = 2v2
L
.
dx x=0

Finally, we deduce :
2v2
⇒ θ2 =
L
pL3 P L2
⇔ θ2 = − −
6EI 2EI

Annex 1 : Integral calculations

L L
L3
Z Z
dx = L x2 dx =
0 0 3

L L
L2 L4
Z Z
x dx = x3 dx =
0 2 0 4

Annex 2 : Lagrange multiplier method

Consider the variational formulation of a nite element model with n DOFs :

1
TPE q (s) = q (s)T K (s) q (s) − q (s)T g (s)


2
with the stationary condition :
∂ TPE
δ TPE q (s) = 0


⇔ =0
∂q (s)
rev. 21 29

and assume that we want to impose onto the solution the m linearly independent discrete
kinematic constraints
B (s)q (s) = V (s)
|{z}
m×n

In the Lagrange multiplier method, we modify the total potential energy TPE to obtain
   
TPE∗ q (s) , λ(s) = TPE q (s) + λ(s)T B (s) q (s) − V (s)

where λ(s) is a vector of m Lagrange multipliers. Invoking the stationary condition δ TPE∗ =
0, we now obtain :
 
⇒ δ TPE∗ q (s) , λ(s) = 0, ∀δq (s) , δλ(s)
 
⇔ δ TPE q (s) + δλ(s)T B (s) q (s) − V (s) + λ(s)T B (s) δq (s) ∀δq (s) , δλ(s)


= 0,
   
(s)T
⇔ δq (s)T (s) (s)
K q −g (s)
+ δλ (s) (s)
B q −V (s)
+ δq (s)T B (s)T λ(s) = 0, ∀δq (s) , δλ(s)
 T     
(s) (s) (s) T (s) (s)
δq K B q g
⇔      −   = 0, ∀δq (s) , δλ(s)
δλ(s) B (s) 0 λ(s) V (s)
    
(s) (s) T
K B q (s) g (s)
⇔    =  
B (s) 0 λ(s) V (s)
rev. 21 30

Exercise n◦3: Simply supported beam and concentrated

loads.
Consider a simply supported beam of constant bending stiness EI [N.m2 ] along its span
L [m]. This beam is loaded by two concentrated loads P1 and P2 at x = a and x = b
respectively.
P2 = 150 kN
y P1 = 100 kN DATA:

I = 8 × 108 mm4
O x
a b E = 210 kN/mm2
L
a = b = 1.5 m
L=5m
Figure 3: Wording of exercise 3

You are asked to compare the solutions obtained with :

- the Rayleigh-Ritz method (RRM),
(Tip : take as a trial function v(x) = α sin πx
L
)
- the strength of materials (SOM),
- the nite element method (FEM).

During this exercise, we always work with the structural axes Oxy .
1) Rayleigh-Ritz method (RRM) (cf. workshop exercises 2 and 3)

,→ trial function proposed in the wording

πx dv(x) απ πx d2 v(x) απ 2 πx
v(x) = α sin ⇒ = cos ⇒ 2
= − 2
sin
L dx L L dx L L
In our case, the support conditions imply
v(0) = v(L) = 0
Remark : Therefore, the trial function does satisfy the essential boundary conditions.

,→ Strain energy (beam in simple bending, cf. theoretical reminders)

2
EI L d2 v
Z 
⇒ U = dx
2 0 dx2
EI  π 4 2 L 2 πx EI  π 4 2 L
Z Z  
2πx
⇔ U = α sin dx = α 1 − cos dx
2 L 0 L 4 L 0 L
rev. 21 31

So, it comes
EI π 4 2
  
L 2πL
⇒ U = α L− sin
4 L4 2π L
4
EIπ 2
⇔ U = α
4L3

,→ Potential energy of external applied loads

Generally, we have
Z L
P= q̄(x)v(x) dx + T̄ v(x)nx ST
+ M̄ θ(x)nx SM
0

In our case, the loading is such that

• T̄ = 0 : there are no concentrated forces applied to the beam ends,
• M̄ = 0 : there are no concentrated moments applied to the beam ends,
• q̄(x) = −P1 δ(x − a) − P2 δ(x − a − b) 9

So, it remains
Z L
P= [−P1 δ(x − a)v(x) − P2 δ(x − a − b)v(x)] dx = −P1 v(a) − P2 v(a + b)
0

In total, we have
 
πa π(a + b)
P = −α P1 sin + P2 sin = −αQ
L L
where it is assumed that
πa π(a + b)
Q = P1 sin + P2 sin = 223, 5602 [N]
L L
,→ Variational principle on displacement

In our case, the variational principle (i.e. the minimisation of the total potential energy)
gives us :
∂(U − P)
⇒ = 0
∂α
EIπ 4
⇔ α+Q = 0
2L3
2L3
⇔ α = − Q = −3, 4153 [mm]
EIπ 4
9 Inthis case (1D problem and concentrated loads), the loading has to be chosen such that we recover the
product of the concentrated load and the vertical displacement at its point of application in the expression
of P .
rev. 21 32

,→ Vertical displacement eld

2L3
  
πa π(a + b) πx πx
v(x) = − 4
P1 sin + P2 sin sin = −3, 4153 sin [mm]
EIπ L L L 5000

The vertical displacement at the points of application of the two concentrated loads will
be used as reference values for further comparison (SOM formulas and FEM generalized
displacements):

Vertical::::::::::::::
• :::::::: displacement:::
at:::::::
x = a: v(a) = α sin πa
L
= − 2, 763 [mm]

Vertical::::::::::::::
• :::::::: displacement:::
at:::::::::::
x = a + b: v(a + b) = α sin π(a+b)
L
= − 3, 2481 [mm]

2) Strength of Materials (SOM)

The SOM demonstrates the following formulas for this kind of problem :
P
y

O x
d

[d(2L − d) − x2 ] if x ≤ d
(
v bef oreP (x) = − P (L−d)x
6LEI
v(x) =
v af terP (x) = − P d(L−x)
6LEI
[L2 − d2 − (L − x)2 ] if x > d

We use the superposition principle to apply the formulas to our problem with 2 concentrated
loads P1 and P2 .

,→ Vertical displacement eld due to the applied load P1 at x = a

[a(2L − a) − x2 ] , if x ≤ a
(
vPbef
1
oreP
(x) = − P16LEI
(L−a)x

vPaf1 terP (x) = − P16LEI

a(L−x)
[L2 − a2 − (L − x)2 ] , if x > a

,→ Vertical displacement eld due to the applied load P2 at x = a + b

[(a + b)(2L − (a + b)) − x2 ] , if x ≤ a + b

(
vPbef
2
oreP
(x) = − P2 [L−(a+b)]x
6LEI
vPaf2 terP (x) = − P2 (a+b)(L−x)
6LEI
[L2 − (a + b)2 − (L − x)2 ] , if x > a + b

,→ Superposition principle

if 0 ≤ x ≤ a : v(x) = vPbef
1
oreP
(x) + vPbef
2
oreP
(x)
if a ≤ x ≤ a + b : v(x) = vPaf1 terP (x) + vPbef2 oreP (x)
if a + b ≤ x ≤ L : v(x) = vPaf1 terP (x) + vPaf2 terP (x)
rev. 21 33

So, we have
Vertical::::::::::::::
• :::::::: displacement:::
at:::::::
x = a:

P1 (L − a)a   P1 (L − a)2 a2
vPbef oreP
(a) = − 2
a(2L − a) − a = = −1, 098 [mm]
1
6LEI 3LEI
P2 [L − (a + b)] a 
vPbef oreP 2
= −1, 6741 [mm]

(a) = − (a + b)(2L − (a + b)) − a
2
6LEI

⇒ v(a) = −2, 7679 [mm]

Vertical::::::::::::::
• :::::::: displacement:::
at:::::::::::
x = a + b:
P1 [L − (a + b)] a  2
vPaf1 terP (a + b) = − L − a2 − (L − (a + b))2 = −1, 1161 [mm]

6LEI
P 2 [L − (a + b)] (a + b) 
vPbef oreP 2

(a + b) = − (a + b)(2L − (a + b)) − (a + b)
2
6LEI
P [L − (a + b)]2 (a + b)2
= −2, 1429 [mm]
2
vPbef oreP
(a + b) = −
2
3LEI

⇒ v(a + b) = −3, 2589 [mm]

3) FEM solution

Beam nite elements of 3 degree (4 connectors) will be used because

rd

• we know that the exact solution in simple bending can be recovered, if the bending
moment M (x) is a continuous linear function along the beam element span;
• the stiness matrix and the shape functions are known.

Consider three beam nite elements of 3 degree rd

P2
P1
vB = v2(1) = v1(2) vC = v2(2) = v1(3) vD = v2(3)
vA = v1(1)

Element (1) Element (2) Element (3)

(1) (2) (3)
Nd. A L = a Nd. B L = b Nd. C L = c = L-(a+b) Nd. D
(1) (1) (2) (2) (3)
qA = q1 qB = q2 = q1 qC = q2 = q1 qD = q2
(3)

We choose to apply the load P1 to the element (1) and the load P2 to the element (2).
,→ Structural generalized displacement vector q (s)

q (s) = [vA θA vB θB vC θC vD θD ]T
rev. 21 34

,→ Structural stiness matrix K (s)

Element ::::
• ::::::::: (1) :

Prismatic beam of length L(1) = a and bending stiness EI :

     
(e1 )
12 6a −12 6a v v
   1   A
2 2  (e1 )   
−6a

EI  6a 4a 2a  θ1  θA 
⇒ K (e1 ) = 3  ; q (e1 ) =
 (e1 )  =  
  
a 
−12 −6a 12 −6a

v2  vB 
     
2 2 (e1 )
6a 2a −6a 4a θ2 θB

INDEX(1, 1:4) = [1 2 3 4]
vA θA vB θB

Element ::::
• ::::::::: (2) :

Prismatic beam of length L(2) = b and bending stiness EI :

     
(e )
12 6b −12 6b v 2 v
   1   B
2 2  (e2 )   
6b 4b −6b 2b 
 
EI  θ1  θB 
⇒ K (e2 ) = 3  ; q (e2 )  (e2 )  =  
=   
b 
−12 −6b 12 −6b

v2  vC 
     
2 2 (e2 )
6b 2b −6b 4b θ2 θC

INDEX(2, 1:4) = [3 4 5 6]
vB θB vC θC

Element ::::
• ::::::::: (3) :

Prismatic beam of length L(3) = L − (a + b) = c and bending stiness EI :

     
(e )
12 6c −12 6c v1 3 v
     C
2 2  (e3 )   
6c 4c −6c 2c 
 
EI  θ1   θC 
⇒ K (e3 ) = 3 
 ; q (e3 ) =
 (e3 )  =  
  
c −12 −6c 12 −6c  v2  vD 
     
2 2 (e3 )
6c 2c −6c 4c θ2 θD

INDEX(3, 1:4) = [5 6 7 8]
vC θC vD θD
rev. 21 35

We assemble the structural stiness matrix of the three elements, taking into account their
respective length . 10

 
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
6b c 3ab c −6b c 3ab c 0 0 0 0
 
  vA
 3ab3 c3 2a2 b3 c3 3 3
−3ab c
2 3 3
   
a b c 0 0 0 0   θA 
   
 −6b3 c3 −3ab3 c3 3 3 3 3 3 3
−3ab c + 3ba c
3 3 3 3
−6a c
3 3
   
6b c + 6a c 3ba c 0 0  vB 
   
2EI  3ab3 c3 a2 b3 c3 −3ab3 c3 + 3ba3 c3 2a2 b3 c3 + 2b2 a3 c3 3 3 2 3 3
   
−3ba c b a c 0 0 θ 
(s)  ; q (s) =  B 

K = 
a3 b3 c3  3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3  vC 
   
 0 0 −6a c −3ba c 6a b + 6a c 3ca b − 3ba c −6a b 3ca b 
  
 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 
 θC 
 

 0 0 3ba c b a c 3ca b − 3ba c 2c a b + 2b a c −3ca b c a b 
  
 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 
vD 
 

 0 0 0 0 −6a b −3ca b 6a b −3ca b 

0 0 0 0
3 3
3ca b
2 3 3
c a b
3 3 2 3 3
−3ca b 2c a b θD

,→ Structural generalized load vector g (s)

In the case of a beam in simple bending, we have

Z L
(e) dNi (x)
gi = Ni (x)q̄(x) dx + Ni (x)T̄ nx ST
+ M̄ nx
0 dx SM

Element ::::
• ::::::::: (1):

In our case, the loading is such that

• M̄ = 0, there are no concentrated moments ap- P1

plied to the beam ends,

Element (1)
• q̄(x) = 0, there are no distributed forces, (1)
Nd. A L = a Nd. B

• T̄ = −P1 and nx = +1 at x = L(1) = a.

     
(e )
N1 1 (a) 0 vA
     
 (e1 )     
(e1 )
N2 (a) 0 θA 
⇒ g = −P1 
  = −P 1
 ; q (e1 ) = 
(e1 )     
N3 (a) 1 vB 
     
(e )
N4 1 (a) 0 θB

Element ::::
• ::::::::: (2):
P2

In our case, the loading is the same as the one of element

(1) with P2 instead of P1 and b instead of a :
Element (2)
(2)
Nd. B L = b Nd. C
     
(e2 )
N1(b) 0 vB
     
 (e2 )     
N2 (b) 0 θB 
⇒ g (e2 ) = −P2 
  = −P2 
 ;
 q (e2 ) = 
(e2 )   
N3 (b) 1 vC 
     
(e2 )
N4 (b) 0 θC
10 Legend : Element (1) Element (2) Element (3)
rev. 21 36

Element ::::
• ::::::::: (3):

In our case, there are no applied loads :

   
0 vC
   
   
0  θC 
⇒ g (e3 )  ;
=  q (e3 ) =
 

0 vD 
   
0 θD

Assembling :
• :::::::::::: 11

g (s) = (0 0 − P1 0 − P2 0 0 0)T ; q (s) = (vA θA vB θB vC θC vD θD )T

Check :

In the case of a beam, the work done by the external forces P is

Z L
CM F EM
P = γ̄(x)v(x)dx ' q (s)T g (s)
0
Thus, one may check:
• the resultant force

 Continuum Mechanics:

If v(x) = 1, one gets:

Z L
⇒ P= −P1 δ(x − a) − P2 δ(x − a − b)dx = (−P1 − P2 ) × |{z}
1
0 | {z }
Resultant force
v(x)

