Formulation and evaluation of a finite element model for the linear analysis of stiffened composite cylindrical panels

A finite element model for linear static and free vibration analysis of composite cylindrical panels with composite stiffeners is presented. The proposed model is based on a cylindrical shell finite element, which uses a first-roder shear deformation theory. The stiffeners are curved beam elements based on Timoshenko and Saint-Venant assumptions for bending and torsion respectively. The two elements are developed in a cylindrical coordinate system and their stiffness matrices result from a hybrid-mixed formulation where the element assumed stress field is such that exact equilibrium equations are satisfied. The elements are free of membrane and shear locking with correct satisfaction of rigid body motions. Several examples dealing with stiffened isotropic and laminated plates and shells with eccentric as well as concentric stiffeners are analyzed showing the validity of the models.     

Development of size-dependent consistent couple stress theory of Timoshenko beams

In this paper, a linear size-dependent Timoshenko beam model based on the consistent couple stress theory is developed to capture the size effects. The extended Hamilton's principle is utilized to obtain the governing differential equations and boundary conditions. The general form of boundary conditions and the concentrated loading are employed to determine the exact static/dynamic solution of the beam. Utilizing this solution for the beam's deformation and rotation, the exact shape functions of the consistent couple stress theory (C-CST) is extracted, which leads to the stiffness and mass matrices of a two-node C-CST finite element beam. Due to the complexity and high computational cost of using the exact solution's shape functions, in addition to the Ritz approximate solution, a two primary variable finite element model of C-CST is proposed, and the corresponding general deformation and rotation fields, shape functions, mass and stiffness matrices are calculated. The C-CST is validated by comparing the prediction of different beam models for a benchmark problem. For the fully and partially clamped cantilever, and free-free beams, the size dependency of the formulations is investigated. The static solutions of the classical and consistent couple stress Timoshenko beam models are compared, and a criterion for selecting the proper model is proposed. For a wide range of material properties, the relation between the beam length and length scale parameter is derived. It is shown that the validity domain of the consistent couple stress Timoshenko model barely depends on the beam's constituent material.     

Longitudinal modeling and properties tailoring of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite beams: A novel approach

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are considered a promising reinforcement for engineering advanced structures, such as aerospace applications. It became inevitable to tailor structures not only by conventional geometric but also by mechanical properties tailoring, to acquire the maximum load-carrying capacity. Therefore, this research presented a novel Finite Element (FE) modeling of Axially Functionally Graded CNT Reinforced Composite (AFG-CNTRC) beams, based on Timoshenko beam theory. However, an obstacle is raised due to properties discontinuity produced between consecutive elements in axial gradation. A solution is proposed based on the ladder-pattern concept. It defined a locally specific value at each element, satisfying the overall required distribution. It followed by a convergence test, static, and dynamic analysis with comprehensive parametric studies. The obtained results showed that the model is convergent, accurate, free of shear-locking, and suitable for axial gradation. Moreover, this study introduced an advanced technique for axial properties tailoring, utilizing privileges of CNT and aggregation. The longitudinal tailoring depends on both the CNT orientation angle and gradation index, which played a crucial role in response control and adjusting beam stiffness together with strength. This approach could solve enormous engineering problems, especially at critical cross-sections design and constraint response, without affecting the total weight.     

Finite element method for the vibration of cracked beams with varying cross section

Vibration analysis of cracked beams having linearly varying cross-sections both in thickness and width was investigated. A computer program using the finite element method has been written to find the dynamical characteristics (natural frequencies and mode shapes) of the cracked beam. The cracked section in the beam has been modeled by a massless spring whose flexibility depens on the local flexibility induced by the crack. The stiffness of spring has been derived from the linear elastic fracture mechanics theory as the inverse of the compliance matrix calculated using stress intensity factors and strain energy release rate expression. Some examples have been given to explain the proposed method and investigate the effects of the depth and location of cracks on the natural frequencies and mode shapes. The results of current study and those in the literature are compared and good agreements have been found. Consequently it is showed that proposed method is reliable and simple. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A macro plane triangle element from the individual element test

A simple way to make the closed forms stiffness matrix of macro triangle elements is proposed through the individual element test and the computational algebra system in this paper. The newly developed element consists of three constant strain triangles, which only satisfy the convergence conditions according to the individual element test. Computational algebra system MAPLE and the free formulation framework are used to combine the stiffness matrix with the free parameters in terms of the algebraic symbols. The assembly of three constant strain triangles produces the linear strain modes in the resulted macro elements. The rigid body modes and constant strain modes of elements and the newly produced linear strain modes of the macro element are systematically assembled in the basic stiffness and the higher order stiffness in the free formulation procedure. The parameter of the decomposed higher order stiffness was tuned through the bending test. The results of numerical examples show the advantages of the proposed macro element in the distorted mesh and elements with the high aspect ratio.     

