1 – D Bar Elements Problems

INTRODUCTION
In FEA overall equilibrium relation between the global stiffness matrix [K], the global
displacement vector {U} & global force vector {F} for the entire body will be expressed as set of
simultaneous equation. These equations cannot be solved until some boundary conditions are
applied. After applying the boundary conditions the resulting simultaneous equations are solved
by one of the following methods.
(i) Elimination Method (ii) Penalty Method

(i) Elimination Method :

In this method the row & column of equation having specified deflection are eliminated
considering the equilibrium equation,
[K] {U} = {F}
𝑘11 𝑘12 𝑘13 𝑢1 𝐹1
𝑘
[ 21 𝑘22 𝑘23 ] 𝑢 𝐹
{ 2} = { 2}
𝑘31 𝑘32 𝑘33 𝑢3 𝐹3

Node 1 is fixed i.e u1 = 0

⸫ row1 &column 1 are eliminated. The matrix reduced to
K 22 K 23 u2 𝐹
[ ] { } = { 2}
K 32 K 33 u3 𝐹3
Hence u1 u2 calculated by solving above equation.

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Worked Examples on Axial Bars

1] Figure shows a 1-D bar subjected to an axial loading. Taking it as a single bar element
determine (i) Nodal displacement, (ii) Stress in each element, (iii) Reaction at the support.

Solution:
Given data, Young’s modulus E = 200GPa, A = 104 mm2, L = 1000mm, F2 = 10 KN
Finite element model,

Element stiffness matrix is given by,

A E 1 −1
K= [ ]
𝑙𝑒 −1 1

104 x 2x 105 1 −1
= [ ]
1000 −1 1
Nodal displacement is given by,
𝑢
{U} = {𝑢1 }
2

Element load vector is given by,

𝐹
{F} = { 2 }
𝐹3
Equilibrium condition for entire body
[K] {U} = {F}

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

Substitute the corresponding values,

104 x 2x 105 1 −1 𝑢1 𝐹
[ ] {𝑢 } = { 2 }
1000 −1 1 2 𝐹3
1 −1 𝑢1 0
2x106 [ ] {𝑢 } = { 3}
−1 1 2 10x10
Apply the boundary condition
i.e node one is fixed hence u1=0
Using elimination method of boundary condition, corresponding 1st row and 1st column
eliminated. We get,

10x 103
u2 = = 0.005 mm
2x106
Stress in an element
From Hook’s law,

σ=ε E |ε = BU|

= BU E
1 u1
σ= [−1 1] {u } E
𝑙e 2

Where [B] is strain displacement matrix and is given by,

1
[B] = [−1 1]
𝑙e
1 u1
σ= [−1 1] {u } E
𝑙e 2

1
= 2x105x [−u1 u2 ]
1000
2x105
= x (0.005)
1000
= 1 MPa
(iii) Reaction at the support
Using relation {R} = [K] {Q} – {F}
R1 k −k12 u1 𝐹
i.e { } = [ 11 ] { } − { 1}
R2 −k 21 k 22 u2 𝐹2

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

Since u1 & F1 = 0 & support is at node 1 only

⸫ R1 = -k12u2 – F1 = -k12u2

R1 = - 2x 106x0.005 = - 10 KN.

2] Determine nodal displacement at P, load point reaction, stress and strain of 1-D bar shown in
fig. subjected to axial load of 10KN. Using single bar element.

Solution:
E = 210GPa = 210 x 109 N/m2, A = 0.02 m2, Force F = 104 N, Le = 1 m
FEM Model,

Equilibrium equation,
[k] {U} = {F}
A E 1 −1
Stiffness matrix [K] = [ ]
𝑙𝑒 −1 1

0.02 x 2x 109 1 −1
= [ ]
1 −1 1
9
[K] = [ 4.2x10 9 −4.2x109 ]
−4.2x10 4.2x109
u1 0
Displacement matrix {U} = {u } = { }
2 u2

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

𝐹 0
Force vector {F} = { 1 } = { 4 }
𝐹2 10
Node 1 is fixed ⸫ u1 = 0, Hence by applying elimination method of boundary condition 1st row &
1st column eliminated.
We get,

4.2x109 x u2 = 104

u2 = 2.3809 x 10-6 m
(ii) Nodal reaction
{R} = [K] {Q} – {F}
R1 k −k12 u1 𝐹
i.e { } = [ 11 ] {u } − { 1 }
R2 −k 21 k 22 2 𝐹2
9
= [ 4.2x10 9 −4.2x109 ] { 0 0
9 −6 } − { 4}
−4.2x10 4.2x10 2.38x10 10

R1 = -4.29x109x2.38x10-6 – 0
= -10.21 KN
R2 = 4.29x109x2.38x10-6 - 104
= 210 N
du
(iii) Axial strain (ε) =
dx
u2 −u1 2.38x10−6 − 0
= =
𝑙𝑒 1

ε = 2.38x10-6
Axial stress (σ) = E ε or F/A

σ = 210x109x2.38x10-6
= 4.99x10-6 N/m

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

3] Figure shows a 1-D bar subjected to axial load. Taking it as two bar element determine,
(i) Nodal displacement, (ii) Stress in each element & reaction at the support.

