What type of analysis determines the forces acting on parts of a structure?

Static analysis is the correct choice for determining the forces acting on parts of a structure. This type of analysis focuses on structures that are not experiencing significant changes in motion or loads over time. In static analysis, it is assumed that the system is in equilibrium, meaning that the sum of the forces and the sum of the moments acting on the structure are equal to zero. This allows engineers to calculate internal forces, reactions, and stresses within the structure without accounting for the effects of inertia or time-dependent behavior.

In contrast, kinematic analysis focuses on the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion, which does not provide information about forces acting on structural components. Dynamic analysis, on the other hand, incorporates the effects of time-dependent forces, such as those due to vibrations or moving loads. This approach is used when analyzing systems subject to changing conditions and is not strictly for static loads. Lastly, thermal analysis deals specifically with the effects of temperature changes on materials and structures, rather than examining the forces acting on them.

Thus, static analysis is essential for determining the consistent and static forces on structures under various loading conditions, making it the most appropriate choice for the question at hand.