Finite Elements Method use for displacement calculus in trusses

Resumo

The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical procedure for analyzing structures and
continuous media. It is a technique used to obtain approximate solutions of differential equations. Trusses are
rigid elements whose definition is based on loads applied only to moorings (knots). This project proposes the use
of the FEM in trusses in order to discover displacement values and the intensity of the tensile and compression
forces in each element of the structure. Initially, the bar was studied and implemented, then the beam. In this
work, one example is presented to illustrate the application of the FEM, for the case of a static analysis of a truss,
using one-dimensional bar elements including bibliographic results.The stiffness matrixes of each element are
presented and the global matrix assembly is developed. To compare the results of the example with a simulation,
oneFtool® model is constructed and both results are compared. This project is able to expand the student's
understanding of FEM, modelling and results interpretation.