Open Access

ARTICLE

Finite-Element Nonlinear Dynamics of Flexible Structures in Three Dimensions

S. Okamoto¹, Y. Omura¹

1 Department of Mechanical System Engineering, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8527 Japan

Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2003, 4(2), 287-300. https://doi.org/10.3970/cmes.2003.004.287

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a procedure for performing a dynamic analysis in the case that a structure undergoes large translational and rotational displacements when moving along a nonlinear trajectory at variable velocity. Finite-element equations of motion that include the inertial force of the structure's motion have been derived. The equations also account for the geometric nonlinearity that has to be considered in a problem of finite translational and rotational displacements. A finite rotational matrix was used to transfer vectors or matrices measured in a certain coordinate frame to those measured in another coordinate frame. The computational code for simulating body behavior was developed using the derived equations. The validity of the formulations and the computational code was verified by comparing the numerical solutions obtained using the computational code with our experimental results and the analytical solutions of another researcher. As an application of the new method, the time history response of a model system for movement along an arc trajectory was calculated using the developed computational code.

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Keywords

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