Finite Element Method

Given the system shown below.

1) Determine the element stiffness matrix for each 2-node element. Consider the element
𝑨 𝑬 𝟏 −𝟏
stiffness matrix equal to 𝒌𝒆 = 𝒆 𝒆 [ ]
𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 −𝟏 𝟏
2) Assemble the global stiffness matrix K
3) Solve for the nodal displacements
4) Evaluate the stresses in element 1

The axial load 𝑃 is applied at 20 oC. The temperature is then raised to 60 oC.

Consider nodes 1 and 3 are fixed.

1) Determining the element stiffness matrix for each element

a. The system is replaced by a 2-bar structure in 1D (1DoF per node), the associated
DoF can be represented as follows:

a. Element stiffness matrices

For element 1:
70x103 (900) 1 −1 315 −315
𝑘1 = [ ] = 103 [ ]
200 −1 1 −315 315
For element 2:
200x103 (1200) 1 −1 800 −800
𝑘1 = [ ] = 103 [ ]
300 −1 1 −800 800
 Finite Element Method

2) Assembling the global stiffness matrix K

𝐾 = ∑ 𝑘𝑒
𝑒

315 −315 0
𝐾 = 103 [−315 315 + 800 −800]
0 −800 800

315 −315 0
𝐾 = 103 [−315 1115 −800]
0 −800 800

3) Solving for the nodal displacements

a) The element temperature forces due to ∆𝑇 are:

−1 −1 −57.96
𝜃1 = 𝐸1 𝐴1 ∝ ∆𝑇 { } = 70x103 (900)(23x10−6 )(60 − 20) { } = 103 { }
1 1 57.96

−1 −1 −112.32
𝜃2 = 𝐸2 𝐴2 ∝ ∆𝑇 { } = 200x103 (1200)(11.7x10−6 )(60 − 20) { } = 103 { }
1 1 112.32

b) Thus, the force vector is:

−57.96 −57.96
𝐹 = {57.96 − 112.32 + 300} = 103 { 245.64 }
112.32 112.32

c) Applying the boundary conditions – Elimination approach

315 −315 0 𝑄1,𝑥 −57.96

3
10 [−315 1115 −800] {𝑄2,𝑥 } = { 245.64 }
0 −800 800 𝑄3,𝑥 112.32

The Reduced system to solve is then [𝐾𝑅 ]{𝑄𝑅 } = {𝐹𝑅 }

1115x103 (𝑄2,𝑥 ) = 245.64x103

𝑄2,𝑥 = 0.22mm

4) Recovering the stresses in element 1

1 𝑄1,𝑥
a) Knowing that 𝜎 = 𝐸(𝜀 − 𝜀0 ), 𝜀 = [−1 , + 1] { } and 𝜀0 = 𝛼∆𝑇
𝑥2 −𝑥1 𝑄2,𝑥

70x103
𝜎1 = [−1 1] { 0 } − 70x103 (23x10−6 )(40) = 12.6MPa
200 0.22
 Finite Element Method

Consider the four-bar truss shown below.

1) Determine the element stiffness matrix for each 2-node element. Consider the element
𝒍𝟐 𝒍𝒎 −𝒍𝟐 −𝒍𝒎
𝟐
𝑨𝒆 𝑬𝒆
stiffness matrix equal to 𝒌𝒆 = 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 [ 𝒍𝒎 𝒎 −𝒍𝒎 −𝒎𝟐 ]
𝟐
−𝒍 −𝒍𝒎 𝒍𝟐 𝒍𝒎
−𝒍𝒎 −𝒎𝟐 𝒍𝒎 𝒎𝟐
2) Assemble the global stiffness matrix K
3) Solve for the nodal displacements
4) Recover the stresses in element 1
5) Calculate the reaction forces

5) Determining the element stiffness matrix for each element

a. Considering that it is a 2D truss (2DoF per node), the associated DoF can be
represented as follows:
 Finite Element Method

b. Whether is not necessary, it is advised to write down the Nodal List and the
connectivity matrix

