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Substructuring in linear and nonlinear analysis
Author(s) -
Dodds Robert H.,
Lopez L. A.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
international journal for numerical methods in engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.421
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1097-0207
pISSN - 0029-5981
DOI - 10.1002/nme.1620150409
Subject(s) - finite element method , nonlinear system , computation , computer science , mathematical optimization , algorithm , computational science , structural engineering , mathematics , engineering , physics , quantum mechanics
The procedures for utilizing substructuring and static condensation in structural analysis are well known. However, until recently there have been no general‐purpose structural mechanics computer systems that offer multi‐level substructuring combined with a convenient method for defining the structural model. Now that such systems are available, engineers must decide when substructuring techniques are useful. Substructuring, with and without condensation, has proved to be highly efficient in the analysis of certain classes of structure. It can reduce computer costs by a factor of from 2 to 100. Yet, indiscriminate use of condensation may result in unnecessary and expensive computations. This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of substructuring relative to data entry and computational efficiency. Guidelines are proposed for engineers to follow when using substructuring in the analysis of linear and nonlinear structures. The FINITE system is used to illustrate actual implementation of substructuring features in a general purpose finite element system.