Finite Element Method: CBCS Scheme Dec.2016/Jan.2017

CBCS Scheme
Dec.2016/Jan.2017
Finite Element Method

1 a. Explain the basic steps involved in FEM. (06 Marks)
Ans. The solution of a general continuum problem by the finite element method always follows an orderly
step-by-step process. The step-by-step procedure with reference the static structural problems can be stated as
follows:
1. Discretisation of the continuum: The first step in the element method is to divide the given continuum
into smaller regions of finite dimensions called as “Finite elements”. The original continuum (body or
structure) is then considered as an assemblage of these elements connected at a finite number of joints
called as “Nodes” or “Nodal Points”. At each node, unknown displacements are to be prescribed. The
type, size, number, and arrangement of the elements depend on the accuracy of the solution required.
2. Selection of approximating functions: Approximating functions are also known as the displacement
function or interpolation model. Displacement function is the starting point of the mathematical
analysis. This represents the variation of the displacement within the element. The displacement
function may be approximated in the form of a linear function or a higher-order function. A convenient
way to express it is by polynomial expressions. The or geometry of the element may also be
approximated.
3. Formation of the element stiffness matrix: After continuum is discretized with desired element
shapes, the individual element stiffness matrix is formulated. Basically it is minimization procedure
whatever may be the approach adopted. The geometry the element is defined in reference to the global
frame. Coordinate transformation must be done for elements where it is necessary.
4. Formation of overall stiffness matrix: After the element stiffness matrices in global coordinates are
formed, they are assembled to form the overall stiffness matrix. The assembly is done through the
nodes which are common to adjacent elements. The overall stiffness matrix is symmetric and banded.
Overall stiffness matrix is also known as the global stiffness matrix.
5. Formation of the element loading matrix: The loading forms an essential parameter in any structural
engineering problem. The loading inside an element is transferred at the nodal points and consistent
element matrix is formed.
6. Formation of overall loading matrix: Like the overall stiffness matrix, the element loading matrices
are assembled to form the overall loading matrix. This matrix has one column per loading case and it
is either a column vector or a rectangular matrix depending on the number of loading cases.
7. Formation of overall equilibrium equation: Overall equilibrium equation is the systematic

arrangement of the overall stiffness matrix, overall load vector and overall displacement vector to get
set of simultaneous equations. Overall equilibrium equation can be expressed as shown below:
[k]{Q} = {F}
Where,
[k] is an overall or global stiffness matrix (square matrix)
{Q} is an overall or global displacement vector (Column matrix)
{F} is an overall or global force vector (Column matrix)
8. Incorporation of boundary conditions: The boundary restraint conditions are to be imposed in the
stiffness matrix to avoid the condition of singularity. The solution cannot be obtained unless support
conditions are included in the stiffness matrix. This is because, if all the nodes of the structure are
included in displacement vector, the stiffness matrix becomes singular and cannot be solved if the
structure is not supported amply, and it cannot resist the applied loads.
9. Calculation of unknown nodal displacements: After incorporation of boundary conditions,

elimination methods or penalty methods of handling boundary condition are used to calculate unknown
nodal displacements from the equilibrium equation or simultaneous equations.
10. Calculation of strain and stresses: Nodal displacements are utilized for the calculation of strain and
stresses using the suitable equations. This may be done for elements of the continuum or it may be
limited to some predetermined elements. Results may be obtained by graphical means. It may desirable
to plot contours of the deformed shape of the continuum.
2 a. Explain Galerkin approach of weighted residual method. State its advantage and also limitation.
2 b. Derive expression for the deflection ‘V’ for a cantilever beam loaded as shown in fig and thus obtain
the maximum deflection using Rayleigh-Ritz method and one term trigonometric solution.
4 a. Derive shape function for a 2 noded beam element and plot the variation along the element.
6 a. write a note on pascl’s triangle and its significance in devolving serndepity and lagrange class of
elements.
9 a. distinguish b/w lumped and consistent mass matrix. Derive lumped and consistent mass matrix of
a 2 node bar element
3 a. derive stiffness matrix for a two dimensional truss element.

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CBCS Scheme

Finite Element Method

7. Formation of overall equilibrium equation: Overall equilibrium equation is the systematic

9. Calculation of unknown nodal displacements: After incorporation of boundary conditions,

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