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This form reveals how to generalize the element stiffness to 3-D space trusses by simply extending the pattern that is evident in this formulation. After developing the element stiffness matrix in the global coordinate system, they must be merged into a single “master” or “global” stiffness matrix.
The full stiffness matrix A is the sum of the element stiffness matrices. In particular, for basis functions that are only supported locally, the stiffness matrix is sparse. For many standard choices of basis functions, i.e. piecewise linear basis functions on triangles, there are simple formulas for the element stiffness matrices.
Flexibility is the inverse of stiffness. For example, consider a spring that has Q and q as, respectively, its force and deformation: The spring stiffness relation is Q = k q where k is the spring stiffness. Its flexibility relation is q = f Q, where f is the spring flexibility. Hence, f = 1/k.
This type of element is suitable for modeling cables, braces, trusses, beams, stiffeners, grids and frames. Straight elements usually have two nodes, one at each end, while curved elements will need at least three nodes including the end-nodes. The elements are positioned at the centroidal axis of the actual members.
An influence line for a given function, such as a reaction, axial force, shear force, or bending moment, is a graph that shows the variation of that function at any given point on a structure due to the application of a unit load at any point on the structure. An influence line for a function differs from a shear, axial, or bending moment diagram.
Physically, taking into account the added mechanisms of deformation effectively lowers the stiffness of the beam, while the result is a larger deflection under a static load and lower predicted eigenfrequencies for a given set of boundary conditions. The latter effect is more noticeable for higher frequencies as the wavelength becomes shorter ...
Euler–Bernoulli beam theory (also known as engineer's beam theory or classical beam theory) [1] is a simplification of the linear theory of elasticity which provides a means of calculating the load-carrying and deflection characteristics of beams. It covers the case corresponding to small deflections of a beam that is subjected to lateral ...
The finite element method has been the tool of choice since civil engineer Ray W. Clough in 1940 derived the stiffness matrix of a 3-node triangular finite element (and coined the name). The precursors of FEM were elements built-up from bars (Hrennikoff, Argyris, Turner) and a conceptual variation approach suggested by R. Courant.