Plane FEA

CIVL 7/8117
Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1
Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

In Chapters 2 through 5, we considered only line elements.
Line elements are connected only at common nodes, forming
framed or articulated structures such as trusses, frames, and
grids.
Line elements have geometric properties such as crosssectional area and moment of inertia associated with their
cross sections.

However, only one local coordinate along the length of the
element is required to describe a position along the element
(hence, they are called line elements).
Nodal compatibility is then enforced during the formulation of
the nodal equilibrium equations for a line element.
This chapter considers the two-dimensional finite element.
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Two-dimensional (planar) elements are thin-plate elements
such that two coordinates define a position on the element
surface.
The elements are connected at common nodes and/or along
common edges to form continuous structures.

Nodal compatibility is then enforced during the formulation of
the nodal equilibrium equations for two-dimensional
elements.
If proper displacement functions are chosen, compatibility
along common edges is also obtained.
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The two-dimensional element is extremely important for:
(1) Plane stress analysis, which includes problems such
as plates with holes, fillets, or other changes in
geometry that are loaded in their plane resulting in local
stress concentrations.
Plane Stress Problems

(1) Plane stress analysis, which includes problems such
as plates with holes, fillets, or other changes in
geometry that are loaded in their plane resulting in local
stress concentrations.
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(2) Plane strain analysis, which includes problems such
as a long underground box culvert subjected to a
uniform load acting constantly over its length or a long
cylindrical control rod subjected to a load that remains
constant over the rod length (or depth).
Plane Strain Problems

(2) Plane strain analysis, which includes problems such
as a long underground box culvert subjected to a
uniform load acting constantly over its length or a long
cylindrical control rod subjected to a load that remains
constant over the rod length (or depth).
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We begin this chapter with the development of the stiffness
matrix for a basic two-dimensional or plane finite element,
called the constant-strain triangular element.
The constant-strain triangle (CST) stiffness matrix derivation is
the simplest among the available two-dimensional elements.
We will derive the CST stiffness matrix by using the principle
of minimum potential energy because the energy formulation
is the most feasible for the development of the equations for
both two- and three-dimensional finite elements.

Formulation of the Plane Triangular Element Equations
We will now follow the steps described in Chapter 1 to formulate
the governing equations for a plane stress/plane strain
triangular element.
First, we will describe the concepts of plane stress and plane
strain.
Then we will provide a brief description of the steps and basic
equations pertaining to a plane triangular element.
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Plane Stress
Plane stress is defined to be a state of stress in which the
normal stress and the shear stresses directed
perpendicular to the plane are assumed to be zero.
That is, the normal stress z and the shear stresses xz and yz
are assumed to be zero.
Generally, members that are thin (those with a small z
dimension compared to the in-plane x and y dimensions) and
whose loads act only in the x-y plane can be considered to be
under plane stress.

Plane Strain
Plane strain is defined to be a state of strain in which the
strain normal to the x-y plane z and the shear strains xz
and yz are assumed to be zero.
The assumptions of plane strain are realistic for long bodies
(say, in the z direction) with constant cross-sectional area
subjected to loads that act only in the x and/or y directions and
do not vary in the z direction.
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Two-Dimensional State of Stress and Strain
The concept of two-dimensional state of stress and strain and
the stress/strain relationships for plane stress and plane strain
are necessary to understand fully the development and
applicability of the stiffness matrix for the plane stress/plane
strain triangular element.

A two-dimensional state of stress is shown in the figure below.
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The infinitesimal element with sides dx and dy has normal
stresses x and y acting in the x and y directions (here on the
vertical and horizontal faces), respectively.

The shear stress xy acts on the x edge (vertical face) in the y
direction. The shear stress yx acts on the y edge (horizontal
face) in the x direction.
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Since xy equals yx, three independent stress exist:
y xy
Recall, the relationships for principal stresses in twodimensions are:

2
x y
x y
2
1

xy max
2
2
x y
2
y
2
x
xy min
2
2

Also, p is the principal angle which defines the normal whose

direction is perpendicular to the plane on which the maximum
or minimum principle stress acts.
tan 2 p
2 xy
x y
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The general two-dimensional state of strain at a point is show

below.

u
x
v
x
xy
u v
y x
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u
x
v
x
xy
u v
y x
The strain may be written in matrix form as:
xy

For plane stress, the stresses z, xz, and yz are assumed to

be zero. The stress-strain relationship is:
x
E

y
2
1
xy
1
x
0

0
1
y
0 0 0.5 1 xy
x
x

y D y

xy
xy
0
E
[D ]
1
0
2
1
0 0 0.5 1
is called the stress-strain matrix (or the constitutive matrix),

E is the modulus of elasticity, and is Poissons ratio.
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For plane strain, the strains z, xz, and yz are assumed to be

zero. The stress-strain relationship is:
x
1
E

y
1 1 2 0
xy
x
x

y D y

xy
xy
1
0
0 x

0 y
0.5 xy
1
E

[D ]
1 1 2 0
1
0
0
0
0.5
is called the stress-strain matrix (or the constitutive matrix),

E is the modulus of elasticity, and is Poissons ratio.

