Subhan Ahmed

344776
ME-12-A

FINITE ELEMENT
ANALYSIS
LAB#2
1. Truss
In structural engineering, a truss is an important type of structure characterized by a triangulated
system of members. These members are structured and connected in a way such that they only
incur axial force. The members of a truss are considered two-force members because the forces
are only applied at either end of the member, resulting in either a compression or tension force.
Trusses are often used in bridges due to their ability to efficiently span long distances.

Roof Truss:
The roof truss is a wooden frame of the roof which carries the loads from the roof covering. It is
the angle of inclination of the roof truss that determines the degree of water drainage (e.g. on
high roofs snow will not accumulate). The structure of the roof truss should be thoroughly
considered, as its type will determine the ability to accommodate any additional attic space in the
future.
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Cranes Truss:
Trusses find vast applications in cranes aswell.

Force
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Stress
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Results

Measurement Value
Displacement at d (m) -5.14 x 10-4
Displacement at c (m) -2.13 x 10-4
Axial Force in ac (N) -10355
Axial Force in ad (N) 25000
Axial Force in cd (N) 14645
 Subhan Ahmed
344776
ME-12-A

Analysis & Validation:

• By comparison, our results are really close to the ones shown above. Hence, the
experimental results are validated.
• The negative sign shows that the displacement is in downward direction. So joint d has
moved 5.14 x 10-4m and joint c has moved 2.13 x 10-4m down from its initial position
upon the application of the force.
• The negative sign in the axial force denotes compression. Member ac and bc are in
compression while ad, bd and cd are in tension.
• The maximum stress of 1.27 x 107 N/m2 occurs at joint c expressed as the dark red joint.
• The maximum axial force occurs in the members ad and bd.

Conclusion:
Trusses are a crucial component of engineering and have numerous functions in structures
including bridges, homes, and other buildings. By exerting a force at one of its joints, measuring
the deflection in the joints, and applying axial loads to the members, COMSOL was used to
analyse a 2D truss. The highest deflection measured 5.14 x 10-4m in the downward direction,
and the maximum von Misses stress was determined to be 1.27 × 107 N/m2. Member ad
experiences the highest axial load, which is 25kN.
 Subhan Ahmed
344776
ME-12-A

FINITE ELEMENT
ANALYSIS
LAB#3
Abstract
This report presents utilization of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to analyze and
understand the behavior of 3D truss structures under various loading conditions. Truss structures
are fundamental components in civil and mechanical engineering, useful for their simplicity and
effectiveness in supporting axial loads.
The report covers FEA and its application to 3D truss systems. To provide practical
insights, two cases are presented, assessing truss behavior. Studies include static analyses under a
point load, revealing the truss's deformation patterns and internal force distributions.

Introduction

Trusses are a type of structural framework made up of interconnected straight members, also
called linear elements, that are connected at their ends to form a stable and rigid structure.
Typically used members are beams, that when put together, form triangular or polygonal shapes.
These members are joined together at their nodes (the simplest members are joined at two ends
and are called 2-force members), and the resulting structure can efficiently support applied loads.
Trusses provide strength and stability while minimizing the use of materials. Some key features
about trusses follow:

Common Uses of Trusses:

 Roof structures: Trusses are frequently used to support the weight of roofs in buildings,
ranging from houses to large industrial facilities.
 Bridges: Many bridges use truss designs to span long distances while maintaining
structural integrity.
 Antenna towers: Trusses are employed in the construction of tall antenna towers to
provide stability.
 Cranes: Industrial cranes often use truss structures for their boom arms, allowing them to
lift heavy loads.
 Stage and lighting rigs: Trusses are used in the entertainment industry to support lighting
equipment, speakers, and stage setups.
 Aircraft and spacecraft: Truss structures are used in the construction of aircraft and
spacecraft to provide strength and reduce weight.
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Advantages of Trusses:
 Efficient use of materials: Trusses distribute loads along their members in a way that
minimizes bending and shear forces, allowing for the use of smaller and lighter materials.
 Span capabilities: Trusses can span longer distances than many other structural systems,
making them suitable for applications where large open spaces are required.
 Predictable behavior: Trusses have well-defined load paths and are highly predictable in
terms of their structural performance, which simplifies design and analysis.
 Versatility: Trusses can be customized for various applications by adjusting their size,
shape, and member profiles to meet specific structural requirements.
 Cost-effective: Due to their efficient use of materials and ease of construction, trusses
often offer cost savings compared to alternative structural systems.

Common joints opted for truss applications are:

1. Pinned (Hinge) Joints:
 Pinned joints, also known as hinge connections, are a fundamental choice for truss
members.
 At a pinned joint, the members are allowed to rotate freely, which means they do
not resist moments.
 Pinned joints are used to connect truss members together and allow for the
transfer of axial forces while permitting the truss to flex and adjust to load
conditions.
2. Bolted Connections:
 Bolted connections are often used in truss structures to fasten members together at
their joints.
 Bolts and nuts are used to secure the members, and the connections can be
designed as either pinned or semi-rigid, depending on the desired behavior.
 Bolted connections provide ease of assembly and disassembly, which can be
advantageous for truss structures that may need maintenance or modifications.
3. Welded Connections (for Steel Trusses):
 In steel truss structures, welded connections may be used to join members.
 Welding creates a strong and rigid connection that can efficiently transfer axial
forces.
 Welded connections are particularly common in steel truss bridges and industrial
truss structures.
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4. Clevis and Pin Connections:

 Clevis and pin connections consist of a clevis (a U-shaped bracket) and a pin that
passes through the clevis and the truss member.
 This type of connection allows for rotation and is often used in situations where
members need to pivot.
5. Gusset Plate Connections:
 Gusset plates are steel plates used to connect truss members at joints.
 They are typically welded or bolted to the truss members and provide additional
strength and stability at the joint.
 Gusset plates are commonly used in larger truss structures like bridges.

Our experiment aims at trying to understand the different forces developed in members of a
truss, as well as stresses, strains, and displacements of key points etc.

Methodology

1. Use the previous file of 2D truss as a starting point and build your 3D truss on top of it
with ‘Add Component’ using the manual’s instructions.
2. Define the Truss cross-section, and then define the pinned constraints and load applied at
the bottom vertex.
3. Define the material for the truss.
4. Compute the solution. You’ll be able to see pre-defined plots for stresses and local axial
forces. You can also see displacement of individual vertices by specifying them.
5. To calculate axial forces in different members, you’ll have to define variables for them,
so follow the manual’s instructions.
6. Verify your results from the manual.

Results and Discussion

 Subhan Ahmed
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Our findings lined up with the recordings provided in the instructions. We were able to visualize
local and global conceptions of the stresses created, the axial forces developed, and the beam
deflections using various plots and point evaluations.

The structure was given increased load bearing capacity by adding four additional members in a
plane perpendicular to the current model; hence, doubling the load resulted in the same
deflection and development of axial forces in the members. This substantially doubled the load
bearing capability. The truss construction was originally a diamond, but once the new members
were added, it became an octahedron.

This can be extended to include more members in planes near the y-axis, which would similarly
increase the load carrying capability.