TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY Examination

Level BE Full Marks 80

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
Programme BME Pass Marks 32
Department of Mechanical Engineering Year/Part IV/II Time 3 hrs
Set 1
Subject: Finite Element Method

Candidates are required to give their answers in their own words as far as practicable.
Attempt All questions.
The figures in the margin indicate Full Marks.
Necessary sheet is attached herewith.

1. How weak form of a physical problem is formulated? Also explain the features of the
weak formulation. [6]
2. For the two bar truss shown in Figure P.2, determine the horizontal displacement of
node 1 and the axial force in each element. A force of P = 1000 kN is applied at node 1
while node 1 settles an amount = 50 mm as shown. Let E = 210 GPa and A = 6 10-4
m2 for each element. [12]

Figure P.2
3. Determine the approximate two term solution for the deflection of a simply supported
beam subjected to a point load at center using Ritz method for which potential
energy function is given by

1 2
= (, ) |=/2
2 [10]
0

4. Find two parameter approximate solution of the equation using weak formulation
2
+ 3 + = 4 01
2
subjected to boundary conditions
(0) = 5, (1) = 2 [10]
5. Find the one parameter Galerkin solution of the equation for the deflection of a
membrane subjected to uniform transverse load q and tension T
 2 2
+ = in : 2 x 2, 1 y 1
2 2
=0 on .
[10]
6. A square plate domain of side 8 cm and thickness 1 cm has a concentrated point heat
source of 200 W at the center. All the sides are exposed to air medium at a far field
temperature of 200C. Using symmetry of the problem and formulating only one finite
element, determine the temperature at the center and at the corners. Take k = 50
W/m.K and h = 500 W/m2.K. [16]
7. For a plane strain elements shown in Figure P.7, the nodal displacements are
determined as u1 = 0.005 mm, v1 = 0.002 mm, u2 = 0.00 mm, v2 = 0.00 mm, u3 = 0.005
mm and v3 = 0.00 mm. Determine the element stresses. Take E = 70 GPa and = 0.3,
and use unit thickness for plane strain. All coordinates are in millimeters. [16]

Figure P.7