EME3156

COMPUTATIONAL METHODS FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Question 1 (Final exam, 2007)

x=0
T = 100qC

x=1
T = 50qC
Figure 1.1

Figure 1.1 shows a bar with non-insulating side surface. The governing equation of the
system is given in equation (1.1).

d 2T
 10 T  200
dx 2

(1.1)

The domain is discretised into six nodes equally distanced, with node numbers starting
from 1 on the left boundary. Using the central finite difference approximation of the
second derivative, and letting T Ti , equation (1.1) can be written as (1.2), where A, B
and C are numerical constants. Note that the coefficient of Ti 1 is equal to 1.
Ti 1  A Ti  B Ti 1  C

(1.2)

(a) Evaluate A, B and C.

[7 marks]

(b) Sketch the discretisation, and write down all equations as a result of applying
equation (1.2) to the discretised domain. The boundary conditions must be stated
clearly and incorporated into the equations. Then, assemble the equations in the
form of matrix equation. Guide: you must replace the subscripts of T with the
correct node numbers.
[9 marks]

x
0

1
Figure 1.2

(c) Figure 1.2 shows the temperature distribution of the bar. Sketch Figure 1.2 in your
answer booklet and replace the question marks (?) with the correct values. On the
same figure, sketch a new line to represent the temperature distribution of the bar if
the side surface is insulated, while the boundary conditions remain.
[4 marks]

Trimester 2, 2011/2012

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