Finite Element Methods

[DE ZG 513]
TRUSS PROBLEMS
BITS Pilani
Pilani|Dubai|Goa|Hyderabad
Summary
GDE for 1-D deformation of bar and heat convection problems
Write weighted residual (WR) statement
Write weak formulation of WR statement
Choose linear/quadratic shape functions ψ 𝑒𝑗 for 𝑢ො 𝑒 = σ𝑛𝑗=1 𝑢𝑗𝑒 ψ 𝑒𝑗
Choose weight function 𝑤𝑖 = ψ 𝑒𝑗
Substitute 𝑢ො 𝑒 and 𝑤𝑖 in weak formulation to write the element level
algebraic equations in matrix form e.g. for linear shape functions
𝑎 1 −1 𝑐ℎ𝑒 2 1 𝑢1𝑒 𝑞ℎ𝑒 1 𝑄1
+ = +
ℎ𝑒 −1 1 6 1 2 𝑢2𝑒 2 1 𝑄2
where 𝑎, 𝑐, and 𝑞 are constants and NOT functions of 𝑥
Assemble the global set of algebraic equations
Apply partitioning method, apply BCs and solve for the unknowns
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
TRUSS

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Truss: Examples

Truss element forms the basic

element of such structures.
It can only take forces along its
span (i.e. only axial load and
no moments).

Many engineering structures

consist of straight members
connected at their ends by
bolts, pins or welding.

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

1-D linear element

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

1-D linear element

1-D linear bar element can be used for the problem at hand.
𝐹1 𝐹2
1 2

𝑢1 𝑢2

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Truss element

Truss element is the same as 1-D linear element except

that the displacements at the nodes can have both
components (𝑥 ′ - and 𝑦 ′ -directions, in local coordinates)

𝑢1 , 𝐹1 𝑢2 , 𝐹2
2
1 2 Truss element
1-D bar element
1 𝐹1𝑦′ = 𝐹2𝑦′ = 0
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
Local and global coordinate
axes

𝑦
𝑥′
𝑦′
α

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Local and global coordinate
axes

𝐹1𝑦′ = 𝐹2𝑦′ = 0

𝑦 2
α
𝑥 𝑦 𝑥′
𝑦′
α
1 𝑥
Truss element

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

 Element stiffness matrix
𝑦 𝑥′
𝑦′
α
𝑥 𝑦 2
α
𝑥 𝐹1𝑦′ = 𝐹2𝑦′ = 0

1 𝐹1𝑥′ 𝑘 −𝑘 𝑢1𝑥 ′
=
𝐹2𝑥′ −𝑘 𝑘 𝑢2𝑥 ′

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

 Element stiffness matrix must
be rewritten
𝑦 𝑥′
𝑦′
α 𝐴𝐸
𝑘=
𝑥 𝑦 2 𝐿
𝐹1𝑥 ′ 𝑘 −𝑘 𝑢1𝑥 ′
α 𝐹2𝑥 ′
=
−𝑘 𝑘 𝑢2𝑥 ′
𝑥 𝐹1𝑦′ = 𝐹2𝑦′ = 0

𝐹1𝑥 ′ 𝑢1𝑥 ′
1 0 −1 0
1 𝐹1𝑦′ 0 0 0 0 𝑢1𝑦′
=𝑘 𝑢2𝑥 ′
𝐹2𝑥 ′ −1 0 1 0
𝐹2𝑦′ 0 0 0 0 𝑢2𝑦 ′
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
We need an Element stiffness matrix for truss

𝐴𝐸
𝑘=
𝐿

𝐹1𝑥 cos 2 α sin α. cos α −cos 2 α − sin α. cos α 𝑢1𝑥

𝐹1𝑦 sin α. cos α sin 2
α −sin α. cos α −sin 2
α 𝑢1𝑦
=𝑘 𝑢2𝑥
𝐹2𝑥 −cos 2 α − sin α. cos α cos 2 α sin α. cos α
𝐹2𝑦 −sin α. cos α − sin2 α sin α. cos α sin2 α 𝑢2𝑦

