Question

Stiffness matrix is _____

(a) Non symmetric and square

(b) Symmetric and square

(c) Non symmetric and rectangular

(d) Symmetric and rectangular

I got this question in a job interview.

This key question is from One Dimensional Problems topic in section One Dimensional Problems of Finite Element Method

Answer 1

Right option is (b) Symmetric and square

To explain I would say: Stiffness matrix is a inherent property of the structure. The property of a stiffness matrix, as the stiffness matrix is square and symmetric.