Queen’s University Belfast

CIVIL ENGINEERING

CIV4037 Bridge and Structural Engineering

Semester 2

Coursework Assignment:

Part A: Finite Element Analysis of the stress

concentration around a circular hole

Part B: Analysis of a cantilever beam using a single 8

node isoparametric element

CANVAS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 5pm on Friday, 31st March

2023.

Note: Late submissions will be penalised per University regulations.

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 Part A: Finite Element Analysis of the Stress Concentration
around a circular hole

r p kN/m
W

You are required to perform a finite element analysis on the problem shown above using
LUSAS. The problem is to be analysed using a structured mesh of quadrilateral elements (mesh
has a regular pattern). To achieve this, the region should be modelled as a collection of four
sided surfaces with each of the four-sided sub-regions having a regular mesh. Also, the finite
element model should make use of the symmetry of the problem.

The analysis should be re-run with varying mesh densities in order to establish the accuracy of
the results being obtained.

Also, the value of the stress concentration obtained from the finite element model should be
compared with that predicted by theory, the value of which is given below.

max  k nom

Wp
where nom 
t  W  2r 

2 3
 2r   2r   2r 
and k  3.00  3.13    3.66    1.53  
W W W

Plate dimensions and properties

The plate width, W and hole radius, r are defined in Table 1 for each student. The thickness of
the plate, t can be assumed as 0.01 m (thin plate). For the purposes of the finite element model,
it can be assumed that the length of the plate is 2W. The plate material can be assumed as
ungraded mild steel.
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 Table 1 Plate and hole dimensions

Name W (m) r (m)

Baker,Diarmuid 0.325 0.01
Bell,Victoria 0.325 0.015
Bradley,Daniel 0.325 0.02
Brennan,Conn 0.3 0.01
Campbell,Morgan 0.3 0.015
Coughlin,Mark 0.3 0.02
Coyle,Conall 0.3 0.025
Coyle,Orla 0.3 0.03
Currie,Andrew David 0.3 0.035
Dawson,Joel 0.3 0.04
Gibson,Ryan 0.3 0.045
Gould,Tomas David 0.3 0.05
Graham,Jamie 0.275 0.01
Grimes,Eoin 0.275 0.015
Hawksworth,Cameron David Edward 0.275 0.02
Hughes,Liam 0.275 0.025
Little,Jonathan Aaron 0.275 0.03
Mallon,Oran 0.275 0.035
Mauger,Thomas 0.275 0.04
McAvoy,Ardan 0.275 0.045
McGovern,Conor 0.275 0.05
McIlveen,Jill Alexandra 0.25 0.01
McMullan,Adrian 0.25 0.015
Miller,Grace 0.25 0.02
Morrow,Heather May 0.25 0.025
Penny,Jacob 0.25 0.03
Pollock,Curtis 0.25 0.035
Quinn,Emma 0.25 0.04
Ritchie,Matthew 0.25 0.045
Rygielska,Natalia 0.25 0.05
Simpson,Megan 0.225 0.01
Taylor,Beth 0.225 0.015
Thompson,Ben 0.225 0.02

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Report and Submission Format
Finite element analysis results for varying mesh densities and the comparison with theory
should be presented in report format (MS Word preferred) and submitted via Canvas. The report
for this part of the assignment should not exceed 10 pages.
As a guide, the contents should include sections outlining the element type used, material
properties, boundary and loading conditions, mesh type/density, and stress concentration theory
predictions. An overall discussion and analysis of results should also be included.

Assessment
This part of the assignment (Part A) is worth 5% of the marks available for the full module.
Marks and feedback will be returned via Canvas.

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 Part B: Analysis of a cantilever beam using a single 8 node
isoparametric element

w = 10 N/mm

1000 mm

5000 mm

Young’s Modulus, E = 200000 N/mm2

Thickness, t = 100 mm

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows the cantilever beam which is to be analysed using a single 8 node isoparametric
element. MS Excel is to be used and to help with the task, an Excel template has been prepared
and has been uploaded with the assignment. This template includes the formulae (in terms of ξ
and η) for the 8 shape functions required for the 8 nodes of the element. The element stiffness
matrix, [Ke], should be evaluated using 2x2 gauss points.

The following analysis results are required:

 The displacements at the 8 nodes (ui, vi)

 The stresses at a point half way along the top surface of the beam

 Compare these results with those predicted by simple beam theory (for both stress and
displacement)

Report and Submission Format

The completed results for Part B of the assignment should be submitted in an MS Excel file i.e.
a completed version of the provided template. The stress calculation and comparisons with
simple beam theory should be presented on separate sheets within the Excel workbook.
Submission is via Canvas and the filename should include your name and student number.

Assessment
This part of the assignment (Part B) is worth 5% of the marks available for the full module.
Marks and feedback will be returned via Canvas.