OpenSees Examples -- Introductory Examples
The objective of Example 1a and Example 1b is to give an overview of input-file format in OpenSees using simple scripts. These scripts do not take advantage of the Tcl scripting capabilities shown in the later examples. However, they do provide starting a place where the input file is similar to that of more familiar Finite-Element Analysis software. Subsequent examples should be used as the basis for user input files.
Example 1 is a 2D elastic cantilever column, Example 1b is a 2D elastic portal frame. Each example has two independent input files, one for each type of analysis:
- a. Static Pushover
- b. Dynamic Earthquake Ground Motion
Each example script does the following:
A. Build the model
- model dimensions and degrees-of-freedom
- nodal coordinates
- nodal constraints -- boundary conditions
- nodal masses
- elements and element connectivity
- recorders for output
B. Define & apply gravity load
- nodal or element load
- static-analysis parameters (tolerances & load increments)
- analyze
- hold gravity loads constant
- reset time to zero
C. Define and apply lateral load
- load pattern (nodal loads for static analysis, support ground motion for earthquake)
- lateral-analysis parameters (tolerances & displacement/time increments)
- damping for dynamic analysis
- analyze
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