Application of symbolic computations in finite element structural analysis

T. Y.P. Chang*, H. Q. Tan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalConference article published in journalpeer-review

Abstract

Symbolic computation can be effectively utilized for derivation of finite element equations with several apparent benefits: (1) reduced manual tedium, (2) derived equations with improved computational efficiency and numerical accuracy, and (3) reduced response time in finite element development. Included in the paper is a demonstration of the symbolic computation on two topics: derivation of strain-displacement matrices and closed-form integration of component matrices of hybrid element stiffness. Special emphasis will be placed on the organization of derivation procedures to facilitate symbolic computation, development of algorithms, matrix manipulation and expression simplification. Techniques involving pattern search, use of symmetry conditions and introduction of intermediate variables will be discussed for the purpose of resolving the expression growth problem.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)205-213
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pressure Vessels and Piping Division (Publication) PVP
Volume205
Publication statusPublished - 1990
Externally publishedYes
EventWinter Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers - Dallas, TX, USA
Duration: 25 Nov 199030 Nov 1990

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