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One-Dimensional Problems

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We wish to use FEM for solving the following problems:

Calculate displacement of
bar ABC, take E = 200GPa

10 kN x

d = 2 x 10-2 mm

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3-1 Objectives
1. To develop a system of linear equations for one-dimensional
problem.
2. To apply FE method for solving general problems involving
bar structures with different support conditions.

3-2 General Loading Condition

Consider a non-uniform bar subjected
to a general loading condition, as
shown.

Note: The bar is constrained by a fix support at

the top and is free at the other end. The positive
x-direction is taken downward.

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Types of Loading

a) Body force, f
Distributed force per unit volume (N/m3)
Example: self-weight due to gravity

b) Traction force, T
Force per unit area (N/m2)
For a 1-D problem,
force
T perimeter of area
area
Examples: Frictional forces, Viscous drag,
and Surface shear.
c) Point load, Pi
Concentrated load (in Newton) acting at any point i.

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3-3 Finite element Modeling

3-3-1 Element Discretization
The first step is to subdivide the bar into several sections a
process called discretization.

Note: The bar is discretized

into 4 sections, each has a
uniform cross-sectional area.
The non-uniform bar is
transformed into a stepped
bar.
We will use the stepped bar
as a basis for developing a
finite element model of the
original non-uniform bar.

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3-3-2 Numbering Scheme

To analyze the stepped bar systematically, a global numbering
scheme is assigned as shown. The x-direction is considered as
the global coordinate direction.
Note:
F1, , F5 represent global
forces acting on the points
connecting all sections of the
stepped bar.
Q1, , Q5 represent global
displacements of the points
resulting from the forces
acting on these points. Q Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5
T

The stepped bar is transformed into F F1 F2 F3 F4 F5

T

a finite element model using 1-D

(line) elements.

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3-3-3 Element Connectivity

Consider a single line element. It lies in a local coordinate
system, denoted by ^ x.

Note: Node number in local Element connectivity table

coordinate is denoted by a
number with a hat on top.
2
1
^ ^

x

q1 and q2 are nodal displacements

in the local coordinate direction.

Connectivity between global and local nodes must be established for

each element, as tabulated in the table shown.

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3.4 Natural Coordinate and Shape Functions

3-4-1 Natural Coordinate
Consider a single element. Local node 1 is at distance x1 from a
datum, and node 2 is at x2, measured from the same datum point.

We define a natural or intrinsic coordinate system, ,

2
x x1 1
x2 x1
Note: The -coordinate will be used to define shape functions,
required to establish interpolation function for the displacement
field within the element.
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3-4-2 Shape Functions

The displacement field, u(x), within the element is not known.
For simplicity, it is assumed that the displacement varies
linearly from node 1 to node 2 within the element.

We establish a linear interpolation function to represent the linear

displacement field within the element. To implement this, linear shape
functions are defined, given by,
1 1
N1 and N 2
2 2
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The linear displacement field, u(x), within the element can now
be expressed in terms of the linear shape functions and the
local nodal displacement q1 and q2 as:
^
u ( x) N1q1 N 2 q2
^
1 1
u ( x)
1
q q2
2 2
In matrix form:
u( x ) N q
^

where N N1 N2
q1
and q q1 q2
T

q2

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3-4-3 Isoparametric Formulation

Coordinate x of any point on the element (measured from the
same datum point as x1 and x2) can be expressed in terms of
the same shape functions, N1 and N2 as

x N1 x1 N 2 x2
1 1
x x1 x2
2 2

When the same shape functions N1 and N2 are used to establish

interpolation function for coordinate of a point within an element and
the displacement of that point, the formulation is specifically referred
to as an isoparametric formulation.

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Example 2-1

(a) Evaluate , N1, and N2 at point P.

