Question: Consider a plate with a variable cross-section and a hole is subjected to an axial
load of 1300 lb, as shown in figure 1. Using finite element method, determine the deflection of
the bar at locations y=2 in, y=7 in and y=10 in. The plate is ‘0.25 in’ thick and has a modulus of
elasticity, E=16x103 ksi. Area is changing vertically downwards according to the function,
A(y)=0.35- 0.014 y.
Answer:
Dividing into following elements and nodes:
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Global stiffness matrix
[K](G) = [K](1G) + [K](2G) + [K](3G) + [K](4G)
𝑘1 −𝑘1 0 0 0 0 0 0
−𝑘1 𝑘1 0 0 0 𝑘2 −𝑘2 0
[K](1G) = , [K](2G) = ,
0 0 0 0 0 −𝑘2 𝑘2 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 𝑘3 −𝑘3 0 0 0 0 0
[K](3G) = , [K](4G) =
0 −𝑘3 𝑘3 0 0 0 𝑘4 −𝑘4
0 0 0 0 0 0 −𝑘4 𝑘4
𝑘1 −𝑘1 0 0
−𝑘1 𝑘1 + 𝑘2 + 𝑘3 −𝑘2 − 𝑘3 0
[K](G) =
0 −𝑘2 − 𝑘3 𝑘2 + 𝑘3 + 𝑘4 −𝑘4
0 0 −𝑘4 𝑘4
Area is changing vertically downwards according to the function, A(y) =0.35- 0.014 y
A1 (Area at node 1) = A (0) = 0.35- 0.014(0) = 0.35 in2
A2 (Area at node 2) = A (2) = 0.35- 0.014(2) = 0.322 in2
A3 (Area at node 3) = A (7) = 0.35- 0.014(7) = 0.252 in2
A4 (Area at node 4) = A (10) = 0.35- 0.014(10) = 0.21 in2
𝐴 𝑎𝑣𝑔 𝐸 𝐴 1 +𝐴2 𝐸 (0.35+0.322)(16𝑋10 6 )
𝑘1 = = = = 2.688 x 106 lb/in
𝑙1 2 𝑙1 2(2)
𝐴 𝑎𝑣𝑔 𝐸 𝐴 2 +𝐴 3 𝐸 (0.322+0.252)(16𝑋10 6 )
𝑘2 = = = = 0.9184 x 106 lb/in
𝑙2 2 𝑙2 2(5)
𝑘2 =𝑘3 = 0.9184 x 106 lb/in
𝐴 𝑎𝑣𝑔 𝐸 𝐴 3 +𝐴 4 𝐸 0.252+0.21 (16𝑋10 6 )
𝑘4 = = = = 1.232 x 106lb/in
𝑙4 2 𝑙4 2(3)
Now,
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(Global stiffness matrix) (Displacement matrix) = (Load matrix)
[K](G){u}= {P}
𝑘1 −𝑘1 0 0 𝑢1 0
−𝑘1 𝑘1 + 𝑘2 + 𝑘3 −𝑘2 − 𝑘3 0 𝑢2 0
0 −𝑘2 − 𝑘3 𝑘2 + 𝑘3 + 𝑘4 −𝑘4 𝑢3 = 0
0 0 −𝑘4 𝑘4 𝑢4 𝑃
Applying boundary condition ‘𝑢1 = 0’ and load P= 1300 lb.
1 0 0 0 𝑢1 0
−2.688 4.838 −3.606 0 𝑢2 0
106 𝑢3 =
0 −3.606 3.069 −1.232 0
0 0 −1.232 1.232 𝑢4 1300
Solving the simultaneous equations, yields
𝑢2 = 0.0011 in (deflection at y=2 in)
𝑢3 = 0.0015 in (deflection at y=7 in)
𝑢4 = 0.0005 in (deflection at y=10 in)
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