Node id x y
1 0 0
2 1 0
3 1 0.75
4 0 0.75

Element id Node 𝒊 Node j

1 1 2
2 3 2
3 1 3
4 4 3

c. Element stiffness matrices

For element 1:
𝐴1 = 0.0003m2, 𝐸1 = 210000MPa, 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 1.0m,
𝑥2 −𝑥1 𝑦2 −𝑦1
𝑙 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 1 and 𝑚 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ =0
1 0 −1 0 63 0 −63 0
0.0003(210000) 0 0 0 0] = [ 0 0 0 0]
𝑘1 = [
1.0 −1 0 1 0 −63 0 63 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For element 2:
𝐴2 = 0.0003m2, 𝐸2 = 210000MPa, 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 0.75m,
𝑥2 −𝑥3 𝑦2 −𝑦3
𝑙 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 0 and 𝑚 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = −1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0.0003(210000) 0 1 0 −1] = [ 0 84 0 −84]
𝑘2 = [
0.75 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 −1 0 1 0 −84 0 84

For element 3:
𝐴3 = 0.0003m2, 𝐸3 = 210000MPa, 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 1.25m,
𝑥 −𝑥 𝑦 −𝑦
𝑙 = 3 1 = 0.8 and 𝑚 = 3 1 = 0.6
𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ
0.82 0.8(0.6) −0.82 −0.8(0.6)
2
0.0003(210000) 0.8(0.6) 0.6 −0.8(0.6) −0.62
𝑘3 = 2
1.25 −0.8 −0.8(0.6) 0.82 0.8(0.6)
[−0.8(0.6) −0.62 0.8(0.6) 0.62 ]
32.2 24.1 −32.2 −24.1
= [ 24.1 18.1 −24.1 −18.1]
−32.2 −24.1 32.2 24.1
−24.1 −18.1 24.1 18.1

For element 4:
𝐴4 = 0.0003m2, 𝐸4 = 210000MPa, 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 1m,
𝑥4 −𝑥3 𝑦4 −𝑦3
𝑙 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = -1 and 𝑚 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ =0
 Finite Element Method

1 0 −1 0 63 0 −63 0
0.0003(210000) 0 0 0 0] = [ 0 0 0 0]
𝑘4 = [
1.0 −1 0 1 0 −63 0 63 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

6) Assembling the global stiffness matrix K

𝐾 = ∑ 𝑘𝑒
𝑒
 Finite Element Method

7) Solving for the nodal displacements

𝐾𝑄 = 𝐹

b) Force vector
𝐹 = [0, 0, 0.09MN, 0, − 0.122MN, 0, 0]𝑇

c) Displacement vector
𝑄 = [𝑄1 , 𝑥_, _ 𝑄1 , 𝑦_, _𝑄2 , 𝑥_, _ 𝑄2 , 𝑦_, _𝑄3 , 𝑥_, _ 𝑄3 , 𝑦_, _𝑄4 , 𝑥_, _ 𝑄4 , 𝑦]]𝑇

d) Applying the boundary conditions – Elimination approach

𝑄1 , 𝑥 = 𝑄1 , 𝑦 = 𝑄4 , 𝑥 = 𝑄4 , 𝑦 = 𝑄2 , 𝑦 = 0

The Reduced system to solve is then [𝐾𝑅 ]{𝑄𝑅 } = {𝐹𝑅 }

63 0 0 𝑄2 , 𝑥 0.09
𝑄 , 𝑥
[ 0 95.2 24.1 ] { 3 } = { 0 }
0 24.1 102.1 𝑄3 , 𝑦 −0.122

Pre-multiplying both sides by [𝐾𝑅 ]−1 we obtain:

