Computational Methods in Structural Mechanics

Fundamentals of the finite element method of structural analysis. Nodal points, element design, and consistent formulation for assumed functions. Principle of virtual work, formulation of element stiffness and master stiffness matrices. Relation to variational and minimum principles. Linear elastic analysis for static problems; direct and iterative procedures. Nonlinear static analysis with piecewise linearization; elastic-plastic behavior, large geometry changes. Time dependent behavior.