QUESTION BANK

ME6603 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

UNIT -1 INTRODUCTION
PART A
List out the various methods of solving boundary value problems.
What is meant by post processing?
What are the methods generally associated with the finite element analysis?
If a displacement field in x direction is given by u =2x 2+4y2+6xy. Determine the
strain in x direction.
Write about weighted residual method.
State the principle of minimum potential energy theorem.
What is Rayleigh-Ritz method?
What is meant by node?
What is discretization?
Distinguish between Error in solution and residual
What are the advantages of weak formulation?
List the various weighted residual methods
Compare the Ritz technique with the nodal approximation method
Mention the basic steps of Galerkin method.
What are non homogenous boundary conditions? Give an example
Compare the Rayleigh Ritz method with Nodal approximation method
on what basis, collocation points are selected?

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PART B
1

A beam AB of span l simply, supported at ends and carrying a concentrated

load W at the center C as shown in fig. Determine the deflection at midspan by
using Rayleigh-Ritz method and compare with exact solution

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A physical phenomenon is governed by the differential equation (d 2w/dx2)-10x2

=5 for 0 x 1. The boundary conditions are given by u(0) = w(1) =0. Assuming
a trial solution w(x) = a0+a1x+a2x2+a3x3. Determine using Galerkin method the
variation of w with respect to x.
The following differential equation is available for a physical phenomenon
(d2y /dx2 -10x2 = 5) : 0 x 1. The boundary conditions are : y(0) = 0 y(1) = 0.

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M. Saravana Kumar M.E

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FMCET/Assistant Professor/Mech

Find an approximate solution of the above differential equation by using

Galerkins method of weighted residuals and also compare with exact solution.
Solve the following differential equation using Galerkins method of weighted

residuals.

= 4 ,0

1 with boundary conditions y(0)=0, y(1) =1.

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A concentrated load P = 50kN is applied at the center of a fixed beam of length 3

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m, depth 200 mm and width 120 mm. Calculate the deflection and slope at the
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2
midpoint. Assume E = 210 N/mm
(II UNIT)

Find the eigen value and the corresponding eigen vector for the matrix

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Determine using any Weighted Residual technique the temperature distribution

along a circular fin of length 6 cm and radius 1 cm. The fin is attached to a boiler
whose wall temperature is 140C and the free end is insulated. Assume
convection coefficient h=10 W/cm2 C. Conduction coefficient K = 70 W/cm2
C and T = 40C. The governing equation for the heat transfer through the fin is
given by

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( )

+ ( )(

=0

Derive the governing equation for a tapered rod fixed at one end and subjected to
its own self weight and a force P at the other end as shown in Figure. Let the
length of the bar be l and let the cross section vary linearly from A1 at the top

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fixed end to A2 at the free end. E and represent the youngs modulus and
specific weight of the material of the bar. Convert this equation into its weak
form and hence determine the matrices for solving using the Ritz Technique

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Write briefly about weighted residual methods

A simply supported beam is subjected to uniformly distributed load over entire

M. Saravana Kumar M.E

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span as shown in fig. Determine the bending moment and deflection at midspan
by using Rayleigh Ritz method.

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List and briefly describe the general steps of the finite element method.

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Using Collocation method, find the maximum displacement of the tapered rod as
shown in fig. E = 2107 N/cm2, = 0.075 N/cm3

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Describe the historical background of fem.

Explain the relevance of FEA for solving design problems with the aid of
examples.

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The differential equation for a phenomenon is given by

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= 0; 0x5.

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Derive an equation to find the displacement at node 2 of fixed-fixed beam

subjected to axial load P at node 2 using Rayleigh-Ritz method.