The partial differential equations for plane stress are:
2u 2u 1 2u 2v
2 y 2 xy
x 2 y 2
2v 2v 1 2v
2u
2 y 2 xy
x 2 y 2
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Consider the problem of a thin plate subjected to a tensile load

as shown in the figure below:

Step 1 - Discretize and Select Element Types
Discretize the thin plate into a set of triangular elements. Each

element is define by nodes i, j, and m.
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We use triangular elements because boundaries of irregularly

shaped bodies can be closely approximated, and because the
expressions related to the triangular element are
comparatively simple.

This discretization is called a coarse-mesh generation if few

large elements are used.
Each node has two degrees of freedom: displacements in the x
and y directions.
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We will let ui and vi represent the node i displacement

components in the x and y directions, respectively.

The nodal displacements for an element with nodes i, j, and m

are:
di
d d j
d
m
where the nodes are ordered counterclockwise around the

element, and
u
d i i
v i
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The nodal displacements for an element with nodes i, j, and m

are:
ui
v
i
u
d j
v j
um

v m

Step 2 - Select Displacement Functions
u( x, y )
The general displacement function is: i
v ( x, y )
The functions u(x, y) and v(x, y) must be compatible with the

element type.
Step 3 - Define the Strain-Displacement and
Stress-Strain Relationships
The general definitions of normal and shear strains are:
u
x
v
x
xy
u v
y x
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For plane stress, the stresses z, xz, and yz are assumed to

be zero. The stress-strain relationship is:
x
E

y
2
1
xy
1
x
0

0
1
y
0 0 0.5 1 xy

For plane strain, the strains z, xz, and yz are assumed to be

zero. The stress-strain relationship is:
x
1
E

1 1 2 0
xy
1
0
x

y
0.5 xy
0
0
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Step 4 - Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations
Using the principle of minimum potential energy, we can derive

the element stiffness matrix.
f [k ]d
This approach is better than the direct methods used for onedimensional elements.

Step 5 - Assemble the Element Equations and
Introduce Boundary Conditions
The final assembled or global equation written in matrix form is:
F [K ]d
where {F} is the equivalent global nodal loads obtained by
lumping distributed edge loads and element body forces at the
nodes and [K] is the global structure stiffness matrix.
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Step 6 - Solve for the Nodal Displacements
Once the element equations are assembled and modified to

account for the boundary conditions, a set of simultaneous
algebraic equations that can be written in expanded matrix
form as:
F [K ]d
Step 7 - Solve for the Element Forces (Stresses)
For the structural stress-analysis problem, important secondary

quantities of strain and stress (or moment and shear force)
can be obtained in terms of the displacements determined in
Step 6.

Derivation of the Constant-Strain Triangular Element
Stiffness Matrix and Equations
Consider the problem of a thin plate subjected to a tensile load

as shown in the figure below:
ui
v
i
u
d j
v j
um

v m
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We will select a linear displacement function for each triangular

element, defined as:
u
u( x, y )
Linear representation of u(x, y)
i
u
y
v ( x, y )
m
ui
uj
(xi, yi)
(xm, ym)
(xj, yj)
a a2 x a3 y
1
a4 a5 x a6 y
A linear function ensures that the displacements along each

edge of the element and the nodes shared by adjacent
elements are equal.

We will select a linear displacement function for each triangular

element, defined as:
a1
a
2
a a x a3 y 1 x y 0 0 0 a3
i 1 2

a4 a5 x a6 y 0 0 0 1 x y a4
a5

a6
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To obtain the values for the as substitute the coordinated of the

nodal points into the above equations:
ui a1 a2 xi a3 y i
v i a4 a5 xi a6 y i
u j a1 a2 x j a3 y j
v j a4 a5 x j a6 y j
um a1 a2 xm a3 y m
v m a4 a5 xm a6 y m

Solving for the as and writing the results in matrix forms gives:
ui 1 xi

u j 1 x j
u 1 x
m
m
y i a1

y j a2
y m a3
a x u
1
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The inverse of the [x] matrix is:

i
1
i
[x]
2A
i
1
j m
j m
j m
i x j y m y j xm
i y j y m
i xm x j
j xi y m y i xm
j ym yi
j xi xm
m xi y j y i x j
m y i y j
m x j xi

