Matrix computer analysis of curvilinear grid systems

A general equilibrium-stiffness method of matrix structural analysis was adapted and applied to the solution of the member end forces and moments of each of the members in a curvilinear structural grid system. A structural system of this nature is commonly used as the supporting framework for a steel-framed dome , in addition to being a basic structural component in many aerospace applications. An integral part of the development of the analysis was the development of a computer program to perform the many complex operations required to obtain the solution. The engineer, by supplying the appropriate structural data and load data to the computer program, is able to obtain the forces and moments at the ends of each of the members in the structural system corresponding to the six possible degrees of freedom of each one of the joints, or nodal points as they are referred to --Abstract, page ii