COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VARIOUS BEAMS UNDER DIFFERENT LOADING

CONDITION USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULLFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE DEGREE OF
Bachelor of Technology
In
Mechanical Engineering
By
Rudranarayan Kandi
Roll No-108ME054
&
Tanmaya Kumar Nayak
Roll No-108ME040
Under The Guidance of Prof. H Roy

Department of Mechanical Engineering

National Institute of Technology
Rourkela, Orissa
MAY 2012

National Institute of Technology

Rourkela
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that this thesis entitled, COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VARIOUS BEAMS
UNDER DIFFERENT LOADING USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD submitted by
Mr. RUDRANARAYAN KANDI & Mr. TANMAYA KUMAR NAYAK in partial fulfillment
for the requirements for the award of Bachelor of Technology Degree in Mechanical Engineering
at National Institute of Technology, Rourkela is an authentic work carried out by him under my
guidance.
To the best of our knowledge, the matter embodied in the thesis has not been submitted to
any other University / Institute for the award of any Degree or Diploma

Date

Prof H. Roy
Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
National Institute of Technology,
Rourkela- 769 008

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We place on record and warmly acknowledge the continuous encouragement, Invaluable
supervision, timely suggestions and inspired guidance offered by our guide Prof H. Roy,
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela,
in bringing this report to a successful completion. An erudite teacher and a magnificent person
we consider ourselves fortunate to have worked under his supervision. We would like to express
my gratitude to Prof. K.P. Maity (Head of the Department) for their valuable suggestions and
encouragements at various stages of the work. We are also thankful to all staff & members of
Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT Rourkela. Finally we extend our gratefulness to one
and all who are directly or indirectly involved in the successful completion of this project work.

Rudranarayan Kandi

Tanmaya kumar Nayak

108ME054

108ME040

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

National Institute of Technology

National Institute of Technology

Rourkela-769008

Rourkela-769008

CONTENTS
Page no.
Certificate
Acknowledgement
Abstract

ii

List of Figures

iii

Chapter- 01
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Objective

1
3
4

Chapter- 02
Theory
1. Mathematical Formulation
(1a) Euler-Bernoulli beam
(1b) Timoshenko beam
2. Finite Element Formulation
(2a) Shape Function
(2b) Formulation of Hermite shape function
(2c) Stiffness matrix [K]e for Euler- Bernoulli beam
(2d) Mass matrix [M]e for Euler- Bernoulli beam
(2e) Formulation of modified hermite shape function
(2f) Formulation of stiffness matrix for Timoshenko beam
(2g) Formulation of mass matrix for Timoshenko beam
(2h) Equation motion of the beam

5
5
8
8
11
12
13
18
18
20

Chapter- 03
Results & Discussions

21

Chapter- 04
Conclusion

27

Reference

28

ABSTRACT
Beam is a horizontal structure element which can withstand the load by resisting the bending
which use in various industrial application, architectural application, automobile application for
supporting the loads and reliability. So it is very much essential to know property of beam and
response of beam in various cases. In this article we studied some of the response of beam by
using finite element method (FEM) and MATLAB. By using boundary condition, results for
Timoshenko beam and Euler-Bernoullis beam in different cases varies in stiffness matrix, mass
matrix and graphs .According to old theory many assumption has been taken place which is
different from the practical situation and new theory tells the practical one. By the finite element
method beam can be analyzed very thoroughly. So that strength of beam can be manipulated and
applied at the proper place. The comparison between the Timoshenko and Euler-Bernoulli beam
has been studied here.

ii

List of Figures
Sl no.

Page no

Fig.1: Deformation in Timoshenko Beam element

Fig.2: First Mode Shape (L=0.5)[ Rectangular Area, Fixed L/D ratio, Euler]

21

Fig.3: First Mode Shape (L=10)[Rectangular Area, Fixed L/D ratio, Euler]

22

Fig.4: Response vs. Frequency (L=0.5)[Circular Area, Fixed L/D ratio, Euler]

23

Fig.5: Response vs. Frequency (L=1),[Circular Area, Fixed L/D ratio, Euler]

23

Fig.6: Response vs. Frequency (L=2),[Circular Area, Fixed L/D ratio, Euler]

24

Fig.7:Response vs. L/D ratio for Timoshenko Beam[L=1,Circular Area, Fixed L/D ratio] 24
Fig.8: Response vs. Frequency (L=1)[Circular Area, Timoshenko]

25

Fig.9: Response vs. Frequency [L=1,Rectangular Area, Timoshenko]

26

iii

CHAPTER-01
INTRODUCTION
There are three basic types of beams
(1) Simply supported beams (support at both end)
(2) Cantilever beam (support at one end and other end is free)
(3) Continuous beam (supported at more than two points)
Generally for the observation propose the beam is classified by two types
(i)

Euler-Bernoullis beam: Only translation mass & bending stiffness have been
considered.