 Finite Element Method:

 
dv(x)
If v(x) = 1 = 0 , one has
dx

vA = vB = vC = vD = 1 and θA = θB = θC = θD = 0,
11 Normally, one should add the contribution of the reaction forces RA and RD at nodes A and D respectively
in the structural generalized load vector g (s) .
rev. 21 37

and one gets

 
0
 
 0 
 
 
−P1 
 
 
 
 0 

⇒ P = 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0  
−P2 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 
 0 
 
0
⇔ P = (−P1 − P2 ) × |{z}
1
| {z }
Resultant force
v(x)

• the resultant moment with respect to the origin O:

 Continuum Mechanics:

If v(x) = x, one gets

Z L
⇒ P = (−P1 δ(x − a) − P2 δ(x − a − b))x dx
0
⇔ P = (−P1 a − P2 (a + b)) × |{z}
1
| {z }
dv(x)
Resultant moment

dx

 Finite Element Method:

 
dv(x)
If v(x) = x = 1 , one has
dx

vA = 0, vB = a, vC = a + b, vD = L and θA = θB = θC = θD = 1,
rev. 21 38

one gets
 
0
 
 0 
 
 
−P1 
 
 
 
 0 

⇒ P = 0 1 a 1 a+b 1 L 1  
−P2 
 
 
 
 0 
 
 
 0 
 
0
⇔ P = (−P1 a − P2 (a + b)) × |{z}
1
| {z }
dv(x)
Resultant moment

dx

Remark :

If we had chosen, for example, to apply the two loads P1 and P2 to the element (2), we would
have obtained the same result.
Element ::::
• ::::::::: (1) ::::
and:::::::::
element ::::
(3) : no applied load
 T
⇒ g (e1 ) = g (e3 ) = 0 0 0 0

Element ::::
• ::::::::: (2):

In our case, the loading is such that

• M̄ = 0, there are no concentrated moments applied to the beam ends,
• q̄(x) = 0, there are no distributed forces,
• T̄ = P1 and nx = −1 at x = 0,
• T̄ = −P2 and nx = 1 at x = L(2) = b.
rev. 21 39

   
(e2 ) (e )
N1 (0) N1 2 (b)
   
 (e2 )   (e2 ) 
N2 (0) N2 (b)
⇒ g (e2 )  (e2 )  − P2  (e2 ) 
= −P1    
N3 (0) N2 (b) P2
    P1
(e ) (e )
N4 2 (0) N4 2 (b)
     
Element (2)
1 0 −P
   1
(2)
  Nd. B L = b Nd. C
     
0 0  0 
⇔ g (e2 )   − P2   = 
= −P1      
1 −P2 

0
     
0 0 0

After assembling, we do nd one more time the same structural consistent generalized load
vector.

The construction of the structural consistent generalized load vector can thus be done
in an intuitive way for concentrated loads applied to the nodes of a structure (cf. workshop
exercises 1). This comes from the use of shape functions that respect the condition to be
unitary at the corresponding DOF, and null at the others.

Remark that it is also the case of the rotations, to which we can apply a concentrated
moment : this concentrated moment is considered as positive when it is applied in the direc-
tion of θ1 or θ2 .
rev. 21 40

N1(x)

0 x
L

N2(x) N4(x)

θ=45°
0 x 0 θ=45° x
L L
rev. 21 41

,→ Solving

Because of the support conditions vA = vD = 0, we remove the rows and columns 1 and
7 of the 8 × 8 linear system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) .

We replace each parameter with its corresponding numerical value and we solve this system
of equations. It comes    
v 0
 A  
 θA  −0, 8021
   
   
vB  −2, 7679
   
   
θB  −0, 8013
   
q (s) = =
   
vC  −3, 2589

   
   
 θC   0, 0007 
   
   
vD   0 
   
θD 0, 0021
So, we have

vB = v(a) = −2, 7679 [mm] et vC = v(a + b) = −3, 2589 [mm]

4) Comparison (of the vertical displacement at the application points of the two loads P1 and
P2 )

v(x) [mm] at x = a (load P1 ) v(x) [mm] at x = a + b (load P2 )

RRM v(a) = −2.763 v(a + b) = −3.2481
∧ ∧
SOM v(a) = −2.7679 v(a + b) = −3.2589
k k
FEM v(a) = −2.7679 v(a + b) = −3.2589

• The FEM calculation with 3 beam nite elements of 3 degree gives the exact solution.
rd

• The RRM calculation with the trial function proposed in the wording underestimates
the vertical displacements at the application points of the applied loads, i.e. it overes-
timates the bending stiness of the beam.
v RRM (a) − v SOM (a) = −0, 0048 [mm]
(

v RRM (a + b) − v SOM (a + b) = −0, 0108 [mm]

rev. 21 42

Exercise n◦4: Doubly clamped bar with distributed load.

Consider a doubly clamped bar of constant extensional stiness EA [N.m2 ] along its length
L [m]. This bar is loaded by a distributed load τ over its length.

If the bar is discretized by two K.A. linear bar ele-

ments, you are asked to :
- show that the displacement value uL1 at the in-
termediate node x = L1 is the same for the
nite element and the exact solution, what-
ever the value L1 ∈ ]0, L[ ;
- determine the optimal position of the interme-
diate node x = L1 , that makes the error be- Figure 4: Exercise n◦ 4 statement
tween the nite element and the exact solu-
tion minimum over the bar.

During this exercise, we always work in the structural axes Oxy .

1) FEM discretization

The structural nodal displacements vector

is:
q (s) = [u0 uL1 uL ]T

,→ Elementary stiness matrix for each bar element K (e)

Element 1 : extensional stiness EA and L(e1 ) = L1

   
EA  −1
1 u0
K (e1 ) = ; q (e1 ) =  
L1 −1 1 uL1

Element 2 : extensional stiness EA and L(e2 ) = L − L1

   
EA  1 −1 uL1
K (e1 ) = ; q (e2 ) =  
L − L1 −1 1 uL
rev. 21 43

,→ Structural stiness matrix K (s)

After assembly, one gets :

   
1
− L11 0 u
 L1   0
K (s) = EA − L1 1 1 1 
− L−L ; q (s) = uL1 
  
L1
+ L−L1
 1 1  
1 1
0 − L−L1 L−L1
uL

,→ Nodal loads vector for each bar element g (e)

Element 1 : uniform load τ and L(e1 ) = L1

   
1
(e1 )  2  τ L1 1
g (e1 ) = τ L =
1 2 1
2

Element 2 : uniform load τ and L(e2 ) = L − L1

   
1
(e2 )  2  τ (L − L1 ) 1
g (e2 ) = τ L =
1 2 1
2

,→ Structural nodal loads vector g (s)

After assembly, one gets :

 
τ L1
2
+ R0
 
(s) τL
g =
 
2

 
τ (L−L1 )
2
+ RL
where R0 and RL are the reaction forces respectively at x = 0 and x = L.
,→ Structural nodal displacements q (s)

We have to solve the 3 × 3 linear system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) :

⇒ K (s) q (s) = g (s)

    
1 τ L1
− L11 0 u + R0
 L1  0   2 
⇔ EA − L1 1 1
− L−L 1  = τL
     
L1
+ L−L1
u L 1
  2

 1 1   
1 1 τ (L−L1 )
0 − L−L1 L−L1
uL 2
+ RL
rev. 21 44

Taking into account the support conditions u0 = 0 and uL = 0, one gets the reduced structural
equation :
 