(b) If q1 = 0.003 in and q2 = -0.005 in, determine the value of
displacement u at point P.
Solution
(a) The coordinate of point P is given by
2
P x x1 1
x2 x1
2
24 20 1
36 20
P 0.5
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The shape functions are:

1 1 0.5
N1 0.75
2 2
1 1 0.5
N2 0.25
2 2

(b) Displacement of point P

uP N1q1 N 2 q2
0.75 0.003 0.25 0.005
uP 0.001 in

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3-5 Strain-Displacement Relation

Normal strain is related to displacement by
du

dx
Using the chain rule of differentiation

du d

d dx
The two terms of the above relation are obtained as follows
2 d 2
x x1 1
x2 x1 dx x2 x1

1 1 du q1 q2
u
1
q q2
2 2 d 2

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Thus the normal strain relation can be written as

1
q1 q2
x2 x1
which can be written in matrix form as

q1
B
q 2
where [B] is a row matrix called the strain-displacement matrix,
given by
1 1
B 1 1 1 1
x2 x1 le

since x2 x1 = element length = le.

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3-6 Stress-Strain Relation

Normal stress is related to the normal strain by a Hookes
law,
E
where E is modulus of elasticity.

Substitute for the normal strain ,

we get,

q1
E B
q2

Robert Hooke (1635-1703);

(Experimental Philosopher)

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 Theory of Minimum Potential Energy

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3-7 Element Stiffness Matrix

We will use the potential energy approach to derive the
element stiffness matrix [k] for the 1-D element.
Total potential energy of a body subjected to loads is given by,

p U U = internal strain energy;

= potential energy of external forces.

For the non-uniform bar, its total potential energy is given by

1
p T A dx uT fA dx uT T dx Qi Pi
2 L L L
i

Since the bar has been discretized into finite elements

1
p T
A dx u T
fA dx u T
T dx Qi Pi
e 2 e
e
e
e
e
i

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We will derive the element stiffness matrix of the 1-D element

using the internal strain energy term, U as follows,
1
U e T A dx
2 e
Recall, the stress and strain are given by

E Bq and Bq
Substitute these into the expression for Ue,

U e E B q B q A dx
1 T

2 e
1
q B E B q A dx
T T

2 e
1
2
T

U e q B E B A dx q
e
T

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d 2 le
Recall again, dx d
dx le 2
Substitute and simplifying the expression yields,

1 T le 1
U e q B Ee B Ae d q
T

2 2 1
1 l
q B Ee B Ae e 2 q
T T

2 2
1 1 1 1
q Aele Ee 1 1q
T

2 le 1 le
1 1 1
q Aele Ee 2 1 1q
T

2 le 1
1 Ae Ee 1 1
q
T
Ue q
2 le 1 1

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The internal strain energy for the 1-D element can now be
written in the form,
1
U e q k q
T e

2
where [k]e represents the element stiffness matrix for the 1-D
element, i.e.
Ee Ae 1 1
k
e
1 1
le
Note: Ee = elastic modulus;
Ae = cross-sectional area;
le = element length.

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3-8 Element Force Vector

The forces acting on 1-D structures can be of body force, fb,
traction force, T, and concentrated force, P. They may act
individually in various combination.
The total potential energy of the structure,
1
p T
A dx u T
f b A dx u T
T dx Qi Pi
e 2 e
e
e
e
e
i

a) Due to body force, fb

The potential energy due to body force fb in a single element is
given by the second term, i.e.

f uT f b A dx
e

N1q1 N 2 q2 fb A dx
T
e

f Ae fb N1q1 N 2 q2 dx
T

e
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Ae fb N1 dx
f q
T e
Rewrite,
Ae fb N 2 dx
e
Recall that,
le
dx d
2
le 1 1 le
e N1 dx 2 1 2 d 2
- Show details of
Also, this integration.
le 1 1 le
e 2
N dx
2 1 2
d
2
Substitute and simplifying, yields

Ae fble
2 T Ae le f b 1
f q q
T

Ae fble 2 1
2
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The potential energy due to the body force can now be

expressed in the form,

f q f
T e

where the force vector due to body force fb is,

Aele fb 1
f
e

2 1

Quiz: Can you give the physical interpretation of {f}e?