Solution:
Given data: E= 200GPa, A= 104 mm2, L = 100mm, F3 = 10KN
Finite element model,
Using two bar elements each having 2 nodes.

Element stiffness matrix is given by

A E 1 −1
K= [ ]
𝑙𝑒 −1 1
A E 1 −1
For element (1): K1 = [ ]
𝑙1 −1 1

104 x 2x 105 1 −1
= [ ]
500 −1 1
6
= [ 4x10 6 −4x106 ]
−4x10 4x106
A E 1 −1
For element (2): K2 = [ ]
𝑙2 −1 1

104 x 2x 105 1 −1
= [ ]
500 −1 1
6
= [ 4x10 6 −4x106 ]
−4x10 4x106
Global stiffness matrix [K] = [K1] + [K2]

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

4x106 −4x106 0
[K] = [−4x106 4x106 + 4x106 −4x106 ]
0 −4x106 4x106
1 −1 0
6
= 4x10 [−1 2 −1]
0 −1 1
u1
u
Global nodal displacement, {U} ={ 2 }
u3
F1
Global force vector, {F} = {F2 }
F3
Equilibrium equation or stiffness equation for entire body,
[K] {U} = {F}

1 −1 0 u1 F1
6
4x10 [−1 2 −1] u
{ 2 } = { F2 }
0 −1 1 u3 F3

Applying boundary conditions u1= 0 (fixed end)

Using elimination method of boundary condition. Eliminating 1st row & 1st column, with respect
to u1 = 0 we get,

1 −1 0 0 0
6
4x10 [−1 2 −1] {u2 } = { 0 }
0 −1 1 u3 104
2 −1 u2 0
4x106 [ ] {u } = { 4 }
−1 1 3 10
4x106(2u2 - u3) = 0 ------------(1)

4x106(-u2 + u3) = 104 ------------(2)

8x106u2 – 4x106u3 = 0

-4x106u2 + 4x106u3 = 104

4x106u2 = 104

u2 = 2.5x10-3 mm
8x106 (2.5x2.5−3
⸫ u3 = = 5x10-3 mm
4x106

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

0
⸫ Nodal displacement vector, {U} ={2.5x10−3 }
5x10−3
Stress in an element σ = BUE
1 u
=E [−1 1] {u1 }
𝑙𝑒 2

Stress in element (1),

1 u1
σ1 = E [−1 1] {u }
𝑙1 2

2x105 0
= [−1 1] { }
500 2.5x10−3
5
2x10
= 500 [0 + 2.5x10-3]

= 1 MPa
Stress in element (2),
1 u2
σ2 = E [−1 1] {u }
𝑙2 3

2x105 −3
= [−1 1] {2.5x10−3 }
500 5x10
5
2x10
= 500 [−2.5x10−3 + 5x10-3]

= 1 MPa
Reaction at the support,
{R} = [K] {Q} – {F}
u1 F1
R1 = [k11 + k12 + k13] {u2 } − {F2 }
u3 F3

R1 = k11u1 + k12u2 + k13u3 – F1

As u1 = 0, F1 = 0, k13 = 0,

R1 = k12u2

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

R1 = -4x106 (2.5x10-3)
R1 = -104 N.

4] Figure shows a bar element subjected to uniformly distributed load P0. Taking Young’s
modulus E = 70 GPa, A = 104 mm2, determine (i) Nodal displacement, (ii) Stress in the element.

Solution:
Given: E =70 GPa = 7x 104 N/mm2, A= 104 mm2, le = 1200 mm.
FEA Model

Element stiffness matrix

A E 1 −1
K= [ ]
𝑙𝑒 −1 1

104 x 70x 103 1 −1

= [ ]
1200 −1 1
1 −1
= 5.8x105 [ ]
−1 1
Nodal displacement vector is given by,
u1
{U} = {u }
2

Load vector given by

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

P0 𝑙 1
{F} = { }
2 1
100x 103 x1200 1 6
= { } = {60x106 }
2 1 60x10
Equilibrium condition,
[K] {U} = {F}
1 −1 u1 6
5.8x105 [ ] {u } = {60x106 }
−1 1 2 60x10
Applying boundary condition, i.e. u1 = 0, by elimination method of boundary condition, 1st row
and 1st column is eliminated.

