2D Generalized Stiffness FEA

November 2023 - December 2023

This is a MATLAB project to implement the generalized stiffness method for finite element analysis of a structure. The implementation was considered as an objective function for a numerical optimization of a specific frames dimensions. In retrospect, the choice to use it as the objective, instead of a using it as a limiting constraint was not helpful in optimizing the design. The optimization of the frame almost always approached the lower bounds of the member lengths, attempting to make the frame as small as possible and thus reducing deflection.
Using the FEA implementation to constrain the maxmimum stress present in any given element, while minimizing material size and length, would have been a far more useful application of the technique.

default frame design

Unoptimized frame design.