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500

The boundary condition are y(0) = 0, y(5)=0. Find the approximate solution using
any classical technique. Start with minimal possible approximate solution.
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M. Saravana Kumar M.E

FMCET/Assistant Professor/Mech

ME6603 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

UNIT -2 ONE DIMNESIONAL PROBLEMS
PART A
Why polynomials are generally used as shape fuctions?
What is dynamics problem?
Write down the expression of governing equation free axial vibration of rod
and transverse vibration of beam.
What is the stationary property of total potential energy
Give the Lagrange equation of motion and obtain the shape functions for
quadratic coordinate transformation.
Write about the effective global nodal forces of beam element
What are the boundary conditions in FEA heat transfer problem
Consistent mass matrix gives accurate results than lumped mass matrix in
dynamics analysis of bar element?
Write down the expression of stiffness matrix for a truss element.
What is meant by transverse vibration
Derive the shape functions for a 1D quadratic bar element
What are the properties of the stiffness matrix?
Derive the mass matrix for a 1D linear bar element
Write down the governing equation and for 1 D longitudinal vibration of a
bar fixed at one end and give the boundary conditions

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Derive the convection matrix for a 1-D linear bar element

Write the stiffness matrix for a 1 D two noded linear element
Give the properties of shape function
Write the analogies between structural, heat transfer and fluid mechanics
Define shape function
What is a truss?
What is meant by transverse vibrations?
Write down the governing equation for two dimensional steady state heat
conduction
Define streamline
What is meant by transverse vibrations?
What is the need for coordinate transformation in solving truss problems?
Illustrate the two Hermite shape functions associated with slope as
applicable for beam element.
What are force vectors? Give example
Define p-refinement
What are the factors which govern the selection of nodes?

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PART - B
1

For the bar element shown in fig. Calculate the nodal displacements and element
stresses. Assume the material as steel. P = 20 kN.

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Determine the eigen values for the stepped bar shown in fig.

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Derive the shape function for One-dimensional Quadratic Bar element.

A steel bar of length 800 mm is subjected to an axial load of 3 kN as shown in
fig. Find the nodal displacements of the bar, and load vectors.

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Determine the nodal displacements, element stresses and support reactions in the
truss element shown in figure. Assume that points 1 and 3 are fixed. Take E= 70
Gpa, and A =200 mm2.

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M. Saravana Kumar M.E

FMCET/Assistant Professor/Mech

For the beam shown in fig, determine the displacements and the slopes at the
nodes, the forces in each element and the reactions. E = 200 Gpa,
I = 110-4 m4

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The figure shows a uniform Aluminium fin of diameter 25 mm. The root (left
end) of the fin is maintained at a temperature of T =120 oC, convection takes
place from the lateral (circular) surface and the right (flat) edge of the fin.
Assuming k= 200 W/m oC, h=1000 W/m2 oC and T = 20 oC, determine the
temperature distribution in the fin using one dimensional element, considering
two elements.

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Set up the system of equations governing the free transverse vibrations of a M/J 16
simply supported beam modeled by two finite elements. Determine the natural
frequency of the system.
Determine the maximum deflection and slope in the beam, loaded as shown in A/M 15
Figure. Determine also the reactions at the supports. E = 200 GPa, I=20 10-6
m4, q = 5 kN/m and L= 1m.

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Derive using Lagrangian Polynomials the shape functions for a one dimensional A/M 15
three noded bar element. Plot the variation of the same. Hence derive the stiffness
matrix and load vector.
Determine the first two natural frequencies of transverse vibration of the A/M 15
cantilever beam shown in fig and plot the mode shapes

M. Saravana Kumar M.E

FMCET/Assistant Professor/Mech

14

Determine the first two natural frequencies of longitudinal vibration of the bar
shown in Fig. assuming that the bar is discretized into two elements as shown. E
and represent the youngs modulus and the mass density of the material of the
bar.

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A Composite wall consists of three materials as shown in fig. The inside wall
temperature is 200 C and the outside air temperature is 50 C with a convection
coefficient of 10 W/cm2 C. Determine the temperature along the composite wall.

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Derive the stiffness matrix for 2D truss element

For the bar shown in fig. with length 2L, modulus of elasticity E, mass density e,
and cross sectional area A, determine the first two natural frequencies.

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Determine the eigen values and natural frequencies of a system whose stiffness
and mass matrices are given below

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M. Saravana Kumar M.E

FMCET/Assistant Professor/Mech

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Derive an expression for temperature function and shape function for one
dimensional heat conduction element.
A two noded truss element is shown in Figure. The nodal displacements are u 1 =

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5 mm and u2 = 8 mm. Calculate the displacement at x =

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For the two bar truss shown in fig, determine the displacements of node 1 and the
stress in element 1-2

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Derive the equation of motion based on weak form for transverse vibration of a M/J 14
beam.
Derive a finite element equation for one dimensional heat conduction with free M/J 14
end convection.
Consider the bar shown in fig. Determine the nodal displacements, element
stresses and support reactions.
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Compute the slope, deflection and reaction forces for the cantilever beam of
length L carrying Uniformly distributed load of intensity fo.
Determine the nodal displacements, stress and strain for the bar shown in fig.

