Fundamentals of Structural Mechanics


Book Description

A solid introduction to basic continuum mechanics, emphasizing variational formulations and numeric computation. The book offers a complete discussion of numerical method techniques used in the study of structural mechanics.




Mechanics of Solids and Structures, Second Edition


Book Description

A popular text in its first edition, Mechanics of Solids and Structures serves as a course text for the senior/graduate (fourth or fifth year) courses/modules in the mechanics of solid/advanced strength of materials, offered in aerospace, civil, engineering science, and mechanical engineering departments. Now, Mechanics of Solid and Structure, Second Edition presents the latest developments in computational methods that have revolutionized the field, while retaining all of the basic principles and foundational information needed for mastering advanced engineering mechanics. Key changes to the second edition include full-color illustrations throughout, web-based computational material, and the addition of a new chapter on the energy methods of structural mechanics. Using authoritative, yet accessible language, the authors explain the construction of expressions for both total potential energy and complementary potential energy associated with structures. They explore how the principles of minimal total potential energy and complementary energy provide the means to obtain governing equations of the structure, as well as a means to determine point forces and displacements with ease using Castigliano’s Theorems I and II. The material presented in this chapter also provides a deeper understanding of the finite element method, the most popular method for solving structural mechanics problems. Integrating computer techniques and programs into the body of the text, all chapters offer exercise problems for further understanding. Several appendices provide examples, answers to select problems, and opportunities for investigation into complementary topics. Listings of computer programs discussed are available on the CRC Press website.




An Introduction to Structural Mechanics for Architects


Book Description

This textbook offers an introductory course to structural mechanics for architects, including problems and solutions. It follows a completely different approach to structural mechanics than the usual books for engineering schools, making it much more attractive for architecture students and practitioners. It also offers a different point of view for engineering students, as it provides them with a more intuitive understanding of structural mechanics and the models therein.Instead of studying the classical theory of linear elasticity and then particularizing it to simple structures, this book analyzes structures in a historic and also typological order. The book starts with cable structures and stone arches, followed by trusses and, finally, frame structures made of beams. For every typology, the latest, state-of-the-art theory in the field is introduced in a very didactic way.




Classical Beam Theories of Structural Mechanics


Book Description

This book provides a systematic and thorough overview of the classical bending members based on the theory for thin beams (shear-rigid) according to Euler-Bernoulli, and the theories for thick beams (shear-flexible) according to Timoshenko and Levinson. The understanding of basic, i.e., one-dimensional structural members, is essential in applied mechanics. A systematic and thorough introduction to the theoretical concepts for one-dimensional members keeps the requirements on engineering mathematics quite low, and allows for a simpler transfer to higher-order structural members. The new approach in this textbook is that it treats single-plane bending in the x-y plane as well in the x-z plane equivalently and applies them to the case of unsymmetrical bending. The fundamental understanding of these one-dimensional members allows a simpler understanding of thin and thick plate bending members. Partial differential equations lay the foundation to mathematically describe the mechanical behavior of all classical structural members known in engineering mechanics. Based on the three basic equations of continuum mechanics, i.e., the kinematics relationship, the constitutive law, and the equilibrium equation, these partial differential equations that describe the physical problem can be derived. Nevertheless, the fundamental knowledge from the first years of engineering education, i.e., higher mathematics, physics, materials science, applied mechanics, design, and programming skills, might be required to master this topic.







Structural Mechanics


Book Description

Structural Mechanics, has become established as a classic text on the theory of structures and design methods of structural members. The book clearly and logically presents the subject's basic principles, keeping the mathematical content to its essential minimum.The sixth edition has been revised to take into account changes in standards, and clarifies the content with updated design examples and a new setting of the text. The original simplicity of the mathematical treatment has been maintained, while more emphasis has been placed on the relevance of structural mechanics to the process of structural design, analysis, materials, and loads on buildings and structures according to the current British Standards and European codes of practice.The initial chapters of the book deal with the concept of loads and their effects on structural materials and elements in terms of stress and strain. The significance of the shape of the cross-section of structural elements is then considered. The book finishes with the design of simple structural elements such as beams, columns, rafters, portal frames, dome frames and gravity retaining walls.




Structural Mechanics: Modelling and Analysis of Frames and Trusses


Book Description

Textbook covers the fundamental theory of structural mechanics and the modelling and analysis of frame and truss structures Deals with modelling and analysis of trusses and frames using a systematic matrix formulated displacement method with the language and flexibility of the finite element method Element matrices are established from analytical solutions to the differential equations Provides a strong toolbox with elements and algorithms for computational modelling and numerical exploration of truss and frame structures Discusses the concept of stiffness as a qualitative tool to explain structural behaviour Includes numerous exercises, for some of which the computer software CALFEM is used. In order to support the learning process CALFEM gives the user full overview of the matrices and algorithms used in a finite element analysis







Numerical and Computer Methods in Structural Mechanics


Book Description

Numerical and Computer Methods in Structural Mechanics is a compendium of papers that deals with the numerical methods in structural mechanics, computer techniques, and computer capabilities. Some papers discus the analytical basis of the computer technique most widely used in software, that is, the finite element method. This method includes the convergence (in terms of variation principles) isoparametrics, hybrid models, and incompatible displacement models. Other papers explain the storage or retrieval of data, as well as equation-solving algorithms. Other papers describe general-purpose structural mechanics programs, alternatives to, and extension of the usual finite element approaches. Another paper explores nonlinear, dynamic finite element problems, and a direct physical approach to determine finite difference models. Special papers explain structural mechanics used in computing, particularly, those related to integrated data bases, such as in the Structures Oriented Exchange System of the Office of Naval Research and the integrated design of tanker structures. Other papers describe software and hardware capabilities, for example, in ship design, fracture mechanics, biomechanics, and crash safety. The text is suitable for programmers, computer engineers, researchers, and scientists involved in materials and industrial design.