Scribd
Upload
25 views

Stiffness Method

Uploaded by

Thapelo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
25 views

Stiffness Method

Uploaded by

Thapelo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

The stiffness method is a widely used approach in structural analysis for solving problems related to

the deformation of structures under loads. It is based on the concept of equilibrium and the stiffness of
structural elements. Here’s an overview of key formulas and concepts related to the stiffness method:

### 1. **General Concepts**

- **Stiffness Matrix (\(\mathbf{K}\))**: Represents the relationship between nodal forces and
displacements in a structure.
- **Displacement Vector (\(\mathbf{d}\))**: Represents the displacements of the nodes.
- **Force Vector (\(\mathbf{F}\))**: Represents the external forces applied to the nodes.

### 2. **Element Stiffness Matrix**

For a linear elastic element in a 1D frame, the element stiffness matrix \(\mathbf{k}_{\text{e}}\) is
given by:

\[ \mathbf{k}_{\text{e}} = \frac{E A}{L} \begin{bmatrix} 1 & -1 \\ -1 & 1 \end{bmatrix} \]

- \(E\): Young’s modulus


- \(A\): Cross-sectional area
- \(L\): Length of the element

For 2D or 3D problems, the stiffness matrix is more complex and depends on the type of element
(e.g., beam, truss).

### 3. **Global Stiffness Matrix**

To assemble the global stiffness matrix \(\mathbf{K}_{\text{global}}\) from the element stiffness
matrices:

1. **Determine the local stiffness matrix for each element**.


2. **Transform the local matrix to the global coordinate system** (if necessary).
3. **Assemble the global stiffness matrix** by adding the contributions from each element to the
appropriate locations in the matrix.
### 4. **Equilibrium Equation**

The equilibrium equation for a structural system is given by:

\[ \mathbf{K} \mathbf{d} = \mathbf{F} \]

Where:
- \(\mathbf{K}\) is the global stiffness matrix.
- \(\mathbf{d}\) is the displacement vector.
- \(\mathbf{F}\) is the force vector.

### 5. **Solving for Displacements**

To find the displacements, solve the system of linear equations:

\[ \mathbf{d} = \mathbf{K}^{-1} \mathbf{F} \]

### 6. **Element Force Calculation**

Once displacements are known, calculate the forces in each element using:

\[ \mathbf{F}_{\text{element}} = \mathbf{k}_{\text{e}} \mathbf{d}_{\text{element}} \]

Where:
- \(\mathbf{F}_{\text{element}}\) is the force vector in the element.
- \(\mathbf{d}_{\text{element}}\) is the displacement vector for the element.

### 7. **Boundary Conditions**

When applying boundary conditions:


- **Fixed supports**: Apply constraints to the displacement components.
- **Pinned supports**: Allow rotations but constrain translations in certain directions.
Modify the global stiffness matrix and force vector accordingly to incorporate these constraints.

### 8. **Stiffness Method Steps**

1. **Define the Structure**: Identify all elements and nodes, and determine the degrees of freedom.
2. **Develop Local Stiffness Matrices**: For each element, based on its properties and configuration.
3. **Assemble the Global Stiffness Matrix**: Integrate all local stiffness matrices into the global
system.
4. **Apply Boundary Conditions**: Modify the global matrix and force vector to account for
constraints.
5. **Solve for Nodal Displacements**: Using the equilibrium equations.
6. **Calculate Internal Forces**: From the displacements and element stiffness matrices.

These formulas and steps provide a foundation for applying the stiffness method in structural analysis.
For specific applications, the complexity of the stiffness matrices will vary based on the type of
structural elements and the dimensionality of the problem.

You might also like