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 for the (12x12)symmetrictangent stiffness matrix… More >