(ii)

Raleigh Beam: Here the effect of rotary inertia has been taken care.

(iii)

Timoshenko beam: Here both the rotary inertia and transverse shear deformation have
been considered.

By the classical theory of Euler-Bernoullis beam it assume that

(i)

The cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of the beam remains plane after
deformation (assumption of a rigid cross-sectional plane).

(ii)

The deformed cross-sectional plane is still perpendicular to the axis after deformation.

(iii)

The classical theory of beam neglects transverse shearing deformation where the
transverse shear stress is determined by the equations of equilibrium.

Below two assumptions are applicable to a thin beam. For a beam with short effective length or
composite beams, plates and shells, it is inapplicable to neglect the transverse shear deformation.

In 1921, Timoshenko presented a revised beam theory considering shear deformation which
retains the first assumption and satisfies the stress-strain relation of shear. In actual case the
beam (deep beam) which cross-sectional area relatively high as compared to its length shear
stresses are relatively high at the neutral axis as compared to the two other ends and for study
propose it has taken that the cross-section remain plain during bending.
Deformation property of any structure can be easily analyzed by beam theory for different
loading conditions. Also by inspecting the dimensions of the structure we can use the different
beam theory.
Again analysis of beam with finite element method is very much essential. FEM is a numerical
method of finding approximate solutions of partial differential equation as well as integral
equation. The method essentially consists of assuming the piecewise continuous function for the
solution and obtaining the parameters of the functions in a manner that reduces the error in the
solution .By this method we divide a beam in to number of small elements and calculate the
response for each small elements and finally added all the response to get global value. Stiffness
matrix and mass matrix is calculate for each of the discretized element and at last all have to
combine to get the global stiffness matrix and mass matrix. The shape function gives the shape
of the beam element at any point along longitudinal direction. This shape function also
calculated by finite element method. Both potential and kinetic energy of beam depends upon the
shape function. To obtain stiffness matrix potential energy due to deflection and to obtain mass
matrix kinetic energy due to application of sudden load are use. So it can be say that potential
and kinetic energy of the beam depends upon shape function of beam obtain by FEM method.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Mainly, beams are of two kinds taking into consideration of shearing deformation, thickness &
length of the beam. Those are Euler-Bernoulli beam & Timoshenko Beam. The comparative
study of both the beam applying various boundary conditions has been studied by many
scientists. The review consists of papers of different journals which are mentioned in at adequate
place.
Gavin [7] has described the formation of stiffness matrix & mass matrix for structural elements
such as truss bars, beam, and plates. For the formulation purpose, he used the gradient of kinetic
energy & potential energy function with respect to a set of coordinates defining the displacement
at the end or nodes of the element. The kinetic energy & potential energy were written in terms
of these nodal displacements. He calculated both stiffness matrix & mass matrix for EulerBernoulli beam (excluding shearing deformation) & Timoshenko beam (including shearing
deformation & rotational inertia).
Augared [3] has conducted a study on generation of shape function for straight beam element.
For the formulation, he used the hermite polynomials & derived shape function from the
Lagrangian interpolating polynomials.
Davis, Hensbell & Warburton [12] has conducted a study on derivation of stiffness & mass
matrix for Timoshenko beam. They explained the convergent tests for simply supported &
cantilever beam.

