INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, KHARAGPUR

DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

AE 40033/61003: Finite Element Methods (Autumn 2017-18)

Assignment No. 1

Date: 28-08- 2017 Submission Date: On or before 12-09- 2017

Note: Assume any missing data suitably.

1. Show that the least square form is not equivalent to the Galerkin approximation.

d 2 d 2w d 2w
2. Determine the weak form for: EI 2 q0 for 0 x L where, w EI 0 at
dx 2 dx dx 2
x=0, L. Also, discuss the continuity requirements for obtaining the approximate solution using
finite element.

d 2u
3. Solve: u x 0 for 0 x 1 subjected to boundary conditions u(0) 0 and u(1) 0
dx 2
. Assuming approximation for u( x) a11 ( x) where, 1 ( x) x(1 x) determine the solution
using least square method and compare the solution with exact solution.

4. The equation representing the deflection of the loaded beam resting on elastic foundation can be
d 2 d 2M
split into the pair of second order equations: EI M ; k w; where is the
dx 2 dx 2
deflection and M the bending moment. By assuming expansion for both M and , obtain an
approximate solution for a beam unit length when EI = k = w =1 and subject to the boundary
conditions that (a) both ends of the bean are clamped and (b) both ends of the beam are simply
supported.

5. For the plane truss problem shown in Fig P.5, P=250 kN, E= 150 GPa, A = 5 x 10-4 m2 for
element 1 and 2, A = 52 x 10-4 m2 for element 3. Determine the displacements and reactions at
the supports.

6. For the spring system as shown in Fig. P.6, find the nodal displacements at node 2 and node 4 by
using variational method (minimization of PE).
7. Solve the Poisson equation governing heat conduction in a square region:
k q0 in ( : 0 x, y 1) boundary condition : 0 on sides x =1 and y =1;
2

/n =0 (insulated) on sides x =0 and y =0; where q0 is the uniform heat generation in the
region. Using one parameter Rayleigh-Ritz approximation of the form: 1(x,y) = c1(1-x2) (1-y2).
Also find the weak form of the problem.

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8. In a certain two dimensional steady heat conduction problem in a square of side length 1, the
temperature on the sides x = 1 varies as 1-y2, while the temperature on the sides y= 1 varies as
1-x2. Obtain an approximation to the distribution of temperature over the square using the
Galerkin method.
2u 2u
9. Consider the Poissons equation as; 2 f0 for a x, y a ; where u=0 on the
x y
2

boundary. Determine the approximate solution by (a) two parameter Galerkin approximation and
(b) by Ritz method. Compare both the solutions with each other and estimate the relative error in
the two approaches.

10. Using algebraic polynomial approximation, determine two parameter Galerkin solution for the
d 2 x d 2 w0 x
governing equation: 2
2 2 kw0 q0 . where, BCs: w0=0 at x=0;
dx L dx L
q0 varies linearly along x as- 0 at x=0 to q0 at x=L. Assume k=L=1 and q0 = 3.

11. Steady state heat conduction of a square region bounded by -1 x 1 and -1 y 1, is governed
by Poissons equation. The sides y= 1 are maintained at zero temperature while hear is supplier
at cos(y/2) per unit length on sides x = 1 . Considering unit thermal conductivity, determine
the solution using a five term Galerkin approximation.

12. An elastic string is taut with tension T between two rigid clamps separated L length apart as
shown in Fig. P. 12. It is loaded with a variable load w(x) and the corresponding deflection of the
string is y(x). Evaluate- (a) The energy functional, (b) Deflection at midpoint on the string, (c)
Slope of the string at clamped ends.

Fig. P. 6

Fig. P. 5

Fig. P. 12

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