Structural mechanics

Structural mechanics is the computation of deformations, deflections, and internal forces or stresses (Stress Equivalents) within structures, either for design or for performance evaluation of existing structures. It is one of the subset of structural analysis. Structural mechanics analysis needs input data such as structural loads, the structure's geometric representation and support conditions, and the materials' properties. Output quantities may include support reactions, stresses and displacements. Advanced structural mechanics may include the effects of stability and non-linear behaviours.

There are three approaches to the analysis: the Energy Methods, Flexibility method, Matrix stiffness method or Direct Stiffness Method which later developed into finite element method and the Plastic analysis approach.

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Energy method

• Energy principles in structural mechanics

Flexibility method

• Flexibility method

Stiffness methods

• Matrix stiffness method
• Direct stiffness method
• Finite element method in structural mechanics

Plastic analysis approach

• Plastic Analysis