Structural Modeling and Analysis

Description

The study of structural analysis and design is a central subject in civil, aeronautical, and mechanical engineering. This book presents a modern and unified introduction to structural analysis, with a strong emphasis on how structures actually behave. The unifying theme is the application of energy methods, developed without the formal mathematics of the calculus of variations. The energy approach makes it possible to articulate the logical relationship between equilibrium and compatibility; emphasize the unity of structural analysis, particularly for indeterminate structures; and identify the roles of idealization and discretization in structural modeling. Thus, energy methods also serve as a prelude to the main ideas behind modern computational approaches to structural analysis and design. As an aid to upper-level undergraduate students in mastering this material, the text includes numerous worked examples, as well as homework problems.

'... because Dym writes with sufficient clarity to allow readers with a classic structural analysis background to develop a foundation on which to build computerized versions of stiffness and flexibility, his book will be an excellent foundation for understanding modern computational methods of stress analysis used in aeronautical, civil, and mechanical engineering. Readers needing background in fundamental energy methods will find this an excellent 'kick-starter' for preparing finite element techniques. A very positive recommendation for libraries collecting books on structural analysis.' W. C. Schnobrich, Choice