Dynamics of Trusses by Component‐Mode Method

Abstract

For dynamic analysis of trusses, we usually consider only axial deformations in the members. However, it is also known that inertial and body forces occur along the members in their transverse directions, which cause flexure. Therefore, we have devised a component‐mode analytical model in which a member in bending constitutes a substructure. Treating the member as a simply‐ supported beam, we include a limited number of its vibrational mode shapes as displacement shape functions. For plane and space trusses with only a few members, we find by computer analysis that flexure plays an important role in their dynamic responses. However, in trusses with many members, this influence is not very significant, because the flexural deformations in members are localized.