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Triangular Element Shape Functions Analysis

This document describes an experiment to plot and understand the 2D triangular shape functions used in finite element modeling. It defines a local coordinate system for a 3-node triangular element and derives the shape functions N1, N2, and N3 in terms of these coordinates. Plots of the shape functions are generated for two example triangular elements to verify that the functions are linear, as expected for a first-order triangular element.

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Vasudev Bansal
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36 views5 pages

Triangular Element Shape Functions Analysis

This document describes an experiment to plot and understand the 2D triangular shape functions used in finite element modeling. It defines a local coordinate system for a 3-node triangular element and derives the shape functions N1, N2, and N3 in terms of these coordinates. Plots of the shape functions are generated for two example triangular elements to verify that the functions are linear, as expected for a first-order triangular element.

Uploaded by

Vasudev Bansal
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

EXPERIMENT 2-b

AIM: Plot and understand 2-D triangular element shape function


used in F.E.M.
THEORY:
In case of 2-D elements the local co-ordinates are a function of
zeta and eta. As, we talk about a triangular element, 3 nodes are
considered i.e each at one vertex and each vertex holds some co-
ordinates in global co-ordinate system.
Local co-ordinate system is defined as follows:
At node 1: Zeta = 1, Eta =0,
At node 2: Zeta = 0, Eta =1,
At node 3: Zeta = 0, Eta =0.
Zeta = 0 Eta = 0 Eta = 1
Zeta = 1 N3

N1 N2

Since, value of Zeta and Eta at node 3 are both 0, so we define


the shape function w.r.t the global co-ordinates.
At node 1: N1 is 1, N2 = N3 = 0;
At node 2: N2 is 1, N1 = N3 = 0;
At node 3: N3 is 1, N2 = N1 = 0;
Each node will have two displacements, one in either dimension i.e
x and y.
Shape Functions
We are going to compute the displacement of the nodes at the
triangle vertices but we also need to compute the displacement for
points inside the triangle. We will use shape functions to
interpolate the nodal displacements to compute the displacements of
arbitrary points inside the triangles. We will start by moving only
one point on the triangle and holding the other two fixed. We can
draw both the deformed and non-deformed triangles on top of one
another.

The following diagram shows our element divided into 3 region by a


point. This point lies inside the triangle and has its own
displacements. The displacement in x dxn is denoted by u and in y
dxn in denoted by v.

Also, N1 + N2 + N3 = 1

And, N1 = Zeta, since Zeta = 1 at node 1 like N1


N2 = Eta, since Eta = 1 at node 2 like N2
N3 = 1 – N2 – N1.

Substituting N1,N2,N3 in u,v eqn. we get,

Also, co-ordinates of the interior point is a function of co-


ordinates of the nodal points as follows:

Substituting N1,N2,N3 in x,y eqn. we get,

These equations can be used to compute the shape functions.


PLOTTING THE SHAPE FUNCTIONS

GUI

We input the co-ordinated of nodal points and the gui returns the
shape functions N1, N2 and N3.

CASE A: (2,1), (4,8), (9,8)


CASE B: (1.5,2), (7,3.5),(4,7)

RESULT:
The shape function plotted were linear implying the displacement of
each node is linear.
A clear plot of the shape function is attached below:

SUBMITTED TO: Prof. Rajesh Kumar


SUBMITTED BY: Vasudev Bansal
ROLL NO. : UE189084
BRANCH: Mechanical Sec-II 6TH Sem

Common questions

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Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) facilitate the computation of shape functions by allowing users to input the coordinates of nodal points, which the GUI then uses to generate and return the shape functions N1, N2, and N3. This tool simplifies the visual representation and understanding of how changes in nodal positions affect the shape functions and the resulting interpolation across the element .

Shape functions aid in interpolating nodal displacements to compute the displacements of arbitrary points inside the triangular element. This is achieved using the shape functions defined at the vertices, such as N1, N2, and N3, which are computed as: N1 = Zeta, N2 = Eta, N3 = 1 - N1 - N2. These functions allow the calculation of displacements by considering their influence at different regions inside the triangle .

The linearity of the plotted shape functions indicates that the displacement at each node of the triangular element is also linear. This implies that as one moves from one vertex towards another within the element, the change in displacement follows a linear path. Such a property is crucial for ensuring that the approximations of the displacements within the element are consistent and mathematically tractable for analysis .

Considering two displacements (x and y) at each node of a triangular element is significant for accurately modeling the behavior of the element in a two-dimensional plane. This ensures that the response of each node to applied forces or movements in both dimensions can be captured and analyzed, providing a comprehensive understanding of the element's deformation under various scenarios. The bi-directional displacement is crucial for tasks involving structural analysis and mechanical behavior predictions .

Considering displacements in both deformed and non-deformed states is vital for understanding the performance and stability of the triangular element under various loads. By comparing these states, one can calculate strains and stresses, ascertain the element's structural integrity, and identify potential failure points. This analysis is fundamental in validating the reliability of the element within larger assemblages in structural analysis tasks .

Local coordinates play a crucial role in defining the shape functions of a 2-D triangular element in finite element method by allowing the shape functions to be expressed in terms of these coordinates at the element's vertices. At node 1, the local coordinates Zeta = 1 and Eta = 0 result in the shape function N1 = 1, while N2 = N3 = 0. Similarly, at node 2, Zeta = 0, Eta = 1 results in N2 = 1, N1 = N3 = 0, and at node 3, Zeta = Eta = 0 results in N3 = 1, N1 = N2 = 0 .

The equation N1 + N2 + N3 = 1 ensures that the shape functions of the triangular element are properly normalized, which means they sum up to 1 at any point within the triangle. This condition is essential for accurate interpolation of the field variable (e.g., displacement) throughout the element. It supports the conservation of the property being interpolated, ensuring the sum of shape functions correctly represents any internal point concerning the vertices of the triangle .

The displacement equations in a triangular element can be derived by substituting the shape functions N1, N2, and N3 into the displacement equations for x and y directions. Given that each node represents a vertex with specific shape functions, the displacement at an arbitrary point inside the triangle is given by the weighted sum of node displacements. For instance, displacement in the x-direction (dxn as u) would be u = N1 * u1 + N2 * u2 + N3 * u3, using the shape functions corresponding to each vertex node .

The coordinates of an interior point within a triangular element are determined as a function of the nodal points' coordinates. This relationship is achieved by using the shape functions N1, N2, and N3, which are dependent on the local coordinates Zeta and Eta. By substituting these shape functions into the coordinate equations, the position of the interior point is interpolated based on the weighted influence of each nodal point, reflecting its relative position within the triangle .

The local coordinates at the vertices of a triangular element correlate to the global coordinate system through specific transformations that align the local variables Zeta and Eta with respective positions in the global coordinate framework. At each vertex, predefined values of Zeta and Eta (such as Zeta = 1, Eta = 0 at Node 1) establish local reference points, from which the shape functions define the interpolation relative to the global coordinate system .

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