12.2. Degrees of Freedom

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define Degrees of Freedom.

   Hint

   Think of how a structure can move or rotate.

2. 2.

   What is the difference between statically determinate and indeterminate structures?

   Hint

   Consider how many equations you would need.

3. 3.

   What is a Degree of Freedom?

   • Rotation only
   • Translation only
   • Both translation and rotation

   Hint

   Think of how a structure moves in space.

4. 4.

   True or False: A statically indeterminate structure can be analyzed without compatibility equations.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember how many equations are needed.

5. 5.

   A specific structure has three nodes, each capable of translating in two directions and rotating. What is the total degrees of freedom?

   Hint

   Calculate DOF per node and sum them up.

6. 6.

   Illustrate how the choice of analysis method changes between structures with different degrees of freedom.

   Hint

   Think of the complexity involved in calculations related to DOF.