Engineering Models and Computer Codes
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 114, Issue 2
Abstract
The issue of analyzing a complex problem in mechanics is discussed and the possible calculation methods are reviewed. The relatively easy access and use of general‐purpose computer codes might be very attractive; however, the unqualified user may be surprised by the presence of many pitfalls, some of which are shown through examples. When computer codes are examined in a wider perspective, as in the examples, the results might be confusing so as to motivate for further studies. On the other hand, an engineering model is specially derived for a certain problem, and the simplifying assumptions are based on a deep understanding of the phenomenon. Thus, both sensitivities of the physical phenomenon and general trends of behavior may be obtained from an engineering model, as well as detailed results of response in a quick and efficient way. The power of engineering models is shown through examples and their special features and advantages are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Collins, M. P., Vecchio, F., and Melhorn, G. (1984). An international competition to predict the response of reinforced concrete panels. Festschrift Thurlimann.
2.
Symonds, P. S. (1984). “Twenty years of developments in inelastic dynamics.” 5th Engrg. Mech. Div. Specialty Conf., ASCE, Aug.
3.
Symonds, P. S., and Yu, T. X. (1985). “Counterintuitive behavior in a problem of elastic beam dynamics.” J. Appl. Mech., 52, Sep., 517–522.
4.
Thigpen, L. (1974). “Projectile penetration of elastic‐plastic earth media.” J. Geotech. Div., 100(3), 279–293.
5.
Vecchio, F., and Collins, M. P. (1981). “Stress‐strain characteristics of reinforced concrete in pure shear.” Advanced Mech. of Reinforced Concr. Colloq., International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering, Jun., 233–247.
6.
Vecchio, F., and Collins, M. P. (1982). “The response of reinforced concrete to in‐plane shear and normal stresses.” Publication No. 82‐03, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Mar.
7.
Yankelevsky, D. Z. (1983). “The optimal shape of an earth‐penetrating projectile.” Internat. J. Solids and Struct., 19(1), 25–31.
8.
Yankelevsky, D. Z. (1985). “Dynamic response of plates to impulsive loading.” Internat. J. Impact Engrg., 3(2), 107–119.
9.
Yankelevsky, D. Z., and Adin, M. A. (1980). “A simplified method for soil penetration analysis.” Internat. J. Numer. and Anal. Meth. in Geomech., 4, 233–254.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 114 • Issue 2 • April 1988
Pages: 218 - 230
Copyright
Copyright © 1988 ASCE.
History
Published online: Apr 1, 1988
Published in print: Apr 1988
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.