The stiffness (or displacement-based) method is used in the solution of the structural model.
The following outlines the major analysis steps:
•The individual element stiffness matrix [k] is computed in the element local coordinate system.
•Based on the element nodal connectivity, [k] is transformed to the global coordinate system and assembled into the global stiffness matrix [K].
•The load vector [R] for each load combination is formed.
•The equation [K] [U] = [R] is solved for the nodal displacements [U].
•Other structural responses such as internal forces and moments are computed based on the nodal displacements.