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22

Determine the first two natural frequencies of longitudinal vibration of the

stepped steel bar shown in fig. and plot the mode shapes. All dimensions are in
mm. E= 200 Gpa and density 0.78 kg/cc

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Determine the temperature distribution along a circular fin of length 5 cm and

radius 1 cm. The fin is attached to a boiler whose wall temperature 140 C and
the free end is open to the atmosphere. Assume T =40 C , h= 10 W/cm C, k=
70 W/cm C.
A rod fixed at its end is subjected to a varying body force as shown in Fig 1. Use
the Rayleigh Ritz method with an assumed displacement filed u=a0+a1x+a2x2 to
determine displacement u(x) and stress (x).

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Determine the extension of the bar shown in Fig. due to self weight and a
concentrated load of 600N applied at its end. Given b1= 200 mm. b2 = 100 mm
and t = 20 mm. Use two spar elements to solve the problem. Take E=210 5
N/mm2.

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A cantilever beam of length 3.4 m has an elastic spring support of stiffness 230
kN/m at its free end, where a point load of 13 kN acts. Take Youngs modulus as
200 Gpa and area moment of inertia of the cross section as 110-4 m4. Determine
the displacement and slope at the node and the reactions.

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M. Saravana Kumar M.E

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FMCET/Assistant Professor/Mech

27

Discuss the importance of FEA in assisting design process.

Solve the ordinary differential equation

+ 10x2 = 0 , 0 x 1 Subject to

boundary conditions y(0) = y(1) = 0 using the Galerkin method with the trial
functions NO (x) = 0; N1= x(x-x2).
A circular fin 0f 40 mm diameter is fixed to a base maintained at 50C as shown
in figure. The fin is insulated on the surface except the end face which is exposed
to air at 25C. The length of the pin is 1000 mm, the fine is made of metal with
thermal conductivity of 37W/m K. If the convection heat coefficient with air is
15 W/m2 K. If the convection heat coefficient with air is 15 W/m2 K. Find the
temperature distribution at 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mm from base.

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ME6603 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

UNIT III TWO DIMNESIONAL SCALAR VARIBABLE PROBLEM
PART A
State the assumptions in the theory of pure torsion.
What is an LST element?
Define path line and stream line
Write a displacement function equation for CST element.
What is CST element?
Mention two natural boundary conditions as applied to thermal problems
Write down the shape functions associated with the three noded linear
triangular elements and plot the variation of the same.
Write down the conduction matrix for a three noded linear triangular element
Why a CST element so called?
How do you define two dimensional elements
Write down the governing equation for two dimensional steady state heat
conduction.
Specify the strain displacement matrix of CST element and comment on it
Specify the shape fuctions of four node quadrilateral element
Distinguish between CST and LST elements
Write the finite element equation used to analyze a two dimensional heat
transfer problem

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The x,y coordinates of nodes I,j and k of a triangular element are given by
(0,0), (3,0) and (1.5,4) mm respectively. Evaluate the shape functions N1, N2
and N3 at an interior point P(2,2.5) mm of the element. Evaluate the straindisplacement relation matrix B for the above same triangular element and
explain how stiffness matrix is obtained assuming scalar variable problem.

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Calculate the temperature distribution in the stainless steel fin shown in fig.
The region can be discretized into 3 elements of equal size.

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Calculate the element stiffness matrix and the temperature force vector for the
plane stress element. The element experiences a 20 0C increase in temperature.
Assume coefficient of thermal expansion is 610-6 C. Take E= 2105 N/mm2,
= 0.25, t= 5mm.

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Derive the shape function for constant strain triangular element.

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For the plane strain elements shown in figure, the nodal displacements are
given as u1 = 0.005 mm, v1 = 0.002 mm, u2 = 0.0, v2 = 0.0, u3 = 0.005 mm, v3
= 0.30 mm. Determine the element stresses and the principle angle. Take E =
70 Gpa and Poissons ration = 0.3 and use unit thickness for plane strain. All
coordinates are in mm.

