Overview of static analysis of trusses

This section provides basic background information about bars and trusses. It highlights the objectives of analyzing these structures and their applications.

Let’s start with some basic definitions. A bar is a structure that is designed to support simple forces along its axis (such as tensile and compressive loads). On the other hand, a truss represents a collection of bars that are arranged as one or more units of triangulated frameworks. Discussions on the analysis of either of these types of structure (that is, a bar or a truss) often deserve separate standalone chapters. Nonetheless, since the analysis of bars is simpler than that of trusses, we shall allocate more time to the simulation of trusses with the understanding that the same knowledge carries over to the analysis of simple bars.

Note

Within the subject of mechanics, a structure broadly refers to a body or a collection of bodies designed to carry loads. Most structures...