Finite Element Methods for Stress Analysis (Ver. 2018/19) A2 – 1
MECHGM0059/0067: Advanced Computer Applications in Engineering Finite Element Analysis – Assignment 2
THE PROBLEM
Develop a finite element program based on 4 noded quadrilateral elements, using MATLAB to estimate the deformation of the structure shown in Figure 1A.
Part 1: Write a MATLAB program to calculate the stiffness matrix of a two-dimensional plane stress 4 noded quadrilateral element as shown in Figure 1B. Assume E=100 GPa, ʋ=0.3 and plate thickness is 2 mm.
Part 2: Use your program in Part 1 to determine the displacement and strain in Figure 1A, consisted of 2 and 4 quadrilateral elements. Assume E=100 GPa, ʋ=0.3 and plate thickness of 2 mm. Note do not change the dimensions in Figure 1 and use the element arrangement that you think is most appropriate. The dashed lines highlight a possible arrangement for the four elements configuration.
Part 3: Re-run your program in Part 2 to determine the displacement and strain, (i) for three additional elastic modulus (ii) for three additional loading conditions i.e. changing the loading direction from θ=90°. Keep other variables constant.
Your report must compare/comment on the:
displacement and strain results obtained from different elements, material properties and loading
conditions
validity of your program, here you are expected to model the same structure using a commercial
program and compare your results against it.
Figure 1: (A) A thin plate loaded. (B) a single four-noded element.
University College London
Finite Element Methods for Stress Analysis (Ver. 2018/19) A2 – 2
REPORT OUTLINE AND MARKING SCHEME
Prepare your report in the format of a journal article based on the following guidelines: Title page
title of report, your name, affiliation, email address and word count
Abstract ——————————————————————————————————————- Introduction —————————————————————————————————————
describe the problem, include a sketch/drawing of the problem; describe the aim of the study… Materials and Methods————————————————————————————————— model description; material properties; boundary conditions and loads; element type and mesh
convergence; simulations, sensitivity tests and measurements (computer models & theory)… Results ———————————————————————————————————————
results of the simulations in the same order that mentioned in the method…
Discussion —————————————————————————————————————-
discuss the results of each simulation in the same order as in the Results section; comparison between different models, with theory and/or experiments; comment on the validity and limitations of the model; summary/conclusion…
References
Figures and Tables
Appendix ——————————————————————————————————————
MATLAB code must be included here
Presentation [20 marks]; technical content [50 marks – Part 1; 10marks; Part 2; 25 marks; Part 3; 15 marks];
discussion and critical analysis [30 marks]
REPORT REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMISSION DATELINE
Your report must be submitted to the departmental office by 12 noon on 12th February 2019. All
reports need to be accompanied by signed cover-sheet (see Student Intranet Site).
An identical copy of your report must also be uploaded onto Moodle by the same deadline
above. Penalty points will be applied if they are not identical.
The main text (excluding title page, abstract, references, equations, tables, figure captions and
appendices) must not exceed 1500 words. Word count must be included on the first page.
Total number of Figures plus number of Tables must be less than 10.
Do not include the Figures and Tables in the main text. Include all the Figures and Tables at
the end of the text after References. Figures and Tables must be cross-referenced in the text.
Include page and continuous line number.
Your report including all sections must not exceed 14 pages.
Use font Arial 11, line spacing 1.15, margins 25.4 mm on all sides. The formatting does not apply
to the Appendix.
International System of Units (or SI units) must be adopted throughout the report.
Include the parametrised code in the Appendix.
Note up to 20 marks penalty will apply if you do not follow the guidelines.
All students are reminded of the UCL plagiarism policies given in the following webpage, viz.
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/guidelines/plagiarism
REFERENCE
[1] Seshu P. Textbook of finite element analysis. PHI Learning Private Limited 2003.
Dr M Moazen
University College London
3rd December 2018