ABSTRACT
Many structures that are three-dimensional can be satisfactorily treated as two-dimensional problems (Figure 4.1). This chapter introduces you to the use of the finite element method for deformation and stress analyses of two-dimensional elasticity problems. First, the basic equations in plane elasticity theory are reviewed. Then several types of 2-D finite elements for plane elasticity analysis are presented. Applications of these elements are demonstrated and their accuracies and efficiencies are discussed. This presentation is followed by an example illustrating analysis of a 2-D elasticity problem using ANSYS® Workbench.