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Coordinate transformation for
displacements
We must transform displacements from the 𝑥′ and 𝑦′ axes
to displacements along the 𝑥 and 𝑦 axes.
𝑢2𝑦 , 𝐹2𝑦
We start with the reverse as shown below

𝑢1𝑦 , 𝐹1𝑦 𝑢2𝑥 , 𝐹2𝑥

2
1 𝑢1𝑥 , 𝐹1𝑥
𝑢1𝑥 ′ cos α sin α 0 0 𝑢1𝑥
𝑢1𝑦′ − sin α cos α 0 0 𝑢1𝑦
𝑢2𝑥 ′ = 𝑢2𝑥
0 0 cos α sin α
𝑢2𝑦′ 0 0 −sin α cos α 𝑢2𝑦
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
Coordinate transformation for
forces
We must transform forces from the 𝑥′ and 𝑦′ axes also to
forces along the 𝑥 and 𝑦 axes.
𝑢2𝑦 , 𝐹2𝑦
We start with the reverse as shown below

𝑢1𝑦 , 𝐹1𝑦 𝑢2𝑥 , 𝐹2𝑥

2
1 𝑢1𝑥 , 𝐹1𝑥
𝐹1𝑥 ′ cos α sin α 0 0 𝐹1𝑥
𝐹1𝑦′ − sin α cos α 0 0 𝐹1𝑦
=
𝐹2𝑥 ′ 0 0 cos α sin α 𝐹2𝑥
𝐹2𝑦′ 0 0 −sin α cos α 𝐹2𝑦
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
Coordinate transformation
matrix 𝑇
𝑢1𝑥 ′ cos α sin α 0 0 𝑢1𝑥
𝑢1𝑦′ − sin α cos α 0 0 𝑢1𝑦
𝑢2𝑥 ′ = 𝑢2𝑥
0 0 cos α sin α
𝑢2𝑦′ 0 0 −sin α cos α 𝑢2𝑦

𝑢′ = 𝑇 𝑢
𝑇
One can prove that 𝑇 𝑇 = 𝐼
𝐹1𝑥 ′ cos α sin α 0 0 𝐹1𝑥
𝐹1𝑦′ − sin α cos α 0 0 𝐹1𝑦
=
𝐹2𝑥 ′ 0 0 cos α sin α 𝐹2𝑥
𝐹2𝑦′ 0 0 −sin α cos α 𝐹2𝑦

𝐹′ = 𝑇 𝐹
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
Check

One can prove that 𝑇 𝑇 𝑇 = 𝐼

cos α −sin α 0 0 cos α sin α 0 0

sin α cos α 0 0 − sin α cos α 0 0
0 0 cos α −sin α 0 0 cos α sin α
0 0 sin α cos α 0 0 −sin α cos α
1 0 0 0
0 1 0 0
=
0 0 1 0
0 0 0 1

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Matrix manipulations

𝑢′ = 𝑇 𝑢
𝐹′ = 𝑇 𝐹

𝐹′ = 𝐾 𝑢′

𝑇 𝐹 = 𝐾 𝑇 𝑢
Pre-multiply with 𝑇 𝑇 on both sides
𝑇 𝑇
𝑇 𝑇 𝐹 = 𝑇 𝐾 𝑇 𝑢
𝑇
𝐹 = 𝑇 𝐾 𝑇 𝑢
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
 Element stiffness matrix
for truss
𝑇
𝐹 = 𝑇 𝐾 𝑇 𝑢
1 0 −1 0 cos α sin α 0 0
0 0 0 0 − sin α cos α 0 0
𝐾 =𝑘 𝑇 =
−1 0 1 0 0 0 cos α sin α
0 0 0 0 0 0 −sin α cos α
𝑇
𝑇 𝐾 𝑇
cos α −sin α 0 0 1 0 −1 0 cos α sin α 0 0
sin α cos α 0 0 0 0 0 0 − sin α cos α 0 0
= 𝑘
0 0 cos α −sin α −1 0 1 0 0 0 cos α sin α
0 0 sin α cos α 0 0 0 0 0 0 −sin α cos α
2 2
cos α sin α. cos α −cos α − sin α. cos α
2 2
=𝑘 sin α. cos α sin α −sin α. cos α −sin α
2 2
−cos α − sin α. cos α cos α sin α. cos α
−sin α. cos α − sin2 α sin α. cos α sin2 α

