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Issue Int. J. Simul. Multi. Design Optim.
Volume 3, Number 3, July 2009
Page(s) 384 - 400
DOI 10.1051/ijsmdo/2009014
Published online 21 October 2009

Int. J. Simul. Multidisci. Des. Optim. 3, 384-400 (2009)
DOI: 10.1051/ijsmdo/2009014

Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Information Provided by Different Structural Load Path Definitions

Kun Marhadi1 and Satchi Venkataraman2

1  Computational Science Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, United States
2  Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, San Diego State University, San Diego, United States


Received 5 June 2009, Accepted 17 August 2009; published online 21 October 2009

Abstract
The structural mechanics community has developed several methods to identify and visualize load paths in structures. There is no single accepted approach or method to characterize, quantify, visualize and tailor load paths. This paper compares various methods proposed to characterize and visualize load paths. The comparison is performed for a two-dimensional (2-D) rectangular plate under plane stress conditions arising from different loading and boundary conditions. The effectiveness of each method is compared. The comparisons shows the methods provide different results and insights into the load transfer mechanisms. No single method appears to emerge as a clear choice for characterizing load paths. However, some methods provide more qualitative and quantitative information on the trajectory and efficiency of load transferred along load paths.



Key words: Structural load path definitions -- Alternate load paths

Correspondence: satchi@mail.sdsu.edu


© ASMDO 2009


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