基于修正偶应力理论的Timoshenko微梁模型和尺寸效应研究

基于修正偶应力理论,将Timoshenko微梁的应力、偶应力、应变、曲率等基本变量,描述为位移分量偏导数的表达式.根据最小势能原理,推导了决定Timoshenko微梁位移场的位移场控微分方程.利用级数法求解了任意载荷作用下Timoshenko简支微梁的位移场控微分方程,得到了反映尺寸效应的挠度、转角及应力的偶应力理论解.通过对承受余弦分布载荷Timoshenko简支微梁的数值计算,研究了Timoshenko微梁的挠度、转角和应力的尺寸效应,分析了Poisson比对Timoshenko微梁力学行为及其尺寸效应的影响.结果表明:当截面高度与材料特征长度的比值小于5时,Timoshenko微梁的刚度和强度均随着截面高度的减小而显著提高,表现出明显的尺寸效应;当截面高度与材料特征长度的比值大于10时,Timoshenko微梁的刚度与强度均趋于稳定,尺寸效应可以忽略;材料Poisson比是影响Timoshenko微梁力学行为及尺寸效应的重要因素,Poisson比越大Timoshenko微梁刚度和强度的尺寸效应越显著.该文建立的Timoshenko微梁模型,能有效描述Timoshenko微梁的力学行为及尺寸效应,可为微电子机械系统（MEMS）中的微结构设计与分析提供理论基础和技术参考.     

基于剪切效应纤维梁单元的结构非线性有限元数值模拟

基于Euler-Bernoulli梁理论的经典纤维模型忽略了剪切变形给截面带来的影响,为了得到更加精确的梁单元模型,该文基于考虑剪切效应的纤维梁单元,根据Timoshenko梁理论,推导了该纤维梁单元的刚度矩阵,并结合弹塑性增量理论,同时考虑了几何非线性和材料非线性的双重影响,建立了压弯剪复杂应力状态下结构非线性有限元...     

柔性梁与柔韧板的有限元分析

本文采用有限单元法分析梁、板的大挠度问题,在应变位移关系中考虑了转动引起的中面伸长;在计算应变能时保留了高阶项.应用最小位能原理导出空间柔性梁元、柔韧板元的弹性刚度矩阵、线性和非线性初应力矩阵,算例表明,在不增加存贮量和计算时间的条件下可适当提高解的精度、为排除寄生的刚体位移,应采用拖带坐标系的迭代法.     

Derivation of the consistent flexibility matrix for geometrically nonlinear Timoshenko frame finite element

A consistent flexibility matrix is presented for a large displacement equilibrium-based Timoshenko beam–column element. This development is an improvement and extension to Neuenhofer–Filippou [1] (1998. ASCE J. Struct. Eng. 124, 704–711) for geometrically nonlinear Euler–Bernoulli force-based beam element. In order to find weak form compatibility and strong form equilibrium equations of the beam, the Hellinger–Reissner potential is expressed. During the formulation process, an extended displacement interpolation technique named curvature/shearing based displacement interpolation (CSBDI) is proposed for the strain–displacement relationship. Finally, the extended CSBDI technique is validated for geometric nonlinear examples and accuracy of the method is investigated concluding improved convergence rates with respect to the general finite element formulation. Also it is seen that the use of force based formulation removes shear locking effects. The results demonstrate considerable accuracy even in presence of high axial loading in comparison with the displacement based approach.     

