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Two Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Two Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Element Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Three Noded Linear Triangular Element, Four Noded Linear Rectangular Element, Two-Variable 3-Noded Linear
Triangular Element, Strain – Stress Relation, 1 Plane Stress Conditions, 2 Plane Strain Conditions, Generalized
Two dimensional elements are defined by three or more nodes in a two dimensional plane (i.e., x, y plane). The basic
The physical domain considered is geometrically a 2-Dimensional domain, i.e., an area with
uniform thickness and the single variable can be one of pressure, temperature, etc. (a scalar
quantity, not a vector quantity). An example is the temperature distribution in a plate. At each
point there can be only one temperature. We consider such an area meshed with triangular
elements. Each triangular element has three nodes, (i.e., one node at each corner). Let us consider
one such element with coordinates one such element with coordinates (x1,y1), (x2,y2), (x3,y3)
. The single variable (for example, temperature) at these nodes 1, 2 and 3 are u1 , u 2 and u3 ,
respectively. If so, then the unknown single variable u (temperature) at any non-nodal point x, y
in the 2-D domain can be expressed in terms of the known nodal variables (temperatures) u1 , u 2
and u3.
Let us assume that the single variable can be expressed as
U= c1+c2x+c3y
In order to find the three unknowns c1 , c2 and c3 , we apply the boundary conditions
Various steps for analysis
1. Discretize the structure into elements. These elements are connected to one another via
nodes.
2. Determine a local stiffness matrix for each element.
3. Assemble a global stiffness matrix for the overall structure based on the combination of the
local stiffness matrices.
4. Build the applied force vector.
5. Apply boundary conditions and solve for the nodal displacements.
6. Solve for the external reactions.
7. Solve for nodal forces.
8. Solve for stresses.
Advantages
1. Irregular Boundaries
2. General Loads
3. Different Materials
4. Boundary Conditions
5. Variable Element Size
6. Easy Modification
7. Dynamics