Simple Frame Analysis/Equations

[privateer]

Could someone please point me in the right direction for acquiring equations/formulas for the analysis of simple frames? I know of several publications (...and I have one....) that have "cookbook" methods for analyzing frames, but just cannot get my hands them.

I have a book published in the '50s that outlines many types of frames. I've used it for years, and have written many spreadsheets from the equations in the book. However, I think there is a typo in one of the examples - which just happens to be the case I need to analyze.

I know there is a ton of software out there that can easily do this analysis, but I'm used to writing spreadsheets just as easy, and would like to try this approach before buying software.

Thanks!

 

[CESSNA1]

PRIVATEER: What kind of frames, frames like a 2-D, 3-D building frame or a truss? For 2-D frames and structures try ROARK'S FORMULAS FOR STRESS AND STRAIN. For others try a structures book.

Regards
Dave

 

[oldrunner]

Look at "Rigid Frame Formulas" by Kleinlogel. Picked mine up in London in 1962.

Check:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0804445516/002-5735137-3756027?v=glance&n=283155

They are asking $152.00. I paid about $10.

 

[jen4950]

44 years?

6.4% inflation- not bad if you ask me.

 

[mrMikee]

Years ago I wrote some BASIC programs based on the text "Matrix Methods of Structural Analysis" by Wang that I think is still available used on the internet. I also used my class notes and some Fortran programs (I converted into BASIC) that I got at a seminar at UW.

My recommendation is not to do this however, but instead get a commercial program. A good one is available from

http://www.cadreanalytic.com

for about $142. They even have an evaluation version that's free.

It's not my intention to spin this thread off into another direction, but simply to point out that it may not be the best investment of time because of the quality of programs that are available now.

I have to admit though that this argument hasn't always stopped me.

Regards,
-Mike

 

[rb1957]

mike ...
i'm willing to bet that you've used punch cards too !

 

[mrMikee]

rb1957,

I'd have to say yes to that.

I think I still have a deck of punch cards packed away somewhere for an old design project I did for school. Thankfully our tools today are much better than the old days, and I'm not just talking about the incredible hardware we now have but also the software tools and advanced programming environments available.

Concerning privateer's project I would start with Roark as mentioned by CESSNA1 and if that doesn't work try the other books recommended above. A text I've seen that is pretty comprehensive is "Matrix Analysis of Framed Structures" by Weaver and Gere.

Three ways to solve this come to mind. The first is spreadsheets which privateer wants to use and is a popular method to do calculations preferred by many engineers. In the past I would have used Visual Basic, but currently I am fascinated with Mathematica and do the majority of by calcs with it. (If not done by hand)

It's really amazing the sophistication available to us today when compared to punching computer cards.

-Mike

 

[privateer]

Thanks guys!!!