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Learning Module 3 - Introduction To Computer Methods

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20 views

Learning Module 3 - Introduction To Computer Methods

Uploaded by

pikininitanyaradzwa484
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

Structural Mechanics
Learning Module 3
Introduction to Computer Methods
in Structural Analysis
Prof. J. Mahachi, Pr.Eng, Pr.CPM, FSAICE
University of Johannesburg

Email: [email protected]
Cell: +27 82 9049569
Learning Outcomes
• Understand the fundamental concepts and theories of Matrix
Methods for analysis of skeletal structures such as beams,
plane and space trusses, plane and space frames and grillage
structures, and competence in applying these theories to
solve problems using computer programs.
• Competence in using commercially available software for
analysing skeletal structures.
• Competence in problem identification, formulation and its
solution for relevant structural problems.
• Validation of a generalised computer program
Matrix Methods

Matrix structural analysis is a branch of structural


mechanics in which matrix algebra is used as a tool
for solution of structural problems. It has been
claimed that the reason for the popularity of matrix
analysis is that it is readily adaptable for electronic
computation.
Fundamentals of the stiffness method
• The stiffness method:
– Is a displacement method of analysis
– Can be used to analyse both statically
determinate and indeterminate structures
– Yields the displacements & forces directly
• It is generally much easier to formulate the
necessary matrices for the computer using the
stiffness method
Fundamentals of the stiffness method
• Application of the stiffness method requires
subdividing the structure into a series of discrete finite
elements & identifying their end points as nodes
• For truss analysis, the finite elements are represented
by each of the members that compose the truss & the
nodes represent the joints
• The force-displacement properties of each element
are determined & then related to one another using
the force equilibrium equations written at the nodes
Fundamentals of the stiffness method
• These relationships for the entire structure are then
grouped together into the structure stiffness matrix, K
• The unknown displacements of the nodes can then be
determined for any given loading on the structure
• When these displacements are known, the external &
internal forces in the structure can then be calculated
using the force-displacements relations for each
member
COMPUTER MODELLING
A Computer Program

Numeric Solution

PROCESSOR
PREPROCESSOR POSTPROCESSOR
• Computer Code
• Creation of • Graphical display
generates &
Model of output data
solves equations

Assemblies data
PRE-
PROCESSOR

INPUT DATA
• Node & member definition MEMBER FILE
• Boundary Conditions LOAD FILE
• Loads and material properties

FORM SUB-MATRICES
• Read member data MEMBER FILE
• Calculate member sub-matrices

FORM PRIMARY STIFFNESS


MATRIX
• Assemble member sub-matrices to
form primary stiffness matrix for the
whole structure
Apply displacement boundary
conditions

COMPUTE DISPLACEMENTS
• Solve the system equations LOAD FILE

COMPUTE FORCES DISPLACEMENTS,


• Calculate forces and output files for FORCES,
postprocessor plotting MOMENTS FILES

POST-
PROCESSOR
Necessary Computer Input Data
• Geometry of structure
– Nodal coordinates
– Member connections
– Material properties
• Supports
• Loadings
• Type of Analysis
– Static (Linear or non-linear)
– Dynamic
Planning The Analysis

1. Understanding The Problem


 What is known and what is desired?
 Reasonable cost in time and effort
 What physical actions are involved
 What simplifying assumptions are
appropriate
Planning The Analysis (Cont…)

2. Behaviour of the Structure


 Static, vibration or shock loading?
 Dynamic – Damping & how should it be
represented?
 Local or global buckling?
 Are material properties temperature
dependent or anisotropic (Material data
available?)
 Non linearities of material or geometry
Planning The Analysis (Cont…)

3. Detailed Questions
 Load cases
 Concentrated, distributed or body forces
 Loads fixed in direction or change direction
 Do “loads” include prescribed nonzero
displacements
 Reliability of data (geometry, loads, supports,
material properties)
Planning The Analysis
3. Preliminary Analysis
 Qualitative and/or quantitative analysis
 Crude analysis to obtain approximate results that
can be compared with computer results

4. Start with simple model & improve them


– Include all of the structure in the model
– If finite element model, types of elements and
number depends on structure behavior and
limitations (Use finer meshes to obtain stresses)
Check Model & results

Error Messages
Modelling Defects
(Software)

Unreliable Results User


Common Mistakes
• Singular Stiffness matrix caused by any of the
following:
– Material properties (eg. Elastic moduli) are zero
– One or more joints are not connected to any element or
member
– No supports
– Supports are insufficient to prevent all rigid body motions
– A mechanism is created because part of the model is
inadequately restrained
– Large stiffness differences
– Part of the structure has buckled
ANALYSIS OF SYMMETRICAL
STRUCTURES
SYMMETRY:- Displacements
Z Mirror

X
SYMMETRY:- Displacements
Z

Compatibility of Displacements

X √ √
SYMMETRY:- Displacements
Z

Compatibility of Rotations

√ X X
Summary of Displacement Vector

X √ √ √ X X

Note: What is possible for a translation is impossible for a rotation, and


What is impossible for a translation is possible for a rotation
SYMMETRY:- Forces & Moments
Z

Equilibrium of Forces

√ X X
SYMMETRY:- Forces & Moments
Z

Equilibrium of Moments

X √ √
Summary of Forces & Moments

√ X X X √ √

Note: What is possible for a Force is impossible for a Moment, and


What is impossible for a Force is possible for a Moment
Comparison of Displacements &
Moments
X √ √ √ X X

√ X X X √ √

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