The major purpose of this book is to present the essential theoretical background so that the users of computer programs for structural analysis can understand the basic approximations used within the program, verify the results of all analyses and assume professional responsibility for the results. It is assumed that the reader has an understanding of statics, mechanics of solids, and elementary structural analysis. The level of knowledge expected is equal to that of an individual with an undergraduate degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering. Elementary matrix and vector notations are defined in the Appendices and are used extensively. A background in tensor notation and complex variables is not required.
All equations are developed using a physical approach, because this book is written for the student and professional engineer and not for my academic colleagues. Three-dimensional structural analysis is relatively simple because of the high speed of the modern computer. Therefore, all equations are presented in three-dimensional form and anisotropic material properties are automatically included. A computer programming background is not necessary to use a computer program intelligently. However, detailed numerical algorithms are given so that the readers completely understand the computational methods that are summarized in this book. The Appendices contain an elementary summary of the numerical methods used; therefore, it should not be necessary to spend additional time reading theoretical research papers to understand the theory presented in this book.