The inverse of the [x] matrix is:

i
1
i
[x]
2A
i
1
j m
j m
j m
1
2A 1
xi
xj
yi
yj
xm
ym
2 A xi y j y m x j y m y i xm y i y j
where A is the area of the triangle
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The values of a may be written matrix form as:

i
a1
1

a2
i
a 2 A
3
i
j m ui

j m u j
j m um
i
a4
1

a5
i
2
A
a
i
6
j m vi

j m v j
j m v m

Expanding the above equations
u 1
a1

y a2

a3
Substituting the values for a into the above equation gives:

i j m ui
1
u 1 x y i j m u j
2A

i j m um
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We will now derive the u displacement function in terms of the

coordinates x and y.
i ui j u j mum
y i u i j u j m um
i ui j u j mum
Multiplying the matrices in the above equations gives:
1
u 1 x
2A
u ( x, y )
1
i i x i y u i j j x j y u j
2A
m m x m y um

We will now derive the v displacement function in terms of the

coordinates x and y.
i v i j v j mv m
y i v i j v j mv m
i v i j v j mv m
Multiplying the matrices in the above equations gives:
1
v 1 x
2A
v ( x, y )
1
i i x i y v i j j x j y v j
2A
m m x m y v m
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The displacements can be written in a more convenience form

as:
u ( x, y ) N i u i N j u j N m u m
v ( x, y ) N i v i N j v j N m v m
where:
1
i i x i y
2A
1
Nj
j j x j y
2A
1
Nm
m m x m y
2A
Ni

The elemental displacements can be summarized as:

u( x, y ) Ni ui N j u j Nmum
v ( x, y ) Ni v i N j v j Nmv m
In another form the above equations are:

N i
{ }
0
0
Ni
{ } [N ]{d }
Nj
0
0
Nj
Nm
0
ui
v
i
0 uj

Nm v j
um

v m
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In another form the equations are: { } [N ]{d }

N
0
Ni
N 0i
Nj
0
0
Nj
Nm
0
0
Nm
The linear triangular shape functions are illustrated below:

Nj
Ni
Nm
1
1
x

So that u and v will yield a constant value for rigid-body

displacement, Ni + Nj + Nm = 1 for all x and y locations on the
element.
The linear triangular shape functions are illustrated below:

Nj
Ni
Nm
1
1
x
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element.
For example, assume all the triangle displaces as a rigid body in
the x direction: u = u0
u0
u0 u0 N i N j N m
0

Ni 0 N j 0 Nm 0 u0
Ni N j Nm 1
{ }

0 Ni 0 N j 0 Nm 0
u0

0


element.
For example, assume all the triangle displaces as a rigid body in
the y direction: v = v0
0
v 0 v 0 Ni N j Nm
v
0

N i 0 N j 0 N m 0 0
Ni N j Nm 1
{ }

0 Ni 0 N j 0 Nm v 0
0

v 0
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The requirement of completeness for the constant-strain triangle

element used in a two-dimensional plane stress element is
illustrated in figure below.
The element must be able to translate uniformly in either the x
or y direction in the plane and to rotate without straining as
shown

The reason that the element must be able to translate as a rigid

body and to rotate stress-free is illustrated in the example of a
cantilever beam modeled with plane stress elements.
By simple statics, the beam elements
beyond the loading are stress free.
Hence these elements must be free
to translate and rotate without
stretching or changing shape.
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Elemental Strains: The strains over a two-dimensional
element are:
u
x x
v
{ } y
y
xy u v

y x

Substituting our approximation for the displacement gives:

u
u,x
Ni ui N j u j Nm um
x
x
u,x Ni ,x ui N j ,x u j Nm,x um
where the comma indicates differentiation with respect to that

variable.
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The derivatives of the interpolation functions are:

Ni ,x
N j ,x
1
i i x i y i
2 A x
2A
j
2A
Nm, x
m
2A
Therefore:
u
1
i ui j u j m um
x 2 A

In a similar manner, the remaining strain terms are

approximated as:
v
1
i v i j v j mv m
y 2 A
u v
1
i u i i v i j u j j v j m u m mv m
y x 2 A
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We can write the strains in matrix form as:

u
i 0 j 0
x x
1
v
{ } y

0 i 0 j
y 2 A
j
i
j
i
xy u v

y x
{ } [B ]{d }
{ } Bi
Bj
ui
v
m 0 i
u
0 m j
v
m m j
um

v m
di

Bm d j

d m

Stress-Strain Relationship: The in-plane stress-strain
relationship is:
x
x

{ } [D ][B ]{d }
y [D ] y

xy
xy
For plane stress [D] is:

1
0
E
[D ]
1
0
2
1
0 0 0.5 1
For plane strain [D] is:

[D ]
1
E

1 1 2 0
1
0
0.5
0
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The total potential energy is defined as the sum of the internal

strain energy U and the potential energy of the external forces
:
U
p
Where the strain energy is: U
1
1
{ }T { }dV { }T [D]{ }dV
2V
2V
The potential energy of the body force term is:

b { }T { X }dV
V
where {} is the general displacement function and {X} is the

body weight per unit volume.