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b) Due to traction force, T

The potential energy due to traction force T is given by,

T uT T dx N1q1 N 2q2 T dx
T
e e

Recall, le 1 1 le
le
dx d e 1
N dx
2 1 2
d
2
2
le 1 1 le
e 2
N dx
2 1 2
d
2
Rearranging and simplifying,
le
T N1 dx
e 2
T q
T T
q
T e N 2 dx le
2

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The last equation is in the form,

T q T
T e

le 1
T q
T
i.e. T
2 1

Thus, element traction force vector due to traction T,

Tl 1
T
e
e
2 1
Quiz: Can you give the physical interpretation of this?

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Summary
We have established, for 1-D problems,

1. Stress-strain relation 3. Element force vector

due to body force, fb
E q1
1 1
q2 Aele fb 1
le
f
e

2 1
2. Element stiffness matrix
4. Element force vector
Ae Ee 1 1
k due to traction force, T
e
1 1
le Tle 1
T
e

2 1

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Example 3-2

A thin steel plate has a uniform

thickness t = 1 in., as shown. Its
elastic modulus, E = 30 x 106 psi,
and weight density, r = 0.2836
lb/in3.
The plate is subjected to a point
load P = 100 lb at its midpoint and
a traction force T = 36 lb/ft.
Determine:
a) Displacements at the mid-point
and at the free end,
b) Normal stresses in the plate, and
c) Reaction force at the support.

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Solution
1. Transform the given plate into 2 sections, each having
uniform cross-sectional area.
Note:
Area at midpoint is
Amid = 4.5 in2.
Average area of section 1 is
A1 = (6 + 4.5)/2 = 5.25 in2.
Average area of section 2 is
A2 = (4.5 + 3)/2 = 3.75 in2.

2. Model each section using 1-D

(line) element.

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3. Write the element stiffness matrix for each element

5.25 30 106 1 1
k
(1)
element 1: 1 1
12

3.75 30 106 1 1
k
(2)
element 2: 1 1
12

4. Assemble global stiffness matrix,

5.25 5.25 0
30 10 6


K 5.25 9.00 3.75
12
0 3.75 3.75

Note: The main diagonal must contain positive numbers only!

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5. Write the element force vector for each element

a) Due to body force, fb = 0.2836 lb/in3

5.25 12 0.2836 1
fb
(1)
element 1
2 1
3.75 12 0.2836 1
fb
(2)
element 2
2 1
Assemble global force vector due to body force,

5.25 8.9
12 0.2836
Fb 9.00 15.3
2 3.75 6.4

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b) Due to traction force, T = 36 lb/ft

36
12 1 1
12
T
(1)
element 1 18
2 1 1

36
12 1 1
12
T
(2)
element 2 18
2 1 1

Assemble global force vector due to traction force,

1 18

T 2 36
F 18
1 18

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c) Due to concentrated load, P = 100 lb at node 2

0

FP 100
0

6. Assemble all element force vectors to form the global force
vector for the entire structure.

8.9 18 0 26.9

F 15.3 36 100 151.3 lb
6.4 18 0 24.4

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7. Write system of linear equations (SLEs) for entire model

The SLEs can be written in condensed matrix form as

K Q F
Expanding all terms and substituting values, we get

5.25 5.25 0 Q1 26.9

30 10 6
Q 151.3
5.25 9.00 3.75 2
12
0 3.75 3.75 Q3 24.4
Note:
1. The global force term includes the unknown reaction force R1 at
the support. But it is ignored for now.
2. The SLEs have no solutions since the determinant of [K] = 0;
Physically, the structure moves around as a rigid body.

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8. Impose boundary conditions (BCs) on the global SLEs

There are 2 types of BCs:

a) Homogeneous = specified zero displacement;
b) Non-homogeneous = specified non-zero displacement.

In this example, homogeneous BC exists at node 1. How to

impose this BC on the global SLEs?

DELETE ROW AND COLUMN #1 OF THE SLEs!

