Yongchang Cai1,2, J.K. Paik3, Satya N. Atluri3
CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.53, No.2, pp. 123-152, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2009.053.123
Abstract This paper presents a simple finite element method, based on simple mechanics and physical clarity, for geometrically nonlinear large rotation analyses of space frames consisting of members of arbitrary cross-section. A co-rotational reference frame, involving the axes of each finitely rotated beam finite-element, is used as the Updated Lagrangian reference frame for the respective element. A von Karman type nonlinear theory of deformation is employed in the co-rotational reference frame of each beam element, to account for bending, stretching, and torsion of each element. An assumed displacement approach is used to derive an explicit expression… More >