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CES 512- Computational Analysis Methods for Engineers

Mini Project:Finite Element Method (FEM)
Project outcome:
At the end of this mini project, student should be able to:
Solve the truss problem with Finite Element method by hand and software
approach (CO1-PO4, CO2-PO6).
The element of complex engineering in this project is shown by directing
student to think an approach designing the structural element to meets the
prescribed displacement values.
Instruction:
i) Analyze the problem with any finite element (FE) software (e.g. LUSAS,
VisualFEA.).Analyze the problem using manual structural analysis with the
help of programming software (MATLAB, EXCEL, FORTRAN, etc.). Compare,
discuss and present the results of both calculations.
ii) Design the structure according to the required specification.
iii)Submission date: Week no. 14 (actual date to confirm with the
respective lecturer)
Tasks:
The given problem consists of truss which is pin supported at A and rollers at B.
The problem information is shown in the Figure 1.
1. By using the Finite Element Method, compute manually
a) The nodal displacements, reactions forces, and element stresses of the
truss
(CO1-PO2) - C4:
10+10+10=30m
b) Determine the maximum nodal displacement of the truss and its location.
Evaluate with justification why the maximum displacement occur at that
particular location.
4m (CO2-PO4) - C5: 6m

(CO1-PO2) C4:

c) Compare and verify your answers on section a) and b) using the Finite
Element software.
(CO2-PO4) - C5: 30m

2. Design the structure such that the maximum nodal displacement does not
exceed 10mm, but at least greater than 8 mm. Explain your approach on the
providing solution and verify your approach using the finite element
software. Ignore the weight of the section used for the calculation. (CO2-PO6)
- C5 : 10+10m+10m
Please refer to Table 1 for your design preference.
CES512-MiniProject-SFS 28112015

Notes:
For the manual calculation, you are allowed to use of the
programming software to assist you on solving the given problem.

Y
X

E = 200 GPa
Cross sectional area of
each element, A = 2 x
10-4 m2

Global
coordinat
es

4m
10 kN

11
1
0

3m

20 kN

8
6

3m

20 kN

3m

1
A

Figure 1
Table 1
Group No.
1
2
3
4
CES512-MiniProject-SFS 28112015

Sectional type
Circular hollow section
Equal angle
Rectangular hollow
section
Square hollow section

CES512-MiniProject-SFS 28112015

Unequal angle