2.0 Tasks

1. Briefly discuss why the following array size are sufficient to analyze the

problem (6marks):

a. Element Stiffness Array: 2 by 2

b. Global Stiffness Array: 4 by 4

c. Force Array: 4 by 1

2. Assuming the springs are made of a steel alloy with Young's Modulus of

200GPa and that each spring is 40mm in length, using finite element analysis

in MATLAB determine the displacement at nodes 1, 2, 3 and 4. (16 marks).

(15 marks).

3.

Determine the stresses in the rod elements (8 marks).

4. If the Student removes Spring 8, is it possible to retain the maximum deflection

in the Spring network by reconnecting the remaining 7 springs. If not,