Advanced structural analysis

This unit covers advanced structural analysis techniques including matrix analysis for truss and beam structures and also the theoretical basis and application of the finite element method for truss, beam and plate elements. The unit will provide an opportunity for you to learn how to analyse a structure using computer packages such as ABAQUS that will be introduced to perform static analysis, dynamic and/or buckling analyses. Comparison between hand calculations and predictions from computer analyses are made wherever practicable.