Welcome to MSA

About MSA

MSA is short for Matrix Structural Analysis, and referes to the analysis of skeletal structures using the direct stiffness method.

Python package for the direct stiffness method of matrix analysis of skeletal structures. At present a subpackage pf for analysis of plane frames has been implemented. Code is based on the flow charts in Weaver and Gere and an example is taken from Hall and Kabaila.

Limitations

The package has the following limitations

  1. Analyses only plane frame structures, with only plane frame elements.
  2. Non-zero boundary conditions are currently not allowed. Only known zerodisplacement boundary condition is implemented.
  3. Member loads must be applied as equivalent member end-forces. Equivalent member end-forces must be calculated manually - as the negative values from the reactions produces in the corresponding fixed-end member.
  4. Only member end-forces are calculated. Forces at points within the member are not calculated.

References

  1. Weaver, W. and Gere, J.M., Matrix Analysis of Framed Structures, 2ed., CBS Publishers, New Delhi, 1986
  2. Hall, A. and Kabaila, A.P., Basic Concepts of Structural Analysis, Pitman Publishing, London, 1977