:
U
p
1
1
{ }T { }dV { }T [D]{ }dV
2V
2V
The potential energy of the concentrated forces is:

p {d }T {P }
where {P} are the concentrated forces and {d} are the nodal
displacements.
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:
U
p
1
1
{ }T { }dV { }T [D]{ }dV
2V
2V
The potential energy of the distributed loads is:
s { }T {T }dS
S
where {} is the general displacement function and {T} are

the surface tractions.

Then the total potential energy expression becomes:

1
T
T
p d [B ]T [D][B ]d dV d [N ]T { X }dV
2V
V
d P d [N ]T {T }dS
T
The nodal displacements {d} are independent of the general xy coordinates, therefore
1
T
T
p d [B ]T [D][B ]dV d d [N ]T { X }dV
2
V
V
d P d
T
[N ]
{T }dS
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We can define the last three terms as:
f [N ]T { X }dV P [N ]T {T }dS
V
Therefore:
1
T
T
d [B]T [D][B]dV d d f
2
V
Minimization of p with respect to each nodal displacement

requires that:
p
[B ]T [D][B ]dV d f 0
V

The above relationship requires:
[B ]
[D][B ]dV d f
The stiffness matrix can be defined as:

[k ] [B ]T [D][B ]dV
V
For an element of constant thickness, t, the above integral

becomes:
[k ] t [B ]T [D][B ] dx dy
A
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The integrand in the above equation is not a function of x or y

(global coordinates); therefore, the integration reduces to:
[k ] t [B ]T [D][B ] dx dy
A
[k ] tA [B ]T [D][B ]
where A is the area of the triangular element.

Expanding the stiffness relationship gives:

[k ii ] [k ij ] [kim ]
[k ] [k ji ] [k jj ] [k jm ]
[k mi ] [kmj ] [kmm ]
where each [kii] is a 2 x 2 matrix define as:
[kii ] [Bi ]T [D ][Bi ] tA
[kim ] [Bi ]T [D][Bm ] tA
[kij ] [Bi ]T [D][B j ] tA
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Recall:
i
1
Bi 2A 0
i
0
i
i
m
1
Bm 2A 0
m
j
1
B j
0
2A
j
j
j
0
m
m

Step 5 - Assemble the Element Equations to Obtain the
Global Equations and Introduce the Boundary
Conditions
The global stiffness matrix can be found by the direct stiffness

method.
N
[K ] [ k ( e ) ]
e 1
The global equivalent nodal load vector is obtained by lumping

body forces and distributed loads at the appropriate nodes as
well as including any concentrated loads.
N
{F } {f ( e ) }
e 1
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Conditions
The resulting global equations are: F K d

where {d} is the total structural displacement vector.
In the above formulation of the element stiffness matrix, the
matrix has been derived for a general orientation in global
coordinates.
Therefore, no transformation form local to global coordinates is
necessary.

Conditions
However, for completeness, we will now describe the method to

use if the local axes for the constant-strain triangular element
are not parallel to the global axes for the whole structure.
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Conditions
To relate the local to global displacements, force, and stiffness

matrices we will use:
f Tf
d Td
k T T k T

Conditions
The transformation matrix T for the triangular element is:

C S 0 0 0 0
S C 0 0 0 0
0 0 C S 0 0
T
0 0 S C 0 0
0 0 0 0 C S
0 0 0 0 S C
C cos
S sin
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Step 6 - Solve for the Nodal Displacements
Step 7 - Solve for Element Forces and Stress
Having solved for the nodal displacements, we can obtain

strains and stresses in x and y directions in the elements by
using:
{ } [B ]{d }
{ } [D ][B ]{d }

Plane Stress Example 1
Consider the structure shown in the figure below.
Let E = 30 x 106 psi, = 0.25, and t = 1 in.

Assume the element nodal displacements have been
determined to be u1 = 0.0, v1 = 0.0025 in, u2 = 0.0012 in,
v2 = 0.0, u3 = 0.0, and v3 = 0.0025 in.
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First, we calculate the element s and s as:
i y j y m 0 1 1
i xm x j 0 2 2
j y m y i 0 ( 1) 2
j xi xm 0 0 0
m y i y j 1 0 1
m x j xi 2 0 2

Therefore, the [B] matrix is:

i
1
B 2 A 0
i
i
i
j
j
1 0 2 0 1 0
0
1 0 2 0 0 0 2
m
2(2)
m
2 1 0 2 2 1
i y j y m 0 1 1
i xm x j 0 2 2
j y m y i 0 ( 1) 2
j xi xm 0 0 0
m y i y j 1 0 1
m x j xi 2 0 2
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For plane stress conditions, the [D] matrix is:

0.25
0
1
30 106
[D ]
0.25
1
0
2
1 (0.25)
0
0
0.375
Substitute the above expressions for [D] and [B] into the general
equations for the stiffness matrix:
[k ] tA [B ]T [D ][B ]

