An insightful examination of the numerical methods used to develop finite element methods A Variational Approach to Structural Analysis provides readers with the underpinnings of the finite element method (FEM) while highlighting the power and pitfalls of virtual methods. In an easy-to-follow, logical format, this book gives complete coverage of the principle of virtual work, complementary virtual work and energy methods, and static and dynamic stability concepts. The first two chapters prepare the reader with preliminary material, introducing in detail the variational approach used in the book as well as reviewing the equilibrium and compatibility equations of mechanics. The next chapter, on virtual work, teaches how to use kinematical formulations for the determination of the required strain relationships for straight, curved, and thin walled beams. The chapters on complementary virtual work and energy methods are problem-solving chapters that incorporate Castigliano's first theorem, the Engesser-Crotti theorem, and the Galerkin method. In the final chapter, the reader is introduced to various geometric measures of strain and revisits straight, curved, and thin walled beams by examining them in a deformed geometry. Based on nearly two decades of work on the development of the world's most used FEM code, A Variational Approach to Structural Analysis has been designed as a self-contained, single-source reference for mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering professionals. The book's straightforward style also provides accessible instruction for graduate students in aeronautical, civil, mechanical, and engineering mechanics courses.

An insightful examination of the numerical methods used to develop finite element methods A Variational Approach to Structural Analysis provides readers with the underpinnings of the finite element method (FEM) while highlighting the power and pitfalls of virtual methods. In an easy-to-follow, logical format, this book gives complete coverage of the principle of virtual work, complementary virtual work and energy methods, and static and dynamic stability concepts. The first two chapters prepare the reader with preliminary material, introducing in detail the variational approach used in the book as well as reviewing the equilibrium and compatibility equations of mechanics. The next chapter, on virtual work, teaches how to use kinematical formulations for the determination of the required strain relationships for straight, curved, and thin walled beams. The chapters on complementary virtual work and energy methods are problem-solving chapters that incorporate Castigliano's first theorem, the Engesser-Crotti theorem, and the Galerkin method. In the final chapter, the reader is introduced to various geometric measures of strain and revisits straight, curved, and thin walled beams by examining them in a deformed geometry. Based on nearly two decades of work on the development of the world's most used FEM code, A Variational Approach to Structural Analysis has been designed as a self-contained, single-source reference for mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering professionals. The book's straightforward style also provides accessible instruction for graduate students in aeronautical, civil, mechanical, and engineering mechanics courses.

This book bridges a gap between a rigorous mathematical approach to variational problems and the practical use of algorithms of structural optimization in engineering applications. The foundations of structural optimization are presented in sufficiently simple form as to make them available for practical use.

Solid Mechanics: A Variational Approach, Augmented Edition presents a lucid and thoroughly developed approach to solid mechanics for students engaged in the study of elastic structures not seen in other texts currently on the market. This work offers a clear and carefully prepared exposition of variational techniques as they are applied to solid mechanics. Unlike other books in this field, Dym and Shames treat all the necessary theory needed for the study of solid mechanics and include extensive applications. Of particular note is the variational approach used in developing consistent structural theories and in obtaining exact and approximate solutions for many problems. Based on both semester and year-long courses taught to undergraduate seniors and graduate students, this text is geared for programs in aeronautical, civil, and mechanical engineering, and in engineering science. The authors’ objective is two-fold: first, to introduce the student to the theory of structures (one- and two-dimensional) as developed from the three-dimensional theory of elasticity; and second, to introduce the student to the strength and utility of variational principles and methods, including briefly making the connection to finite element methods. A complete set of homework problems is included.

Extensive numerical methods for computing design sensitivity are included in the text for practical application and software development. The numerical method allows integration of CAD-FEA-DSA software tools, so that design optimization can be carried out using CAD geometric models instead of FEA models. This capability allows integration of CAD-CAE-CAM so that optimized designs can be manufactured effectively.

This book by a renowned structural engineer offers comprehensive coverage of both static and dynamic analysis of plate behavior, including classical, numerical, and engineering solutions. It contains more than 100 worked examples showing step by step how the various types of analysis are performed.

This volume contains selected papers in three closely related areas: mathematical modeling in mechanics, numerical analysis, and optimization methods. The papers are based upon talks presented on the International Conference for Mathematical Modeling and Optimization in Mechanics, held in Jyväskylä, Finland, March 6-7, 2014 dedicated to Prof. N. Banichuk on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The articles are written by well-known scientists working in computational mechanics and in optimization of complicated technical models. Also, the volume contains papers discussing the historical development, the state of the art, new ideas, and open problems arising in modern continuum mechanics and applied optimization problems. Several papers are concerned with mathematical problems in numerical analysis, which are also closely related to important mechanical models. The main topics treated include: * Computer simulation methods in mechanics, physics, and biology; * Variational problems and methods; minimization algorithms; * Optimal control problems with distributed and discrete control; * Shape optimization and shape design problems in science and engineering; * Sensitivity analysis and parameters optimization of complex systems.