BDA 31003 Finite Element Method

ASSIGNMENT 1
Semester 1 Session 2015/2016

Q1

Consider the bar shown in FIGURE Q1. The bar is fixed at the left end and the
displacement at the right end of the bar will be 3.5 mm. It is given that the modulus of
elasticity, E is 200 GN/m2.
(a) Illustrate the finite element model to represent the problem.
(4 marks)
(b) Construct the finite element table and calculate the stiffness matrix for each
element.
(8 marks)
(c) Assemble the stiffness matrix and the force vector in global form.
(3 marks)
(d) Evaluate the displacement of all the nodes.
(6 marks)
(e) Determine all the reaction forces.
(4 marks)

FIGURE Q1

Q2

The gears attached to the fixed-end steel shaft are subjected to the torques shown in
FIGURE Q2. The shaft shear modulus of elasticity, G is 80 GPa and the diameter is 14
mm. The shaft is assumed to rotate smoothly at bearing B.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)

Illustrate the finite element model of this rotational system with three
elements. Please label the nodes, elements, constraint and loads clearly.
(4 marks)
Construct the finite element table to calculate the stiffness of each element.
(3 marks)
Calculate the stiffness for each element in global matrix.
(6 marks)
Assemble the all the matrices in global matrix.
(2 marks)
State the torque vector acting on this rotational system.
(2 marks)
Apply the constraint to the system by using the Penalty method.
(2 marks)
What value do you need from part (f) to calculate the displacement of point P on
Gear A?
(1 mark)

FIGURE Q2

Q3

A 10 m beam is fixed at node 1 and has an elastic support at node 3 as shown in

FIGURE Q3. The beam carries a 50 kN/m uniformly distributed load from node 1 to
node 2 and a 25 kN concentrated load at node 3. Given the Youngs Modulus, E = 200
GPa, moment of inertia, I = 2 x 10-4 m4 and the spring stiffness, k = 200 kN/m.
(a) Illustrate the finite element model of this beam. Please label the nodes,
elements, constraints and loads clearly.
(4 marks)
(b)

Assemble the global matrices for the stiffness matrix and load vector. Use
Direct Elimination method to accommodate the constraints into the static
equation.
(10 marks)

(c) Determine the nodal displacements and rotations.

(7 marks)
(d)

Determine the reaction forces for the beam.

(4 marks)

FIGURE Q3