A finite element program based on object- Oriented framework for spatial trusses

Abstract

Spatial truss structures are very popular in architecture and civil engineering. These types of structures have single structural elements with small size. Due to this, spatial trusses can be easily manufactured, transported and assembled in practice. The aim of this work is to develop a Java software package for linear simulation of spatial truss structures using the finite element method. In this program, in contrast to the nodeoriented description of element quantities the element-oriented matrix notation is used and it is possible to visualize the model as well as the simulation results. The functionality of the software is demonstrated at hand of some application examples. The results and visualizations of the numerical examples are confirmed that presented finite element analysis program based on objectoriented methodology for spatial truss can be used effectively. © 2007 Springer.