COMPUTER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSTRAINT METHOD

A computer program based on the constraint method approach to finite elements is described. The program permits the user to select arbitrarily polynomial orders for the various fields to be approximated. A set of nodal variables enforcing C sub 1 continuity for arbitrary polynomial order is presented, and those aspects of the program algorithm which differ from conventional finite element programs are described, including the numerical determination of a set of independent variables. An example is presented and the results obtained by the constraint method program compared with results from a conventional program. The constraint method approach is seen to be competitive with the conventional approach.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • The Association of American Railroads, AMCAR Division of ACF Industries, Inc., and Pullman-Standard, a Division of Pullman Inc. Provided for partial funding of this project.
• Corporate Authors:

  Washington University, St Louis

  St Louis, MO  United States  63130
• Authors:
  • Rossow, M P
  • Lee, J C
  • Chen, K C
• Publication Date: 1975-1

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 33 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer programs; Finite element method; Mathematical models; Structural analysis; Vehicle design
• Old TRIS Terms: Car design
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00099177
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Department of Transportation
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-OS-30108-3 Tech. Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-OS-30108
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 27 1975 12:00AM