DIRECT STIFFNESS METHOD

As one of the methods of structural analysis, the direct stiffness method (DSM), also known as
the displacement method or matrix stiffness method, is particularly suited for computer-
automated analysis of complex structures including the statically indeterminate type. It is a
matrix method that makes use of the members' stiffness relations for computing member forces
and displacements in structures. The direct stiffness method is the most common implementation
of the finite element method (FEM). In applying the method, the system must be modeled as a
set of simpler, idealized elements interconnected at the nodes. The material stiffness properties of
these elements are then, through matrix mathematics, compiled into a single matrix equation
which governs the behaviour of the entire idealized structure. The structures unknown
displacements and forces can then be determined by solving this equation. The direct stiffness
method forms the basis for most commercial and free source finite element software.

The direct stiffness method originated in the field of aerospace. Researchers looked at various
approaches for analysis of complex airplane frames. These included elasticity theory, energy
principles in structural mechanics, flexibility method and matrix stiffness method. It was through
analysis of these methods that the direct stiffness method emerged as an efficient method ideally
suited for computer implementation.

Assembly

Once the individual element stiffness relations have been developed they must be assembled into
the original structure. The first step in this process is to convert the stiffness relations for the
individual elements into a global system for the entire structure. In the case of a truss element,
the global form of the stiffness method depends on the angle of the element with respect to the
global coordinate system (This system is usually the traditional Cartesian coordinate system).

(for a truss element at

angle )

After developing the element stiffness matrix in the global coordinate system, they must be
merged into a single master or global stiffness matrix. When merging these matrices together
there are two rules that must be followed: compatibility of displacements and force equilibrium
at each node. These rules are upheld by relating the element nodal displacements to the global
nodal displacements.
The global displacement and force vectors each contain one entry for each degree of freedom in
the structure. The element stiffness matrices are merged together by augmenting or expanding
each matrix in conformation to the global displacement and load vectors.

(for
element (1) of the above structure)

Finally, the global stiffness matrix is constructed by adding the individual expanded element
matrices together.

Solution

Once the global stiffness matrix, displacement vector and force vector have been constructed, the
system can be expressed as a single matrix equation.
For each degree of freedom in the structure, either the displacement or the force is known.

After inserting the known value for each degree of freedom, the master stiffness equation is
complete and ready to be evaluated. There are several different methods available for evaluating
a matrix equation including but not limited to Cholesky decomposition and the brute force
evaluation of systems of equations. If a structure isnt properly restrained, the application of a
force will cause it to move rigidly and additional support conditions must be added.

APPLICATIONS- DIRECT STIFFNESS METHOD

The direct stiffness method was developed specifically to effectively and easily implement into
computer software to evaluate complicated structures that contain a large number of elements.
Today, nearly every finite element solver available is based on the direct stiffness method. While
each program utilizes the same process, many have been streamlined to reduce computation time
and reduce the required memory. In order to achieve this, shortcuts have been developed.
One of the largest areas to utilize the direct stiffness method is the field of structural analysis
where this method has been incorporated into modeling software. The software allows users to
model a structure and, after the user defines the material properties of the elements, the program
automatically generates element and global stiffness relationships. When various loading
conditions are applied the software evaluates the structure and generates the deflections for the
user.

The DSM steps, major and minor, are summarized in Figure 2.5 for the convenience of
the reader. The two major processing steps are Breakdown, followed by Assembly &
Solution. Apostprocessing substep may follow, although this is not part of the DSM proper.
The first 3DSMsubsteps are: (1) disconnection, (2) localization, and (3) computation of member
stiffness equations. Collectively these form the breakdown. The first two are flagged as
conceptual in Figure 2.5 because they are not actually programmed as such: they are implicitly
carried out through the user-provided problem definition. Processing actually begins at the
member-stiffness-equation forming substep
Stiffness method
Stiffness method is an efficient way to solve complex determinant or indeterminant structures (Fig. 1). It is
also called finite element method, which is a powerful engineering method and has been applied in
numerous engineering fields such as solid mechanics and fluid mechanics. The idea of stiffness method
is as following:

Subdividing the structures into a series of discrete elements

Formulating the stiffness matrix for each of the elements

Assembling the global matrix

Applying the boundary conditions to obtain the reduced matrix

Inverting the reduced matrix

Multiplying the inverted reduced matrix with the forces to get the displacements of the nodes

Post-processing to obtain the stresses and strains of elements

Assembling the Stiffness Matrices and

Force Matrices

The global stiffness matrix can be obtained by

summing the stiffness matrix for each element, the
formulation is

Where
K = Global stiffness matrix
k = Local element matrix
 N = Total number of element
e = Index

Similarly, the force can be assembled as following:

Where
F = Global force matrix
f = Local force matrix
N = Total number of element
e = Index

What is meant by thermal stresses?

Thermal stresses are stresses developed in a structure/member due to
change in
temperature. Normally, determine structures do not develop thermal
stresses. They can absorb
changes in lengths and consequent displacements without developing
stresses.
What is meant by lack of fit in a truss?
One or more members in a pin jointed statically indeterminate frame may be
a little
shorter or longer than what is required. Such members will have to be forced
in place during the
assembling. These are called members having Lack of fit. Internal forces can
develop in a redundant frame (without external loads) due to lack of fit.
What is the effect of temperature on the members of a statically
determinate plane truss.
In determinate structures temperature changes do not create any internal
stresses. The
changes in lengths of members may result in displacement of joints. But
these would not result in internal stresses or changes in external reactions.
Differentiate the statically determinate structures and statically
indeterminate structures?
statically determinate structures statically indeterminate structures
1. Conditions of equilibrium are sufficientto analyze the structure-----------
Conditions of equilibrium are insufficient to analyze the structure
2. Bending moment and shear force is independent of material and cross
sectional area.----------------Bending moment and shear force is dependent
of material and independent of cross sectional area.
3. No stresses are caused due to temperature change and lack of
fit.-----------------Stresses are caused due to temperature change and lack of
fit.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DETERMINATE AND INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES

S. Determinate Structures Indeterminate Structures

No.

1 Equilibrium conditions are fully Conditions of equilibrium are not

adequate to analyse the structure. adequate to fully analyse the

structure.

2 Bending moment or shear force at any Bending moment or shear force at

section is independent of the material any section depends upon the

property of the structure. material property.

3 The bending moment or shear force at The bending moment or shear force

any section is independent of the cross- at any section depends upon the

section or moment of inertia. cross-section or moment of inertia.

4 Temperature variations do not cause Temperature variations cause

stresses. stresses.

5 No stresses are caused due to lack of Stresses are caused due to lack of fit.

fit.

6 Extra conditions like compatibility of Extra conditions like compatibility of

displacements are not required to displacements are required to analyse

analyse the structure. the structure along with the

equilibrium equations.