Editing Structural analysis (section)

{{Short description|Calculation of structural loads}}
{{About|structural studies in engineering|social-science usage|Structuralism|other uses|Structure (disambiguation)}}
{{Mechanical failure modes}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2018}}

'''Structural analysis''' is a branch of [[solid mechanics]] which uses simplified models for solids like bars, beams and shells for engineering decision making. Its main objective is to determine the effect of [[structural load|load]]s on physical [[Structure#Load-bearing|structure]]s and their [[Structural engineering#Structural elements|components]].  In contrast to theory of elasticity, the models used in structural analysis are often differential equations in one spatial variable. Structures subject to this type of [[analysis]] include all that must withstand loads, such as buildings, bridges, aircraft and ships.  Structural analysis uses ideas from [[applied mechanics]], [[materials science]] and [[applied mathematics]] to compute a structure's [[deformation (engineering)|deformation]]s, internal [[force]]s, [[stress analysis|stress]]es, support reactions, velocity, accelerations, and [[structural stability|stability]]. The results of the analysis are used to verify a structure's fitness for use, often precluding [[physical test]]s. Structural analysis is thus a key part of the [[structural engineering|engineering design of structures]].<ref>[https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/structural-analysis "Science Direct: Structural Analysis"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516014830/https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/structural-analysis |date=2021-05-16 }}</ref>