[k ] tA [B ]T [D][B ]
1 0 2
0 2 1
1
0.25
0
1 0 2 0 1 0
1
(2)30 106 2 0
1 0 2 0 0 0 2
k
0.25
1
0
2(2)
4(0.9375) 2 0 2
0
2 1 0 2 2 1
0
0.375
1 0 2
0 2 1
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Performing the matrix triple product gives:

1.25
2 1.5
0.5
0.25
2.5
1.25 4.375 1 0.75 0.25 3.625
1
4
0
2
1
lb
k 4 106
1.5
1.5
0.75 in
1.5 0.75 0
0.5 0.25 2 1.5
2.5
1.25
0.25 3.625 1 0.75 1.25 4.375

The in-plane stress can be related to displacements by:
{ } [D ][B ]{d }
0.0
0.0025 in
x
0.25
0
1
1 0 2 0 1 0
6
0.0012 in
1
30 10
0.25
1
0
0 2 0 0 0 2
y
2(2)
0.0
0.9375 0
0
0.375
2 1 0 2 2 1 0.0
xy
0.0025 in
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The stresses are:
x 19,200 psi

y 4,800 psi
15,000 psi
xy
Recall, the relationships for principal stresses and principal

angle in two-dimensions are:
1
x y
2
x y
2
y
2
x
xy max
2
2 xy
1
tan1
2
x y
y
2
x
xy min
2

Therefore:
2
19,200 4,800
2
19,200 4,800

15,000 28,639 psi
2
2
19,200 4,800
2
19,200 4,800

15,000 4,639 psi
2
2
1
2( 15,000)
o
tan1
32.3
2
19,200
4,800
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Treatment of Body and Surface Forces
The general force vector is defined as:
f [N ]T { X }dV P [N ]T {T }dS
V
Lets consider the first term of the above equation.
fb [N ]T { X }dV
V
Xb
Yb
where Xb and Yb are the weight densities in the x and y

directions, respectively.
The force may reflect the effects of gravity, angular velocities, or
dynamic inertial forces.

For a given thickness, t, the body force term becomes:
fb [N ]T { X }dV t [N ]T { X }dA
V
Ni
0
N
[N ]T j
0
Nm
0
Ni
Nj
0
Nm
Xb
Yb
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CIVL 7/8117

The integration of the {fb} is simplified if the origin of the
coordinate system is chosen at the centroid of the element, as
shown in the figure below.
With the origin placed at the centroid, we can use the definition
of a centroid.
y dA 0
A
x dA 0
A

Recall the interpolation functions for a plane stress/strain
triangle:
1
1
Nj
Ni
i i x i y
j j x j y
2A
2A
Nm
1
m m x m y
2A
With the origin placed at the centroid, we can use the definition
of a centroid.
y dA 0
A
x dA 0
A
45/69
CIVL 7/8117

A
Therefore the terms in the integrand are:
bh
2
y dA 0
x dA 0
b 2h
h
bh
i x j y m y j xm 0
3
2 3 3
h
b 2h
bh
j xm y i y m xi 0
3 2 3 3
m xi y j y i x j
2 3 2 3 3
b
i j m
bh
1
1
tA
i dA t dA
3
2A
3
A
A
2A
3

Therefore the terms in the integrand are:
fb [N ]T { X }dV t [N ]T { X }dA
V
The body force at node i is given as:
fbi
tA X b

3 Yb
fbix
Xb
f
Y
biy
b
The general body force vector is:
fbjx tA X b
fb f Y
bjy 3 b
fbmx
Xb

Yb
fbmy
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The third term in the general force vector is defined as:
fs [N ]T {T }dS
S
Lets consider the example of a uniform stress p acting between

nodes 1 and 3 on the edge of element 1 as shown in figure
below.
p
T px

The third term in the general force vector is defined as:
fs [N ]T {T }dS
S
N1
0
N
[N ]T 2
0
N3
0
N1
N2
0
N3
evaluated at x = a
T px
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CIVL 7/8117

Therefore, the traction force vector is:
fs [N ]T {T }dS
S
N1
0
t L
N
fs 2
0
0 0
N3
0
N1p
0
N1
L
N2 p
0 p
dy
dy dz t
0
N2 0
0
N3 p
0
N3 x = a
0 x=a

The interpolation function for i = 1 is:
Ni
1
i i x i y
2A
For convenience, lets choose the coordinate system shown in

the figure below.
i x j y m y j xm
with i = 1, j = 2, and m = 3
1 x 2 y 3 y 2 x3
0 0 0 a 0
48/69
CIVL 7/8117

The interpolation function for i = 1 is:

Ni
1
i i x i y
2A
For convenience, lets choose the coordinate system shown in

the figure below.
Similarly, we can find:
1 0
N1
1 a
ay
2A

The remaining interpolation function, N2 and N2 are:

