A GENERAL DIGITAL COMPUTER ANALYSIS OF STATICALLY INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Abstract

SUMMARY The application of high speed digital computers in the rational analysis of statically indeterminate structures, and the significance of this application in airframe design, are discussed. The matrix,formulation of the force method of analysis is reviewed, and the programs which have been produced to generate the matrices and solve the equilib­rium and continuity equations are described. These programs are general enough to apply to any linear discrete structure. Numerous comparisons between analysis and experimental results are presented. In addition, applications of the programs in the production stress analysis of a large commercial jet transport are described. Applications to thermal stress problems and low aspect ratio wings are also included. IThis paper, which carried a Douglas Aircraft Company designation of Engineering Paper No. 834, was presented before a meeting of the Structures and Materials Panel of the Advisory Group for Aeronautical Research and Development, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in Aachen, Germany, September 17, 1959. Since the proceedings of the above Panel meeting are not being published, arrangements have been made with AGARD and the Douglas Aircraft Company for the release of this paper in its original form by NASA to increase its availability.