A New Expression of Internal Stiffness for Load Path Analysis in Structures

Abstract

The load transfer inside a given structure can be expressed by load paths. Based on the concept of internal stiffness that is independent of stress analysis, the [Formula: see text]* index is a powerful tool to visualize the load paths by measuring strain energy caused by displacement at the loading point. In this short communication, a scalar index [Formula: see text]* is introduced as a new expression of internal stiffness to visualize the load paths with a greater precision. The load paths are defined as the streamlines following the decay direction of the internal stiffness. Based on the numerical simulations, [Formula: see text]* load paths have higher load transfer efficiency compared to [Formula: see text]* counterparts. The experimental study of an [Formula: see text]-bracket with stiffeners placed on the main load paths further verifies the effectiveness of the [Formula: see text]* index for load path analysis. The proposed concept for load path analysis showcases great potential in design evaluation and optimization for load-bearing components from a macroscopic view.