The Principle of Virtual Forces
The Principle of Virtual Forces
Consequentially:
Internal Work:
External Work:
A simple example:
Statically defined, shear fixed beam with a constant distributed load q That means: N = Q = 0
To get this displacement, we bring up a unity force at point s in the direction of the displacement we are looking for
Now we have to calculate seperately the moment diagrams for both loads and superpose it
Differences between the principle of virtual forces and the priciple of virtual displacement
Principle of virtual forces Simple manual calculation for easy systems equilibrium conditions achieved exactly leads to larger displacements than real => soft solution
Principle of virtual displacement easier to program for complex systems kinematic conditions achieved exactly leads to smaller displacements than real => stiff solution
u = w = f =
Force-displacement diagramm
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For a linear problem, like we assumed before, the complementary works are equal to the real works. That means.:
It is essential:
Equilibrium of Work:
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A little example:
A system with one degree of freedom which leads to a flexibility matrix with one coefficient:
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Quintessence
The problem of using the principle of virtual forces in finite element programs is, that you can only calculate stresses from external forces, if you have a statically defined system. In all other cases you have to manipulate the system to get a primary structure (statically definded system) by reducing the degree of freedom. This manipulation is a big problem for an automatical process and its much easier to program it with the principle of virtual displacement. Nevertheless, it is possible using the principle of virtual forces, as you can see on the example before.
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