VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

QUESTION BANK
SUBJECT CODE & NAME: ME6603 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
YEAR:3rd YEAR
UNIT I INTRODUCTION
PART-A

1. Illustrate the methods generally associated with the finite element analysis. BT2
2. If a displacement field in x direction is given by u=2x2+4y2+6xy. Determine the strain BT3
in x direction.
3. Point out any four advantages of finite element method. BT3
4. List out the types of nodes. BT1
5. State the advantages of Rayleigh Ritz method. BT2
6. Compare the Ritz technique with the nodal approximation method. BT4
7. How to develop the equilibrium equation for a finite element? BT6
8. Summarize discretization. BT2
9. List the various method of solving boundary value problems. BT1
10. Formulate the boundary conditions of a cantilever beam AB of span L fixed at A and
BT6
free at B subjected to a uniformly distributed load of P throughout the span.
11. Name the weighted residual methods. BT1
12. How will you identify types of Eigen Value Problems? BT1
13. Explain weak formulation of FEA BT4
14. Distinguish between Error and Residual. BT2
15. Discuss Ritz method. BT5
16. How will you develop total potential energy of a structural system? BT6
17. Explain the principle of minimum potential energy. BT4
18. Differentiate between initial value problem and boundary value problem. BT2
19. List out the advantages of finite element method over other numerical analysis
BT1
method.
20. Define node or joint. BT1
PART-B

1. The following differential equation is available for a physical phenomenon,

d2y/dx2 – 10x2 =5, 0≤x≤1
with boundary conditions as y (0) = 0 and y (1) = 0. BT4
Find an approximate solution of the above differential equation by using Galerkin’s
method of weighted residuals and also compare with exact solution.
2. A beam AB of span ‘l’ simply supported at the ends and carrying a concentrated load
‘W’ at the centre ‘C’ as shown in figure .Determine the deflection at the mid span by
using Rayleigh-Ritz method and compare with exact solution. BT6

3. Explain the step by step procedure of FEA. BT4

4. (i)Enumerate the advantages & disadvantages of FEM.(10) BT3
(ii) Discuss the factors to be considered in discretization of a domain.(6) BT2
5. Explain the process of discretization of a structure in finite element method in detail,
with suitable illustration for each aspect being and discussed. BT4
6. A uniform rod subjected to a uniform axial load is illustrated in figure, the deformation
of the bar is governed by the differential equation given below. Determine the
displacement by applying Weighted Residual Method (WRM). BT3

7. Find the approximate deflection of a simply supported beam under a uniformly

distributed load ‘P’ throughout its span. By applying Galerkin and Least Square
Residual Method. BT3
2 2
8. Solve the differential equation for a physical problem expressed as d y/dx + 100 = 0,
0≤x≤10 with boundary conditions as y(0)=0 and y(10)=0 using (i) Point collocation
method (ii) Sub domain collocation method (iii) Least square method and (iv)
Galerkin method. BT2
9. Calculate the value of central deflection in the figure below by assuming Y = a sin
πx/L the beam is uniform throughout and carries and central point load P. BT3
10. Determine the expression for deflection and bending moment in a simply supported
beam subjected to uniformly distributed load over entire span. Find the deflection and
moment at mid span and compare with exact solution Rayleigh-Ritz method. Use

BT5

11. A simply supported beam carries uniformly distributed load over the entire span.
Calculate the bending moment and deflection. Assume EI is constant and compare the
results with other solution. BT3
12. Solve the differential equation for a physical problem expressed as d2y/dx2 + 50 = 0,
0≤x≤10 with boundary conditions as y (0) = 0 and y (10) = 0 using the trial function y
= a1x (10-x) find the value of the parameters a1 by the following methods listed below.
(i) Point collocation method (ii) Sub domain collocation method (iii) Least squares
method and (iv) Galerkin method. BT1
13. A simple supported beam subjected to uniformly distributed load over entire span and
it is subjected to a point load at the centre of the span. Calculate the deflection using
Rayleigh-Ritz method and compare with exact solutions. BT3
14. Solve the ordinary differential equation d2y/dx2 + 10 x2 = 0, 0≤x≤1 with boundary
conditions as y (0) = 0 and y (1) = 0 using the Galerkin’s method with the trial
function No(x) = 0; N1(x) = x (1-x2). BT3
 UNIT II ONE-DIMENSIONAL PROBLEMS
PART-A

1. Identify the types of problems consider as one dimensional problem. BT1

2. Define shape function. BT1
3. Illustrate shape function of a two node line element BT3
4. List out the stiffness matrix properties. BT1
5. Describe the characteristics of shape functions BT2
6. Differentiate global and local coordinate. BT2
7. Express the element stiffness matrix of a truss element BT2
8. Illustrate a typical truss element shown local global transformation BT3
9. Define natural coordinate system BT1
10. Give the shape function equation for a 1D quadratic bar element. BT2
11. List the types of dynamic analysis problems BT1
12. Define mode superposition technique. BT1
13. Express the mass matrix for a 1D linear bar element. BT2
14. List out the expression of governing equation for free axial vibration of rod and
BT1
transverse vibration of beam.
15. Determine the element mass matrix for one-dimensional dynamic structural analysis
BT4
problems. Assume the two-node, linear element.
16. Write down the Governing equation and for 1D longitudinal vibration of a bar fixed
BT6
at one end and create the boundary conditions
17. Explain the transverse vibration. BT4
18. Deduce the stiffness matrix for a 1D two noded linear element. BT5
19. Show that in what way the global stiffness matrix differs from element stiffness BT3
matrix?
20. Classify some of the structural problems. BT4
PART-B

1. Formulate the shape function for One-Dimensional Quadratic bar element. BT6
2. A steel bar of length 800mm is subjected to an axial load of 3kN as shown in fig.
estimate the nodal displacement of the bar and load vectors. BT2
3. Develop the Shape function, Stiffness matrix and force vector for one
dimensional linear element. BT6
5 2 2
4. Consider a bar as shown in fig. Young’s Modulus E= 2 x 10 N/mm . A1 = 2cm ,
A2 = 1cm2 and force of 100N. Calculate the nodal displacement. BT3

5. Consider the bar shown in figure axial force P = 30KN is applied as shown.
Determine the nodal displacement, stresses in each element and reaction forces. BT5

6. A two noded truss element is shown in figure. The nodal displacements are u1=
5mm and u2= 8mm. calculate the displacement at x=L/4, L/3 and L/2. BT3

7. For a tapered bar of uniform thickness t=10mm as shown in figure. Predict the
displacements at the nodes by forming into two element model. The bar has a
mass density ρ = 7800 Kg/M3, the young’s modulus E = 2x105 MN/m2. In
addition to self-weight, the bar is subjected to a point load P= 1 KN at its centre.
Also determine the reaction forces at the support. BT2
8. Axial load of 500N is applied to a stepped shaft, at the interface of two bars. The
ends are fixed. Calculate the nodal displacement and stress when the element is
subjected to all in temperature of 100˚C. Take E1 = 30 x103 N/mm2&E2 = 200 x
103 N/mm2, A1=900 mm2 & A2 = 1200mm2, α1 = 23x10-6 /˚C & α2 = 11.7x10-
6
/˚C, L1=200mm & L2 =300mm. BT3
9. Examine the natural frequencies of transverse vibrations of the cantilever beam
shown in figure by applying one 1D beam element. BT1

10. For the two bar truss shown in the fig, Estimate the displacements of node 1 and
the stress in element 1-3. BT4

11. Calculate the displacements and slopes at the nodes for the beam shown in figure.
Find the moment at the midpoint of element 1. BT3
12. For the beam and loading as shown in figure. Calculate the slopes at nodes 2 and
3 and the vertical deflection at the mid-point of the distributed load. Take E=200
GPa and I=4x10-6 m4 . BT3

13. Calculate the force in the members of the truss as shown in fig. Take E=200 GPa. BT3

14. Examine the nodal displacement, stress and strain for the bar shown in fig. BT1
 UNIT III TWO DIMENSIONAL SCALAR VARIABLE PROBLEMS

