The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics

Paper and Pencil Assignment

Problem 1.
Consider the following dierential equation of elastostatics, in strong form: Find u satisfying

(E A u,x ),x + f = 0, in (0, L),

where f , E, and A are constants, and s.t. the following sets of boundary conditions are satised:

(a) u(0) = g1 , u(L) = g2

(b) E A u,x = h1 at x = 0, E A u,x = h2 at x = L, where h1 = h2 + f L

Comment on peculiarities, if any, of the solutions obtained to (a) or (b).

Problem 2.
For parts (a) through (c), consider the following boundary value problem (BVP) in its strong and weak
formulations:
(S) On the unit interval = (0, 1) and = [0, 1], given f : R and constants A, B, nd u :
R
such that,

u,xxxx = f on

u(1) = 0 u,x (1) = 0

u,xx (0) = A u,xxx (0) = B

(W) S = V = {w|w H 2 (), w(1) = w,x (1) = 0}, given f : R, and constants A, B, nd u S such
that w V,
1 1
0
w,xx u,xx dx = 0 wf dx w,x (0)A + w(0)B
1 1 1
Also observe that w H 2 () (i.e, 0 |w|2 dx + 0 |w,x |2 dx + 0 |w,xx |2 dx < ), unlike the problem in
class where w H 1 ().

Prove the following propositions,

a) Let u be a solution to (S), then u is also a solution of (W).

b) Let u be a solution to (W), then u is also a solution of (S).

Also,

c) Would you call the boundary condition u,x (1) = 0 as essential or natural?. Give reasons.