Computer-Aided Structural Analysis

Branicki, Czeslaw J.; Wekezer, Jerzy W.; ,

Computer-Aided Structural Analysis

by Czeslaw J. Branicki, Technical Univ of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland,
Jerzy W. Wekezer, Technical Univ of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Electronic Computation

Abstract:

Finite Element Methods and other numerical techniques are often taught nowadays in the undergraduate Structural Analysis courses. Commercial, structural computer programs are becoming more popular in industry and engineering schools are faced with a necessity of providing their students with a solid background in those areas. PRISM, symbolic matrix interpretive system presented in this paper is a matrix calculator created to facilitate this process. It was written in Turbo Basic programming language for IBM PC's and all compatible models. The program requires a student to understand all steps of matrix oriented methods taught within Structural Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Finite Element Method, Structural Dynamics and other related courses. It releases the student from cumbersome matrix calculations or from writing his computer programs. Instead, the system offers an easy way to create his/her solutions by using some from over fifty built-in matrix operations. PRISM has been tested for the last several years at four universities and was proven to be flexible computer tool which makes learning an exciting experience. Several solutions to Structural Analysis problems will be presented on the Conference.

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