This book is designed for use as a supplement to the textbook "Plasticity for Structural Engineers" by W.F. Chen and D.J. Han (Springer-Verlag, 1988) or other plasticity texts. The purpose is to help students and structural engineers learn and practice how to solve typical engineering plasticity problems in general and, more importantly, how to use computers to solve plasticity problems in structural engineering in particular. To this end, specific numerical algorithms in the computer software implementation of the theory together with actual code development are given. A number of solved and supplementary problems are provided, as well as two computer-aided-education (CAE) programs, to enhance the students' understanding of these subjects.
Dr. Wai-Fah Chen -- A well-respected leader in the field of plasticity, structural stability, and structural steel design over the past half-century, he has made major contributions to introduce the mathematical theory of plasticity to civil engineering practice, especially in the application of limit analysis methods to the geotechnical engineering field. Having headed the engineering departments at the University of Hawaii and Purdue University, Chen is a widely cited author and the recipient of several national engineering awards, including the 1990 Shortridge Hardesty Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers and the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Institute of Steel Construction.
W. F. Chen, Ph.D. Brown University, Member of U.S. National Academy of Engineering and Member of Taiwan National Academy of Science ( Academia Sinica), formerly Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering at Purdue University and Dean of Engineering at University of Hawaii. He is currently a Research Professor of Civil Engineering at UH.