1 1 τL
⇒ EA + uL1 =
L1 L − L1 2
τ
⇔ uL1 = L1 (L − L1 )
2EA

2) Exact solution

The exact solution satises

• Equilibrium equation

⇒ dN + τ dx = 0
dN
⇔ +τ = 0
dx
dσ
A=
⇔
const.
A + τ = 0, ∀x ∈ [0, L] (1)
dx
• Strain displacement equation
du
ε= , ∀x ∈ [0, L] (2)
dx

• Constitutive equation
σ = Eε, ∀x ∈ [0, L] (3)
• Boundary conditions

- Kinematic
u = 0, x=0
u = 0, x=L

If we insert Eqs. (2) and (3) into Eq. (1), one gets a linear second order ordinary dierential
equation for the displacement eld u(x):
d2 u τ
⇒ 2
+ = 0, ∀x ∈ [0, L]
dx EA
By integrating twice this equation immediately, one has
τ
⇒ u(x) = − x2 + C 0 x + C 1 , ∀x ∈ [0, L]
2EA
where C0 and C1 are integration constants.
rev. 21 45

In order to determine these constants, one has to impose the boundary conditions :
⇒ u(0) = 0
⇔ C1 = 0

⇒ u(L) = 0
2
τL
⇔ − + C0 L + C1 = 0
2EA
τL
⇔ C0 =
2EA

Finally, the exact solution is

τL
⇒ u(x) = x(L − x), ∀x ∈ [0, L]
2EA
If we evaluate the expression u(x) at x = L1 ,
τL
u(L1 ) = L1 (L − L1 ) ⇒ u(L1 ) = uL1
2EA | {z } |{z}
exact FEM

we get the same value as the one obtained with the FEM.

Figure 5: Exact and FEM solutions.

3) Optimal position of the intermediate node x = L1

In Figure 5, we notice that the FEM solution is always exact at the connectors for this prob-
lem. Between the connectors, the exact solution (a quadratic polynomial) is approximated
by a piecewise linear polynomial.
rev. 21 46

The error criterion is assumed to be the hatched surface represented in Figure 5, which is
the dierence between the area under the curve u (x) and the curve u (x) :
exact FEM

Z L
⇒ error(L1 ) = u
exact (x) − u
(x, L1 ) dx
FEM
0
Z L Z L1 Z L−L1
τx
⇔ error(L1 ) = (L − x) dx − (e1 )
u (s, L1 ) ds − u(e2 ) (s, L1 ) ds
0 2EA 0 0
Z L Z L1  
τ s s
⇔ error(L1 ) = 2
xL − x dx − 1− u0 + uL1 ds
2EA 0 0 L1 L1
Z L−L1  
s s
− 1− uL1 + uL ds
0 L − L1 L − L1

 2
L3 L21 (L − L1 )2
  
τ L uL1 1
⇔ error(L1 ) = L− − × − uL1 (L − L1 ) −
2EA 2 3 L1 2 L − L1 2
3
 
τ L L1 L − L1
⇔ error(L1 ) = × − uL1 + L − L1 −
2EA 6 2 2
3
τ L τ L
⇔ error(L1 ) = × − L1 (L − L1 )
2EA  6 2EA 2
τ L L2 L1

⇔ error(L1 ) = − (L − L1 )
4EA 3 2
3
 2 
τL 3L1 3L1
⇔ error(L1 ) = − +2
24EA L2 L

The optimal position of the intermediate node L1 is the one that makes the function error(s)
minimum :
τ L3 L1
error(s) = (3s2 − 3s + 2), with s =
24EA L
Using the stationary condition, it comes :
d error ∗
⇒ (s ) = 0
ds
τ L3
⇔ (6s∗ − 3) = 0
24EA
1
⇔ s∗ =
2
L
⇔ L∗1 =
2

Remark : the error(s) function is a quadratic polynomial with no roots since the discriminant
is negative :
ρ = 9 − 24 < 0
It implies that there is no position of the intermediate node at x = L1 such that the function
error(s) is equal to zero.
rev. 21 47

Exercise n◦5: Clamped bar with concentrated and dis-

tributed loads.
Consider a clamped bar of constant extensional stiness EA [N.m2 ] along its length L [m].
This bar is loaded by a concentrated load P at its end, and a distributed load γ̄ over its
length.
If the bar is discretized by a K.A. linear bar ele-
ment, you are asked to
- write down the structural stiness matrix;
- write down the structural nodal loads vector;
- compute the structural nodal displacements;
Figure 6: Wording of exercise n◦ 5
- compute the reaction force at the restraint.

During this exercise, we always work in the structural axes Oxy .

FEM discretization

The structural nodal displacements vector is:

q (s) = [u1 u2 ]T

,→ Structural stiness matrix K (s)

   
EA  1 −1 u1
K (s) = ; q (s) = 
L −1 1 u2

,→ Structural nodal loads vector g (s)

Using the superposition principle, one gets :

     
γ̄L 1 0 u1
⇒ g (s) = +  ; q (s) = 
2 1 F u2
| {z } | {z }
distributed load γ̄ concentrated load F
   
γ̄L
(s) 2
u1
⇔ g =  ; q (s) = 
γ̄L
2
+F u2
rev. 21 48

,→ Structural nodal displacements q (s)

We have to solve the 2 × 2 linear system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) :

K (s) q (s) = g (s)

⇒
    
γ̄L
EA  1 −1 u1   2 
⇔ =
L −1 1 u2 γ̄L
+F
2

Taking into account the support condition u1 = 0, one gets the reduced structural equation :
EA γ̄L
⇒ u2 = +F
L 2  
L γ̄L
⇔ u2 = +F
EA 2
γ̄L2 FL
⇔ u2 = +
2EA EA

,→ Reaction force

We use the equilibrium equation at node 1, i.e. the rst equation of the 2 × 2 linear system
of equation K (s) q (s) = g (s) . The out of balance force must be equal to the reaction force :
EA γ̄L
⇒ (u1 − u2 ) − = F Reaction

| L {z 2
F INT F EXT
} |{z}
2
 
u1 =0 EA γ̄L FL γ̄L
⇔ − + − = F Reaction
L 2EA EA 2
⇔ F Reaction = −γ̄L − F

Note that the F Reaction is always positive in the direction of the axes.
rev. 21 49

Exercise n◦6: Doubly clamped beam and concentrated tor-

sional torques.
Consider a doubly clamped beam of constant torsional stiness GJ [N.m2 ] along its span
L [m]. This beam is loaded by two torsional moments MTA [N.m] and MTB [N.m] applied
respectively at x = L3 (point A) and x = 2L
3
(point B ).
If this beam is discretized by three identical beam
elements, you are asked to :
- compute the torsional angles at points A and
B;

- compute the torsional reaction moments at the

restraints. Figure 7: Wording of exercise n◦ 6

During this exercise, we always work in the structural axes Oxy .

1) S.o.M. analysis

Consider a clamped beam with a constant circular cross section submitted to a torsional
torque at its free end.
Kinematic relations
::::::::::::::::::::

dψ
⇒ θ =
dx
θ= cst
⇔ ψ(x) = θx + ψ(0)
(L)
ψ(L) − ψ(0)
⇔ θ = , (1)
L
where θ is the torsional angle per unit span.
γ = rθ, (2)
where γ is the engineer shear strain and r is the distance
of any material point with respect to the centroid of
the cross section.
Constitutive equation
::::::::::::::::::::::
τ = Gγ, (3)
where τ is the shear stress and G is the shear modulus.

Resultant torsional moment

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Z
MT = τ r dS, (4)
S
rev. 21 50

where MT is the torsional moment resulting from straining and S is the cross section area.

By injecting successively Eqs. (3), (2) and (1) into Eq. (4), it comes
Z
⇒ MT = Gγr dS
SZ

⇔ MT = G θr2 dS
S Z
GJ
⇔ MT = (ψ(L) − ψ(0)) with the polar inertia J = r2 dS
L S

,→ Torsional beam element

By inspection, one deduces
(
MT1 = −MT GJ
⇒ and MT = (ψ2 − ψ1 )
MT2 = MT L
(
GJ
MT1 = L
(ψ1 − ψ2 )
⇔ GJ
MT2 = L
(ψ2 − ψ1 )
where MT1 and MT2 are the internal torsional torques.

In matrix form, it comes :

   
M 1 −1 ψ
 T1  = GJ    1 ⇔ F INT ,(e)
= K (e) q (e)
MT2 L −1 1 ψ2

2) FEM discretization
The structural generalized displacements vec-
tor is:
q (s) = [ψG ψA ψB ψD ]T ,

where the symbol ψ denotes the torsional

angle.
,→ Elementary stiness matrix for each element K (e)

Element 1 : torsional stiness GJ and L(e1 ) =

::::::::::
L
3
  
3GJ  1 −1 ψG
K (e1 ) = ; q (e1 ) =  
L −1 1 ψA
rev. 21 51

Element 2 : torsional stiness GJ and L(e2 ) =

::::::::::
L
3

  
3GJ  1 −1 ψA
K (e2 ) = ; q (e2 ) =  
L −1 1 ψB

Element 3 : torsional stiness GJ and L(e3 ) =

::::::::::
L
3

  
3GJ  −1 1 ψB
K (e3 ) = ; q (e3 ) =  
L −1 1 ψD

,→ Structural stiness matrix K (s)

After assembly, one gets :

   
1 −1 0 0 ψG
   
−1 2 −1 0 
   
3GJ   ψA 
K (s) =  ; q (s) = 
L  0 −1 2 −1
  
ψB 
   
0 0 −1 1 ψD

,→ Structural generalized loads vector g (s)

Since the structure is loaded by concentrated torsional torques at the nodes, one gets imme-
diately by inspection:  
MR
 TG 
 
MTA 
g (s) =

,

MTB 
 
MTRD
where MTRG and MTRD are the reaction torsional torques respectively at nodes G and D.
,→ Structural generalized displacements vector q (s)

We have to solve the 4 × 4 linear system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) :

⇒ K (s) q (s) = g (s)

    
R
1 −1 0 0 ψ M
   G   TG 
−1 2 −1 0   ψA  MTA 
    
3GJ 
⇔    =  
L  0 −1 2 −1 ψB  MTB 
   
    
R
0 0 −1 1 ψD MTD
rev. 21 52

Taking into account the support conditions ψG = 0 and ψD = 0, one gets the 2 × 2 reduced
linear system of equations :
    
3GJ  2 −1 ψ M
  A  =  TA 
L 1 2 ψB MTB
K RED q RED g RED
| {z } | {z } | {z }

The determinant of K RED

is :
RED
det K = 2 × 2 − (−1) × (−1) = 3

The inverse of K RED

is  
RED

−1 L 1 2 1
K = × 
3GJ 3 1 2

The reduced generalized displacements q RED

are
RED RED

−1 RED
⇒ q = g K
    
ψ 2 1 M
⇔  A = L    TA 
ψB 9GJ 1 2 MTB
   
ψ 2M + MTB
⇔  A  = L  TA 
ψB 9GJ MTA + 2MTB

,→ Reaction torsional torques

We use the equilibrium equations at the nodes G and D, i.e. the rst and last equations of
the 4 × 4 linear system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) :
 
ψ
   G  
R
−1
 
3GJ  1 0 0 ψ M
  A  =  TG 
 
⇒
L 0 0 −1 1 ψB 
 
MTRD
 
ψD
   
R
3GJ −ψA  MT
⇔ =  G
L −ψB MTRD
rev. 21 53

   
MR 3GJ L 2MTA + MTB 
⇔  TG  = − ×
MTRD L 9GJ MT + 2MT
A B
   
2M M
MR − 3TA − 3TB
⇔  TG  =  
R MTA 2MTB
MTD − 3 − 3

Note that MTRG and MTRD are always positive in the direction of the axis Ox.
rev. 21 54

Exercise n◦7: Simply supported beam with distributed

load.
Consider a simply supported beam made up of aluminum (E = 70 [kN/mm2 ]) and loaded
by a distributed load q(x), which varies linearly from the value 75 [kN/m] at x = 0 to
150 [kN/m] at x = L. The beam's length is 2.5 [m] and the beam cross section dimensions
are 25 [cm] × 25 [cm].

You are asked to compare the solution ob-

tained with : 150 kN/m
q(x)
- two identical beam elements with a K.A. 75 kN/m
y
vertical displacement eld of 3 degree :
rd

O
• compute the generalized displace- x

ments; L
• compute the reaction forces.
Figure 8: Wording of exercise n◦ 7
- the strength of materials (S.o.M.).

During this exercise, we always work in the structural axes Oxy .

1) FEM discretization

The beam is decomposed into two beam elements. The structural generalized displacements
vector is (3 × 2 DOFs per node = 6 DOFs) :
q (s) = [v1 θ1 v2 θ2 v3 θ3 ]T

v1 v2 v3
θ1 (1) θ2 (2) θ3
1 EI 2 EI 3

L/2 L/2

Figure 9: Beam nite element discretization.

rev. 21 55

,→ Elementary stiness matrix for each beam element K (e)

Element ::
• ::::::::: 1 :: bending stiness EI and length L(e1 ) = L2
   
(e1 ) (e1 ) (e )
12 6L −12 6L v 1

2   1 
 (e1 ) (e )

2 (e ) (e )  (e1 ) 
−6L

(e1 ) EI  6L 4 L 1 1
2 L 1  (e1 )
θ1 
⇒K = 3
 ; q =
 (e1 ) 

(L(e1 ) )  −12 −6L (e1 )
12 −6L (e1 )   v2 

  
(e1 ) 2 (e1 ) 2 (e1 )
(e1 )

(e1 )
6L 2 L −6L 4 L θ2
   
12 3L −12 3L v
   1
2 1 2
−3L 2 L 
  
8EI  3L L θ1 
⇔ K (e1 ) = 3  ; q (e1 ) = 
L −12 −3L 12 −3L


 
v2 
   
1 2 2
3L 2 L −3L L θ2

INDEX(1, 1:4) = [1 2 3 4]
v1 θ1 v2 θ2

Element ::
• ::::::::: 2 :: bending stiness EI and length L(e2 ) = L
2

   
(e )
12 6L(e2 ) −12 6L(e2 ) v1 2

  
(e2 ) 2 (e2 ) 2   (e2 ) 
 (e2 )
(e2 )
EI  6L 4 L −6L 2 L  θ1 
⇒ K (e2 ) = 3
 ; q (e2 ) =
 (e2 ) 

(L(e2 ) )  −12

−6L (e2 )
12 −6L (e2 ) 
 v2 
   
(e2 ) 2 (e2 ) 2 (e2 )