 Finite Element Method

𝑄2 , 𝑥 14.3
{𝑄3 , 𝑥 } = { 3.2 } x10−4 m
𝑄3 , 𝑦 −12.7

8) Recovering the stresses in element 1

Knowing that, for a 1D element, the stress-strain relation is given by 𝜎 = 𝐸𝜀 and 𝜀 =
[𝐵]{𝑞} we can write that :
𝑄1,𝑥 0
1 𝑄1,𝑦 1 0
𝜎1 = 𝐸1 [−𝑙 , − 𝑚, 𝑙, 𝑚] = 210000 [−1 0 1 0] { }
𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑄2,𝑥 1 14.3x10−4
{𝑄2,𝑦 } 0
= 300.3MPa

9) The reaction forces can now be computed.

𝐹1,𝑥
𝐹1,𝑦 −0.07
0.01
𝐹2,𝑥 0.09
𝐹2,𝑦
= 0.11
𝐹3,𝑥 0.00
𝐹3,𝑦 −0.12
𝐹4,𝑥 −0.02
{ 0 }
{𝐹4,𝑦 }
 Finite Element method
11/03/2024

Exercise 7

Generate the nodal list and the connectivity matrix for the following 3D truss. What would be
the sizes of the global stiffness and the reduced stiffness matrices?

1.0m

Apparently, I forgot to specify the dimensions of the structure. It is supposed to be a modular

structure. Each module fits in a cubic meter.
Node X Y Z Elem
ni nj
id [m] [m] [m] id
1 0 0 0 1 1 2
2 1 0 0 2 4 5
3 0 1 0 3 7 8
4 0 0 1 4 1 3
5 1 0 1 5 4 6
6 0 1 1 6 7 9
7 0 0 2 7 2 3
8 1 0 2 8 5 6
9 0 1 2 9 8 9
10 3 6
11 6 9
12 1 4
13 4 7
14 2 5
15 5 8
16 3 4
17 2 4
18 2 6
19 6 7
20 5 7
21 5 9

The size of the stiffness matrix will be 27x27 (Square matrix containing 9 nodes with 3 DoF
each). Obviously, you are not solving a system like that by hand.
Considering that nodes 1, 2 and 3 are embedded, 9 DoF can be taken out from the K matrix.

THUONG ANH NGUYEN, GUSTAVO MENDOZA CHÁVEZ 1

 Finite Element method
11/03/2024

Exercise 8

Indicate all the mistakes in the following triangular meshes.

No nodal
Under constrained structure connexion
(risk of turning)

Under constrained structure

(risk of sliding)

Nodal load
without a node

THUONG ANH NGUYEN, GUSTAVO MENDOZA CHÁVEZ 2

 Finite Element method
11/03/2024

Exercise 9
Find the stresses for element 4.

2 3

1
2
0 1
0

Solution:
Units [m, MPa, MN]
The nodes’ ids are added in red. The first DoF are added in cyan, the rest follow the same
numbering technique.

For the bar (element 4) the stiffness matrix is given by

𝒍𝟐 𝒍𝒎 𝟎 −𝒍𝟐 −𝒍𝒎 𝟎
𝒍𝒎 𝒎𝟐 𝟎 𝒍𝒎 −𝒎𝟐 𝟎
𝑨𝒆 𝑬𝒆 𝟎 𝟎 𝟎 𝟎 𝟎 𝟎
𝒌𝒆 =
𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 −𝒍𝟐 −𝒍𝒎 𝟎 𝒍𝟐 𝒍𝒎 𝟎
−𝒍𝒎 −𝒎𝟐 𝟎 𝒍𝒎 𝒎𝟐 𝟎
[ 𝟎 𝟎 𝟎 𝟎 𝟎 𝟎 ]
Notice that the zeros in the matrix correspond to the 3rd DoF in the system (bending) which
the bar cannot withstand.
𝑙 = 0.81, 𝑚 = 0.58
20.2 14.4 0 −20.2 −14.4 0
10.3 0 −14.4 −10.3 0
𝑘4 = 0 0 0 0
20.2 14.4 0
10.3 0
[ 0 ]

