Structural dynamics by the finite element method

Institution:
University of Patras, Greece
Specialisation:
EE
Term:
Fall 2010
Teacher(s):
KARABALIS DIMITRI
Credits:
8
Date (from - to):
01/10/2010 – 20/02/2011
  • Overview of fundamental concepts of structural dynamics.
  • Finite element form of dynamic equations.
  • Systematic development of mass (consistent and lumped), damping and stiffness matrices for various elements (truss, beams, plane stress/strain, plates, etc.).
  • Reduction of degrees of freedom.
  • Frequency domain solutions (natural frequencies and modes), mode synthesis.
  • Time domain solutions (explicit, implicit). 
  • Response spectrum analysis.
  • Influence of boundary conditions (fixed vs soil-structure interaction). Base isolation.
  • Modeling considerations.

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.