Yongchang Cai1,2, J.K. Paik3, Satya N. Atluri3
CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.54, No.3, pp. 335-368, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2009.054.335
Abstract This paper presents a simple finite element method, based on assumed moments and rotations, for geometrically nonlinear large rotation analyses of space frames consisting of members of arbitrary cross-section. A von Karman type nonlinear theory of deformation is employed in the updated Lagrangian co-rotational reference frame of each beam element, to account for bending, stretching, and torsion of each element. The Reissner variational principle is used in the updated Lagrangian co-rotational reference frame, to derive an explicit expression for the (12x12)symmetrictangent stiffness matrix of the beam element in the co-rotational reference frame. The explicit expression… More >