THUONG ANH NGUYEN, GUSTAVO MENDOZA CHÁVEZ 3

 Finite Element method
11/03/2024

For the column-beam elements, the stiffness matrix in the global coordinates is given by
[𝑅]𝑇 [𝑘𝑒′ ][𝑅]

Element 1:
𝑙 = 1, 𝑚 = 0
1371.4 0 0 −1371.4 0 0
17.9 31.3 0 −17.9 31.3
𝑘′1 = 73.1 0 −31.3 36
1371 0 0
17.9 −31.3
[ 73.1 ]

It can be observed that the rotational matrix becomes the identity, thus 𝑘1 (global coordinates)
is equal to 𝑘′1 (local coordinates).

Elements 2 and 3
𝑙 = 0, 𝑚 = 1
1920.0 0 0 −1920.0 0 0
49.1 61.4 0 −49.1 61.4
𝑘′2 = 𝑘3′ = 102.3 0.00 −61.4 51.1
1920 0 0
49.1 −61.4
[ 102.3 ]
In the global coordinates:
49.1 0 −61.4 −49.1 0 −61.4
1920 0 0 −1920 0
𝑘2 = 𝑘3 = 102.3 61.4 0 51.1
49.1 0 61.4
1920 0
[ 102.3 ]

The force vector in the system is:

𝐹 = {0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0.0132, −0.00385, −0.0022, 0, −0.00385, 0.0022}𝑇

THUONG ANH NGUYEN, GUSTAVO MENDOZA CHÁVEZ 4

 Finite Element method
11/03/2024

Boundary conditions.
The considered displacements at DoF 0 to 5 and DoF 7 are 0.
Here, again, I am assuming the assemblage of the global stiffness matrix is clear.
One can obtain:

𝑄 = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1.6x10−4 , −4.9x10−7 , −6.3x10−5 , 1.5x10−4 , 0, −2.8x10−5 }

The aims of this example can be divided into 2 main points:

a) The use of the column-beams for 2D frames using the rotational matrix 𝑅
b) To show how a relatively small model involves already the inversion of “big” matrices.
Restricting rapidly the solution by hand.
This is, obviously, not a problem for computational algorithms where direct solution
can be efficiently achieved for models containing few millions of degrees of freedom.
For bigger models, approximative or iterative solutions could be more adapted.

THUONG ANH NGUYEN, GUSTAVO MENDOZA CHÁVEZ 5

 Finite Element method
11/03/2024

Exercise 10
Assemble the global stiffness matrix of the following thin-plate structure.

For plane stress conditions, the material property matrix is given by:

Then we proceed to write down, for each element, the strain displacement matrix 𝐵𝑒 . Which,
for a triangular 3-node plate, is given in terms of the Jacobian:

Where :
𝑥𝑛 stands for the 𝑥 coordinate at local node 𝑛 (similar for 𝑦𝑛 )

The matrix multiplication 𝐵𝑒 𝐷

THUONG ANH NGUYEN, GUSTAVO MENDOZA CHÁVEZ 6

 Finite Element method
11/03/2024

For the first element:

And for the second element:

The element stiffness matrix is given by 𝑡𝑒 𝐴𝑒 𝐵𝑒𝑇 𝐷𝐵𝑒 :

Here, again, I am assuming the assemblage of the global stiffness matrix is clear.
The reduced problem can be written as 𝐾𝑅 𝑄𝑅 = 𝐹𝑅 :

Solving the system by premultipliying both sides of the equation by 𝐾𝑅−1

THUONG ANH NGUYEN, GUSTAVO MENDOZA CHÁVEZ 7

 Finite Element Method · Final ·
SOLVED
Name:

Signature:

Instructions
• If any assumption is needed, justify it;
• Documents and laptops are forbidden. Only calculator allowed;

• You will find the formulae at the end of the document;

• Time 2 hours.