Thomas, Wilson & Wilson [4] has conducted a study on both Timoshenko element (having two
degrees of freedom at each node) & complex Timoshenko element (having more than 2 degrees
of freedom at each node & more than 4 degrees of freedom at 2 nodes). In this study, the element
derived in this has two nodes with three degree of freedom at each node. The nodal variables
were transverse displacement, cross sectional rotation () & shear ().
Falsone & Settineri [6] has conducted a study of a new finite approach for the solution of the
Timoshenko beam.
Bazone & Khuslief [2] has conducted a study on derivation of shape function of 3D-timoshenko
beam element. They used the hermitian polynomials & putting the boundary condition, they
derived the shape function Timoshenko beam.
OBJECTIVE
1. To study the different beam equation for both Euler beam & Timoshenko beam.
2. To study the difference in shape function, stiffness matrix & mass matrix for both Euler
beam & Timoshenko beam.
3. Study of the characteristics curves of beam using MATLAB code .The characteristics
curves are plotted among Mode shape, Response, Frequency, Length/Diameter (L/D)
ratio.

CHAPTER-02
THEORY
(1) Mathematical Formulation:
(1a) Euler-Bernoulli beam:
EulerBernoulli beam theory is a simplification of the linear theory of elasticity which provides a
means of calculating the load-carrying and deflection characteristics of beams. This is also
known as engineers beam theory, classical beam theory or just beams theory.
The Euler-Bernoulli equation describes the relationship between the beam's deflection and the
applied load.

Where, q is a force per unit length.

E is the elastic modulus.
I is the second moment of area.
(1b) Timoshenko beam :
A Timoshenko beam takes into account shear deformation and rotational inertia effects, making
it suitable for describing the behavior of short beams, sandwich composite beams or beams
subject to high-frequency excitation when the wavelength approaches the thickness of the beam.
The resulting equation is of 4 th order, but unlike ordinary beam theory - i.e. Bernoulli-Euler
theory - there is also a second order spatial derivative present.

(Fig. 1: Deformation in Timoshenko Beam element)

In static Timoshenko beam theory without axial effects, the displacements of the beam are
assumed to be given by

Where (x,y,z) are the coordinates of a point in the beam ,

displacement vector in the three coordinate directions,
the mid-surface of the beam, and

are the components of the

is the angle of rotation of the normal to

is the displacement of the mid-surface in z-direction. The

governing equations are the following uncoupled system of ordinary differential equations is:

Where

called is the Timoshenko shear coefficient, depends on the geometry.

is called shear modulus.

E is the elastic modulus.

is the second moment inertia.
A is the area of cross section.
The Timoshenko beam theory for the static case is equivalent to the Euler-Bernoulli theory when
the last term above is neglected, an approximation that is valid when

Where L is the length of the beam and H is the maximum deflection.

Stiffness Matrix:
In the finite element method and in analysis of spring systems, a stiffness matrix, K, is
a symmetric positive semi index matrix that generalizes the stiffness of Hooks law to a matrix,
describing the stiffness of between all of the degrees of freedom so that

Where F and x are the force and the displacement vectors, and

Is the system's total potential energy.

Mass Matrix:
A mass matrix is a generalization of the concept of mass to generalized bodies. For static
condition mass matrix does not exist, but in case of dynamic case mass matrix is used to study

the behavior of the beam element. When load is suddenly applied or loads are variable nature,
mass & acceleration comes into the picture.
(2)Finite element Formulation :
(2a) Shape Function:
Beam represents fundamental structural components in many engineering applications & shape
functions are essential for the final element discretisation of structures. Also, the shape function
describes the shape of the beam element at any point along longitudinal direction. In this project
basically hermite & modified hermite shape functions are used to formulate the stiffness & mass
matrix for Euler-Bernoulli beam & Timoshenko beam respectively.
(2b)Formulation of Hermite shape function:
Beam is divided in to element. Each node has two degrees of
Freedom.
Degrees of freedom of node j are Q2j-1 and Q2j
Q2j-1 is transverse displacement and Q2j is slope or rotation.

Q= [Q1 Q2Q3...Q10] T
Q is the global displacement vector.
Local coordinates:

Hermite shape function for an element of length le.

Shape function of node 1:

Shape function of node 2:

Each Hermite shape function is of cubic order represented by1, 2, 3, 4

The condition in the given table must be satisfied.

Putting the value of in the above equation & simplifying

/4;
Now hermite function can be used to write v in the form:

10

The coordinates transform by relationship:

is the length of the element le.

Therefore,
i.e.

