A sub-structure condensation technique in finite element analysis for the optimal use of computer memory

Abstract

Application of the finite element method in structural analysis frequently involves manipulation of a large amount of data which is obviously a heavy burden on the computer. ‘Condensation’ is a popular technique adopted in such situations to avoid large systems of equations having to be solved, but condensed data may have to be stored for subsequent use at some stage in the analysis. In this regard, it is important to use an efficient condensation technique in the analysis for the proper use of available computer power and avoid any detrimental effects on the computer system. The condensation technique presented here has been developed to accomplish this in incorporating sub-structures in shells of revolution. This technique has the ability of using fixed-size arrays in the computer program irrespective of the size of the sub-structure, thus allowing the optimum use of computer memory.