N1
ay
2A
N2
L(a x )
2A
N3
Lx ay
2A
Evaluating Ni along the 1-3 edge of the element (x = a) gives:

N1
ay
2A
N2 0
N3
a L y
2A
49/69
CIVL 7/8117

Substituting the interpolation function in the traction force vector

expression gives:
y
N1p
0
0
L
L
0
atp
N
p
fs [N ]T {T }dS t 02 dy 2 A 0 dy
0
0
S
L y
N3 p
0
0

Therefore, the traction force vector is:

fs1x
L2
1
f

0
s1y
0

0
0
pLt
atp
fs [N ]T {T }dS fs 2 x

4 A 0
2 0
S
s2y
L2
fs 3 x
1

0
0
fs 3 y
A
aL
2
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The figure below shows the results of the surface load

equivalent nodal for both elements 1 and 2:
From Element 1
From Element 2

For the CS triangle, a distributed load on the element edge can

be treated as concentrated loads acting at the nodes
associated with the loaded edge.
However, for higher-order elements, like the linear strain triangle
(discussed in Chapter 8), load replacement should be made
by using the principle of minimum potential energy.
For higher-order elements, load replacement by potential
energy is not equivalent to the apparent statically equivalent
one.
51/69
CIVL 7/8117

Explicit Expression for the Constant-Strain Triangle
Stiffness Matrix
Usually the stiffness matrix is computed internally by computer

programs, but since we are not computers, we need to
explicitly evaluate the stiffness matrix.
For a constant-strain triangular element, considering the plane
strain case, recall that: [k ] tA[B ]T [D ][B ]
where [D] for plane strain is:
1
E

[D ]
1 1 2 0
0.5
0
1
0

Stiffness Matrix
Substituting the appropriate definition into the above triple

product gives:
[k ] tA[B ]T [D ][B ]
i
0
j
tE
[k ]
4 A(1 )(1 2 ) 0
i
0
j
0
i
i
1
j
1
j
0
0
m
i
0
0.5 i
i
i
j
j
m
m
52/69
CIVL 7/8117

Stiffness Matrix
Substituting the appropriate definition into the above triple

product gives:
The stiffness matrix is a function of the global coordinates x and

y, the material properties, and the thickness and area of the
element.

Plane Stress Problem 2
Consider the thin plate subjected to the surface traction shown

in the figure below.
Assume plane stress conditions. Let E = 30 x 106 psi, = 0.30,

and t = 1 in.
Determine the nodal displacements and the element stresses.
53/69
CIVL 7/8117

Discretization
Lets discretize the plate into two elements as shown below:

20 in.
10 in.
This level of discretization will probably not yield practical results

for displacement and stresses; however, it is useful example
for a longhand solution.

Discretization
For element 2, The tensile traction forces can be converted into
nodal forces as follows:
fs 2
fs 3 x
1 5,000 lb
1
f
0
0
0
s3y

fs1x pLt 0 1,000 psi (1 in )10 in 0
0
0
2 0
2
fs1y
0
fs 4 x
1 5,000 lb
1

0
0
fs 4 y
54/69
CIVL 7/8117

Discretization
For element 2, The tensile traction forces can be converted into
nodal forces as follows:
20 in.
5 kips
F A 1,000 psi 10 in 1in

10 in.
10,000 lb
5 kips

The governing global matrix equations are: {F } [K ]{d }

Expanding the above matrices gives:
F1x R1x
0
d1x
F
0
d
1y R1y

1y
F2 x R2 x
0
d 2 x

F2 y R2 y
0
d 2 y

[ K ] [K ]
F3 x 5,000 lb
d 3 x
d 3 x
F3 y 0
d 3 y
d 3 y

F4 x 5,000 lb
d 4 x
d 4 x
F4 y 0

d 4 y
d 4 y
55/69
CIVL 7/8117

Assemblage of the Stiffness Matrix
The global stiffness matrix is assembled by superposition of the

individual element stiffness matrices.
The element stiffness matrix is: [k ] tA[B ]T [D ][B ]
i
1
B 2 A 0
i
i
i
j
j
1
E

[D ]
1 1 2 0
1
0
m
m
0.5
0

For element 1: the coordinates are xi = 0, yi = 0, xj = 20, yj = 10,

xm = 0, and ym = 10. The area of the triangle is:
A
bh (20)(10)
100 in.2
2
2
i y j y m 10 10 0
i xm x j 0 20 20
j y m y1 10 0 10
j xi xm 0 0 0
m y i y j 0 10 10
m xi x j 20 0 20
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CIVL 7/8117


0
0
1
[B ]
0
20
200
20 0
10
10
10
20
0
20 1
in
10
i y j y m 10 10 0
i xm x j 0 20 20
j y m y1 10 0 10
j xi xm 0 0 0
m y i y j 0 10 10
m xi x j 20 0 20


