Finite Element Analysis of Rectangular Beams

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the analysis of simply supported beam using MATLAB programming language and structural analysis program SAP2000. The beam was discretized into rectangular elements using finite element method. Three patterns of different dimensions and numbers of rectangular elements were used to verify the results of vertical displacements and stresses obtained by MATLAB and SAP 2000.The development of four noded isoparametric quadrilateral membrane elements in MATLAB programming language is presented. The membrane elements developed are plane strain condition. The considered patterns were analyzed as shell elements using SAP2000. A finite element program is also developed using MATLAB to check the accuracy of the developed elements.