CIV/CM94/Spring 2001/4

UNIVERSITY OF SURREY
Department of Civil Engineering Postgraduate Programmes in Civil Engineering Level M Examination

Module CM94; 15 Credits Structural Mechanics & Finite Elements

Time allowed: 3 hours

Spring 2001

Attempt 3 questions only

The mark associated with each question or part question is shown in brackets []. If a candidate attempts extra questions, all questions will be marked and the weaker solutions discarded so as to optimize the aggregate mark. Additional documents supplied to candidates: None. Reference documents candidates may use: Formula booklet Appendix A Please avoid the use of red and green inks. Calculator restrictions: None.

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CIV/CM94/Spring 2001/4

1.

A thin elastic isotropic plate occupies 0 < x < 200; -50 < y < 50; 0 < z < 1.

The stress distribution can be represented by an Airy stress function given by: = 7500xy + 200y3 - xy3

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)

Calculate expressions for the stresses in the plate. Calculate expressions for the strains in the plate. Calculate expressions for a possible displacement of the plate. Sketch possible boundary conditions for the plate. Sketch the principal stress vectors for the plate.

[4] [4] [4] [4] [4]

Assume Youngs modulus 200,000 N/mm2 and Poissons ratio 0.3. All units are Newtons or millimetres.

CIV/CM94/Spring 2001/4

3 2. (a) Explain the difference between the neutral axis and the shear centre. Under what circumstances do the two points coincide? [5] An elastic isotropic prismatic bar has an elliptical cross-section with diameter 60 mm in the local x direction and diameter 40 mm in the local y direction. The local z direction coincides with the longitudinal axis of the bar. The stress distribution in the bar is presented by the Prandtl stress function = 100 ( 1 - x2 /900 - y2 /400 )

(b)

(i) (ii)

Find expressions for the stresses in the bar Calculate the magnitude, direction and location of the maximum stress in the bar Sketch the stress distribution in the bar Calculate the twist in the bar Calculate the twisting moment in the bar Calculate the torsional stiffness of the bar

[3]

[3] [3] [2] [2] [2]

(iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

Assume Youngs modulus 200,000 N/mm2 , Poissons ratio 0.3 and all units are Newtons or millimetres.

3.

(a)

Explain the similarities and differences between the Principle of Total Potential Energy and the method of Virtual Work. When would you use each method? [4] What is an iso-parametric element? What are they used for and what problems may they cause? [4] What is a non-conforming element? What are the benefits and problems of non-conforming elements? [4] A mesh appears to contain a zero energy deformation mode (also called a mechanism). How could you investigate the mechanism further and how might the mechanism be removed? [4] What is meant by reduced integration? Why is it used and what problems does it cause? [4] [SEE NEXT PAGE]

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

CIV/CM94/Spring 2001/4

4.

An elastic, isotropic, plane stress finite element has four nodes with co-ordinates and nodal displacements as given in Table 1

node 1 2 3 4

x coord 400 0 0 200

y coord 400 200 0 0 Table 1

x displ 0.1 0 0 0

y disp 0.1 0 0 0

The element has thickness 2 mm, Youngs modulus 182,000 N/mm2 and Poissons ratio of 0.3. To reduce the volume of calculation, we will adopt 1x1 reduced integration.

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Calculate an expression for the displacement in the element Calculate the strain at the integration point Calculate the stress at the integration point Calculate all eight nodal forces.

[4] [6] [4] [6]

All units Newtons or millimetres.

Internal Examiners: Dr P Mullord External Examiner: Prof D Anderson