Linear multipoint constraints applied via transformation as part of a direct stiffness assembly process

Abstract

AbstractA procedure is presented for the application of linear multipoint constraints. The procedure employs the transformation approach for constraint application which reduces the number of equations to be solved by the number of constraints. However, the matrix operations implied by the approach are avoided by the proper construction of the constraint equations. A specific procedure for carrying out the constraint application process as part of the assembly of the global stiffness matrix is given.