Live support chatFinite Element Structural Analysis on an Excel Spreadsheet
In Finite Element Structural Analysis on an Excel Spreadsheet, you'll learn ...
- Ability to solve structural frame problems using the provided FE spreadsheet
- Difference between truss, beam and frame-type members
- Node vs. member data
- Local vs. global coordinates
Overview
Preview a portion of this course before purchasing it.
Credit: 4 PDH
Length: 27 pages
Finite element software and spreadsheet software are two essential tools for structural engineers. This course combines the two into a FE spreadsheet that puts the power of FE method into the versatility of a spreadsheet.
The user is provided with a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that solves FE two dimensional (2D) frame-type structural engineering problems. This spreadsheet is simplistic in comparison to commercial software and much more limited in capabilities, but is completely adequate for many structural building frame-type problems. Most of the course is about how to use the spreadsheet, with a one-chapter overview of underlying theory. I have used the FE spreadsheet for years and it has been invaluable. It is easy to learn if the user is already familiar with spreadsheets and it is much less expensive than commercial FE software.
This course includes:
- Finite Element (FE) Spreadsheet
- Instruction on and examples of spreadsheet use
- A cursory review of underlying theory
- Discussion of applications, advantages, and limitations of the FE spreadsheet
A typical user would be a structural design engineer working with a beam, truss, frame or elastic foundation problems. The user should:
- Have Excel 5.0 or higher software
- Have a working understanding of spreadsheet formulas (Visual Basic programming and macro skills are not necessary)
- Be able to create a structural 2D frame model with nodes and members
- Be aware of matrix mathematics (addition, multiplication and inversion of matrices), although detailed knowledge of matrices is not needed
Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Ability to solve structural frame problems using the provided FE spreadsheet
- Difference between truss, beam and frame-type members
- Node vs. member data
- Local vs. global coordinates
- Boundary conditions (supports) for stability
- Methods to check calculated results
- Basic theory used to solve a FE problem, especially use of matrices
- Linking spreadsheets for progressive analyses
- Benefits, uses and limitations of the provided FE software spreadsheet
Certificate of Completion
You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 20 questions. PDH credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.
| This course is applicable to professional engineers in: | ||
| Alabama (P.E.) | Alaska (P.E.) | Arkansas (P.E.) |
| Delaware (P.E.) | District of Columbia (P.E.) | Florida (P.E. Area of Practice) |
| Georgia (P.E.) | Idaho (P.E.) | Illinois (P.E.) |
| Illinois (S.E.) | Indiana (P.E.) | Iowa (P.E.) |
| Kansas (P.E.) | Kentucky (P.E.) | Louisiana (P.E.) |
| Maine (P.E.) | Maryland (P.E.) | Michigan (P.E.) |
| Minnesota (P.E.) | Mississippi (P.E.) | Missouri (P.E.) |
| Montana (P.E.) | Nebraska (P.E.) | Nevada (P.E.) |
| New Hampshire (P.E.) | New Jersey (P.E.) | New Mexico (P.E.) |
| New York (P.E.) | North Carolina (P.E.) | North Dakota (P.E.) |
| Ohio (P.E. Self-Paced) | Oklahoma (P.E.) | Oregon (P.E.) |
| Pennsylvania (P.E.) | South Carolina (P.E.) | South Dakota (P.E.) |
| Tennessee (P.E.) | Texas (P.E.) | Utah (P.E.) |
| Vermont (P.E.) | Virginia (P.E.) | West Virginia (P.E.) |
| Wisconsin (P.E.) | Wyoming (P.E.) | |
Preview a portion of this course before purchasing it.
Credit: 4 PDH
Length: 27 pages
