Abstract
In the stiffness or displacement method for analyzing a structure, we start by figuratively dissecting the structure into simple segments which are called elements. If we know the stiffness matrices of these elements the problem is by and large solved (usually by a computer). In this chapter we will mainly show how we can compute the stiffness matrices of the ubiquitous elements of skeletal structures: beams, rods and springs.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
Very small, but not infinitesimally so, hence the term ‘finite’.
- 2.
We are following the very didactic description given in WC Hurty and MF Rubinstein, Dynamics of Structures, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1964.
- 3.
Recall that for an Euler–Bernoulli beam the rotation of a cross-section is equal to the slope of the axis.
- 4.
When a beam curves it shortens, consequently there are horizontal displacements, but if the flexion is small enough the horizontal displacements can be neglected.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Fuchs, M.B. (2016). Element Stiffness Matrices. In: Structures and Their Analysis. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31081-7_15
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31081-7_15
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-31079-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-31081-7
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)