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Three-Dimensional Beam Element Based on a Cross-Sectional Coordinate System Approach

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Abstract

In this work, a shear deformable three-dimensional beam element that can be used to model a variety of beam-like structures in multibody applications is proposed. The absolute nodal coordinate formulation, in which global displacements and slopes are used as nodal coordinates, is employed for the finite element discretization of the beam. The element employs a cross-sectional coordinate system for the definition of strains. As shown by numerical examples, the element leads to a computationally more efficient description of elastic forces compared to the previously introduced shear deformable absolute nodal coordinate-based beam element. The results imply that the proposed element is capable of modelling highly nonlinear displacements and can be used in problems where large rotations are considered. The element also captures the effect of the rotation of the cross-section about the element longitudinal axis under a torsion load.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Skinnarilankatu 34, P.O. Box 20, FIN 53851, Lappeenranta, Finland

    Kari E. Dufva, Jussi T. Sopanen & Aki M. Mikkola

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  1. Kari E. Dufva
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  2. Jussi T. Sopanen
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  3. Aki M. Mikkola
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Correspondence to Kari E. Dufva.

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Dufva, K.E., Sopanen, J.T. & Mikkola, A.M. Three-Dimensional Beam Element Based on a Cross-Sectional Coordinate System Approach. Nonlinear Dyn 43, 311–327 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11071-006-8326-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11071-006-8326-7

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