PART-A

1. Show the displacement function equation for CST element. BT3

2. How will you modify a three-dimensional problem to a Two-dimensional problem?
BT6
3. List out the application of two-dimensional problems.
BT1
4. Express the shape functions associated with the three noded linear triangular element
and plot the variation of the same. BT2

5. Define two-dimensional scalar variable problem

BT1
6. How do you define two dimensional elements?
BT1
7. Explain QST (Quadratic strain Triangle) element.
BT4
8. Relate path line with streamline. BT3
9. Formulate the (B) matrix for CST element. BT6
10. Express the interpolation function of a field variable for three-node triangular BT2
element
BT1
11. List out the CST and LST elements.
12. Illustrate the shape function of a CST element. BT3

13. Define LST element. BT1

14. Express the nodal displacement equation for a two dimensional triangular elasticity BT2
element
15. Show the transformation for mapping x-coordinate system into a natural coordinate BT3
system for a linear spar element and for a quadratic spar element.
16. What do you understand by area coordinates? BT2

17. Define Isoparametric elements with suitable examples BT1

18. Explain shape function of four node quadrilateral elements. BT4

19. Explain geometric Isotropy. BT5

20. Write the Lagrange shape functions for a 1D, 2noded elements. BT5

PART-B

1. Calculate the element stiffness matrix and temperature force vector for the plane
stress element shown in fig. The element experiences a 20ºC increase in temperature.
Assume α= 6x10^-6 C. Take E=2x10^5 N/mm, v= 0.25, t= 5mm. BT3

2. Develop the element strain displacement matrix and element stiffness matrix of a
CST element BT6
3. Express the shape functions for a constant strain triangular (CST) element. BT2
4. The (x, y) coordinate of nodes i, j, and k of triangular elements are given by (0, 0), (3,
0) and (1.5, 4) mm respectively. Evaluate the shape functions N1, N2 and N3 at an
interior point P (2, 2.5) mm for the element. For the same triangular element, obtain
the strain-displacement relation matrix B. BT5
5. Calculate the value of pressure at the point A which is inside the 3 noded triangular
elements as shown in fig. The nodal values are Φ1 = 40 MPa, Φ 2 = 34 MPa and Φ 3
= 46 MPa. Point A is located at (2, 1.5). Assume the pressure is linearly varying in
the element. Also determine the location of 42 MPa contour line. BT3
(0, 0) 1
3 (2, 5)
(2, 1.5)

(4, 0.5)2

6. For a 4-noded rectangular element shown in fig. Infer the temperature at the point
(2.5,2.5). The nodal values of the temperatures are T1= 100°C, T2= 60°C and T3=
50°C and T4= 90°C. Also determine the 80°C isotherm. BT4

7. Derive the shape functions for a constant strain triangular (CST) element in terms of
natural Co-ordinate system. BT1

8. Find the temperature at point (1, 1.5) inside a triangular element shown with nodal
temperature given as Ti = 40˚C, Tj = 34˚C and Tk = 46˚C. Also calculate the location
of the 42˚C contour line for triangular element shown in fig. BT3
9. Calculate the element stiffness matrix and thermal force vector for the plane stress
element shown in fig. The element experiences a rise of 10˚C. BT3

10. For a 4-noded rectangular element shown in fig. Estimate the temperature point (7,
4). The nodal values of the temperatures are T1 = 42˚C, T2 = 54˚C and T3 = 56˚C
and T4 = 46˚C. Also determine 3 point on the 50˚C contour line. BT2

11. A 3 noded triangular element as shown in fig Calculate the temperature at the point P
(4, 3), given that the temperatures at nodes 1, 2 and 3 are 75˚C, 90˚C and 60˚C
respectively. BT3

(2, 2)
3 (3, 6)

(7, 4)

12. Develop the shape function derivation for a two-dimensional quadratic element. BT6
13. Evaluate the partial derivatives of the shape function at ζ = 1/2, η= ½ of a
quadrilateral element, assuming that the temperature is approximated by bilinear. BT5
14. Estimate the stiffness matrix for the triangular element with the (x,y) coordinates of
the nodes are (0,-4), (8,0) and (0,4) at nodes i, j, k. Assume plane stress condition E=
200 GPa, Poission’s ratio = 0.35. BT2
 UNIT IV TWO DIMENSIONAL VECTOR VARIABLE PROBLEMS
PART-A

1. Illustrate the Stress-Strain relationship matrix for an axisymmetric triangular element. BT3
2. Classify the types of shell element. BT4
3. Define 2D vector variable problems BT1
4. List out the various elasticity equations.
BT1
5. Define plane stress and plane strain.
BT1
6. Discuss ‘Principal stresses”.
BT2
7. Discuss the difference between the use of linear triangular elements and bilinear
rectangular elements for a 2D domain. BT2

8. Define axisymmetric solid. BT1

9. Distinguish between plane stress, plane strain and axisymmetric analysis in solid BT2
mechanics.
10. Show the machine component related with axisymmetric concept.
BT3
11. Discuss axisymmetric formulation.
BT2
12. Develop the Shape functions for axisymmetric triangular elements
BT6
13. Explain about finite element modeling for axisymmetric solid.
BT4
14. Develop the Strain-Displacement matrix for axisymmetric solid
BT6
15. Show the Stress-Strain displacement matrix for axisymmetric solid
BT3
16. Deduce the Stiffness matrix for axisymmetric solid
BT5
17. Assess the requried conditions for a problem assumed to be axisymmetric..
BT5
18. State whether plane stress or plane strain elements can be used to model the
following structures. Explain your answer.
BT4
a. A wall subjected to wind load
b. A wrench subjected to a force in the plane of the wrench.
19. Define a plane strain with suitable example. BT1

20. Define a plane stress problem with a suitable example. BT1

 PART-B

1. The nodal coordinates for an axisymmetric triangular element shown in fig are given
below. Examine the strain-displacement matrix for that element. BT1

2. Calculate the element stiffness matrix for the axisymmetric triangular element shown
in fig. The element experiences a 15ºC increase in temperature. The coordinate are in
mm. Take α=10x10^-6/ºC, E=2x10^5 N/mm2, v=0.25. BT3

3. Develop elasticity equation for 2D element BT6

4. Develop shape function for axisymmetric triangular elements BT6

5. Triangular element are used for the stress analysis of plate subjected to inplane loads.
The (x,y) coordinates of nodes i, j, and k of an element are given by (2,3), (4,1), and
(4,5) mm respectively. The nodal displacement are given as :
u1=2.0 mm, u2=0.5 mm, u3= 3.0 mm
v1=1.0 mm, v2= 0.0 mm, v3= 0.5 mm
Examine element stress. Let E= 160 GPa, poisson's ratio = 0.25 and thickness of the
element t=10 mm. BT1
6. Evaluate the Stress-Strain relationship matrix for axisymmetric triangular element. BT5
7. Develop Strain-Displacement matrix for axisymmetric triangular element BT6
8. Estimate the global stiffness matrix for the plate shown in fig. Taking two triangular
elements. Assume plane stress conditions BT2
9. Calculate the stiffness matrix for the axisymmetric element shown in fig E= 2.1 x 10 6
N/mm2 and Poisson’s ratio as 0.3. BT3

10.Calculate the element strains for an axisymmetric triangular element shown in fig the
nodal displacement are. u1= 0.001, u2 = 0.002, u3 = -0.003, w1 = 0.002, w2 = 0.001
and w3 = 0.004 all dimensions are in mm. BT3

11.For an axisymmetric triangular elements as shown in fig. Evaluate the stiffness matrix.
Take modulus of elasticity E = 210 GPa. Poisson’s ratio = 0.25. the coordinates are
given in millimetres. BT5

