MANE 4240 & CIVL 4240 Introduction to Finite Elements

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Fall 2013
Instructor: Prof. S. De
Mini Project

Due date: 11th October, 2013

Points : 10

Instructions: You will need to use the ABAQUS software package to do this project. The
project report (Times 11pt, single spacing) should be no more than 5 pages (with figures)
and must include:
a. The problem statement
b. Analysis (with appropriate figures)
c. Results and discussion
Problem: Consider the plane structure in the figure below.
a) (5 points) Assume the structure to be a pin-jointed plane truss, and analyze its
response. Find the maximum nodal displacement (absolute value of the displacement
vector), reactions at nodes 1 and 2 and the element stresses. For this part of the problem,
you may use the following values: Youngs modulus (E) = 200 GPa and cross sectional
area of each member (A) = 2 104 m2 .
b) (5 points) Design the structure such that the maximum nodal displacement does not
exceed 10mm. Clearly explain your approach providing alternative solutions.
10 kN
4m
8
7
3m
20 kN
6
5
3m

20 kN

4
3

3m
2