Finite Element Nonlinear Analysis for Catenary Structure Considering Elastic Deformation
B.W. Kim1, H.G. Sung1, S.Y. Hong1, H.J. Jung2
CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.63, No.1, pp. 29-46, 2010, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2010.063.029
Abstract This paper numerically investigates the behavior of sag and tension of inclined catenary structure considering elastic deformation. Equilibrium equation for computing elastic catenary is formulated by employing finite element method (FEM). Minimum potential energy principle and the Lagrange multiplier method are used in the formulation to derive equilibrium equation with constraint condition for catenary length. Since stiffness and loading forces of catenary are dependent on its own geometry, the equilibrium equation is nonlinear. Using the iterative scheme such as fixed point iteration or bisection, equilibrium position and tension are found. Based on the formulation, a More >