Model Analysis of Plane Structures

Book excerpt: Model Analysis of Plane Structures deals with simple techniques of analysis plane structures with the aid of scale models. Model analysis of the kind considered herein is a means of replacing the numerical work of formal structural analysis by mechanical operations. It utilizes the same assumptions as formal analysis and offers nothing more in the end-product, but the user gains unique insight into structural behavior. The book begins with a discussion of early approaches to systematic model analysis and the limitations and accuracy of model analysis. This is followed by separate chapters on the approach to flexural similarity, which consists essentially of determining directly the conditions for the properties of deformation of two geometrically similar structures to be similar; the theory of indirect model analysis; and models of frame networks. The final two chapters deal with the use of models for indirect analysis and direct analysis, respectively; these conclude with sample problems to enable readers to test their understanding of the subject matter.