Use of the elastic-and-rigid-combined beam element for dynamic analysis of a two-dimensional frame with arbitrarily distributed rigid beam segments

This paper presents an elastic-and-rigid-combined beam element such that the dynamic characteristics of a hybrid beam and a two-dimensional frame composed of any number of elastic and rigid beam segments can be easily determined. First of all, the displacements for the two nodes of a rigid beam segment are determined in terms of the displacements of its centre of gravity (c.g.). Next, the mass and stiffness matrices for the elastic-and-rigid-combined beam element are derived using the above-mentioned nodal displacements of the rigid beam segment and those of the two adjacent elastic beam elements. Furthermore, for the transformation of state variables of last elastic-and-rigid-combined (or three-node) beam element between the local and global co-ordinate systems, a new transformation matrix is also presented. Finally, the overall property matrices of the entire vibrating system are determined with the conventional assembly technique of finite element method (FEM) and its natural frequencies and associated mode shapes are determined with the standard approach. Some important factors, such as length of rigid beam segment, position for the centre of gravity (c.g.) of rigid beam segment, and total number of rigid beam segments in the entire vibrating system, are investigated. Numerical results reveal that the above-mentioned parameters have significant influence on the dynamic characteristics of the structure with arbitrarily distributed rigid beam segments.     

SBFEM elements for thin-walled composite beams with arbitrary layup

The scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) is a semi-analytical method in which only the boundary is discretized. The results on the boundary are scaled into the domain with respect to a scaling center which must be “visible” from the whole boundary. For beam-like problems the scaling center can be selected at infinity and only the cross-section is discretized. Two new elements for thin-walled beams have been developed on the basis of the first order shear deformation theory. The beam sections are considered to be multilayered laminate plates with arbitrary layup. The arbitrary cross-section is discretized with beam elements of Timoshenko type. Using the virtual work principle gives the SBFEM equation, which is a system of differential equations of a gyroscopic type. The solution is calculated using the matrix exponential function. The elements have been tested and compared with a finite element model and they give good results. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Identification of crack in a rotor system based on wavelet finite element method

The dynamics and diagnosis of cracked rotor have been gaining importance in recent years. In the present study a model-based crack identification method is proposed for estimating crack location and size in shafts. The rotor system has been modeled using finite element method of B-spline wavelet on the interval (FEM BSWI), while the crack is considered through local stiffness change. Based on Rayleigh beam theory, the influences of rotatory inertia on the flexural vibrations of the rotor system are examined to construct BSWI Rayleigh beam element. The slender shaft and stiffness disc are modeled by BSWI Rayleigh–Euler beam element and BSWI Rayleigh–Timoshenko beam element, respectively. Then the crack identification forward and inverse problems are solved by using surface-fitting technique and contour-plotting method. The experimental examples are given to verify the validity of the BSWI beam element for crack identification in a rotor system. From experimental results, the new method can be applied to prognosis and quantitative diagnosis of crack in a rotor system.     

用3个向量对构造梁振动系统的刚度矩阵

针对梁的离散化模型的刚度矩阵是五对角矩阵,梁振动反问题的实质是实对称五对角矩阵的特征值反问题.该文利用向量对、Moore-Penrose广义逆给出了实对称五对角矩阵向量对反问题存在唯一解的条件,并结合矩阵分块讨论了双对称五对角矩阵向量对反问题解存在唯一的条件,进而计算了次对角线位置元素为负,其它位置元素均为正的实对称五对角矩阵特征值反问题.由于构造梁的离散模型需要的数据可由测试得到,故而其结果适合于模态分析、系统结构的分析与设计等方面应用.最后给出了数值算例,通过数值讨论说明方法的有效性.     

Timoshenko梁单元超收敛结点应力的EEP法计算

将新近提出的单元能量投影(Element Energy Projection,简称EEP)法应用于Timoshenko梁单元的超收敛结点应力计算．根据单元投影定理具体推导了一般单元的计算公式,并对两个有代表性的单元给出了数值算例．分析和算例表明,EEP法对于解答是向量函数(即常微分方程组)的问题具有同样优良的表现,不仅能给出与结点位移精度同阶、同量级的超收敛结点应力,而且在位移出现了剪切闭锁的情况下仍能有效地克服应力的剪切闭锁．该研究为EEP法广泛应用于一般的一维常微分方程组问题的有限元解答的超收敛计算打下了良好的基础．     

Finite elements based on consistently assumed stresses and displacements

Finite element stiffness matrices are derived using an extende Hellinger-Reissner principle in which internal displacements are added to serve as Lagrange multipliers to introducethe equilibrium constraint in each element. In a consistent formulation the assumed stresses are initially unconstrained and complete polynomials and the total displacements are also complete such that the corresponding strains are complete in the same order as the stressesSeveral examples indicate that resulting properties for elements constructed by this consistent formulation are ideal and are less sensitive to distortions of element geometries. The method has been used to find the optimal stress terms for plane elements, 3-D solids, axisymmetric solids, and plate bending elements.     

