Grassmann Algebra and Graphic Statics

Abstract

The advantage of Grassmann algebra when translating basic geometric operations (meet and join) of incidence geometry into algebraic expressions, which can easily be translated into a programme code, is presented in this paper. The procedures for static equivalence and finding equilibrating forces to a given force system can be carried out by methods of graphic statics, i.e. by using only basic geometrical operations of incidence geometry. Therefore, making use of the possibility of translating procedures of graphic statics into a program code, and using the power of today’s computer-aided design (CAD) tools, a computer program has been developed, and some examples of the mentioned procedures are provided.