A long-term vision in structural engineering is that we can accurately simulate the behaviour of real structures on the computer. The “displacement-based” finite element method, an extension of the stiffness method for hand calculations, is the most influential approach. I cover the notes on linear finite element analysis in CIVL 435, after an introduction in CIVL 332. Nonlinear and dynamic analysis further down the page are important subjects when I teach CIVL 509. I also given an introduction to structural dynamics in CIVL 332.
- LINEAR ANALYSIS
- Notes
- Computational Stiffness Method
- Finite Element Method
- Elements
- Truss Elements
- Euler Bernoulli Beam Elements
- Timosheno Beam Elements
- Frame Elements with P Delta
- Frame Elements in Torsion
- 3D Linear Frame Elements
- Q4 Elements in 2D Elasticity
- M4 Elements for Plates
- Examples
- Buckling Modes for Two-storey Frame
- Shear Wall Analysis
- Static Condensation
- Python
- getTrussStiffness2D()
- getFrameStiffness2D()
- getQuad4Stiffness2D()
- assembleStiffnessMatrix()
- Linear Static Structural Analysis (Screenshot) (Alternative input)
- MDOF Buckling Analysis (Screenshot)
- CROSS-SECTION ANALYSIS
- Notes
- Computational Cross-section Analysis
- Elements
- T3 Elements in Torsion
- Python
- Thin-walled Cross-section Analysis (Screenshots)
- Solid Cross-section Analysis (Screenshots)
- NONLINEAR ANALYSIS
- Notes
- Governing Equations and Solution Techniques
- Geometric Nonlinearity and the Snap-through Problem
- Characteristics of Material Behaviour
- Examples
- Inelastic Stick Model with P-delta
- Elements
- Nonlinear Frame Elements
- Frame Element with Concentrated Hinges
- Truss Element with Geometric Nonlinearity
- Frame Element with Geometric Nonlinearity
- Python
- G2 Examples (Screenshot)
- G2 Linear Analysis
- G2 Simple Newton-Raphson
- G2 Model Class
- G2 Element 1 Class
- G2 Element 2 Class
- G2 Element 3 Class
- G2 Element 5 Class
- G2 Element 12 Class
- G2 Element 13 Class
- G2 Element 15 Class
- G2 Wide-Flange Section Class
- G2 Bilinear Material Class
- G2 Uniaxial Plasticity Class
- G2 Uniaxial Material Tester (Screenshot)
- G2 Quadrature