1
0
6
E
30 10
[D ]
1
0
0.91
1 2
0 0 0.5 1
0
1 0.3
0.3 1
0 psi
0
0 0.35
[k ] tA [B ]T [D ][B ]
57/69
CIVL 7/8117

0
20
0
Therefore:
0
20 0
1 0.3
0
0
0
30(106 ) 10
T
[B ] [D ]
0 lb 3
0.3 1
in
200(0.91) 0
0
10
0
0 0.35
10 0
20
20 10
0
0
6
6
10
30(10
)
[B ]T [D]
200(0.91) 0
10
0
20
3
0
3
20
7
0
0 lb
3
3.5 in
7
3.5

[k ] tA [B ]T [D][B ]
0
6
(0.15)(106 ) 10
1(100)
0.91
0
10
0
20
3
0
3
20
7
0
0
0
0
1
0
20
3.5 200
20 0
7
3.5
10
10
0
0
0
10
0
20
0
20
10
58/69
CIVL 7/8117

Simplifying the above expression gives:

u1
v1
u3
v3
u2
140
0
75,000
[k (1) ]
0.91 70
140
70
0
400
60
0
60
400
0
60
100
0
100
70
0
0
35
70
35
140
60
100
70
240
130
60
v2
70
400
60 lb
in
35
130
435

Rearranging the rows and columns gives:

u1
v1
u2
v2
140
75,000 140
[k (1) ]
0.91 70
70
0
400
60
400
60
0
140
60
240
130
100
70
70
400
130
435
60
35
u3
0
60
100
60
100
0
v3
70
0
70 lb
in
35
0
35
59/69
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For element 2: the coordinates are xi = 0, yi = 0, xj = 20, yj = 0,

xm = 20, and ym = 10. The area of the triangle is:
A
bh (20)(10)
100 in.2
2
2
i y j y m 0 10 10
i xm x j 20 20 0
j y m y1 10 0 10
j xi xm 0 20 20
m y i y j 0 0 0
m xi x j 20 0 20


10
0
10 0
1
[B ]
0
0
0
20
200
0
10 20 10
0
0
20
0
20
0
1
in
i y j y m 0 10 10
i xm x j 20 20 0
j y m y1 10 0 10
j xi xm 0 20 20
m y i y j 0 0 0
m xi x j 20 0 20
60/69
CIVL 7/8117


1
0
6
E
30 10
[D ]
1
0
0.91
1 2
0 0 0.5 1
0
1 0.3
0.3 1
0 psi
0
0 0.35
[k ] tA [B ]T [D][B ]

0
10 0
0
10
0
1 0.3
0
6
10
0
20
30(10
)
T
[B ] [D ]
0
0.3 1
20 10
200(0.91) 0
0
0 0.35
0
0
20
20
0
0
Therefore:
10
0
6
10
30(10
)
[B ]T [D]
200(0.91) 0
6
3
0
3
20
0
20
0
3.5
3.5
7
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CIVL 7/8117

[k ] tA [B ]T [D][B ]
10
0
(0.15)(106 ) 10
1(100)
0.91
0
6
3
0
3
20
0
20
0
3.5
10
0
10 0
7
1
0
0
0
20
3.5 200
10 20 10
0
7
0
0
20
0
20

Simplifying the above expression gives:

u1
100
0
75,000 100
[k (2) ]
0.91 60
0
60
v1
0
35
70
35
70
0
u4
v4
u3
v3
100 60
60
0
35
70
70
0
240 130 140 60
130 435
400
70
140 70
140
0
400
60
0
400
62/69
CIVL 7/8117

Rearranging the rows and columns gives:

u1
100
0
0
75,000
[k (2) ]
0.91 60
100
60
v1
u3
0
35
70
0
70
35
0
70
140
0
140
70
v3
u4
v4
60 100 60
35
0
70
140 70
0
400
400
60
60
240 130
400 130 435

In expanded form, element 1 is:

u1
v1
u2
v2
u3
v3
0
28 14
0
14
28
0
80
12 80 12
0
28 12 48 26 20 14
12
7
375,000 14 80 26 87
[k (1) ]
0.91 0
20
0
12 20 12
14
0
7
7
14 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
u4
v4
63/69
CIVL 7/8117

In expanded form, element 2 is:

u1
v1
0
20
0
7
0
0
0
0
375,000
[k (2) ]
14
0.91 0
12 0
20 14
12 7
u2
v2
u3
v3
u4
v4
12
20
12
14
14
28 14
28
0
0
80
12 80
28 12
48 26
14 80 26 87

