Lecture 6: Comments on the truss element.

3.10 Potential Energy Approach to Derive Bar Element Equations.

Logan uses the Potential Energy Method to derive the bar element equations. We will do this in Module II: Lectures 13 though 15. In 3.10 Logan actually adds a capability to the bar element by using the potential energy method to complete Steps 1 through 4. We will add the same capability to our standard truss element using the Method of Work Equivalence. When we investigate the MWR we will see that work equivalence is a condition that is gaurunteed by Galerkins method of weighted residuals. For Lecture 6 we focus on Example 3.11 on pg.# 108-112.

MECH 420: Finite Element Applications

Lecture 6: Comments on the truss element.

Recall that a governing assumption in the element definition was that it bears loads only at the node points. We can apply the element to problems involving distributed axial loads using work equivalence.

Applied by Logan to beams in 4.4. Alternative to the energy methods of 3.10. We will re-address the concept of a distributed load or surface traction later in Module II.

E = 30 106 psi A = 2 in 2 L(1) = 60 in

MECH 420: Finite Element Applications

Lecture 6: Comments on the truss element.

Using the equivalent nodal loads

T F1x f AE 1 1 d 1x 1x = = 1 1 T F L 2x R2 x + f 2 x d 2 x
=0 d 2x T = 6000 lbf f 1x T = 12000 lbf f
2x

E = 30 106 psi A = 2 in 2 L(1) = 60 in

= 6000 1 106 d 1x = 0.006 in d 1x

E d x = [ 1 +1] 1x = 3000 psi (tension) L d 2 x
MECH 420: Finite Element Applications

Lecture 6: Comments on the truss element.

Adding a node to refine the solution

4500 lbf 4500 lbf 9000 lbf

1
(1) f1T = 1500 x

2
f 2Tx(1) = 3000

2
f 2Tx(2) = 4500 1500

3 R3 x
f3Tx(2) 4500 3000

MECH 420: Finite Element Applications

Lecture 6: Comments on the truss element.

Assembling the system of truss element equations

(1) f1T F1x 1500 1 1 0 d1x x AE T (1) T (2) d f f F + = = = 9000 1 2 1 2x 2x 2x 2x L 2 ) 0 1 1 d R + f T (2) F R 7500 ( 3x 3x 3x 3x 3x

since d3 x = 0.0

d1x = 0.006 in d 2 x = 0.00525 in

From the solution it is apparent that the displacement (or deformation) is concentrated near the bar root.
MECH 420: Finite Element Applications

Lecture 6: Comments on the truss element.

Read 3.11 (pg.#s 112-116).

MECH 420: Finite Element Applications

Lecture 6: Comments on the truss element.

MECH 420: Finite Element Applications