Where the hermite shape matrix is

(2c)Stiffness matrix [K]e for Euler- Bernoulli beam:
By the potential energy system,

&

Also,
Taking square of the both sides
11

Now,

On substituting

in potential energy expression will be

Where the element matrix [K] is given by

(2d)Mass matrix [M]e for Euler-Bernoulli beam:

The kinetic energy expressed in the degrees of freedom of the beam element becomes:

Where,

is the density of the material.

is the velocity at the point x1 with the components

In finite element method we divide the element & in each element we express u in terms of the
displacement q using shape function H.
Thus u=Hq
So the velocity vector is given by

Putting the expression for the velocity

Where mass matrix element is

in the kinetic energy expression we get

[M]e =

Using the hermite shape function H &

the mass matrix will be in the form

12

[M]e=

(2e) Formulation of modified hermite shape function:

For the Euler consideration the neutral axis is always perpendicular to the area of cross section
but when we consider the neutral axis is not perpendicular to the cross section the angle between
neutral axis & area of cross section be .
, the bending angle exist due to bending of the beam. , the shear angle exists due to the shear
deformation.

Where ,v is the displacement.

Where V=shear force;

M=bending moment.

13

Putting the value of M in the expression for V, we get,

Again we know
Where G=modulus of rigidity,
A=area of the cross section,
K=shear factor,(shear force is not constant throughout the area of cross section so we are using
shear correction factor)
The value of shear correction factor varies in different cross sections.

Where

Now let

(only considering the bending)

In case of Euler beam both the bending moment & shear force are related to each other but in
case of Timoshenko both are independent to each other.
Putting the value of in the expression for ,we get

The polynomial solution of

Where

are polynomial constants.

14

Putting the value of

at , we find

, where g=

Again;

+2a2x;

From previous we know

So v=

Now putting the boundary conditions for both

&

When x=0; v (0) =a4=d1;

;
When

;
15

Putting all the boundary condition in the expression for

coefficients in terms

, we can get the value of constant

;
;
Putting the value

in the expression for

, we get

Where
From the above expression we get the shape function due to bending as

;
16

.
Similarly putting the values of

in the expression

+2a2x, shape function due to rotation will be

;
Now we calculate the shape function for the shear angle

We know the equation for

So the shape functions for

, it will be

17

.
(2f)Formulation of stiffness matrix for Timoshenko beam:
Due to the bending & shear deformation the potential energy is stored at the beam. We can write
the potential energy as

Where

is the bending stiffness matrix

is the shear stiffness matrix.

Therefore,

(2g)Formulation of mass matrix for Timoshenko beam:

Static analysis holds when the loads are slowly applied. When the loads are suddenly applied or
when loads are of a variable in nature the mass & acceleration effects comes into the picture. The
18

kinetic energy expression for the beam undergoing deformation can be written in the following
form:

Where,

is the translational kinetic energy,

is the rotational kinetic energy.

Also
Putting the value of

in the expression for dY,we will get

Integrating the above w.r.to

from 0 to 1,we get

Solving these above equations we get

& [

19

Where

;
;

;
;
;
;
;
;
;
Now the total mass matrix [M]for the Timoshenko beam will be the summation of both
.
Therefore,

(2h) The Equation of motion of the beam:

The equation of motion for a multiple degree of freedom undamped structural system is
represented as follows

Where

and y are the respective acceleration and displacement vectors for the whole structure

and {F(t)} is the external force vector.

20

CHAPTER-03
RESULT & DISCUSSION:
In this section the numerical results for cantilevered beam have been represented. The finite
element modelling of beam is based on both Euler-Bernouli and Timoshenko beam theory. Here
we have taken the cantilever beam & used different conditions in MATLAB code to get the
behavior of the beam through graphs. For this discussion we have used Aluminium (Al) material
having modulus of elasticity (E) 7.03 e 10 Pa & density

2750kg/m3.

3.1 The beam is modeled by Euler-Bernouli beam theory

Case - I: Modal analysis
Figure 2 and figure 3 show that the first mode shape of the cantilebered beam for two different
length (L = 0.5m and L = 10 m). The mode shape is independent of the length. The results are
satisfactory. Which shows the correctness of the MATLAB code.

(Fig.2: First Mode shape (L = 0.5 m)

21

(Fig.3: First Mode shape (L = 10 m)

Case-II: Frequency response

Figure 4, figure 5 and figure 6 show that tip response of the cantilevered beam with different
lengths when the beam is excited by harmonic excitation. When the excitation frequency
matches with natural frequency, the resonance occour and consequently it will subject to severe
vibration. The peaks corresponds to excitation frequency in the figures indicate the natural
frequency for various modes. With increasing the length the beam stiffness will decrease as wel
as fall in natural frequency. So more peaks are found when the length is high.

