Department of

Mechanical & Aerospace

Engineering

Finite Element Analysis I – MECH 5605

Fall 2018
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 Course Outline
Chapter 1: Introduction: Overview of the Finite Element Method

Chapter 2: Direct Approach

• Scalar spring elements
• 1D-problem: stress elements; heat conduction elements
• 2D-problem: truss structure; truss structure – Special cases (oblique constraints and MPC); Constant Strain Triangle (CST)

Chapter 3: Mathematical Approach

• Variational Formulations (Rayleigh-Ritz Method (minimum potential energy theory)) – Integral formulation
• Weighted Residual Method: Collocation method; Subdomain method; Least-squares method; Galerkin method

Chapter 4: Application of Mathematical Approach

• 1D elements: Axial members – Rod Elements; Beam elements; Frame elements; 1D heat conduction element
• higher order 1D elements: quadratic and cubic elements; Global, local and natural coordinates; Isoparametric elements
• 2D elements: Rectangular linear elements: Heat conduction element; Stress element
• Numerical integration (Gauss Quadrature)

Chapter 5: Special Topics: Model Order Reduction

• Model Symmetry
• Model Axisymmetry
• Model condensation
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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems
Solution Steps:

1. Idealize the problem and Discretize the domain

2. Assume interpolation functions that represent element behaviour

(interpolation polynomial)

3. Establish element properties through developing equations of motion for an

element (e.g. from linear elastic theory)

4. Assemble

5. Apply loads and boundary conditions

6. Solve

7. Post-process

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
• Consider the pin-jointed truss structure illustrated with an applied load W at node 2 and hinged boundary
conditions at nodes 1 and 3. Find nodal displacements and element forces.

• Note:
• Due to element type (struts with no moment-carrying ability),
then:

• Joints carry only forces  no applied moments

• Loading is only applied at joints  no bending in struts

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
1. Discretize the domain

Simply, the truss is considered discretized with its

joints represented by nodes and struts by elements.

2. Interpolation Functions
Within the element coordinate system, the interpolation
functions should be exactly the same as we derived before for
the linear stress element.

Substitute into deflection equation: Solve for and

at
at ,

= 5
 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
3. Element Properties

From elementary strength of materials, we have the following relationship between force and deflection for a uniaxial
strut of cross-sectional area A:

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
3. Element Properties

• Consider general strut, oriented at an angle  to the horizontal.

• Define a local element coordinate system (x-y) and a global

coordinate system (X-Y) where the positive x-axis of the local
coordinate system is forming an angle  with the positive x-
axis of the global coordinate system.

• The local element stiffness matrix can be derived as follows for

a strut oriented at an angle  to the global X-axis

• Along the local axis, x:

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
3. Element Properties

• Providing the strut is in equilibrium, there can be no forces

acting perpendicular to its axis, so that:

• The total element system of equations in the local coordinate

system (x-y):

where
is the element stiffness matrix expressed in local
coordinates, aligned with the element
{Fe} is a composite vector representing the coordinates of
two separate forces acting at each end and expressed in terms
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of components aligned with the local coordinate system.
 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
3. Element Properties: Coordinate Transformation

To perform the necessary coordinate transformations to express element equations in a global reference frame, consider
any vector which can be expressed using either local or global frames of reference, as shown in the figure

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
3. Element Properties: Coordinate Transformation

We can apply this transformation to our local expressions of

force acting on the element.

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
3. Element Properties: Coordinate Transformation

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
3. Element Properties: Coordinate Transformation

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
3. Element Properties: Coordinate Transformation

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
3. Element Properties:

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
4. Assembly

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
4. Assembly

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
5. Applying Boundary Conditions

or

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 2. Direct Approach
 2-D Problems: Truss Structure:
6. Solve

7. Post process

Element 1 0
0
1 1 1 1
T T 2
2 2 2 2 2 T
2
0

Similarly for element 2. then, all reaction supports can be calculated. 18