Faculty of Engineering

Faculty of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Department
ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Fourth Edition, Daryl L. Logan 1
Introduction
 We begin this chapter by developing the stiffness matrix for a beam element.
 The beam element is considered to be straight and have a constant cross-
sectional area.
 We will first derive the beam element stiffness matrix by using the principles
developed for simple beam theory.
 The degrees of freedom associated with a node in a beam element are a
transverse displacement and a rotation.
 We will include the nodal shear forces and bending moments.
 Next, we will discuss procedures for handling distributed loading.

Beam Stiffness
 We will derive the stiffness matrix for a simple beam element.
 A beam is a long, slender structural member generally subjected to
transverse loading that produces significant bending effects.
 This bending deformation is measured as a transverse displacement and
a rotation.
Consider the beam element shown in Figure below. The beam is of length L
with axial local coordinate x^ and transverse local coordinate y^.

Beam Stiffness
We initially neglect all axial effects.
At all nodes, the following sign conventions are used:
1. Moments are positive in the counterclockwise direction.
2. Rotations are positive in the counterclockwise direction.
3. Forces are positive in the positive y^ direction.
4. Displacements are positive in the positive y^ direction.

Beam Stiffness Matrix Based on Euler-Bernouli Beam
Theory (Considering Bending Deformations Only)
Step 1: Select the Element Type
Represent the beam by labeling nodes at each end and in general by
labeling the element number.

Step 2: Select a Displacement Function
Assume the transverse displacement variation through the element length to
be:
The complete cubic displacement function is appropriate because there are

four total degrees of freedom. The cubic function also satisfies the basic
beam differential equation— further justifying its selection. In addition, the
cubic function also satisfies the conditions of displacement and slope
continuity at nodes shared by two element.


We have:
In matrix form,

N1, N2, N3, and N4 are called the shape functions for a beam element.
These cubic shape (or interpolation) functions are known as Hermite
cubic interpolation (or cubic spline) functions.

Step 3: Define the Strain/ Displacement
The strain/displacement relationship is :
We relate the axial displacement to the transverse displacement by:
The strain/displacement relationship becomes:
From elementary beam theory, the sign conventions for shear forces and bending
moments as follows:

Step 4: Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations
First, derive the element stiffness matrix and equations using a direct equilibrium
approach for shear forces and bending moments.

Step 4: Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations
In matrix form,
Stiffness matrix,
k represents the local stiffness matrix for the beam element in local coordinates.
Step 5: Assemble the Element Equations to Obtain the Global
Equations
The global stiffness matrix and global force matrix are assembled using the
direct stiffness method described in Chapter 2.
where K is now element stiffness matrix expressed in a global reference

frame.

Step 6: Solve for the Nodal Displacements
The displacements are then determined by imposing boundary conditions.
Step 7: Solve for the Element Forces

Finally, determine the strains and stresses in each element by back-substitution
of the displacements into equations.

Example of Assemblage of Beam Stiffness Matrices:
Consider the beam in Figure below as an example to illustrate the procedure
for assemblage of beam element stiffness matrices. Assume EI to be constant
throughout the beam. A force of 1000 lb and a moment of 1000 lb-ft are
applied to the beam at midlength. The left end is a fixed support and the right
end is a pin support.

We begin by expressing each element stiffness matrix as follows:

Using the concept of superposition (the direct stiffness method), we obtain the
global stiffness matrix as:

Invoking the boundary conditions,
And including the external force and moment, we obtain:
We leave the final solution for you to obtain by Solving Eqs. Simultaneously.

Example 4.1:
Using the direct stiffness method, solve the problem of the propped cantilever
beam subjected to end load P in Figure below. The beam is assumed to have
constant EI and length 2L. It is supported by a roller at midlength and is built
in at the right end.

Example 4.1:
we obtain the structure total stiffness matrix by the same method as described
previously for obtaining the stiffness matrix K as:

Example 4.1:
The governing equations for the beam are then given by:

Example 4.1:
On applying the boundary conditions,
And including the external force, we obtain:
By solving Eqs. Simultaneously, we obtain the transverse displacement and

slopes as:
where the minus sign indicates that the displacement of node 1 is downward
and the positive signs indicate counterclockwise rotations at nodes 1 and 2.
Example 4.1:
We will now determine the global nodal forces. To do this, we substitute the
known global nodal displacements and rotations. The resulting equations are,
we obtain the global nodal forces and moments as:

Example 4.1:
It is generally necessary to determine the local nodal forces associated with
each element of a large structure to perform a stress analysis of the entire
structure. We will thus consider the forces in element 1 of this example to
illustrate this concept (element 2 can be treated similarly). Using Eqs for
element 1, we have:
we obtain the local nodal forces and moments as:

Example 4.1:
A free-body diagram of element 1 and 2 is shown in Figure below. The figure
shows a nodal transverse force of negative P at node 1 and of positive P and
negative moment PL at node 2.
The figure below shows the nodal forces and moment on the whole beam.

Example 4.1:
Using the beam sign conventions, we obtain the shear force V and bending
moment M diagrams shown in Figures below.

Example 4.2:
Determine the nodal displacements and rotations, global nodal forces, and
element forces for the beam shown in Figure below. We have discretized the
beam as indicated by the node numbering. The beam is fixed at nodes 1 and 5
and has a roller support at node 3. Vertical loads of 10,000 lb each are applied
at nodes 2 and 4. Let E=30 x106 psi and I = 500 in4 throughout the beam.

Example 4.2:
The resulting equations are:

Example 4.2:
By applying the boundary conditions,
The resulting Eqs. are:

Example 4.2:
The rotations (slopes) at nodes 2–4 are equal to zero because of symmetry in
loading, Therefore, , and we can further reduce Eqs. (1) to
the resulting Eqs. (2):
By solving Eqs. Simultaneously, we obtain:

Example 4.2:
We can now back-substitute the results from Eq. (2), along with the
numerical values for E; I, and L, into Eq. (1) to determine the global nodal
forces as:

Example 4.2:
However, the local element shear force and bending moment at each node
end of the element are used in the design/analysis process. Using the local
equations for element 1, for which all nodal displacements have now been
determined, we obtain:

Example 4.2:
Simplifying previous Eq., we get:

Example 4.3:
Determine the nodal displacements and rotations and the global and element
forces for the beam shown in Figure below. We have discretized the beam as
shown by the node numbering. The beam is fixed at node 1, has a roller
support at node 2, and has an elastic spring support at node 3. A downward
vertical force of P = 50 kN is applied at node 3. Let E = 210 GPa and I = 2x10-4
m4 throughout the beam, and let k =200 kN/m.

Example 4.3:

Example 4.3:

Example 4.3:
where

Example 4.3:
We now apply the external forces, moments, and the boundary conditions:

Example 4.3:
We obtain the global nodal forces as:

Example 4.4:
Determine the displacement and rotation under the force and moment located
at the center of the beam shown in Figure below. The beam has been
discretized into the two elements shown in Figure. The beam is fixed at each
end. A downward force of 10 kN and an applied moment of 20 kN-m act at
the center of the beam. Let E=210 GPa and I=4x104 m4 throughout the beam
length.

Example 4.4:
Applying the global forces and boundary conditions,

Example 4.4:

Example 4.4:

Example 4.5: Assignment # 4
For the beam shown in Figure below (a) discretized the beam into elements
and nodes, (b) obtain the global stiffness matrix for the beam, (c) determine
the displacement and rotation, and (d) determine the reactions. A downward
force of 10,000 N act at the center of the beam. The beam width and height are
b = 25 mm and h = 50 mm, respectively. Let E=207 GPa.

DISTRIBUTED LOADING
Work-Equivalence Method
We can use the work-equivalence method to replace a distributed load by a set
of discrete loads. This method is based on the concept of work.

Example of Load Replacement Work-Equivalence Method
, and we have:
Then we get:

Example of Load Replacement Work-Equivalence Method
Now we let Φ1 = 1; Φ2 = 0; d1y = 0, and d2y = 0 and then obtain:
Similarly, letting Φ2 = 1; Φ1 = 0; d1y = 0, and d2y = 0 and then obtain:
Finally, letting all nodal displacements equal zero except first d1y and then
d2y, we obtain:

DISTRIBUTED LOADING (Work-Equivalence Method)
Appendix D

DISTRIBUTED LOADING (Work-Equivalence Method)
Appendix D

DISTRIBUTED LOADING (General Formulation)
In general, we can account for distributed loads or concentrated loads acting on
beam elements by starting with the following formulation application for a
general structure:
where F are the concentrated nodal forces and Fo

are called the equivalent nodal forces. We have:
This concept can be applied on a local basis to obtain the local nodal forces in
individual elements of structures by applying: ,

Example 4.6:
For the cantilever beam subjected to the uniform load w in Figure below, solve
for the right-end vertical displacement and rotation and then for the nodal
forces. Assume the beam to have constant EI throughout its length.

Example 4.6:
We begin by discretizing the beam. Next, the distributed load is replaced by its
work-equivalent nodal forces as shown in Figure.
as the local axis is coincident with the global axis, we obtain:

Example 4.6:
Applying the boundary conditions d1y = 0 and Φ1 = 0, we obtain:
Solving Eq. for the displacements, we obtain:
Nex is the procedure for obtaining the global nodal forces.

Example 4.6:
We first define the product kd to be , where are called the effective
global nodal forces. We get:
We then obtain the correct global nodal forces as:

Example 4.7:
For the cantilever beam subjected to the concentrated load P in Figure below
solve for the right-end vertical displacement and rotation and the nodal forces,
including reactions, by replacing the concentrated load with equivalent nodal
forces acting at each end of the beam. Assume EI constant throughout the
beam.

Example 4.7:
We begin by replaced the load by its work-equivalent nodal forces as shown in
Figure.

Example 4.7:
Applying the boundary conditions d1y = 0 and Φ1 = 0, we obtain:
Solving Eq. for the displacements, we obtain:
Nex is the procedure for obtaining the global nodal forces.

Example 4.7:
We first define the product kd to be , where are called the effective
global nodal forces. We get:
We then obtain :

Thank you
59

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Faculty of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

The complete cubic displacement function is appropriate because there are

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

where K is now element stiffness matrix expressed in a global reference

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

Step 7: Solve for the Element Forces

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

By solving Eqs. Simultaneously, we obtain the transverse displacement and

we obtain the global nodal forces and moments as:

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

we obtain the local nodal forces and moments as:

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

By solving Eqs. Simultaneously, we obtain:

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

We obtain the global nodal forces as:

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

Applying the global forces and boundary conditions,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

Similarly, letting Φ2 = 1; Φ1 = 0; d1y = 0, and d2y = 0 and then obtain:

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

where F are the concentrated nodal forces and Fo

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

ME 646, Dr. Hafeth Bu Jldain,

as the local axis is coincident with the global axis, we obtain: