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Solution of Continuum problems in

Structural Engineering
Abstract:
The purpose of this project is to study the various structural problems by using finite
element method. The availability of advanced analysis tools based on finite elements
and matrix structural analysis concepts has enabled engineers to model, analyse and
design innovative complex and unusual structures. This method discretizes the continuum
into finer elements, making it somewhat tedious and complex to handle manually. Therefore
the computer assisted programmes are used to solve the continuum problems. The results
obtained by finite element method are compared with another method. Based on finite
element method two examples of a cantilever beam is explained, one is subjected to point
load at the free end and other having a uniformly distributed load over its complete span. The
deflection is carried out at each section of the beam by dividing it into a number of nodes and
elements. The Matlab code is referred to find out the solution of various structural problems.
Introduction:
Structures classified as continuum are analysed by application of theory of elasticity.
The analytical solution for simpler structures can be obtained by using any analytical
technique. But for the problems involving structural complexity, in terms of material
properties, loading or boundary conditions, the engineer needs an analytical method that
gives acceptable approximate solutions. Equilibrium and compatibility conditions are
represented by linear one dimensional, two dimensional or partial differential equations,
which are derived by considerations of statics and geometry, respectively. One such method is
finite element method. In this method the structure is discretised into number of smaller
bodies or units (finite elements) interconnected by nodal points or nodes. The cantilever beam
Objectives:

To solve the various structural problems by finite element based program and

compare the result with the exact solutions.


To generate the mesh for the given model.
To plot the stresses and strains, temperature contours, original and deformed geometry
of the given model.

To compare the results obtained by finite element method with the elastic theory
method.

Methodology:
A methodology for the solution of continuum problems is described by using a finite
element method. In order to analyse the various structural problems and interpret the results
are done by using a Matlab codes. Matlab programmes are used to solve the structural
problems by finite element method.

Results:

Results:

Defelected Shape of Cantilever Beam subjected to Point load of 40kN at free end

Deflected Shape of a Cantilever Beam sunjected to u.d.l of 5kN/m

2.50

0.90

2.00

0.70

1.50

0.50

1.00

0.30

0.50

0.10

Deflection in mm 0.00

Deflection in mm -0.10

-0.50

-0.30

-1.00

-0.50

-1.50

-0.70

-2.00

-0.90

-2.50

-1.10

Length of elemets in mm

Length of elements in mm

Example: A cantilever beam of span 9 m is subjected to a 1) tip load of 40kN and (2) u.d.l of
5kN/m. Analysis is done by employing 33 nodes and 20 elements under a plane stress
condition. Assumed depth=1m, width=0.3m, E=2x105 kN/m2 and =0.25.
Summary:
The aim of this study is to develop a simple finite element model aided with computer
programme which leads to a satisfactory discretization of any continuum into finer elements,
analysis and prediction of the behaviour structural problems.

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