22

Fig.4: Response vs. Frequency for Euler Beam(L=0.5 m)

Fig.5: Response vs. Frequency for Euler Beam(L=1 m)

23

Fig.6: Response vs. Frequency for Euler Beam(L=2 m)

3.2 The beam is modeled by Timosenko beam theory

Case I: Static response
Figure 7 shows the static response of the cantilevered beam at the tip. The beam having a
circular cross section with L = 0.5 m. With decreasing the diameter the response increases due
to decrease of stiffness.

Response

L/D ratio
(Fig.7: Response vs. L/D ratio for Timoshenko Beam)
24

Case - II: Frequency response

Figure 8 shows the tip response for the cantilevered beam under sinusoidal excitation. The
length of the beam is 1 m. In this case more peaks are found as compared to Euler-Bernouli case.
The Timosenko beam theory considers the transverse shear deformation. Due to this, there is a
chance in the fall in stiffness as wel as fall in natural frequency. figure 9 shows the frequency
response of the same cantilever beam for rectangular cross section.

(Fig.8: Response vs. Frequency

25

(Fig.9: Response vs. Frequency

26

CHAPTER-04
CONCLUSIONS:
In the present analysis the finite element formulation for transversely loaded beam have been
done. The beam is modeled by both Euler-Bernouli and Timosenko beam theoriy. The behavior
of Timoshenko beam is same as that of Euler-Bernoulli beam when the shear factor is neglected
excluding the shear deformation.
Using FEM analysis, we get different shape functions for both Euler-Bernoulli beam &
Timoshenko beam. As the shape functions differ for both of the beam, so that the stiffness matrix
& mass matrix for both of the beam are also different.
The mode shape for both Euler-Bernoulli beam & Timoshenko beam is independent of
geometric dimensions like length, width, height.

27

REFERENCES:
1. Ashok D. Belegundu, Tirupathi R. Chandrupatla, Introduction to Finite Elements in
Engineering, 4th Edition, PHI Private Limited, p. (237-260), New Delhi
2. A.Bazoune & Y. A. Khulief, 2003, Shape Function s of the Three Dimensional
Timoshenko Beam Element, Journal of Sound & Vibration 259(2), 473-480.
3. A.W. Lees and D. L. Thomas, 1982, Unified Timoshenko Beam Finite Element, Journal of
Sound & Vibration 80(3), 355-366.
4. D. L. THOMAS, J. M. WILSON AND R. R. WILSON, 1973, TIMOSHENKO BEAM
FINITE ELEMENTS, Journal of Sound and Vibration 31(3), 315-330
5. Giancarlo Genta, 2005, Dynamics of Rotating Systems, Springer, P.(156-163), New York
6. G. Falsone, D. Settineri, 2011, An EulerBernoulli-like finite element method for
Timoshenko beams, Mechanics Research Communications 38 (2011) 1216.
7. Henri P. Gavin, 2012, Structural element stiffness matrices and mass matrices, Structural
Dynamic.
8. J. N. Ready, 1993, Introduction to the finite element method, McGraw-Hill, 2nd Edition,
p.(143-155),New York
9. J. N. Ready, 1993, Introduction to the finite element method, McGraw-Hill, 2nd Edition,
p.(177-182),New York
10. N. GANESAN and R. C. ENGELS, 1992, Timoshenko beam elements using the assumed
modes method, Journal of Sound and Vibration 156(l), 109-123
11. P Jafarali, S Mukherje, 2007, analysis of one dimensional Finite Elements using the
Function space Approach.

28

12. R. Davis. R. D. Henshell and g. B. Warburton, 1972, A Timoshenko beam element,

Journal of Sound and Vibration 22 (4), 475-487
13. S. P. Timoshenko, D. H. Young, 2008, Elements of strength of materials: Stresses in
beam, An East West Publication, 5th Edition, p. (95-120),New Delhi
14. S. S. Bhavikatti, 2005, Finite Element Analysis, New Age International Limited, P. (2528) & P.(56-58), New Delhi.
15. Thiago G. Ritto, Rubens Sampaio, Edson Cataldo, 2008, Timoshenko Beam with
Uncertainty on the Boundary Conditions, Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical
Sciences andEngineering,Vol-4 / 295.

29