Energy Theorems and Structural Analysis: A Generalized Discourse with Applications on Energy Principles of Structural Analysis Including the Effects of Temperature and Non‐Linear Stress‐Strain Relations Available to Purchase

This paper presents the generalized theory of the most important energy principles in structural analysis. All derive from two basic complementary theorems denoted as the principles of virtual displacements and virtual forces. Both exact and approximate methods are discussed and particular attention is paid to the derivation of upper and lower limits. The theory is not restricted to linearly elastic bodies but includes ab initio the effect of non‐linear stress‐strain laws and thermal strains. Finally the basic principles are illustrated on a number of simple examples in preparation for the more complex ones to appear in Parts II and III.