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Element stiffness matrix
for truss

𝐴𝐸
𝑘=
𝐿

𝐹1𝑥 cos 2 α sin α. cos α −cos 2 α − sin α. cos α 𝑢1𝑥

𝐹1𝑦 sin α. cos α sin 2
α −sin α. cos α −sin 2
α 𝑢1𝑦
=𝑘 𝑢2𝑥
𝐹2𝑥 −cos 2 α − sin α. cos α cos 2 α sin α. cos α
𝐹2𝑦 −sin α. cos α − sin2 α sin α. cos α sin2 α 𝑢2𝑦

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

 Example 1
1N 𝐸 ① = 50 MPa 𝐿① = 10 mm
3
C (10,10) α① = 0° 𝐴① = 2 mm2
2N
③ ② 𝐸 ② = 50 MPa 𝐿② = 10 mm
α② = 90° 𝐴② = 1 mm2
45° 2
1
A (0,0) B (10,0)
① 𝐸 ③ = 100 MPa 𝐿③ = 10 2 mm
α③ = 45° 𝐴③ = 2 2 mm2

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Stiffness 𝑘ⓔ

① 𝐴𝐸 50×2
𝑘 = = = 10 N/mm
𝐿 10

② 𝐴𝐸 50×1
𝑘 = = = 5 N/mm
𝐿 10

③ 𝐴𝐸 100×2 2
𝑘 = = = 20 N/mm
𝐿 10 2
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
Element level stiffness matrix
for element 1
cos2 α sin α. cos α −cos2 α − sin α. cos α
sin α. cos α sin 2α −sin α. cos α −sin 2α
𝑘 ①
−cos2 α − sin α. cos α cos2 α sin α. cos α
−sin α. cos α − sin2 α sin α. cos α sin2 α

1 0 −1 0 1𝑥
0 0 0 0 1𝑦
10
−1 0 1 0 2𝑥
0 0 0 0 2𝑦
1𝑥 1𝑦 2𝑥 2𝑦 𝑘 ① = 10 N/mm
α① = 0°

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Element level stiffness matrix
for element 2
cos2 α sin α. cos α −cos2 α − sin α. cos α
sin α. cos α sin 2α −sin α. cos α −sin 2α
𝑘 ②
−cos2 α − sin α. cos α cos2 α sin α. cos α
−sin α. cos α − sin2 α sin α. cos α sin2 α

0 0 0 0 2𝑥
0 1 0 −1 2𝑦
5
0 0 0 0 3𝑥
0 −1 0 1 3𝑦
2𝑥 2𝑦 3𝑥 3𝑦 𝑘 ② = 5 N/mm
α② = 90°

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Element level stiffness matrix
for element 3
cos2 α sin α. cos α −cos2 α − sin α. cos α
sin α. cos α sin 2α −sin α. cos α −sin 2α
𝑘 ③
−cos2 α − sin α. cos α cos2 α sin α. cos α
−sin α. cos α − sin2 α sin α. cos α sin2 α

1/2 1/2 −1/2 −1/2 1𝑥

1/2 1/2 −1/2 −1/2 1𝑦
20
−1/2 −1/2 1/2 1/2 3𝑥
−1/2 −1/2 1/2 1/2 3𝑦
1𝑥 1𝑦 3𝑥 3𝑦
𝑘 ③ = 20 N/mm
α③ = 45°

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Assembly to arrive at global
set of equations

