A coupled finite element-differential quadrature element method and its accuracy for moving load problem

In this paper a mixed method, which combines the finite element method and the differential quadrature element method (DQEM), is presented for solving the time dependent problems. In this study, the finite element method is first used to discretize the spatial domain. The DQEM is then employed as a step-by-step DQM in time domain to solve the resulting initial value problem. The resulting algebraic equations can be solved by either direct or iterative methods. Two general formulations using the DQM are also presented for solving a system of linear second-order ordinary differential equations in time. The application of the formulation is then shown by solving a sample moving load problem. Numerical results show that the present mixed method is very efficient and reliable.