CE410 Computers Applications 2019-2020

Degree Of Freedom (DOF):

Is an independent joint displacement (translation or rotation) necessary to specify the deformed
shape of the structure when subjected to arbitrary loading.

Types of structures with DOFs

1. Springs (one axial DOF, translation)

2. Plane truss (Two DOFs, translations)

3. Beams (Two DOFs, one translation and one rotation)

4. Plane frame (Three DOFs, two translations and one rotation)

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CE410 Computers Applications 2019-2020

5. Space truss (Three DOFs, all translations)

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CE410 Computers Applications 2019-2020

6. Space frame (Six DOFs, three translations and three rotations)

Examples: How many DOFs in each of the structures shown

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CE410 Computers Applications 2019-2020

DOFs= (Number of nodes) x (DOF/node) – (Number of restraints)

DOFs= 8x2-4= 16-4=12

DOFs= (Number of nodes) x (DOF/node) – (Number of restraints)

DOFs= 5x3-9= 15-9=6 + rotation from internal hinge= 7

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