5.25 5.25 0 Q1 26.9

30 10 6

5.25 9.00 3.75 Q2 151.3
12 Q 24.4
0 3.75 3.75 3

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9. Solve the reduced SLEs for the unknown nodal

displacements
The reduced SLEs are,

30 106 9.00 3.75 Q2 151.3

3.75 3.75 Q 24.4
12 3

Solve using Gaussian elimination method, yields

Q2 1.339 105
5
in
Q3 1.599 10

Quiz: Does the answers make sense? Explain

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10. Estimate stresses in each elements

1 q1
Recall, (e)
E B q E 1 1
le q2
element 1

1 0
1
30 10 1 1
6
5
33.48 psi
12 1.339 10

element 2
1 1.339 10 5

2 30 10 1 1
6
5
6.5 psi
12 1.599 10

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11. Compute the reaction force R1 at node 1

We now include the reaction force term in the global SLEs.

From the 1st. equation we get,

5.25 5.25 0 0 26.9 R1

30 10 6
1.339 105 151.3
5.25 9.00 3.75
12
0 3.75 3.75 1.599 105 24.4

We have,
0
30 10
5.25 5.25 0 1.339 105 26.9334
6
R1
12 1.599 105

R1 202.68 lb

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Example 3-3
A concentrated load P = 60 kN is
applied at the midpoint of a uniform
bar as shown.
Initially, a gap of 1.2 mm exists
between the right end of the bar
and the support there.
If the elastic modulus E = 20 x 103 1.2 mm
N/mm2, determine the: 250 mm2
a) displacements field, P

b) stresses in the bar, and x

c) reaction force at the support.

150 mm 150 mm

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Solution
1. Write the element stiffness matrices and assemble the
global stiffness matrix.
1 1 0
20 10 250
3

K 1 2 1
150
0 1 1
2. Write the element force vectors and assemble the global force
vector.
F 0,
T
60 10 , 0
3

3. Write the global system of linear equations.

500 500 0 Q1 0
Q 103 60
3
10
500 1000 500 2
15
0 500 500 Q3 0

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4. Impose the boundary conditions.

We have; Q1 = 0; Q3 = 1.2 mm. Using Gaussian elimination
method:
a) Delete 1st row and column.
b) Delete 3rd row and column and modify the force term.

500 500 0 Q1 0
3
3
10
500 1000 500 Q2 10 60
15
0 500 500 1.2 0

The reduced SLE becomes, Modification to
force term
103 500 1.2
1000Q2 10 60
3

15 15

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7. Solve the reduced SLE, we get

Q2 1.5 mm

8. Compute stresses in the bar,

1 0
1 20 10
3
1 1 1.5
150
1 200 MPa
1 1.5
2 20 10
3
1 1 1.2
150
2 40 MPa
9. Compute reaction forces at supports
Using the 1st and 3rd equations, we obtain,
R1 = -50 x 103 N; R3 = -10 x 103 N.

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Exercise 2-1
A composite bar ABC is subjected to axial forces as shown.
Given, the elastic moduli, E1 = 200 GPa and E2 = 70 GPa.
Estimate:
a) Displacement of end C; [Answer: dC = 6.62x10-2 mm]
b) Stress in section 2, and
c) Reaction force at support A.
Verify your results with analytical solution.

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Exercise 2-2
Reconsider Exercise 2-1. Suppose a gap of d = 2 x 10-2 mm
exists between end C and a fixed support there. Estimate:
a) Displacement of point B;
b) Stress in section 1, and
c) Reaction forces at both supports.

10 kN

2 x 10-2 mm

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Assignment 2-1

Find a journal paper on the application of finite element

method to model and simulate real world problems, from
various journals on the internet.
(e.g. : www.sciencedirect.com).
Download the paper (in PDF format), and print it.
Read the paper and make one (1) page summary on the
content of the paper - typewritten.
Submit the summary and copy of the paper to me. Use
cover page.
Due in: 7 days time.

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