Infinite dimensional model of a double flexible-link manipulator: The Port-Hamiltonian approach

This paper proposes a modular and control oriented model of a double flexible-link manipulator that stems from the modelling of a spatial flexible robot. The model consists of the power preserving interconnection between two infinite dimensional systems describing the beam’s motion and deformation with a finite dimensional nonlinear system describing the dynamics of the actuated rotating joints. To derive the model, Timoshenko’s assumptions are made for the flexible beams. Using Hamilton’s principle, the dynamic equations of the system are derived and then written in the Port-Hamiltonian (PH) framework through a proper choice of the state variables. These so called energy variables allow to write the total energy as a quadratic form with respect to a state dependent energy matrix. The resulting model is shown to be a passive system, a convenient property for control design purposes.     

Free vibration analysis of a rigid bar supported by arbitrary elastic beams

For convenience, a two-node conventional elastic beam element (C beam element) with the displacements of its 2nd node replaced by those of center of gravity (c.g.) of the joined rigid bar is called the modified beam element (M beam element). The objective of this paper is to present a modified finite element method (modified FEM) such that the free vibration characteristics of a rigid bar supported by a number of elastic beams can be easily determined. First of all, the displacements for the 2nd node of a C beam element joined with the rigid bar are determined in terms of those for the c.g. of the joined rigid bar to establish the M beam element. Next, the mass and stiffness matrices for the M beam element are derived based on the displacements for the 1st node of the C beam element and those for the c.g. of the joined rigid bar. Then, the overall property matrices of the entire unconstrained vibrating system (i.e. a rigid bar supported by a number of elastic beams) can be determined by using the assembly technique of the conventional FEM and considering the effects of lumped mass and rotary inertia of the rigid bar. Finally, the boundary (supporting) conditions are imposed to produce the effective property matrices of the constrained vibrating system and then the free vibration characteristics are determined with the standard approach. In order to confirm the presented theory and the developed computer program, the rigid bar is modeled by a number of C beam elements with bigger Young’s modulus (E_R) and the conventional FEM is used to determine the natural frequencies and associated mode shapes of the vibrating system. It is found that the latter will converge to the corresponding ones obtained from the presented modified FEM when the magnitude of E_R increases to certain values.     

FLIM - A Variant of FEM based on Line Integration

A variant of the finite element method (FEM) for modelling and solving partial differential equations based on triangular and tetrahedral meshes is proposed. While FEM is based on integration over finite elements, the new approach - briefly denoted as FLIM hereafter - uses integration along edges (finite lines). The stiffness matrix, which - for linear triangles and tetrahedra - is identical with the one obtained with FEM, as well as the load vector can solely be obtained by summing up the edge contributions. This new variant requires much lower storage than FEM, especially for three-dimensional problems, but yields the same approximation error and convergence rate as the finite element method. It is shown that its performance, when applied to linear problems, is in close agreement with the performance of the finite element method. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Vibrations of Rotors Supported on Nonlinear Bearings

Rotors in electrical machines are supported by various types of bearings. In general, the rotor bearings have nonlinear stiffness properties and they influence the rotor vibrations significantly. In this work, this influence of these nonlinearities is investigated. A simplified finite element model using Timoshenko beam elements is set up for the heterogeneous structure of the rotor. A transversally isotropic material model is adopted for the rotor core stack. Imposing the nonlinear bearing stiffnesses on the model, the Newton-Raphson procedure is used to carry out a run up simulation. The spectral content of these results shows nonlinear effects due to the bearings. The rotor vibrations are further investigated in detail for various constant speeds. These results show non-harmonic vibrations of the rotor in a section of the investigated speed range. (© 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Construction of beam elements considering von Kármán nonlinear strains using B-spline wavelet on the interval

The current paper proposes the formulation of beam elements using B-spline wavelet on the interval based wavelet finite element method by incorporating von Kármán nonlinear strains. Formulation is proposed for both Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and Timoshenko beam theory. A background cell based Gauss quadrature is proposed for numerical integration. Numerical examples are solved for transverse deflections and stresses in axial direction, and are compared with the existing converged results from finite element method. The issues of membrane and shear locking for the proposed elements are examined and solution techniques are suggested to overcome the issues.