ENGR 311 - Matrix Methods for Structures

This course introduces students to matrix methods for analyzing determinate and indeterminate plane truss and plane frame structures, and how these methods are implemented on a computer. The programming architecture used in modern structural analysis programs is presented. This includes: 1) Input of the geometry of the structure, material properties of members, and loads; 2) assembly of the system equations to be solved; 3) solving the system equations for basic unknowns; 4) recovering values of interest from the values for the basic unknowns; and 5) generating output of the results. Students work with the instructor to develop programs to analyze a resistive electrical circuit network, a plane truss, and a plane frame. The programs are tested using problems that have solutions available to test the programs.