2D FEA (1.5)

2D finite element analysis (stiffness method) with more than 51 degrees of freedom.

How to use this spreadsheet:

1. Input total number of nodes for the structure in cell E3 on the "FEA.Input" tab.

2. Define the xy coordinates for each node. Columns F & G on the "FEA.Input" tab.

3. Identify the "free" and "fixed" degress of freedom for each node. Columns H, I, & J on the "FEA.Input" tab.

4. Input the material properties for each member. Columns T, U, V, & W on the "FEA.Input" tab.

5. Input node/joint loads into columns AJ, AK, & AL on the "FEA.Input" tab.

6. Input member distributed loads in Columns AO & AP on the "FEA.Input" tab. (uniform, trapezoidal or triangular) sign convention is same as in step 5

7. Input option for an intermediate point load columns AS, AT, & AU on the "FEA.Input" tab. sign convention is same as in step 5

8. run analysis by pressing the "FEA" control button on the "FEA.Input" tab.

9. see results and deflection plot on the "Results" tab

Note:

The Gauss-Jordan method is used to over come the 51x51 "MINVERSE" limitation of excel .

Calculation Reference
Beam Analysis

Structural Assessment

Finite Element Method