Vol.2, No 7, 1997 pp. xxiii-xxiv
A
new book on the finite strip method
THE FINITE
STRIP METHOD
IN COMPUTATIONAL
MECHANICS
Dragan D. Milašinović,
Ph.D. Professor, University of Novi Sad
Publisher: Faculties
of Civil Engineering: Subotica, Budapest and Belgrade
This book is in
the Faculty of Civil Engineering Series in Textbook and Monograph.
Hardback: 416 pages:
ISBN 86-80297-19-4
I should like to present to you a new book
on the Finite Strip Method. This work is the result of continuing cooperation
between the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Subotica, University of Novi
Sad, Faculty of Civil Engineering Budapest, Technical University of Budapest
and Faculty of Civil Engineering, Belgrade, University of Belgrade. The
specific cooperation program is established on regular joint meeting of
the representatives of the Parties to the Agreement and Mr. Branislav Ivković
Ph.D. (Minister of Civil Engineering of Serbian Republic). It is surely
worth mentioning as a very important fact that the new book in English
language is published in the cooperation between the three Faculties and
two countries (Yugoslavia and Hungary).
This book contains the theory and computation
methods for the application of the finite strip method in analysis of structural
stability of engineering structures and structural components. The contents
of the book include: Introduction; The Finite Strip Variational Formulation;
The Finite Strip Displacement Function; Linear Elastic Problems; Linear
Viscoelastic Problems; Free Vibration and Bifurcation Problem; Geometrically
Nonlinear Elastic Problems; Geometrically Nonlinear Viscoelastic Problems;
Rheological-Dynamical Analogy and Inelastic Response & Bibliography.
To obtain a sophisticated tool for analytical investigation of prismatic
folded plate structures, the present book includes development of the corresponding
computer software, employing the previously developed analytical models
and analytical procedures.
This book describes in detail the main
procedures for the application of the Finite Strip Method in Static and
Dynamic analysis of engineering structures and structural components by
using geometrically nonlinear elastic models of structures. It also includes
geometrically nonlinear viscoelastic problems and rheological-dynamical
analogy with an emphasis on the important nonlinear features of behaviour.
The fundamental theoretical investigation, the computer implementations
by developed computer programs and modeling strategies are treated. Advantages
of alternative methods and the practical implications of recent research
developments are stressed. Mathematical and algorithmic developments are
explained in terms comprehensible to engineers.
The motivation for the application of
the Finite Strip Method is that this method is ideally suited for the prismatic
folded plate structures and box girder bridges. In comparison with the
standard Finite Element Method the main advantage is that the effort and
expense for data preparation and input are minimized because the Finite
Strip Method reduces the three-dimensional spatial structure to a one-dimensional
structure.
In chapters 7 and 8 especially, attention
is focussed on the continuinual development of nonlinear elastic and nonlinear
viscoelastic models in computer software, with the application to the problem
of lateral buckling of thin-walled girders. Also, the bifurcation problem
is analyzed in the Chapter 6 of this book with the explanation of the computer
program for the computation of layered plates.
The book is intended for undergraduate
and postgraduate courses in civil and mechanical engineering. A background
in engineering or applied sciences and two previous books to Finite Strip
Method (The Finite Strip Method in Structural Analysis, by Y. K. Cheung,
published by Pergamon Press in 1976, and The Finite Strip Method in Bridge
Engineering, by W. C. Loo and A. R. Cusens, published by Wexham Springs
in 1978) are necessary for understanding the material covered in this book.
I am expecting great interest in this
book, the purpose of which is to provide engineers, sciences and researchers
with a critical survey of the state-of-the-art of the Finite Strip Method
in static and dynamic analysis of engineering structures, with an emphasis
on methodologies and applications for nonlinear problems.
K. H.
