CE 381P - Computer Methods in Structural Analysis

      

Course Purpose:

CE 381P focuses on computing the response of structural frames and trusses. This class will extend many of the concepts treated in courses on matrix methods of analysis by developing a general framework for analyzing complicated structural systems. A large portion of the course will focus on computing the response of structures accounting for geometric and material nonlinearity.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, you should be able to do the following:

Derive stiffness/flexibility relations for structural members using virtual work principles.

Use and/or develop structural analysis software to analyze complicated structural systems. S Interpret the output from computer-based analyses for the purpose of structural design.

Determine the critical load of structural systems.

Compute the load-deformation behavior of a structure accounting for nonlinear effects.

Topics: (Suggested Reading in Text)

Introduction: Review of basic concepts and matrix methods of structural analysis (1.1, 1.2.1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, 4.5.1, 4.5.3, 5.1)

Virtual Work Principles in Structural Analysis

Review of Principle of Virtual Displacements and Virtual Forces (6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5)

Stiffness Relationships for Prismatic and Non-prismatic Members (7.1, 7.2, 7.3)

Matrix Form of Compatibility and Equilibrium (3.1, 3.2, 3.3)

Stiffness Method of Analysis

Flexibility Method of Analysis

Flexibility / Stiffness Transformations (4.4)

Large Displacement Behavior of Structures

Overview of Structural Stability (Ch. 8)

Snap-through and Bifurcation (Ch. 8)

Nonlinear Solution Methods: Newton-Raphson, Euler, and Arc-Length Methods (12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.7)

Linearized Buckling and Eigenvalue Problems (12.8)

Fundamentals of Plasticity Theory (Time Permitting)

Stiffness Matrix Formulation Including Inelasticity (10.1, 10.2)

Computational aspects of plastic hinge analysis for frame members (12.6)