Structural dynamics by the finite element method

Institution:
University of Patras
Specialization:
EE - Earthquake Engineering
Term:
Fall 2010
Teacher(s):
DIMITRI KARABALIS
Credits:
8
Date (from - to):
01/10/2010 – 20/02/2011

Brief review of single-degree-of-freedom systems. Formulation of the multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) equation of motion by FEM (semidisretization). One-dimensional elements. Normal-mode method of dynamic analysis. Damping of MDOF systems. Direct numerical integration methods. Numerical stability and accuracy. Framed structures (trusses, frames grids). 2-D and 3-D continua (numerical integration, isoparametric elements). Substructure methods (Guyan reduction and modified tridiagonal methods).

Suggested readings:

  • Chopra, A. “Dynamics of Structures: Theory and applications to earthquake engineering” 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall.
  • Weaver, W., Jr. and Johnston, P.R. “Structural Dynamics by Finite Elements, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1987.
  • Various published articles.

Notes:

Prerequisites

  • Introduction to structural dynamics.
  • Introduction to the finite element method.
  • Working knowledge of computational tools, e.g. MATLAB, MATHCAD, etc.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures accompanied by a series of about 5-6 homework assignments involving computational tools (e.g. MATLAB, etc.) plus 2-3 short projects involving the dynamic earthquake analysis of structures using commercial software (e.g. SAP, etc.)

Assessment and grading methods

A take home final exam. Successful completion and submission of all homework assignments and projects may count up to 2/3 of the final grade.