6L(e2 ) 2 L −6L (e2 )
4 L θ2
   
12 3L −12 3L v
   2
2 1 2
−3L 2 L 
  
8EI  3L L θ2 
⇔ K (e2 ) = 3  ; q (e2 ) = 
L −12 −3L 12 −3L
  
v3 
   
3L 12 L2 −3L L2 θ3

INDEX(2, 1:4) = [3 4 5 6]
v2 θ2 v3 θ3
rev. 21 56

,→ Structural stiness matrix K (s)

After assembly, one gets : 12

   
12 3L −12
3L 0 0 v
1 2  1
L2
 
 3L −3L L 0 0   θ1 
 
 2   
−12 −3L 12 + 12 −3L + 3L −12 3L 
   
8EI  v2 
K (s) = 3  1 2 1  ; q (s) =
 
L  3L L −3L + 3L L2 + L2 −3L L2   
 θ2 
 2 2   
 0
 0 −12 −3L 12 −3L 
  
v3 
 1 2 2

−3L L
 
0 0 3L L
2 θ3

which gives, after simplications :

   
24 6L −24 6L 0 0 v
   1
2
 6L 2L −6L L 2
0 0   θ1 
   
   
4EI −24 −6L 48 −24 6L 
   
 0 v2 
K (s) = 3  ; q (s) = 
L  6L L2
0 2
4L −6L L  2   
 θ2 
   
−24 −6L 24 −6L
   
 0 0 v3 
   
2 2
0 0 6L L −6L 2L θ3

,→ Generalized loads vector for each beam element g (e)

(e)
q (x) q(e)2
y
(e)
q1

1 2
o x
(e)
L
Figure 10: Loading applied to a beam element.

At the elementary level, the loading is trapezoidal :

(e) (e)
 x   x  (e)
q (x) = q1 1 − (e) + q
L L(e) 2
12 Legend : Element (1) Element (2)
rev. 21 57

In the case of a beam element submitted to a distributed load q (e) (x) in simple bending, one
has : Z (e) L
(e)
gi = Ni (x) q (e) (x) dx
0
with the shape functions :
3 2 2 3 (e)
N1 (x) = 1 − L2
x + L3
x (v1 )
(e)
N2 (x) = x − L2 x2 + 1 3
L2
x (θ1 )
3 2 2 3 (e)
N3 (x) = L2
x − L3
x (v2 )
(e)
N4 (x) = − L1 x2 + 1 3
L2
x (θ2 )

So, it comes (cf. integrals in the annex) :

!
Z L(e)
(e) 3 2 2 3

(e)
 x   x  (e) 
⇒ g1 = 1− 2x + 3x q1 1− + q dx
0 (L(e) ) (L(e) ) L(e) L(e) 2
 
(e) (e)
Z L(e) 2 q 2 − q1 (e)
3q2 − 5q1
(e)
3q1
(e) (e)
q2 − q1
(e)
(e) (e)
⇔ g1 = 4 x4 − 3 x3 − 2
2x + + q1 dx
0 (L(e) ) (L(e) ) (e)
(L ) L(e)
 
(e) (e)
2 q2 − q 1 (e) (e) (e) (e)
3q − 5q1 (e) 3q1 (e) q2 − q1 (e)
(e)
(e) (e)
⇔ g1 = L(e) − 2 L − L + L + q1 L(e)
5 4 3 2
 
(e) 3 (e) 7 (e)
⇔ g1 = q + q1 L(e)
20 2 20

!
Z L(e)
(e) 2 2 1 3

(e)
 x   x  (e) 
⇒ g2 = x − (e) x + x q 1 1 − + q dx
0 L (L(e) )
2
L(e) L(e) 2
L(e) (e) (e) (e) (e) (e) (e)
q2 − q1 2q2 − 3q1 q2 − 3q1 2
Z
(e) (e)
⇔ g2 = 3 x4 − 2 x3 + x + q1 x dx
0 (L(e) ) (L(e) ) L(e)
(e) (e) (e) (e) (e) (e) (e)
(e) q − q1 (e) 2 2q − 3q1 (e) 2 q − 3q1 (e) 2 q
2
= 2 − 2 + 2 + 1 L(e)




⇔ g2 L L L
5 4 3 2
!
(e) (e)
(e) q2 q
2
⇔ g2 = + 1 L(e)
30 20
rev. 21 58

!
Z L(e)
(e) 3 2 3

(e) 2
 x   x  (e) 
⇒ g3 = 2x − x q 1 1 − + q dx
0 (L(e) ) (L(e) )
3
L(e) L(e) 2
 
Z L(e) 2 q (e) − q (e) (e) (e) (e)
(e) 2 1 3q2 − 5q1 3 3q1 2
⇔ g3 = − 4 + 3 x + 2 x dx
(L )(e) (e)
(L ) (e)
(L )
0
 
(e) (e)
2 q2 − q1 (e) (e)
3q2 − 5q1 (e+ ) 3q1 (e)
(e)
(e) (e)
⇔ g3 =− L + L L
5 4 3
 
(e) 7 (e) 3 (e)
⇔ g3 = q + q1 L(e)
20 2 20

!
Z L(e)
(e) 1 1 
(e)
 x   x  (e) 
⇒ g4 = − (e) x2 + 2x
3
q1 1 − (e) + q dx
0 L (e)
(L ) L L(e) 2
L(e) (e) (e) (e) (e) (e) (e)
q2 − q1 q2 − q1
Z
(e) q q
⇔ g4 = 2
3
x + 3 x − 1(e) x2 + 1(e) x2 dx
4
0 (L(e) ) (L(e) ) L L
(e) (e) (e) (e) (e)
(e) q2 − q1
2 q − 2q1
2 q1
2
⇔ g4 = L(e) − 2 L(e) − L(e)
5 4 3
 
(e) 1 (e) 1 (e)
2
⇔ g4 = − q2 − q1 L(e)
20 30

Check :
In the case of a beam element submitted to a distributed load q (e) (x) in simple bending, the
work done by external forces P is :
Z L(e)
C.M. F.E.M. T
P = v (e) (x) q (e) (x) dx ≈ q (e) g (e)
0

Thus, one may check :

• the resultant force
- Continuum Mechanics :

If v (e) (x) = 1, one gets :

L(e) (e) (e)  L(e)
q2 − q 1
Z (e) (e)
(e) q2 −q1 x2 (e)
⇒ P= (e)
x + q1 dx = L
+ 2
q1 x
0 L 0
 
(e) (e) L(e) (e) (e)
= q2 − q1 2
+ q1 L
!
(e) (e)
q2 q
= + 1 L(e) × |{z}
1
2 2
| {z } v(e) (x)
resultant force
rev. 21 59

- Finite Element Method :

dv (e) (x)
 
If v (x) = 1
(e)
= 0 , one has :
dx
(e)
v1 = v2 = 1
(e)
and (e)
θ1 = θ2 = 0,
(e)

and one gets :  

(e)
g
 1 
g2(e) 

 
⇒ P= 1 0 1 0 
 (e) 

g3 
 
(e)
g4
!
  (e) (e)
10 (e) 10 (e) q2 q1
L(e) X |{z}
1 ⇒ OK
(e) (e)
⇔ P = g1 + g3 = q2 + q1 L(e) = +
20 20 2 2 (e)
| {z } v (x)
resultant force

