The document discusses the direct stiffness method (DSM) for structural analysis using finite elements. DSM is a matrix method for computing member forces and displacements. It was formulated in the 1950s and is the basis for most commercial finite element software. This chapter aims to explain the DSM formulation and its workflow for linear static, second order static, and linear stability analysis. It covers modeling a structure, defining degrees of freedom, element types including trusses and beams, assembling element stiffness matrices into a global structural matrix, and establishing nodal equilibrium.
The document discusses the direct stiffness method (DSM) for structural analysis using finite elements. DSM is a matrix method for computing member forces and displacements. It was formulated in the 1950s and is the basis for most commercial finite element software. This chapter aims to explain the DSM formulation and its workflow for linear static, second order static, and linear stability analysis. It covers modeling a structure, defining degrees of freedom, element types including trusses and beams, assembling element stiffness matrices into a global structural matrix, and establishing nodal equilibrium.
The document discusses the direct stiffness method (DSM) for structural analysis using finite elements. DSM is a matrix method for computing member forces and displacements. It was formulated in the 1950s and is the basis for most commercial finite element software. This chapter aims to explain the DSM formulation and its workflow for linear static, second order static, and linear stability analysis. It covers modeling a structure, defining degrees of freedom, element types including trusses and beams, assembling element stiffness matrices into a global structural matrix, and establishing nodal equilibrium.
The document discusses the direct stiffness method (DSM) for structural analysis using finite elements. DSM is a matrix method for computing member forces and displacements. It was formulated in the 1950s and is the basis for most commercial finite element software. This chapter aims to explain the DSM formulation and its workflow for linear static, second order static, and linear stability analysis. It covers modeling a structure, defining degrees of freedom, element types including trusses and beams, assembling element stiffness matrices into a global structural matrix, and establishing nodal equilibrium.
• Computational method for structural analysis • Matrix method for computing the member forces and displacements in structures • DSM implementation is the base of most commercial and open-source finite element software • Based on the displacement method (classical hand method for structural analysis) • Formulated in the 1950s by Turner at Boeing and started a revolution in structural engineering
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 3
Goals of this Chapter
• DSM formulation • DSM software workflow for … • linear static analysis (1st order) • 2nd order linear static analysis • linear stability analysis
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 4
Chapter 2a
The Direct Stiffness Method:
Linear Static Analysis (1st Order)
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 5
Computational Structural Analysis
Y
Physical problem Continuous Discrete
mathematical model computational model
strong form weak form
Modelling is the most important step in
the process of a structural analysis ! Method of Finite Elements I Institute of Structural Engineering Page 6
System Identification (Modelling)
Y 3 4 6
4 5 1 2 3
1 2
X 5 6
Global coordinate system Node numbers
Nodes Elements Element numbers Boundary conditions and orientation Loads
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 7
Deformations System Deformations Nodal Displacements
System identification
nodes, elements, loads and supports (deformational, nodal)
deformed shape degrees of freedom = dofs
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 8
Degrees of Freedom Truss Structure Frame Structure
P1 P2 P1 P2 N 1 1 2 X/Y = local coordinate system 2 1
ux = displacement in direction 2 1 2 of local axis X DX = displacement of truss end
compatibility
const. equation p=ku
equilibrum 2 1 p : (element) nodal forces k : (element) stiffness matrix u : (element) displacement vector Method of Finite Elements I Institute of Structural Engineering Page 10
Elements: Beam 3 dof per node
ux DX
uy DY
RZ uy
ux = displacement in direction of local axis X
uy = displacement in direction of local axis Y
k u
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 11
Elements: Global Orientation
local
global cos − sin 0 0 0 0 sin cos 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 = 0 0 0 cos − sin 0 0 0 0 sin cos 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 uglob = u = uloc -1 = T kglob = k = T kloc
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 12
Beam Stiffness Matrix
e.g. k24 = UXS UYS UZS UXE UYE UZE UXE=1 E FXS = k11 k12 k13 k14 k15 k16 reaction FYS = k22 k23 k24 k25 k26 in global direction Y at start node S MZS = k33 k34 k35 k36
FXS = k44 k45 k46
due to a FYS = symm. k55 k56 S unit displacement MZE = k66 FYS in global direction X at end node E piS k iSS k iSE uiS piE k iES k iEE uiE Element stiffness matrix p=ku in global orientation
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 13
Nodal Equilibrum r4: Vector of all forces acting at node 4 f4 r4 = - k6ES u3 + contribution of element 6 due to 3 6 4 start node displacement u3 - k6EE u4 + contribution of element 6 due to 5 end node displacement u4 - k5EE u4 + contribution of element 5 due to 2 start node displacement u4 - k5ES u2 + contribution of element 5 due to start node displacement u2 f4 external load
F = global load vector = Assembly of all fe K = global stiffness matrix = Assembly of all ke U = global displacement vector = unknown
F = K U = equilibrium at every node of the structure
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 16
Solving the Equation System
What are the nodal displacements (= U ) for a given structure (= stiffness matrix K ) due to a given load (= load vector F ) ?
K U=F left multiply K-1
K-1 K U = K-1 F U = K-1 F
Inversion possible only if K is non-singular
(i.e. the structure is sufficiently supported = stable)
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 17
Beam Element Results
1. Element nodal displacements Disassemble u from resulting global displacements U
2. Element end forces
Calculate element end forces = p = k u
3. Element stress and strain along axis
Calculate moment/shear from end forces (equilibrium equation) Calculate curvature/axial strain from moments/axial force
4. Element deformations along axis
Calculate displacements from strain (direct integration)
Method of Finite Elements I
Institute of Structural Engineering Page 18
Lateral Load 1. Adjust global load vector
f = local load vector => add to global load vector F
2. Adjust element stresses
e.g. bending moment M: M due to f M diagram
M due to u Method of Finite Elements I Institute of Structural Engineering Page 19
Linear Static Analysis (1st order)
Workflow of computer program
1. System identification: Elements, nodes, support and loads
2. Build element stiffness matrices and load vectors 3. Assemble global stiffness matrix and load vector 4. Solve global system of equations (=> displacements) 5. Calculate element results
