Analysis of 3D frame problems by DQEM using EDQ

The differential quadrature element method (DQEM) and extended differential quadrature (EDQ) have been proposed by the author. The development of a di fferential quadrature element analysis model of three-dimensional shear-und eformable frame problems adopting the EDQ is carried out. The element can b e a nonprismatic beam. The EDQ technique is used to discretize the element- based governing differential equations, the transition conditions at joints and the boundary conditions on domain boundaries. An overall algebraic sys tem can be obtained by assembling all of the discretized equations. A numer ically rigorous solution can be obtained by solving the overall algebraic s ystem. Mathematical formulations for the EDQ-based DQEM frame analysis are carried out. By using this DQEM model, accurate results of frame problems c an efficiently be obtained. Numerical results demonstrate this DQEM model. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.