• the resultant moment with respect to the origin O

- Continuum Mechanics :

If v(x) = x, one gets :

!
L(e) (e) (e)
q2 − q1
Z (e) (e)
(e) R L(e) q2 −q1 (e)
⇒ P= x + q1 x dx = 0 L(e)
x2 + q1 x dx
0 L(e)
 L(e)
(e) (e)
q2 −q1 x3 (e) 2
= L(e) 3
+ q1 x2
0
2 (e) 2
( L(e) ) (e) (L )
 
(e) (e)
= q2 − q1 3
+ q1 2
 
(e) 2 (e) 2



 (e) L (e) L
= q2 + q1  × |{z}
1

3 6 }
| {z
resultant moment
dv(x)
dx

- Finite Element Method :

dv (e) (x)
 
If v (e) (x) = x = 1 , one has :
dx
(e)
v1 = 0, v2 = L(e)
(e)
and (e)
θ1 = θ2 = 1,
(e)
rev. 21 60

and one gets :  

(e)
g
 1 
g2(e) 

 
⇒ P = 0 1 L(e) 1 
 (e) 

g3 
 
(e)
g4
 
(e) 2 (e) 2



 (e) L L
⇒ OK
(e) (e) (e) (e)
⇔ P = g2 + L(e) g3 + g4 = q2 + q1 × 1

3 6 } |{z}
(e)
dv (x)
| {z
resultant moment

dx
At the structural level, the loading is trapezoidal :
 x x
q(x) = q0 1 − + qL
L L

Element ::1 :: trapezoidal loading q1 1 = q(0) = q0 and q2 1 = q

(e ) (e ) L q0 +qL
, and L(e1 ) = L2 .


• ::::::::: 2
= 2
By inspection, one has :

L   
3 q0 +qL 7 17 3


20 2
+ q
20 0
2 
q + 80 qL L
80 0
 
2 
1 q0 +qL 1 L2 1 1

  
 30 2
+ q
20 0 4 
  60
q 0 + 240
q L L 
g (e1 ) =
L = 
7 q0 +qL 3 13 7
 

 20 2
+ 20 q0 2   80
q0 + 80 qL L 

L4  
2
1 q0 +qL 1 7 1
− 20 2
− q
30 0 4
− 480 0
q − 160 L
q L

Element :2::: trapezoidal loading q1 2 = q(e ) L q0 +qL

and q2(e2 ) = q(L) = qL , and L(e2 ) = L2 .


• ::::::::: 2
= 2
By inspection, one has :

L   
3 7 q0 +qL 7 13


q
20 L
+ q + q L
 20 2
2   80 0 80 L

1 1 q0 +qL L

2 1 7
qL L 2 
   
 q + 20
30 L 2 4 
  160 q0 + 480
g (e2 ) = = 
7 3 q0 +qL L  3 17



 20 L
q + 20 2 2 
  80 q0 + 80 qL L 
 
2
1 1 q0 +qL L4 1 1


− 20 qL − 30 2 4
− 240 q0 − 60 qL L

,→ Structural generalized loads vector g (s)

After assembly, one gets :

rev. 21 61

   
(e ) 3 7 q0 +qL

L
R + g1 1 R1 − + q
 1   20 L

L2
2 20 2 
(e1 ) 1 q0 +qL 1
 g2 − 30 2 + 20 q0 4
   
  
   
 (e1 )
g3 + g1(e2 )   − 20
7 q0 +qL 3 L 3 7 q0 +qL L 



+ 20 q0 2 − 20 qL + 20 2
 
2 2 

⇒ g (s) = =
4
 (e1 )
g4 + g2(e2 )  − − 20
1 q0 +qL 1 1 q0 +qL L2 
q0 L4 − 30 1


− 30
 
2
qL + 20 2 4 

  
 R3 + g3(e2 )   7 3 q0 +qL L


R3 − 20
   
qL + 20 2 2

   
(e2 ) 1 1 q0 +qL L4


g4 − − 20 qL − 30 2 4

which gives, after simplications :



17 3
R1 − q
80 0
+ L q
80 L
 
1 1

2
 − 60 q0 + 240 qL L 
 
 
1 1


 − 4 q0 + 4 q L L 
 
⇔ g (s) =
2  ,
1 1
q0 − 120 qL L 

 120


3 17
R3 − 80 q0 + 80 qL L
 

2 
1 1
q
240 0
+ q
60 L
L

where R1 and R3 are the reaction forces respectively at the nodes 1 and 3.

,→ Structural generalized displacements vector q (s)

Because of the support conditions v1 = v3 = 0, one removes the rst and the fth rows and
columns of the 6 × 6 linear system of equations K (s) q (s) = g (s) . Thus, one has to solve a 4 × 4
linear system of equations :
   
2
2 2 1 1
2L −6L L 0 θ − 60 q0 + 240 qL L
   1  
1 1


−6L 48 6L  v2   − 4 q0 + 4 qL L 
    
4EI  0
   =  
L3  L2

0 4L2
   1
L2  θ2   120 1
q0 − 120


qL L2 

   
2 
1 1
0 6L L2 2L 2
θ3 q + 60 qL L
240 0

K RED q RED g RED

| {z } | {z } | {z }

Considering the numerical values given in the wording

E = 70000 [N/mm2 ]
L = 2500 [mm]
250 × 2503
I = = 3.2552 108 [mm4 ]
12
q0 = 75 [N/mm]
qL = 150 [N/mm],
rev. 21 62

it comes :
−1
RED RED RED
⇒q = K g
   
θ1 −3.143 10−3 [−]
   
v2   −2.511 [mm] 
   
RED
⇔q = =
   
−5
θ2   −6.25 10 [−] 

   
−3
θ3 3.286 10 [−]
,→ Reaction forces

In order to determine the reaction forces, we use the equilibrium equations at the DOFs
v1 and v3 , i.e. the rst and the fth equations of the 6 × 6 linear system of equations
K (s) q (s) = g (s)

 
v
 1
θ 
 
   1 

17 3
−24 −
 
4EI 24 6L 6L 0 0 v R q + q L
  2 =  1 80 0 80 L
 
⇒ 3  
L 0 0 −24 −6L 24 −6L
 
θ 3 17
R3 − 80 q0 + 80 qL L


 2
 
 
v3 
 
θ3
    

17 3
R1 4EI 6L θ1 − 24 v2 + 6L θ2 q + q L
v1 =v3 =0
⇔  = 3   +  80 0 80 L

R3 L −24 v2 − 6L θ2 − 6L θ3 3
q + 17 q L
80 0 80 L

If one replaces with the numerical values, one gets :

   
R1 125 [kN ]
 = 
R3 156.250 [kN ]

2) Exact solution

The exact solution satises :

• Body equilibrium equations
Translation equilibrium equation :
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

dT (x)   x x
= − q0 1 − + qL , ∀x ∈ [0, L], ∀y ∈ S (5)
dx L L
Rotation equilibrium equation :
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

dM (x)
= T (x), ∀x ∈ [0, L], ∀y ∈ S (6)
dx
rev. 21 63

• Strain-displacement equation
d2 v(x)
ε(x, y) = κ(x)y = y, ∀x ∈ [0, L], ∀y ∈ S (7)
dx2
• Stress-strain equation
σ(x, y) = E ε(x, y), ∀x ∈ [0, L], ∀y ∈ S (8)
Boundary::::::::::::
• :::::::::: conditions
- Kinematic
v = 0, x=0
v = 0, x=L
- Static
M = 0, x=0
M = 0, x=L

