Nonlinear Structural Mechanics

Course Description

The course is aimed at advanced MS students and PhD students, and will complement other core courses in the sub-discipline of Structural Engineering and Mechanics. The course is designed as a follow-up from an existing fundamental introductory course: CIV 530 - Structural Mechanics . A justification on the importance of the topic for the training of students in the area of structural engineering and mechanics is give below. While the behavior of most structures under service loads is adequately captured by linear elastic analyses, their response near ultimate conditions is most often nonlinear. These limit-state conditions include the effects of cumulative elastic deformations that may lead to system instability (i.e., buckling), the effect of material inelastic response (e.g., yielding, or crushing) near ultimate capacities, or the combination of both. The area dealing with the theory and methods to determine the response of structures through their nonlinear behavior is commonly termed nonlinear structural mechanics. This advanced subject matter has become more conventional as the increase in computer power and increasingly user-friendly software is allowing more engineers to make use of the advantages of nonlinear analysis. These include load redistribution after plasticization, design of structural systems for specific performance levels (beyond linear-elastic state), design of reconfigurable and deployable structures, and the determination of collapse behavior under extreme events. The course will present relevant theory and analysis methods on geometric and material nonlinear behavior of structures. Concepts will be presented from first principles but their application will be focused on truss and beam/frame finite elements. Assignments include computer program development and use of existing commercial computer codes. 3 credits Grading Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

Code

CIV 531

Credits

3

Subject

CIV