FEA Tutorial Sheet 1

Question 1
A single strut AC is pin-fixed at end A, as shown in Fig. 1. Its stiffness, length and

initial position are shown in the diagram below. Now end C is displaced u and

v respectively in the x and y directions. Both u and v are much smaller

than the strut length. Find the force components Fx and Fy applied at end C.

Use Finite Element Concept and Methods to determine the stiffness matrix of the
strut element.

Fig. 1

1
Question 2
Two struts AC and BC are pin-joined at C, as shown in Fig. 2. Their stiffness and
length are given in the diagram. There is no horizontal or vertical displacement at
nodes A and B. A weight W is applied at node C. Use Finite Element Concept

and Methods to determine the unknown displacements uC and vC and the

unknown restriction forces at the fixed nodes.

Fig. 2

3 wl 1 5 wl 1
Answer: uc = , vc = .
8 EA 8 EA

2
Question 3
A plane frame structure is shown in Fig. 3. It can be treated as 3 rigidly connected
plane beam elements. The length, bending and stretching rigidities of the three
elements are given. There is no displacement or rotation at nodes A and D. A
horizontal force P is applied at node B. Use Finite Element Concept and Methods

to determine the unknown displacements uB and vB and the  B at node B.

Fig. 3