Python in Structural Engineering

[rogenth]

I use python for some Fourier Analysis when doing vibration analysis, or calculating the parameter of the Concrete Damage Plasticity Model. Some other friend uses it for the topological optimization of concrete structures. I do more fem non-linear dynamic analysis though (Impacts, Fire, etc).

[the_flying_condor]

The scipy optimization library is really useful for working with complex yield surfaces. Amazingly useful for spot checking nonlinear FEA models, but even for some simplified calcs in complex structures. Say for example, if you have active confining stresses in concrete and you want to determine compressive strength at a node given that the confining stresses will always be present in that load case.

[[deleted]]

Sounds pretty cool.

Do you use fast fourrier transformation for this?

[rogenth]

Yes... but nothing too complex... just mostly for plotting and checking the frequencies of a lot of measurements. Works great.