Stiffness matrix

[blckwtr]

Is there a way of defining the stiffness matrix for a simple beam element WITH units? The problem is that the degree of freedom for the beam are both angular and displacemenet, such that the units in the stiffness matrix is not the same for all elements.

what can I do?

 

[miecz]

Try the following procedure. I've used it once and it gave correct results, but I can;t say it will work in every case.

Multiply your deflection elements by your length unit squared (ft2).

Multiply your angular elements related to your translations by your length unit (ft).

You should get a stiffness matrix with the units kip-ft.

Multiply your force actions by your length unit (ft).