Introduction

This introduction outlines how work-energy principles can be used to transform the differential equations of linear elasticity into equivalent algebraic equations. Those equations can be reduced to two forms—(1) a displacement-based method like the method used in finite elements and (2) a new force-based method for the solution of statically indeterminate problems that combines equilibrium and compatibility equations, which is also called the second-generation force-based method. This force-based method is compared to an earlier first-generation force-based method. A discussion is given on how second-generation force-based methods can be applied to all the courses found in an engineering curriculum at the technical levels assumed for students in those courses.