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Derive the element characteristics of a nine noded quadrilateral element.

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A bilinear rectangular element has coordinates as shown in Fig and the nodal

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M. Saravana Kumar M.E

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temperatures are T1 = 100 0C, T2 = 60 0C, T3 = 50 0C, T4 = 90 0C. Compute the

temperature at the point whose coordinates are (2.5, 2.5).Also determine the
0
80 C isotherm.

A plate of dimensions 15 cm6cm1cm is subjected to an axial pull of 5kN.

Assuming a typical element is of dimensions as shown in the Fig. Determine
the strain displacement matrix and constitutive matrix. E=200Gpa, =0.3,
t=10 mm.

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A two dimensional fin is subjected to heat transfer by conduction and

convection. It is discretised as shown in Fig, into two elements using linear
triangular elements. Derive the conduction, and thermal load vector. How is
convection accounted for in solving the problem using Finite element method?

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For the constant strain triangular element shown in fig. Assemble straindisplacement matrix. Take t =20 mm and E= 2105 N/mm2

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11
For the isoparametric four noded quadrilateral elements shown in Fig.
Determine the Cartesian co-ordinates of point P which has local coordinates
= 0.5 = 0.5

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Determine the shape functions N1, N2 and N3 at the interior point p for the
triangular element shown in the figure.

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Determine the shape functions for a constant strain triangular element in terms
of natural coordinate system.

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Derive the Jacobian matrix for triangular element with the (x,y) coordinates of
the nodes ar (1.5,2), (7.3, 2), and (4,7) at nodes i,j,k.
(8)

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Find the Jacobian transformation for four noded quadrilateral element with the
(x,y) coordinates of the nodes are (0,0), (2,0), (2,1) and (0,1) at nodes I,j,k,l.
Also find the Jacobian at point whose natural coordinates are (0,0)
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Determine the stiffness matrix for the triangular elements with the (x,y)
coordinates of the nodes are (0,4), (8,0) and (0,4) at nodes i,j,k. Assume plane
stress condition E=200 Gpa, Poissons ratio = 0.35.

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Compute the steady state temperature distributions in the plate shown in Fig.
by discretizing the domain of interest using triangular elements. Assume
Thermal Conductivity k = 1.5 W/m 0C

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M. Saravana Kumar M.E

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17

Derive the characteristic matrix for a two dimensional heat conduction

problem using triangular element by Galerkin approach.

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Consider a rectangular plate of length 2500 mm and width 2500 mm having a

thickness of 300 mm. It is subjected to a uniform heat source of 200 W/m3
acting over the whole body. The temperature of the top side of the body is
maintained at 130 oC. The body is insulated on the other edges. Take the
thermal conductivity of the material as 35 W/m oC. Determine the temperature
distribution using triangular element.

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A triangular plate of thickness 9 mm has vertices P(40,40), Q(100,40) and

R(70,130). It is fixed at P and supported on rollers at Q. There is a vertical
downward load of 5 kN applied at R. Take Youngs modulus as 200 Gpa.
Determine the nodal displacements accounting for body weight. Take density
of material is 7800 kg/m3.

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A four node quadrilateral element is defined by nodal coordinates (in mm) as

1(3,8), 2(10,5), 3(12,18) and 4(5,16). The nodal displacement vector is given
by q = [0,0.2,0.1,1.6,1.2,0,0.6]T.

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Evaluate the stress at the point P(7,12) of the element, assuming plane stress
condition. Take youngs modulus and poisons ratio as 3010 6 N/m2 and 0.3
respectively.
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Derive the body force and traction (uniformly distributed) force vectors for
four node quadrilateral element.

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Derive the element characteristic of a four node quadrilateral element.

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Calculate displacements and stress in the given triangular plate, fixed along
one edge and subjected to concentrated load at its free end. Take E=70Gpa,
thickness of the plate = 10 mm and poissons ratio =0.3

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M. Saravana Kumar M.E

FMCET/Assistant Professor/Mech

ME6603 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

UNIT -1V TWO DIMNESIONAL SCALAR VARIBABLE PROBLEM
PART A

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What is meant by plane stress analysis?

