MIN-324: FEM Applications in Mechanical Engineering
Assignment 3
(Due Date: Hard copy, Monday, 3rd April 2023, to at the beginning of the class; upload soft copy
of the source code/s to MS teams)
Note: Work in a team of 2 students
1. For the shape (interpolation) functions pertaining to linear and quadratic bar elements, verify
and comment on the implications of the following property:
𝑛𝑒𝑙
∑ 𝑁𝑖 = 1
𝑒=1
2. For the governing equation given below, solve the following problem (using pen and paper)
using discrete FE equations derived in the class (chapter 4) for the following cases.
(a) Single and two linear elements
(b) Single quadratic element
𝑑2𝑢
𝐴𝐸 2 + 𝑞0 = 0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑢
𝑢(0) = 0; (𝑙) = 0
𝑑𝑥
Plot a displacement and stress field along the length of the bar. You may show these plots
together alongwith problem 4.
3. Write a computer program using discrete FE equations derived in the class (chapter 4) to
solve problem 3 for the following cases.
(a) single linear element, 2, 4, 8 linear elements
(b) single quadratic element
Plot a displacement and stress field along the length of the bar. Compare your results against
solution obtained in problem 3 and exact solution. You may show these plots together alongwith
problem 3. Comment on the results a, b; especially on the basis of mesh size and element order.
4. Write a computer program using discrete FE equations to solve the following governing
equation for the following cases.
𝑑2𝑢
𝐴𝐸 + 𝑎𝑥 2 = 0
𝑑𝑥 2
(a) single linear element, 2, 4, 8 linear elements
(b) single quadratic element, 2, 4, 8 quadratic elements
(c) for linear and quadratic elements interpolate the results (for single and 4 elements) at the
center of each element. Comment on the obtained response.
(d) compare your solution against a commercial finite element code or analytical solution.
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5. Consider a bar shown in figure below. The bar has a linearly varying cross-sectional area
A= (x+1) m2 in the region 0m < x < 1 m and a constant cross-sectional area A = 2 m2 in the region
1m < x < 2 m. The Young’s modulus is E = 50 MPa. The bar is subjected to the point load P = 200
N at x = 0.75 m and a quadratically varying distributed loading b = x2 Nm-1 in the region 1m < x
< 2 m. The bar is constrained at x = 0 m and is traction free at x = 2 m. Write a 1D finite element
code, using discrete FE equations, to solve this problem. Find the displacements and stresses along
the length of the bar using linear and quadric elements. Compare the results against exact solution
or commercial finite element code. Study mesh convergence.
6. Additional Problem, no need to turn in.
Starting from energy develop discrete equations for axially loaded elastic bar.
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General suggesting for developing FE codes for above problems:
(a) should accommodate proper element assembly
(b)should be able to compute displacement, strain, and stress
(c) should be able to interpolate at desired point within an element
(d)should be self-explanatory (i.e., any other person from similar background should be able to
easily understand your code and should be able to run it seamlessly for problem of his/her
interest). To facilitate above add proper comments throughout the code.
Please attach a copy (printout) of a source code during the submission and upload *.m or equivalent
files via MS team. Also attach concise but complete documentation (printout) of your codes so
that anyone who wish to use your codes should benefit from this documentation.
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