If one combines Eqs. (5) and (6), one gets :

d2 M (x) dT (x)
⇒ 2
=
dx dx
2
d M (x)  x x
⇔ 2
= −q0 1 − − qL (9)
dx L L
If the resultant bending moment is dened as
Z
M (x) = σ(x, y) y dS (10)
S

and if one successively inserts Eqs. (7) and (8) into Eq. (10), it comes :
Z
⇒ M (x) = Eε(x, y) y dS
S
Z 2
d v(x) 2
⇔ M (x) = E 2
y dS
S dx
d2 v(x)
Z
⇔ M (x) = E 2
y 2 dS
dx
| S {z }
I
2
d v(x)
⇔ M (x) = EI (11)
dx2
If one inserts Eq. (10) into Eq. (9), it yields to a linear fourth order ordinary dierential
equation for the vertical displacement eld v(x) :
d2 d2 v(x)
   x x
⇒ EI = −q 0 1 − − q L
dx2 dx2 L L
4
d v(x) x
⇔ EI 4
= − (qL − q0 ) − q0
dx L
rev. 21 64

By integrating four times this equation, one gets :

 
1 q L − q0 5 q 0 4 C 0 3 C 1 2
⇒ v(x) = − x + x + x + x + C2 x + C3 ,
EI 120L 24 6 2

where C0 , C1 , C2 and C3 are integration constants.

These integration constants are determined by the boundary conditions :

⇒ v(0) =0
⇔ C3 = 0

⇒ M (0) = 0
d2 v(0)
⇔ EI =0
dx2
⇔ C1 = 0

⇒ M (L) = 0
d2 v(L)
⇔ EI =0
dx2
qL − q 0 q0
⇔ L + L + C0 = 0
6 2
qL + 2q0
⇔ C0 = − L
6

⇒ v(L) = 0
qL − q0 3 q 0 3 C 0 2
⇔ L + L + L + C2 = 0
120 24 6
7qL + 8q0 3
⇔ C2 = L
360

Finally, the vertical displacement eld is

L4 qL − q0  x 5 q0  x 4 qL + 2q0  x 3 7qL + 8q0  x 
 
v(x) = − + − + , ∀x ∈ [0, L]
EI 120 L 24 L 36 L 360 L
rev. 21 65

3) Results comparison

One can compare the value of the total potential energy and the value of the vertical dis-
placement eld at the midspan of the beam between the F.E.M and S.o.M approaches.

,→ Total potential energy

The total potential energy is dened as :

T P E = U − P,

where the strain energy U and the potential of external applied loads P are dened as :
1 (s)T (s) (s)
U = q K q
• F.E.M : 2
T
P = q (s) g (s)
2
d2 v(x)

1
RL
U = EI dx
• S.o.M : 2 0
dx2
RL
P = 0
q(x) v(x) dx

Because of the boundary conditions (v(0) = 0 and v(L) = 0) and the loading driven by force
(q(x) 6= 0), one has :
1
⇒ U −P =− P
2
And thus, it comes

1  1 |g (s) q (s) |
2 i i ⇒ F.E.M
|U − P| = |P| =
2  1 | L v(x)q(x) dx| ⇒ S.o.M
R
2 0

Finally, the absolute value of the total potential energy is

- F.E.M
(s) (s)
⇒ |U − P| = 12 |gi qi |
⇔ |U − P| = 0.224 [kJ]
rev. 21 66

- S.o.M
1 L
Z
⇒ |U − P| = v(x)q(x) dx
2 0
Z L
L4

qL − q0  x 5 q0  x 4 qL + 2q0  x 3 7qL + 8q0  x 
⇔ |U − P| = + − + ...
2EI 0 120 L 24 L 36 L 360 L
 x 
... (qL − q0 ) + q0 dx
L
4 Z L
(qL − q0 )2  x 6 (qL − q0 )q0  x 5 (qL + 2q0 )(qL − q0 ) q02  x 4
 
L
⇔ |U − P| = + − −
2EI 0 120 L 20 L 36 24 L
(qL + 2q0 )q0 x  3 (7qL + 8q0 )(qL − q0 ) x  2 (7qL + 8q0 )q0 x
 
... − + + dx
36 L 360 L 360  L
L5 (qL − q0 )2 (qL − q0 )q0 q2
 
(qL + 2q0 )(qL − q0 )
⇔ |U − P| = + − − 0 ...
2EI 840 120 180 120

(qL + 2q0 )q0 (7qL + 8q0 )(qL − q0 ) (7qL + 8q0 )q0
... − + +
144 1080 720
5
 
L 2 2 2 2 31
⇔ |U − P| = qL + q0 + q L q0
2EI 945 945 7560
⇔ |U − P| = 0.226 [kJ]

,→ Vertical displacement eld at the midspan of the beam

The vertical displacement eld v(x) at the midspan of the beam is

- F.E.M  
L
v = v2 = −2.511 [mm]
2
- S.o.M
 !5 !4 !3 !
  4 L L L L
L L  qL − q0 2 q0 2 qL + 2q0 2 7qL + 8q0 2 
⇒ v =− + − +
2 EI 120 L 24 L 36 L 360 L
L4 qL − q0 14 q0 13 qL + 2q0 12
          
L 7qL + 8q0 1
⇔ v =− + − +
2 EI 120 32 24 16 36 8 360 2
 
L
⇔ v = −2.511[mm]
2
Table 1 shows the comparison between the results obtained with the F.E.M. and S.o.M
approach.

v( L2 ) |TPE|
FEM −2.511 [mm] 0.224 [kJ]
SoM −2.511 [mm] 0.226 [kJ]

Table 1: Results comparison between the F.E.M and S.o.M approaches.

rev. 21 67

4) Annex 1 : Integrals computation

L(e) L(e)

3 L(e)

5
L(e) L(e)
Z Z Z
(e) 2 4
dx = L x dx = x dx =
0 0 3 0 5

L(e)

2 L(e)

4 L(e)

6
L(e) L(e) L(e)
Z Z Z
3 5
x dx = x dx = x dx =
0 2 0 4 0 6
rev. 21 68

Exercise n◦8: Doubly clamped beam with concentrated

load.
Consider a doubly clamped beam of constant bending stiness EI [N.m2 ] along its span
L [m]. This beam is loaded by a concentrated load P at its midspan.

You are asked to compare the solutions obtained P

with :
y
- F.E.M. with a K.A. vertical displacement eld
of 3 degree;
rd
O x
EI

- F.E.M. with a K.A. vertical displacement eld L/2 L/2

of 2 degree;
nd

- the strength of materials (S.o.M.). Figure 11: Wording of exercise n◦ 8

rev. 21 69

Exercise n◦9: Doubly clamped beam with uniform load.

Consider a doubly clamped beam of constant bending stifness EI [N.m2 ] along its span L [m].
This beam is loaded by a uniform load p along its span.
You are asked to compare the solutions obtained
with : p
y
- F.E.M. with a K.A. vertical displacement eld
of 3 degree;
rd
O x
EI

- F.E.M. with a K.A. vertical displacement eld L

of 2 degree;
nd

Figure 12: Wording of exercise n◦ 9

- the strength of materials (S.o.M.).