Using the superposition, the total global stiffness matrix is:

u1
v1
u2
v2
u3
v3
u4
v4
28 14
26 20 12
0
0
48
0
87
12 80 26
0
14
7
0
0
28 12 48 26 20 14
80 26 87
12
0
0
7
375,000 14
k
[ ]
0.91 0
48
0
26 20 12
28 14
14
0
87
12 80
7
26 0
20 14
0
0
48 26
28 12
0
0
14 80 26 87
12 7
64/69
CIVL 7/8117

Applying the boundary conditions: d1x d1y d 2 x d 2 y 0

0
28 14
0
26 20 12 d01x
R1x
48

R
0
87
12 80 26
0
14
7 d01y
1y
R2 x
0
0 d02 x
28 12 48 26 20 14

0
0 d02 y
R2 y 375,000 14 80 26 87 12 7

d 3 x
5,000
0.91
0
26
20
12
48
0
28
14
lb
14
7
0
87
12 80 d 3 y
26 0

20 14
0
0
28 12
48 26 d 4 xx
500 lb
0
0
14 80 26 87
12 7
d 4 yy

The governing equations are:

0
28 14 d3 x
5,000 lb
48

0
0
87 12 80 d 3 y
375,000

0.91 28 12
48 26 d 4 x
5,000 lb
14 80 26 87 d 4 y
Solving the equations gives:

d 3 x
d
3y
6
10
d
4
x

d 4 y
609.6
4.2
in
663.7
104.1
65/69
CIVL 7/8117

The exact solution for the displacement at the free end of the
one-dimensional bar subjected to a tensile force is:
PL (10,000)20
670 10 6 in
AE 10(30 106 )
The two-element FEM solution is:

d 3 x
d
3y
6
10
d
4x
d 4 y
609.6
4.2
in
663.7
104.1

The in-plane stress can be related to displacements by:

{ } [D ][B ]{d }
1
i
0
E
{ }
1
0
0
2 A(1 2 )
0 0 0.5 1 i
i
i
j
j
d ix
d
iy
0
d
jx
m
d jy
m
d mx
d my
66/69
CIVL 7/8117

Element 1: { } [D][B ]{d }

x

y

xy
0.3
0.3
30(10 )(10 )
6
0.96(200)
0
0 0
20
0.35
0
10
10
20
10
20
0.0
0.0
0
609.6
20
4.2
10
0.0
0.0
x 1,005 psi

y 301 psi
2.4 psi
xy

Element 2: { } [D][B ]{d }

x

y

xy
0.3
0.3
30(10 )(10 )
6
0.96(200)
x 995 psi

y 1.2 psi
2.4 psi
xy
10
0 0
0
0.35
0
10
20
10
20
10
20
0.0
0.0
0
663.7
20
104.1
609.6
4.2
67/69
CIVL 7/8117

The principal stresses and principal angle in element 1 are:

2
1005 301
1005 301

(2.4)2 1005 psi
1
2
2
1005 301
1005 301
2

(2.4) 301 psi
2
2
2(2.4)
o
p tan 1
0
2
1005
301

The principal stresses and principal angle in element 2 are:

2
995 1.2
995 1.2
2

( 2.4) 995 psi
2
2
995 1.2
995 1.2
2

( 2.4) 1.1 psi
2
2
2( 2.4)
p tan 1
0o
2
995 1.2
68/69
CIVL 7/8117

Problems
13. Do problems 6.6a, 6.6c, 6.7, 6.9a-c, 6.11, and 6.13 on

pages 377 - 383 in your textbook A First Course in the
Finite Element Method by D. Logan.
14. Rework the plane stress problem given on page 356 in your
textbook A First Course in the Finite Element Method by
D. Logan using WinFElt to do analysis.
Start with the simple two element model. Continuously
refine your discretization by a factor of two each time until
your FEM solution is in agreement with the exact solution
for both displacements and stress.
How many elements did you need?
End of Chapter 6
69/69

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Plane FEA

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CIVL 7/8117

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Plane Stress Problems

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Plane Strain Problems

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Recall, the relationships for principal stresses in twodimensions are:

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Also, p is the principal angle which defines the normal whose

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

The general two-dimensional state of strain at a point is show

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

The strain may be written in matrix form as:

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

For plane stress, the stresses z, xz, and yz are assumed to

is called the stress-strain matrix (or the constitutive matrix),

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

For plane strain, the strains z, xz, and yz are assumed to be

is called the stress-strain matrix (or the constitutive matrix),

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

The partial differential equations for plane stress are:

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Consider the problem of a thin plate subjected to a tensile load

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

Discretize the thin plate into a set of triangular elements. Each

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

We use triangular elements because boundaries of irregularly

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

This discretization is called a coarse-mesh generation if few

Chapter 6 - Plane Stress/Plane Strain Stiffness Equations - Part 1

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

We will let ui and vi represent the node i displacement

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations

The nodal displacements for an element with nodes i, j, and m

where the nodes are ordered counterclockwise around the