1 Beams & trusses (8 points)

t
A commonly used streetlight arrangement is shown in Figure 1. Assuming fixed nodes, approximate the vertical
displacement, d, of the lamp for the 2 different configurations:
af
1. Considering only the tubes (shown in blue) without the tie (shown in red);

2. With the tie.

The weight of the structural elements can be neglected. Given the differences between the stiffness, the
Dr
masonry wall can be directly considered infinitely rigid.

Figure 1: Streetlight

Solution :
Configuration 1, d ≃ −3.23mm
Configuration 2, d ≃ −0.175mm

1
2 Stiffness matrix (5 points)
2
Consider the one-dimensional element shown in Figure 2. The transformation ξ = x2 −x 1
(x − x1 ) − 1 is used to
relate x to ξ coordinates. Let the displacement field be interpolated as u(ξ) = N1 q1 + N2 q2 where the shape
functions N1 and N2 are assumed to be:

N1 = cos π(1+ξ)
4 and N2 = cos π(1−ξ)
4

1. Develop the relation ε = Bq

2. Develop the element stiffness matrix ke

t Figure 2: 2-node element in local coordinates

af
Solution: " #
Π(1+ξ)
R1 sin2 sin Π(1+ξ) sin Π(1−ξ)
ke = ΠEA e
Π(1+ξ)
4 4 4 dξ
2le −1
sin 4 sin Π(1−ξ)
4 sin 2 Π(1−ξ)
4
Dr

2
3 Boundary conditions (10 points)
For the four-bar truss structure shown below, consider the two following loading cases:

1. There is an increase in temperature of 10o C only in bars 2 and 3. There are no other loads in the
structure,cf. Figure 3 .

(a) Determine the element stiffness matrix, ke for each 2-node element;
(b) Assemble the global stiffness matrix K;
(c) Solve for the nodal displacements;
(d) Recover the stresses in all elements;
(e) Calculate the reaction forces.

2. A settlement effect is considered at one support. Node 2 settles vertically down by 30 cm. In addition,
two nodal loads are applied at the structure, cf. Figure 4. Complete the following:

(a) Write down (without solving) the equilibrium system [K]{Q} = {F } using the penalty approach.

t
af
Dr
Figure 3: Thermal load

Figure 4: Vertical settlement

3
Solution

1. Thermal gradient

c) nodal displacements Global displacement vector

 

 Q0 
 
Q1 
 

 
 
Q

2

 


 
Q3

Q=

 Q4 

Q5 

 

 

Q
 
6

 


 
Q7


   
Q2  0.0
Q4 = 1.0e − 04 0.7 m
Q5 2.1
   

2. Settlement

a)
    
−62 −32 −24
 24

 −62
t
95 + C 24
18 + C
0
0
62
0
0
0
−24 −18
0 0
0
0
0
0
0 
0 




Q0 
Q1 

Q2 














0 
0 
F2 





af
 
 
 
 

 0 0 0 83 + C 0 −83 0 0  Q3 = −0.3C
   

 −32 −24 0 0 95 24 −62 0  Q4  0 
 
  
 
 −24 −18 0 −83 24 102 0 0  Q5 
  
 −F 3 

 
 
 
 

 0 0 0 0 −62 0 62 + C 0  Q6  0 
  
 

 
 
 

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+C Q7 0
   
Dr

4
 Finite Element Method · 2022-2023
13/03/2023
Name:

Date and signature:

Instructions
• Each problem has a different weight. Choose those that you like and solve them keeping in mind that the
highest possible mark is 20 points;
• If any assumption is needed, justify it;
• Documents and laptops are forbidden. Only calculator allowed;
• You will find the formulae at the end of the document.

1
1 Displacements (5 points)
If a displacement field is described by:

u = (−x2 + 2y 2 + 6xy)10−4
v = (3x + 6y − y 2 )10−4

Determine the strains εx , εy , τxy at the point x = 1 and y =0.

