FEA of Pressurized Truss Structure

🔧 Overview

Using MATLAB and ABAQUS, I simulated a 2×2×1 m³ steel containment truss structure subjected to internal pressure. I compared solver outputs, identified redundant members, and optimized the structure through reinforcement and material changes.

🎯 Objectives

• Simulate internal pressure loading using Direct Stiffness Method (MATLAB)
• Validate results against ABAQUS (displacement/stress)
• Identify and remove redundant trusses
• Apply roller supports to reduce deformation
• Explore material substitutions (hollow/square trusses)
• Simulate variable external loads (FR, FL, FT, FB)

🛠️ Tools & Techniques

• MATLAB: 2D Truss FEA
• ABAQUS: Stress contour plots, mesh simulation
• Structural optimization based on displacement/stress contours
• Comparative analysis using deformation plots and graphs

📊 Key Results

• Initial max displacement: ≈ 4.39 × 10⁻⁴ m
• Post-reinforcement: Displacement reduced to 7.05 × 10⁻⁵ m
• Redundant trusses removed: No effect on structural integrity
• New max pressure: Increased from 6 kPa → 35 kPa
• Hollow/square trusses: Unviable due to high displacements (5–7 mm)

🧠 Reflections

This project showed how custom numerical solvers can rival commercial FEA tools when properly validated. I also explored structural efficiency, reinforcement techniques, and the significant impact of material selection and boundary conditions on structural performance.

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