5.85x105xu2 = 60x106

u2 = 102.915 mm
Stress in the element,
1 u
σ=E [−1 1] {u1 }
𝑙𝑒 2

7x104
= [−1 1] { 0 }
1200 102.915
= 6003.75 MPa

Examples on Stepped Bar

5] For axially loaded bar shown in fig. Determine (ii) Nodal displacement, (ii) Element stiffness
matrix, (iii) Support reaction. Take E = 200 GPa, P= 200 KN.

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

Solution:
Given: A1 = 2400 mm2, A2= 600 mm2 E = 200 GPa = 2x105 N/mm2, P= 200 KN
FEA model,

Element Stiffness matrix,

[K] = [K1] + [K2]
A E 1 −1
K= [ ]
𝑙𝑒 −1 1
For element (1):
A1 E1 1 −1
[K1] = [ ]
𝑙1 −1 1

2400 x 2x 105 1 −1
= [ ]
300 −1 1
1 −1
= 1.6x106 [ ]
−1 1
For element (2):
A2 E2 1 −1
[K2] = [ ]
𝑙2 −1 1

600 x 2x 105 1 −1
= [ ]
400 −1 1
1 −1
= 0.3x106 [ ]
−1 1
Global stiffness matrix,
[K] = [K1] + [K2]
1 −1 1 −1
[K] = 1.6x106 [ ] + 0.3x106 [ ]
−1 1 −1 1
1.6x106 −1.6x106 0
= [−1.6x106 1.9x106 −0.3x106 ]
0 −0.3x106 0.3x106
Displacement vector is given by

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

u1
{U} ={u2 }
u3
F1 0
F
Global force vector, {F} = { 2 } = { 0 }
F3 200x103
Equilibrium condition
[K] {U} = {F}

1.6x106 −1.6x106 0 u1 0
[−1.6x106 6 ] {u2 } = {
1.9x106 −0.3x10 0 }
0 −0.3x106 0.3x106 u3 200x103

Apply the boundary condition

i.e node one is fixed hence u1=0
Using elimination method of boundary condition, corresponding 1st row and 1st column
eliminated.
We get,
1.9 −0.3 u2 0
106 [ ] {u } = { }
−0.3 0.3 3 200x103
1.9x106u2 - 0.3x106 u3 = 0 ------------(1)

-0.3x106u2 +0.3x106u3 = 200x103 ------------(2)

Adding equation (1) and (2) we get,

1.6x106u2 = 200x103

u2 = 0.125 mm
1.9x106u2 - 0.3x106 u3 = 0

1.9x106(0.125) - 0.3x106 u3 = 0

u3 = 0.7916
Displacement vector is given by
u1 0
u
{U} ={ 2 } = { 0.125 }
u3 0.7916

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

Stress in an element σ = BUE

1 u
=E [−1 1] {u1 }
𝑙𝑒 2

Stress in element (1),

1 u
σ1 = E [−1 1] {u1 }
𝑙1 2

2x105
= [−1 1] { 0 }
300 0.125
5
2x10
= 300 [0 + 0.125] = 83.33 N/mm2

Stress in element (2),

1 u
σ2 = E [−1 1] {u2 }
𝑙2 3

2x105
= [−1 1] { 0.125 }
400 0.7916
5
2x10
= 500 [0.125 + 0.7916] = 293.304 N/mm2

Reaction at the support,

{R} = [K] {U} – {F}

R1 = k11u1 + k12u2 + k13u3 – F1

As u1 = 0, F1 = 0, k13 = 0,

R1 = k12u2

R1 = -1.6x106 (0.125)
R1 = -200x103 N.

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

6] Determine nodal displacement stress in each element & support reaction in the bar shown in
fig. due to applied force P=100 KN. Take Esteel = 200 GPa & Ecopper = 100 GPa.

Solution:

Given: Es = 2x105 N/mm2, Ec = 1x105 N/mm2, As = π/4 (60)2 = 2827.4 mm2, Ac = π/4 (40)2 =
1256.63 mm2
FEA model,

Element Stiffness matrix,

[K] = [K1] + [K2]
A E 1 −1
K= [ ]
𝑙𝑒 −1 1
For element (1):
A1 E1 1 −1
[K1] = [ ]
𝑙1 −1 1

2827.4 x 2x 105 1 −1
= [ ]
800 −1 1
1 −1
= 0.71x106 [ ]
−1 1
For element (2):
A2 E2 1 −1
[K2] = [ ]
𝑙2 −1 1

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

1256.63 x 1x 105 1 −1
[K2] = [ ]
500 −1 1
1 −1
= 0.25x106 [ ]
−1 1
Global stiffness matrix,
[K] = [K1] + [K2]
1 −1 1 −1
[K] = 0.71x106 [ ] + 0.25x106 [ ]
−1 1 −1 1
0.71 −0.71 0
=106 [−0.71 0.96 −0.25]
0 −0.25 0.25
Displacement vector is given by
u1
u
{U} = { 2 }
u3
F1 0
Global force vector, {F} = {F2 } = {105 }
F3 0
Equilibrium condition
[K] {U} = {F}
0.71 −0.71 0 u1 0
10 [−0.71 0.96 −0.25] {u2 } = {105 }
6

