Two Dimensional Finite

Element Analysis
INTRODUCTION

Three Noded Linear Triangular Element, Four Noded Linear Rectangular Element, Two-Variable 3-Noded Linear

Triangular Element, Strain – Stress Relation, 1 Plane Stress Conditions, 2 Plane Strain Conditions, Generalized

Coordinates Approach To Nodel Approximations, Isoparametric Elements, Structural Mechanics Applications In 2

Dimensions, Two Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

Two dimensional elements are defined by three or more nodes in a two dimensional plane (i.e., x, y plane). The basic

element useful for two dimensional analysis is the triangular element.

Plane Stress and Plane Strain Analysis
Plane Stress
It is defined to be a state of stress in which the normal stress (s) and shear stress (t)directed
perpendicular to the plane are assumed to be zero.
Plane Strain
It is defined to be a state of strain in which the normal to the xy plane and the shear strain
are assumed to be zero
THREE NODED LINEAR TRIANGULAR ELEMENT

The physical domain considered is geometrically a 2-Dimensional domain, i.e., an area with
uniform thickness and the single variable can be one of pressure, temperature, etc. (a scalar
quantity, not a vector quantity). An example is the temperature distribution in a plate. At each
point there can be only one temperature. We consider such an area meshed with triangular
elements. Each triangular element has three nodes, (i.e., one node at each corner). Let us consider
one such element with coordinates one such element with coordinates (x1,y1), (x2,y2), (x3,y3)
. The single variable (for example, temperature) at these nodes 1, 2 and 3 are u1 , u 2 and u3 ,
respectively. If so, then the unknown single variable u (temperature) at any non-nodal point x, y
in the 2-D domain can be expressed in terms of the known nodal variables (temperatures) u1 , u 2
and u3.
Let us assume that the single variable can be expressed as
U= c1+c2x+c3y
In order to find the three unknowns c1 , c2 and c3 , we apply the boundary conditions
Various steps for analysis
1. Discretize the structure into elements. These elements are connected to one another via
nodes.
2. Determine a local stiffness matrix for each element.
3. Assemble a global stiffness matrix for the overall structure based on the combination of the
local stiffness matrices.
4. Build the applied force vector.
5. Apply boundary conditions and solve for the nodal displacements.
6. Solve for the external reactions.
7. Solve for nodal forces.
8. Solve for stresses.
Advantages
1. Irregular Boundaries
2. General Loads
3. Different Materials
4. Boundary Conditions
5. Variable Element Size
6. Easy Modification
7. Dynamics