Chapter 2.

Direct Stiffness Method

(Applied to Systems of Springs)
1
Finite Element Approach
Develop a systematic procedure that can be
used for any spring assemblage
Compute nodal displacements and the force in
each spring
F>0 tension
F<0 compression
Objective develop algorithm that can be
implemented in general computer program
2
Steps in the Finite Element Method
1. Discretize the region and select element type
2. Select a displacement function
3. Define the strain/displacement and stress/strain relations
4. Derive the element equations
Direct Stiffness Method
Energy Methods
Method of Weighted Residuals (Galerkins method)
5. Assemble global equations and impose boundary conditions
6. Solve for unknown nodal displacements
7. Solve for element strains and stresses
8. Interpret results
3
Local vs. Global Coordinates
3-D Spring









1-D Spring
0 = x
L x =

= x
4
1. Discretize the region and select element type
5
Aside Spring element formulation is nearly
identical to other 1-D finite element
Bar under axial load
Torsion
Heat conduction
6
2. Select a displacement function
7
3. Define the strain/displacement and stress/strain
relations
8
4. Derive the element equations
2002 Brooks/Cole Publishing / Thomson Learning
1x
f

2x
f

2x
1x
k

2x
1x
d

k k -
k - k
f

9
5. Assemble global equations and impose boundary
conditions
Example:
10
Assemble global equations
Force equilibrium at nodes
2002 Brooks/Cole Publishing / Thomson Learning
(1)
1x
f
(1)
3x
f

(2)
3x
f
(2)
2x
f

2x
F
3x
F
2
3
3 2
F
2x
F
3x
F
1x
11
6. Solve for unknown nodal displacements
7. Solve for element strains and stresses
(for springs => displacements and forces)
8. Interpret results

Consider Example 2.1:
Remaining Steps
12
Potential Energy Approach
(Variational Method)
Alternate approach for deriving element equations
Advantages over direct stiffness method:
More general can be used to formulate more
complicated elements (plane stress, plane strain,
axisymmetric, plate bending, 3-D solid, etc.)
Can also be used to formulate other field problems
(torsion, heat transfer, fluid flow)
Third approach method of weighted residuals
(Galerkins method section 3.12)
13
Principle of Minimum Potential Energy
Of all displacements which satisfy the boundary conditions, those which
satisfy equilibrium also minimize the potential energy (or, at equilibrium
the potential energy is stationary)
0 =
dx
dG
14
Potential Energy of a Spring
O + =U
p
t
U
p
t
O
- Potential energy

- Strain energy

- Potential energy of external forces
15
Applied to a Spring
x F x k
x F x k U
p
=
= O =
2
2
2
1
,
2
1
t
in
in lb
lb
k
F
x 2
/ 500
1000
= = =
16
Potential Energy of a Spring
x F x k
2
2
1
2 = x
Recall the principle of minimum potential energy:
Of all displacements which satisfy the boundary conditions, those which
satisfy equilibrium also minimize the potential energy
17
Potential Energy of a Spring using
Finite Element Notation
( )
x x x x x x p
d f d f d d k
2 2 1 1
2
1 2

2
1
= t
O U
18
Apply Principal of Minimum Potential Energy
Element Equations
(to be derived in class)



d

2x
1x
k

2x
1x
d

k k -
k - k
f

Note: Same equations as from direct stiffness method

19
Applied to an Assemblage of Springs
Revisit example 2.1
20