0 −0.25 0.25 u3 0
Apply the boundary condition
i.e node one and three are fixed hence u1= u3=0
Using elimination method of boundary condition, corresponding 1st & 3rd row and 1st & 3rd
column eliminated.
We get,

0.96x106u2 = 105

u2 = 0.1042 mm
Displacement vector is given by
u1 0
u
{U} ={ 2 } = {0.1042}
u3 0

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

Stress in an element σ = BUE

1 u
=E [−1 1] {u1 }
𝑙𝑒 2

Stress in element (1),

1 u
σ1 = E [−1 1] {u1 }
𝑙1 2

2x105
= [−1 1] { 0 }
800 0.1042
5
2x10
= 800 [0 + 0.1042]

σ1 = 26.04 N/mm2
Stress in element (2),
1 u
σ2 = E [−1 1] {u2 }
𝑙2 3

1x105
= [−1 1] {0.1042}
500 0
5
2x10
= 500 [−0.1042 + 0]

= -20.84 N/mm2
Reaction at the support,
{R} = [K] {U} – {F}
R1 = -0.71x106 (0.1042)
R1 = -73982 N.
R3 = -0.25x106 (0.1042)
R3 = -26050 N.

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

7] Consider a bar shown in fig. An axial load of P = 200 KN is applied. Using penalty approach
for handling boundary condition, Determine (i) Nodal displacement, (ii) Stress in each element,
(iii) Determine reaction forces.

Solution:
Given: A1 = 2400 mm2, A2= 600 mm2 E1 = 70 GPa = 70x103 N/mm2, E2 = 200 GPa = 200x103
N/mm2, P= 200 KN
FEA model,

Element Stiffness matrix,

[K] = [K1] + [K2]
A E 1 −1
K= [ ]
𝑙𝑒 −1 1
For element (1):
A1 E1 1 −1
[K1] = [ ]
𝑙1 −1 1

2400 x 70x 103 1 −1

= [ ]
300 −1 1
1 −1
= 0.56x106 [ ]
−1 1
For element (2):
A2 E2 1 −1
[K2] = [ ]
𝑙2 −1 1

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

600 x 2x 105 1 −1
[K2] = [ ]
400 −1 1
1 −1
= 0.3x106 [ ]
−1 1
Global stiffness matrix,
[K] = [K1] + [K2]
1 −1 1 −1
[K] = 0.56x106 [ ] + 0.3x106 [ ]
−1 1 −1 1
0.56x106 −0.56x106 0
= [−0.56x106 0.8x106 −0.3x106 ]
0 −0.3x106 0.3x106
Displacement vector is given by
u1
{U} ={u2 }
u3
F1 0
Global force vector, {F} = { 2 } = {200x103 }
F
F3 0
Now node (1) and (3) are fixed when using Penalty approach, the large number of ‘C’ is added
to the 1st and 3rd diagonal elements of stiffness matrix.
C = | Max kij| x 104
= | 0.86x106| x 104
= 8600 x 106
8600.56 −0.56 0
[K] = 106 [ −0.56 0.8 −0.3 ]
0 −0.3 8600.3

Equilibrium condition
[K] {U} = {F}
8600.56 −0.56 0 u1 0
6
10 [ −0.56 0.8 u
−0.3 ] { 2 } = {200x103 }
0 −0.3 8600.3 u3 0
8.6x109u1 – 0.56x106u2 = 0 …………(1)

-0.56x106u1 – 0.86x106u2 – 0.3x106u3 = 200x103 …………(2)

– 0.3x106u2 – 8.6x109u3 = 0 …………(3)

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 1 – D Bar Elements Problems

u1 = 15.432x10-6 mm, u2 = 0.23257 mm, u3 = 8.11265x10-6 mm

Stress in an element σ = BUE
1 u
=E [−1 1] {u1 }
𝑙𝑒 2

Stress in element 1,
1 u
σ1 = E [−1 1] {u1 }
𝑙1 2

70x103 −6
= [−1 1] {15.1432x10 }
300 0.23257
= 54.26 N/mm2
Stress in element 2,
1 u
σ2 = E [−1 1] {u2 }
𝑙2 3

2x105
= [−1 1] { 0.23257 −6 }
400 8.11265x10
= -116.2809 N/mm2
Reaction at the support,
{R} = [K] {U} – {F}
R1 = -8.6x109 (15.432x10-6)
R1 = -130.2315x103 N
R3 = -8.6x109 (8.11265x10-6)
R3 = -69.7687x103 N

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