Write the strain-displacement matrix for a CST element?
Write down the stress-strain relationship matrix for an axissymmetric element.
What are the types of shell element?
List the application of axisymmetric element
Give the applications of plane stress and plane strain problems
What are the ways by which a 3D problem can be reduced to a 2D problem?
What is QST (Quadratic strain Triangle) element?
Define dynamic analysis
Sketch a finite element model for a long cylinder subjected to an internal
pressure using axisymmetric elements.
Distinguish between plane stress and plane strain conditions

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PART B
For the triangular element as shown in the Fig. Determine the straindisplacement matrix [B] and constitutive matrix [D]. Assume plane stress
conditions. Take = 0.3, E= 30 106 N/m2 and thickness t= 0.1 m. Also
calculate the element stiffness matrix for the triangular element.

For the axisymmetric element shown in the fig. Determine the stiffness matrix.
Let E= 2.1103 N/mm2 and = 0.25. The coordinates are in mm.

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The nodal co-ordinates for an axisymmetric triangular element are given in

figure. Evaluate strain displacement matrix for that element

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Calculate the element stiffness matrix for the axisymmetric triangular element
shown in Fig. The element experiences a 15 C increases in temperature. The
coordinates are in mm. Take = 1010-6/oC, E= 2105 N/mm2, =0.25. The
coordinates are (9,10) (6,7) (8,7).

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Establish the shape functions and derive the strain displacement matrix for an
axisymmetric triangular element.
What are the non-zero strain and stress components of axisymmetric element?
Explain.
Derive the stiffness matrix of an axisymmetric element using potential energy
approach.
Establish the traction force vector and estimate the nodal forces corresponding
to a uniform radial pressure of 7 bar acting on an axisymmetric element as
shown in Fig. Take E=200 Gpa and Poissons ratio =0.25.

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M. Saravana Kumar M.E

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ME6603 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

UNIT -V ISOPARAMETRIC ELEMENT
PART A
What is the purpose of isoparametric elements?

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What are the advantages of Gauss quadrature numerical integration for

isoparametric elements
What is the difference between natural coordinates and local coordinates?
What type of analysis preferred in FEA when the structural member subjected
to transient vibrations?
What are the advantages of Natural Co-ordiante system?
Write the shape functions for 1D quadratic iso parameteric element.
Name a few FEA packages
What is the principle of skyline solution based on Gaussian elimination?
What are superparametric elements? Give an example
State the advantages of Gaussian elimination technique
What is post processing? Give an example
What is meant by natural coordinate system?

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Evaluate the integral by two point Gaussian quadrature I = (2

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. Gauss points are +0.57735 and -0.57735 each of weight 1.0000

Evaluate the Cartesian coordinate of the point P which has local coordinates =
0.6 = 0.8

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PART B
Evaluate the Jacobian matrix for the linear quadrilateral element as shown the
fig.

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M. Saravana Kumar M.E

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For the four noded elements shown in Fig. (i) determine Jacobian and evaluate
its value at the point (1/2,1/3)

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Using Gauss Quadrature evaluate the following integral.

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Evaluate the Integral ( x+x2+

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)dx using Gaussian Integration with one,

two and three integration points.

Number of Points
Location
1
0

1/ 3
0.774597

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3
7
8

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1
0.55555, 0.88888

Solve the following equations using the gauss elimination method.

2x1 +3x2+x3 =9 : x1+2x2+3x3 = 6 : 3x1+x2+2x3 =0.
Consider the Isoparametric quadrilateral element with nodes 1-4 at (5,5),
(11,7), (12,5) and (4,10) respectively. Computer the Jacobian matrix and its
determinant at the element centroid
Use Gaussian quadrature with two points to evaluate the integral. The
Gaussian points are 0.5774 and weights at the two points are equal to unity

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The nodal displacements of a rectangular element having nodal coordinates

(0,0), (4,0), (4,2) and (0,2) are u1=0 mm, v1= 0mm, u2=0.1 mm, v2 =0.05 mm,
u3=0.05 mm v3=-0.05, u4=0 and v4 = 0 mm respectively. Determine the stress
matrix at r=0 and s=0 using the isoparametric formulation. Take E=210 Gpa
and Poissons ratio =0.25.
Evaluate the following

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(i)

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Weights
2

I = [ 2+ cos ]

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(ii) I= [3 x x] dx

FMCET/Assistant Professor/Mech