THE FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD

METHODE DES DIFFERENCES FINIES

The finite difference method is a numerical method for the solution of analytical problems. It consists in selecting a network of constant or variable steps in the physical field considered. By using taylor expansion of the basic differential equation, the problem is reduced to the solution of a system of linear equations. For the case studied here the differential equation is of the fourth order. The value of the unknown function at one point of the network is a function of the values of the 12 points surrounding it, therefore each equation has at the most 13 unknown quantities. The equations are put in the form of a matrix, and the coefficients of the 13 points form five hollow blocks. The problem can then be solved by inverting a pentadiagonal matrix by blocks. An example is given of the calculation of the deflection of the panel of an orthotropic slab. /TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chausees (LCPC)

  Boulevard Lefebvre 58
  Paris Cedex 15,   France  F-75732
• Authors:
  • Bruneau, J
  • LAU, M Y
• Publication Date: 1976-1-2

Language

• French

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 173-178
• Serial:
  • Bulletin de Liaison des Lab des Ponts et Chaussees
  • Issue Number: 81
  • Publisher: Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chausees (LCPC)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Blocks; Calculation; Deflection; Differential equations; Digital computers; Digital simulation; Finite differences; Linear equations; Mathematical models; Matrices (Mathematics); Orthotropic; Orthotropic plates; Slabs
• Uncontrolled Terms: Models
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00153947
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Central Laboratory of Bridges & Highways, France
• Report/Paper Numbers: Analytic
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 20 1977 12:00AM