
A four-way lattice grid is given in the Figure. Replace the equilateral truss with a plate subjected to in-plane forces. Determine the stiffness matrix of the replacement plate. Check whether the plate is isotropic. The distance of the joints is a = 2 m, cross-sectional area of the bars is A = 344 mm2, Young modulus is E =210 GPa.
Solve Problem
Elements of the stiffness matrix, A of the replacement plate in x-y coordinate system A11 [kN/mm]= A12 [kN/mm]= A22 [kN/mm2]= A33 [kN/mm2]=Solve
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Steps
Step 1. Replace the truss with unidirectional layers, where each layer contains the parallel bars in one direction. Determine stiffness matrix of each individual layer in its local coordinate system attached to the direction of the bars. Parallel bars of the truss in one direction can be assumed as an orthotropic layer, the stiffness of which is EA/t in the direction of the bars, and zero perpendicular to them. t is the perpendicular distance of the bars, t=a or t=a/√2 for the different layers as it is shown in the Figure. With this assumption the replacement plate consists of four layers, and the solution is similar to the previous problem. Stiffness matrices of the individual layers are Step 2. Transform the local stiffness matrices into the global x-y coordinate system. Coordinate system of the layers must be rotated by 0, 45, 90, 135 degrees, respectively. undefined Step 3. Add the individual stiffness matrices to calculate the stiffness matrix of the replacement plate. Step 4. Check isotropy. The material is isotropic when the following ratio is hold between the elements of the stiffness matrix: Thus the plate is not isotropic.Step by step
Check individual stiffness matrix

Check transformation
Check stiffness matrixCheck isotropy
Results
The truss is replaced by unidirectional layers, where each layer contains the parallel bars in one direction. First stiffness matrix of each individual layer is determined in its local coordinate system attached to the direction of the bars. With this assumption the replacement plate consists of four layers, and the solution is similar to the previous problem. Stiffness matrices of the individual layers are Coordinate system of the layers must be rotated by 0, 45, 90, 135 degrees, respectively. Transformation of the local stiffness matrices into the global x-y coordinate system results in undefined The stiffness matrix of the replacement plate is the sum of the individual stiffness matrices of the layers. Thus the plate is not isotropic.Worked out results
Layers are assumed to be orthotropic, their stiffness is EA/t in the direction of the bars, and zero perpendicular to them. t is the perpendicular distance of the bars, t=a or t=a/√2 for the different layers as it is shown in the Figure.
The material is isotropic when the following ratio is hold between the elements of the stiffness matrix: