CONFIDENTIAL 1 EM/DEC 2014/MEC630

QUESTION 1

Answer/describe the followings:

(i) A 300 mm length beam made of Aluminum having a thin rectangular cross section (of
dimensions 30mm x 2mm) is to be analyzed for its first mode behavior (natural
frequency and shape). Analyze which element is more appropriate to model the modal
behavior, bar or frame element. (C4, 5%)
(ii) A uniform (constant cross section) straight flexible mild steel tube is simply supported
at both ends using pin-joints. The pipe tends to deflect laterally due to its flexibility, and
dynamic (vibration) behavior is critical. Analyze what type of element that is suitable for
modeling this situation, and set up a minimum size FE model (nodes and elements) if
the first 4 natural frequencies are needed. (C4, 5%)

QUESTION 2

Build the FE model of a structure below (do not use solid element!!!). The structure is made
of steel tube with 50 mm outer diameter and 2 mm thickness, E = 200,000 MPa. Provide
properties (NOT Element Stiffness Matrix) of all elements. Based on your judgment,
qualitatively compare axial forces, shear forces, and bending moments of the horizontal and
the two vertical members.
2m (C3, 10%)
1000N

2m 2m

Figure Q2

QUESTION 3

A steel part with the dimensions of 2000 mm x 1000 mm x 10 mm is welded to a vertical wall
at one of its edges (see figure below). The load is self weight. (i) Between plate and shell,
analyze which element is your preference to use. Also draw the finite element model for this
structure and state the size of the structural stiffness matrix before and after introduction of
the boundary condition. (ii) Give your opinion on the suitability of using solid “brick” element
for FE modeling of this structure. (C4, 10%)

© Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL 2 EM/DEC 2014/MEC630

Figure Q3

QUESTION 4

Using bar-element, obtain the first natural frequency of the uniform axial structure below.
Begin your work by constructing the finite element model of the structure.
The given data are: A = 0.5E-4 m2 E = 100E9 N/m2  = 1000 Kg/m3
Now analyze what you need to do to maintain the natural frequency value if different material
with twice the value of E and  is used, while maintaining the length of the structure.

1m
(C4, 35%)
Figure Q4

QUESTION 5

For the fin below, there is a heat flux (forced conduction) at a 0.1 m segment of the surface
with the heat flux given as q* = 5000 W/m2. The fin cross section is uniform with cross
sectional area of 0.01 m2, and circumferential (perimeter) length of 0.1 m. Build the
“simplest” bar finite element model of the system with the intention of getting the temperature
at a point 0.2 m from the right end. Then construct the finite element system equation.
Finally, obtain the system equation after introducing the boundary condition. (Note: NO
NEED to calculate the actual temperature distribution)

Twall = 100 oC T = 0 oC Kxx = 10 W/(m.oC) h = 1 W/(m2.oC)

(C4, 35%)
T
q*

Twall

0.1 m
0.3 m

Figure Q5

END OF QUESTION PAPER

© Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL