Title: Solution to Difficult Structural Problems by Finite Differences

Author(s): Alfred Parme

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 47

Issue: 11

Appears on pages(s): 237-256

Keywords: no keywords

DOI: 10.14359/11989

Date: 11/1/1950

Abstract:
Finite differences can be applied to the solution of those structural problems in which the physical relationships are expressed as a differential equation. Essentially, the technique employed consists of replacing the derivatives of the differential equation by its central difference equivalent. The problem is thus reduced to the simple task of solving a system of simultaneous linear algebraic equations. The numerical computation involved in the procedure is considerably reduced by two devices. First, the number of equations necessary to attain sufficient accuracy is reduced by an evaluation of the error introduced in substituting central differences for derivatives. Secondly, the solution of simultaneous equations is speeded by a systematic rapid tabulation of easily determined values. The procedure is applied to the design of a sheet pile wall, elliptical dome and skewed bridge to illustrate the scope and simplicity of the method.