CIV/CM94/Autumn 2001/4

UNIVERSITY OF SURREY
School of Engineering Postgraduate Programmes in Civil Engineering

Module CM94; 15 Credits Structural Mechanics & Finite Elements

Time allowed: 3 hours

Autumn 2001

Attempt THREE questions only

The mark associated with each question or part question is shown in brackets []. If a candidate attempts extra questions, all questions will be marked and the weaker solutions discarded so as to optimize the aggregate mark. Additional documents supplied to candidates: None. Reference documents candidates may use: Formula booklet Appendix A Please avoid the use of red and green inks. Calculator restrictions: None.

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CIV/CM94/Autumn 2001/4

a)

What is the Airy stress function and why is it used?

[4]

b)

A thin elastic isotropic plate occupies -2 < x < 2; 0 < y < 6; 0 < z < 0.01. The stress distribution can be represented by an Airy stress function given by:

= - 12xy - 6x3 + x3 y
i) ii) iii) iv) v) Calculate expressions for the stresses in the plate. Calculate expressions for the strains in the plate. Calculate expressions for a possible displacement of the plate. Sketch possible boundary conditions for the plate. Sketch the principal stress vectors for the plate. [3] [3] [4] [3] [3]

Assume Youngs modulus 200,000 N/mm2 and Poissons ratio 0.3. All units are Newtons or millimetres.

CIV/CM94/Autumn 2001/4 3

a)

What are the main assumptions in thin plate theory? Why is thin plate theory sometimes used and not thick plate theory? An thin elastic isotropic plate occupies the volume 0 < x < 1000, 0 < y < 1000, 50 < z < 50. The displacement of the plate, in the z direction, is known to be given by: w = 10-10 xy( 1000x + 1000y - xy - 106 ) Calculate:

[6]

b)

i) ii) iii)

Expressions for the bending and twisting moments in the plate Expressions for the shear forces in the plate Expressions for all forces and loads applied to the plate Sketch:

[2] [2] [6]

iv) v)

The deflection of the plate All forces and loads applied to the plate

[2] [2]

Assume Youngs modulus 109,200 N/mm2 , Poissons ratio 0.3 and all units are Newtons or millimetres.

a)

The finite element method provides an approximate solution. What are the main approximations which effect the accuracy of a finite element solution. [4] When is it appropriate to use a finite element solution when handling real engineering problems? What alternatives should be considered?

b)

[4]

c)

A finite element program has stopped with the error message: `Small or zero pivot at node 104, displacement 3' What does this error message mean and how would you solve the problem? [4] Sketch a set of shape functions for a six node plane stress element What is the `patch test and what does it tell us about an element? [4] [4]

d) e)

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CIV/CM94/Autumn 2001/4 4 1. a) An elastic, iso-tropic, plane stress finite element has six nodes with coordinates and nodal displacements as given in table 1 x coord 100 0 0 y coord 0 100 0 table 1 The element has thickness 2 mm, Youngs modulus 182,000 N/mm2 and Poissons ratio of 0.3. Using reduced integration with only one point, calculate or derive:. i) ii) iii) iv) Expressions for the displacements in the element The strain at the integration point The stress at the integration point The horizontal force applied to node 2. [3] [2] [2] [3] x displ 0.0 0.1 0.0 y disp 0.0 0.0 0.0

node 1 2 3

b)

The value of a function f = f( x,y) is known at the nodes of a quadrilateral element as given in table 2. node 1 2 3 4 x coord 50 0 0 100 y coord 50 50 0 0 table 2 Use 1x1 reduced integration to calculate the integral (where A is the element):
I =

f 5 7 9 11

(f

/ x )dA

[10]

Internal Examiners: P Mullord External Examiner: Prof D. Anderson