12.The nodal coordinates for an axisymmetric triangular element shown in fig are given
below. Evaluate the strain-displacement matrix for that element BT4
13. A long hollow cylinder of inside diameter 100mm and outside diameter 120mm is
firmly fitted in a hole of another rigid cylinder over its full length as shown in fig.
The cylinder is then subjected to an internal pressure of 2 MPa. By using two element
on the 10mm length shown calculate the displacements at the inner radius tame E =
210 GPa. μ = 0.3 BT3

14. Triangular element are used for the stress analysis of plate subjected to inplane loads.
The (x,y) coordinates of nodes 1, 2, and 3 of an element are given by (5,5), (25,5),
and (15,15) mm respectively. The nodal displacement are given as :
u1=0.005 mm, u2=0.002 mm, u3= 0.0 mm, u4=0.0 mm, u5= 0.005 mm, u6= 0.0 mm
Evaluate element stress. Let E= 200 GPa, poisson's ratio = 0.3 and use unit thickness
of the element. BT4
 UNIT V ISOPARAMETRIC FORMULATION
PART-A

1. Illustrate the purpose of Isoparameteric element. BT3

2. Differentiate between Isoparametric, super parametric and sub-parametric elements. BT4

3. Define Isoparametric formulation BT1

4. Explain the Jacobian transformation BT5

5. Give the shape functions for a four-noded linear quadrilateral element in natural
BT2
coordinates.
6. Describe the Jacobian of transformation for two-noded Isoparametric element. BT2

7. List out the advantages of Gauss quadrature numerical integration for Isoparametric
BT1
element
8. Define Isoparametric element BT1

9. Discuss about Numerical integration BT2

10. Discuss about Gauss-quadrature method. BT2

11. Differentiate between implicitly and explicitly methods of numerical integration BT4

12. Differentiate between geometric and material non-linearity. BT4

13. List out the significance of Jacobian transformation BT1

14. Define Isoparametric element with suitable examples. BT1

15. Develop Stress- displacement matrix for Four noded quadrilateral element using
BT6
natural coordinates.
16. Develop Stiffness matrix for Isoparametric quadrilateral element BT6
17. Define Newton cotes quadrature method BT1
18. Distinguish between trapezoidal rule and Simpson’s rule BT2
19. Distinguish between trapezoidal rule and Gauss quadrature. BT2
20.Explain the transformation for mapping x-coordinate system into a natural coordinate
BT5
system for a linear spar element and for a quadratic spar element.
PART-B

1. Examine the shape functions for 4-noded rectangular element by using natural
coordinate system. BT1
2. Develop the shape functions for a four-noded Isoparametric quadrilateral element. BT6
3. Develop Strain-Displacement matrix, Stress-Strain relationship matrix and Stiffness
matrix for Isoparametric quadrilateral element. BT6
4. Evaluate the Cartesian coordinates of the point P which has local coordinates ε = 0.6
and η = 0.8 as shown in figure BT5

5. Calculate the Cartesian coordinates of the point P which has local coordinates ε = 0.8
and η = 0.6 as shown in figure BT3

6. For the four noded quadrilateral element shown in fig analysis the Jacobian and
evaluate its value at the point (1/2, ½) . BT4

7. Evaluate the Jacobian matrix at the local coordinates ε=η= 0.5 for the linear
quadrilateral element with its global coordinates as shown in fig. Also evaluate the
strain-displacement matrix. BT5
8. For a four noded rectangular element shown in fig. Estimate the following
a. Jacobian matrix b. Strain-Displacement matrix c. Element strain and d. Element
stress. BT2

9. Find the integral I= using Gaussian quadrature method with 2

point scheme. The Gauss points are ±0.5774 and the weight at the two points are equal
to unity. BT3
10. Evaluate the integral BT5

11.Evaluate the integral I= using three point Gauss

integration. BT5
12. For the element shown in fig. Calculate the Jacobian matrix. BT3

13. Consider the isoparametric quadrilateral element with nodes 1 to 4 at (5,5), (11,7),
(12,15), and (4,10) respectively. Estimate the jacobian matrix and its determinant at
the element centroid. BT2
14. Tabulate the element characteristics of a four node quadrilateral element. BT1