Application of generalized differential quadrature method to structural problems

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the first endeavour to exploit a generalized differential quadrature method as an accurate, efficient and simple numerical technique for structural analysis. Firstly, drawbacks existing in the method of differential quadrature (DQ) are evaluated and discussed. Then, an improved and simpler generalized differential quadrature method (GDQ) is introduced to overcome the existing drawback and to simplify the procedure for determining the weighting coefficients. Subsequently, the generalized differential quadrature is systematically employed to solve problems in structural analysis. Numerical examples have shown the superb accuracy, efficiency, convenience and the great potential of this method.