1𝑥 1𝑦 2𝑥 2𝑦 3𝑥 3𝑦
𝐹1𝑥 20 10 −10 0 −10 −10 𝑢1𝑥 1𝑥
𝐹1𝑦 10 10 0 0 −10 −10 𝑢1𝑦 1𝑦
𝐹2𝑥 −10 0 10 0 0 0 𝑢2𝑥 2𝑥
𝐹2𝑦 = 𝑢2𝑦
0 0 0 5 0 −5 2𝑦
𝐹3𝑥 −10 −10 0 0 10 10 𝑢3𝑥 3𝑥
𝐹3𝑦 −10 −10 0 −5 10 15 𝑢3𝑦 3𝑦
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
Apply boundary condition

𝐹3𝑥 = 2
𝐹3𝑦 = 1
𝐹2𝑥 = 0 𝑢1𝑥 = 𝑢1𝑦 = 𝑢2𝑦 = 0
𝐹1𝑥 20 10 −10 0 −10 −10 0
𝐹1𝑦 10 10 0 0 −10 −10 0
0 −10 0 10 0 0 0 𝑢2𝑥
= 0
𝐹2𝑦 0 0 0 5 0 −5
2 −10 −10 0 0 10 10 𝑢3𝑥
1 −10 −10 0 −5 10 15 𝑢3𝑦

BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956

Solution

𝐹1𝑥 20 10 −10 0 −10 −10 0

𝐹1𝑦 10 10 0 0 −10 −10 0
0 −10 0 10 0 0 0 𝑢2𝑥
= 0
𝐹2𝑦 0 0 0 5 0 −5
2 −10 −10 0 0 10 10 𝑢3𝑥
1 −10 −10 0 −5 10 15 𝑢3𝑦

0 10 0 0 𝑢2𝑥 𝑢2𝑥 0
2 = 0 10 10 𝑢3𝑥 𝑢3𝑥 = 0.4 mm
1 0 10 15 𝑢3𝑦 𝑢3𝑦 −0.2
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
 𝑢2𝑥 0
𝑢3𝑥 = 0.4 mm
Solution 𝑢3𝑦 −0.2
𝐹1𝑥 20 10 −10 0 −10 −10 0
𝐹1𝑦 10 10 0 0 −10 −10 0
0 −10 0 10 0 0 0 𝑢2𝑥
= 0
𝐹2𝑦 0 0 0 5 0 −5
2 −10 −10 0 0 10 10 𝑢3𝑥
1 −10 −10 0 −5 10 15 𝑢3𝑦
𝐹1𝑥 −10 −10 −10 0
𝐹1𝑦 = 0 −10 −10 0.4
𝐹2𝑦 0 0 −5 −0.2
𝐹1𝑥 −2
𝐹1𝑦 = −2 N
𝐹2𝑦 1
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
Computation of stresses

Recall
𝑢1𝑥 ′ cos α sin α 0 0 𝑢1𝑥
𝑢1𝑦′ − sin α cos α 0 0 𝑢1𝑦
𝑢2𝑥 ′ = 𝑢2𝑥
0 0 cos α sin α
𝑢2𝑦′ 0 0 −sin α cos α 𝑢2𝑦

(𝑢2𝑥 ′ − 𝑢1𝑥 ′ )
σ=𝐸
𝐿 𝑢1𝑥
𝐸 𝑢1𝑦
σ = −cos α − sin α cos α sin α 𝑢2𝑥
𝐿
𝑢2𝑦
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
 Stress calculation
𝑢1𝑥 0
𝑢1𝑦 0
𝑢2𝑥 0
𝑢2𝑦 = mm
0
𝑢3𝑥 0.4
𝑢3𝑦 −0.2 𝑢1𝑥
𝐸 𝑢1𝑦
σ = −cos α − sin α cos α sin α 𝑢2𝑥
𝐿
0 𝑢2𝑦
50 0
σ① = −1 0 1 0 = 𝟎 MPa
10 0 0
0 ③ 100 1 1 1 1 0
σ = − −
0 10 2 2 2 2 2 0.4
50 0 −0.2
σ② = 0 −1 0 1 = −𝟏 MPa
10 0.4 σ③ = 𝟏 MPa
−0.2
BITS Pilani, Deemed to be University under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956
 BITS Pilani
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