Learning objectives
The course is an introduction to computational mechanics of structures. The goal of the course is to provide the students with the fundamental concepts and operating tools to solve current structural problems
Prerequisites
Scienza delle costruzioni AB, Tecnica delle costruzioni AB, Fondamenti di informatica.
Course unit content
Basic concepts in computational mechanics. <br />
Analysis of structural problems. Fundamental equations of structural problems. Exact and approximate solutions. The Fourier-series method. <br />
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Matrix analysis of frames. <br />
Frame structures. Principle of virtual work. Principle of stationary potential energy. Complementary energy. Force method and displacement method. Displacement method in plane frame analysis. Stiffness matrix of beam and truss elements. Stiffness matrix of frames. Solution techniques. Boundary conditions. <br />
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Finite element method. <br />
FEM basic concepts. Structural modelling and discretization. Choice of the finite element and of the shape functions. Isoparametric transformations. Convergence requirements. Isoparametric elements in one, two and three dimensions. Kirchhoff and Mindlin plate elements. Shell elements. Numerical integration methods. <br />
Outlines of nonlinear analysis: geometrical and mechanical nonlinearities. <br />
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Practice: <br />
Outlines of matrix algebra and numerical techniques. Introduction to FORTRAN and MATLAB programming. <br />
Development of simple computational algorithms for structural analysis. Use of commercial software in structural analysis. <br />
Bibliography
Recommended readings: <br />
- Ferretti, D., Iori, I., Morini, M., “La stabilità delle strutture. Il caso delle costruzioni in cemento armato”, Mc Graw-Hill, 2002. <br />
- Cook, R.D., Malkus, D.S., Plesha, M.E., Witt, R.J., “Concepts and applications of finite element analysis”, 4th edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2002. <br />
- Corigliano, A., Taliercio, A., “Meccanica computazionale”, Progetto Leonardo Bologna, 2005. <br />
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Other recommended readings: <br />
- Toniolo, G., “Analisi strutturale con l’elaboratore elettronico”, Masson, 1984. <br />
- Corradi Dell’Acqua, L., “Meccanica delle strutture”, vol 2°, Mc Graw-Hill, 1993. <br />
- Zienkiewicz, O.C., Taylor, R.L., “The finite element method”, 5th edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2000. <br />
- Bathe, K.J., “Finite element procedures”, Prentice Hall, 1996. <br />
Teaching methods
Oral exam and practical test. <br />
Assessment method: oral examination. Some practical exercises will be arranged during the course. <br />
