Utilizing Python as an Effective Solver for Equations in Structural Analysis
Abstract
Computers are used to accurately represent the behaviour of real structures. Python is a powerful programming language that has become a popular choice for developing computer algorithms and built-in solvers for various categories of equations and numerical problems. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using Python to solve equations in structural analysis. To do this, a set of test cases representing real-world structures is created and analyzed. Results were obtained from different methods of analysis on the same problem case. The results obtained from the different methods were the same. The overall accuracy and speed of the Python-based solutions are then evaluated and discussed. The tests cover the structural configurations of statically indeterminate structure, which comprise the analysis of continuous beam supporting uniformly distributed load and several point loads. The following methods were applied: force method, three-moments-equation, and slope-deflection method. The equations derived from the different methods were solved using the Python popular packages: NumPy and SciPy. Results show that Python is an effective and efficient tool for solving equations in structural analysis. The Python-based solutions are accurate with high numerical precision and very fast execution period. Overall, this paper provides evidence that Python is a useful tool for engineers to solve equations quickly and accurately in structural analysis. The findings suggest that Python should be considered a viable and attractive option when computational speed and accuracy are essential in engineering projects.
