1 MatMomSim-3.0 & 3.1 Strong & Weak Forms 09dec2017 PDF
1 MatMomSim-3.0 & 3.1 Strong & Weak Forms 09dec2017 PDF
3.0 Introduction
The strong form consists of the governing equations and boundary conditions for a given
physical problem. The governing equations are usually partial differential equations but in the 1-D
case the governing equations are ordinary differential equations. The weak form is an integral form
of these equations, which is needed to formulate the finite element method (FEM).
The approximation functions are combined with the weak form to obtain the discrete finite element
(FE) eqns.
Consider the static response of an elastic bar of length l and variable cross-section A( x ) ,
subjected to a body force or distributed loading b( x ) per unit length, (i.e., the units of b( x ) are
force/length). In addition loads called tractions t with units of force per area, can be prescribed at
the ends of the bar, where the displacement is not prescribed.
p ( x) b( x x / 2) p ( x x)
u ( x x)
u ( x)
x
Fx 0 : p ( x ) b( x x / 2) x p ( x x ) 0 ,
p ( x x ) p ( x )
i.e., b( x x / 2) 0.
x
dp ( x)
b( x) 0. Equilibrium eqn (3.1)
dx
p ( x)
( x) . (3.2)
A( x)
elongation u ( x x) u ( x) du ( x)
( x) lim . (3.3)
x 0 original length x dx
The stress-strain law for a linear elastic material is Hooke’s law, which in 1-D is,
( x ) E ( x ) ( x ) . (3.4)
d du ( x)
E ( x) A( x) b( x) 0, o xl. (3.5)
dx dx
The differential eqn (3.5) is a specific form of the equilibrium eqn (3.1). Equation (3.1) is valid for
both linear and nonlinear materials, whereas eqn (3.5) assumes linearity in the definition of strain
(eqn (3.3)) and the stress-strain law (eqn (3.4)).
du p(0)
(0) E t , (3.6a)
dx x 0 A(0)
u (l ) u . (3.6b)
The traction t is positive when it acts in the positive x -direction regardless of which face it is
acting on, whereas the stress is positive in tension and negative in compression, so that on a negative
face, a positive stress corresponds to a negative traction.
Note: Either the load or the displacement can be specified at a boundary but not both at the same
time.
The governing differential eqn (3.5), together with the boundary conditions eqn (3.6), is the strong
form of the problem,
d du ( x)
E ( x ) A( x ) b( x) 0, o x l,
dx dx
du p (0)
(0) E t , (3.7)
dx x 0 A(0)
u (l ) u .