2 Rods (8 points)
For the vertical rod shown in Figure 1 :

1. Propose and justify one model (type of elements, mesh, loads, etc.);
2. Find the displacements at level A;
3. Plot the stress distribution;
4. Calculate the reaction forces;

5. Discuss the stress continuity (or discontinuity) at level B. Is your representation accurate at this interface?
Consider Young’s modulus, E equal to 210GPa and the material’s density, ρ, equal to 7850kg/m3

Figure 1: Rod system

2
3 Trusses (8 points)
A two member truss is subjected to a load P = 8000N (cf. Figure 2). Member 1-2 is 400mm long. Member 1-3
was designed to be 500mm but, due to an error, it was manufactured 5mm longer. However, it was forced into
place. Determine:

1. the stresses in the members assuming that member 1-3 was manufactured to its correct length of 500mm;
2. the stresses in the members as a result of member 1-3 being forced into place (Hint: this is an initial strain
problem. It can be solved by using the temperature load vector).

Take cross-sectional areas = 750mm2 , E=200GPa, α = 23x10−6 per o C, ν = 0.28.

Figure 2: 2-element truss

3
4 Eigen modes (8 points)
The 2D frame shown in Figure 3 represents a two-story building fixed at its base. The stiffness of the horizontal
elements (blue elements representing the decks) is infinitely greater than the stiffness of the vertical ones.
Consider the connections deck-element to be perfectly rigid.
1. Assemble the global Stiffness matrix K;

2. Assemble the global Mass matrix M ;

3. Determine the frequencies and the eigen-vectors associated only to the horizontal degrees of freedom;
4. Draw a sketch of the eigen-shapes.

Figure 3: Idealised 2-story building

4
5 Plates (10 Points)
Consider a rectangular plate of 5cm x 15cm and 1.5cm of thickness. 3 sides of the plate are considered contin-
uously fixed. At the middle of its free side, a vertical punctual load of 5000N is applied at point P (x = 7.5cm,
y = 0cm) as shown in the figure below.
1. Define a mesh representing the plate. It should be coarse enough for hand calculations. Keep it simple,
keep it small (it is not necessary but try applying classical symmetry axis);
2. Solve for the nodal displacements at P;
3. Draw a sketch for a more suitable mesh if a precise solution around point P was needed. Please, justify
your answer.

Figure 4: 3-side welded plate

5
Formulae
Material matrices, D
{σ} = [D]{ε}

• One dimension
du
σ = Eε with the strain displacement relation ε = dx

• Plane stress

• Plane strain

2D Trusses
For an elementconnecting nodes noi and 
noj , the stiffness matrix is given by:
l2 lm −l2 −lm
Ae Ee  ml
 m2 −ml −m2   with l = xj −xi , m = yj −yi
ke = length 2
 −l −lm l2 lm  length length
2 2
−ml −m ml m
The load vector contribution, to the axial DoF, due to Thermal loads is:

Θe = Ee Ae α∆T {−l, −m, l, m}T

Strains:
1
ε = length [−l, −m, l, m]{q}

3D Trusses
l2 −l2
 
lm ln −lm −ln
 ml
 m2 mn −ml −m2 −mn
Ae Ee  nl
 nm n2 −nl −nm −n2  zj −zi
ke = length  2  with n =
 −l −lm −ln l2 lm ln 

length
−ml −m2 −mn ml m2 mn 
−nl −nm −n2 nl nm n2

2D Beams
The element stiffness matrix in local coordinates ke′ and Rotation matrix R are:

le is the length of the element

6
3-node plane elements
ke = te Ae B T DB

Where the Strain-Displacement matrix, B, and the Jacobian, J, are given by the following expressions:

Eigen-problem
[K − ω 2 M ]ϕ = 0

Remember to look for the non-trivial solution

det[K − ω 2 M ] = 0