Symmetry in Structural Mechanics

The principles of symmetry as applied to structural mechanics are reviewed, symmetric and anti-symmetric forces and structures exhibiting various kinds of symmetries are defined, and a systematic procedure for the application of symmetry principles to the determination of existing and vanishing force and displacement components is presented with the objectives of: (1) reminding structural engineers of the availability of these powerful and extremely useful tools and encouraging them to review these principles and apply them in their daily activities; (2) illustrating the uses and advantages of symmetry arguments in applied and structural mechanics; and (3) arousing interest for increased use of, and research activities in the application of group-theoretic methods in structural and continuum mechanics.