Flexure Hinge Mechanisms Modeled by Nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli-Beams

A flexure hinge is an innovative engineering solution for providing relative motion between two adjacent stiff members by the elastic deformation of an arbitrary shaped flexible connector. In the literature, modeling of compliant mechanisms incorporating flexure hinges is mainly focused on linear methods. However, geometrically nonlinear effects cannot be ignored generally. This study presents a nonlinear modeling technique for flexure hinges based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, in contrast to the predominant linear modeling approaches. Higher order beam elements of variable cross-section are employed to model the flexure hinge region. A Newton-Raphson scheme is applied to solve the resulting nonlinear system equations. The proposed approach reduces the overall degrees of freedom and is computationally efficient compared to commonly applied 3D finite element methods. A compliant displacement amplification mechanism is studied by means of the proposed method, where an excellent agreement with results of a reference solution is achieved. The modeling approach is suitable for the structural optimization of compliant mechanisms towards a less intuitive design process. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Kinematic modeling of flexure hinges and compliant mechanisms

In this paper, the kinematic performance of flexure hinges and compliant mechanisms calculated by conventional modeling techniques are compared. As these exhibit certain drawbacks with regard to control strategies, mainly large number of degrees of freedom or unacceptable errors, a novel modeling approach for flexure hinges is presented. Instead of the entire flexure hinge only its significant regions are modeled by 3-D structural solids. These master patterns are positioned appropriately and connected by rigid constraint conditions to build a compliant mechanism. The resulting model is characterized by considerably fewer degrees of freedom than a full solid model as well as a marginal deviation of the deflection compared to that of pseudo-rigid-body models, 3-D tapered finite beam elements and analytical Timoshenko beam theory. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Free vibration analysis of spatial Bernoulli–Euler and Rayleigh curved beams using isogeometric approach

This paper deals with the linear free vibration analysis of Bernoulli–Euler and Rayleigh curved beams using isogeometric approach. The geometry of the beam as well as the displacement field are defined using the NURBS basis functions which present the basic concept of the isogeometric analysis. A novel approach based on the fundamental relations of the differential geometry and Cauchy continuum beam model is presented and applied to derive the stiffness and consistent mass matrices of the corresponding spatial curved beam element. In the Bernoulli–Euler beam element only translational and torsional inertia are taken into account, while the Rayleigh beam element takes all inertial terms into consideration. Due to their formulation, isogeometric beam elements can be used for the dynamic analysis of spatial curved beams. Several illustrative examples have been chosen in order to check the convergence and accuracy of the proposed method. The results have been compared with the available data from the literature as well as with the finite element solutions.     

基于等效梁模型的运载火箭动力学特性仿真预示研究

针对运载火箭动力学特性仿真预示问题,提出了一种基于等效梁模型,其是可考虑贮箱内液体推进剂影响高效、准确的仿真预示方法.应用等效厚度法建立了运载火箭的等效梁模型,并将运载火箭精细有限元模型的模态分析结果作为目标,通过有限元模型修正提升了等效梁模型的精度.以某型号运载火箭为算例,应用该文方法,建立了其等效梁模型,并基于集中质量法和耦合质量法两种液体推进剂等效方法对其进行了考虑贮箱内液体推进剂影响的动力学特性预测,比较了两种方法的分析结果.     

新型空间薄壁梁单元

基于Timoshenko梁理论和Vlasov薄壁杆件约束扭转理论,建立了具有内部结点的新型空间薄壁截面梁单元．通过对弯曲转角和翘曲角采取独立插值的方法,考虑了横向剪切变形,扭转剪切变形及其耦合作用,弯曲变形和扭转变形的耦合以及二次剪应力等因素影响,由Hellinger-Reissner广义变分原理,推得单元刚度矩阵．算例表明所建模型具有良好的精度,可用于空间薄壁杆系结构的有限元分析．     

A spatial shear deformable beam finite element based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation

In the present paper a three-dimensional beam finite element undergoing large deformations is proposed. Since the definition of the proposed finite element is based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), no rotational coordinates occur in the formulation. In the current approach, the orientation of the cross section is parameterized by means of slope vectors. Since those are no unit vectors, the cross-section can deform, similar to existing thick beam and shell elements. The nodal displacements and the directional derivatives of the displacements are chosen as nodal coordinates, but in contrast to standard ANCF elements, the proposed formulation is based on the two transversal slope vectors per node only. Different approaches for the virtual work of elastic forces are presented: a continuum mechanics based formulation, as well as a structural mechanics based formulation, which is in accordance with classical nonlinear beam finite elements. Since different interpolation functions as in standard ANCF elements are used, a much better convergence rate (up to order four) can be obtained. Therefore, the present element has high potential for application in geometrically nonlinear problems. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Simplified modelling of joints and beam-like structures for BIW optimization in a concept phase of the vehicle design process

The paper proposes an engineering approach for the replacement of beam-like structures and joints in a vehicle model. The final goal is to provide the designer with an effective methodology for creating a concept model of such automotive components, so that an NVH optimization of the body in white (BIW) can be performed at the earliest phases of the vehicle design process. The proposed replacement methodology is based on the reduced beam and joint modelling approach, which involves a geometric analysis of beam-member cross-sections and a static analysis of joints. The first analysis aims at identifying the beam center nodes and computing the equivalent beam properties. The second analysis produces a simplified model of a joint that connects three or more beam-members through a static reduction of the detailed joint FE model.In order to validate the proposed approach, an industrial case-study is presented, where beams and joints of the upper region of a vehicle's BIW are replaced by simplified models. Two static load-cases are defined to compare the original and the simplified model by evaluating the stiffness of the full vehicle under torsion and bending in accordance with the standards used by automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) companies. A dynamic comparison between the two models, based on global frequencies and modal shapes of the full vehicle, is presented as well.     

Analytical elastostatic stiffness modeling of parallel manipulators considering the compliance of the link and joint

This paper discusses the analytical elastostatic stiffness modeling of parallel manipulators (PMs) considering the compliance of the link and joint. The proposed modeling is implemented in three steps: (1) the limb constraint wrenches are formulated based on screw theory; (2) the strain energy of the link and the joint is formulated using material mechanics and a mapping matrix, respectively, and the concentrated limb stiffness matrix corresponding to the constraint wrenches is obtained by summing the strain energy of the links and joints in the limb; and (3) the overall stiffness matrix is assembled based on the deformation compatibility equations. The strain energy factor index (SEFI) is adopted to describe the influence of the elastic components on the stiffness performance of the mechanism. Matrix structural analysis (MSA) using Timoshenko beam elements is applied to obtain analytical expressions for the compliance matrices of different joints through a three-step process: (1) formulate the element stiffness equation for each element; (2) extend the element stiffness equation to obtain the element contribution matrix, allowing the extended overall stiffness matrix to be obtained by summing the element contribution matrices; and (3) determine the stiffness matrices of joints by extracting the node stiffness matrix from the extended overall stiffness matrix and then releasing the degrees of freedom of twist. A comparison with MSA using Euler–Bernoulli beam elements demonstrates the superiority of using Timoshenko beam elements. The 2PRU-UPR PM is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Finally, the global SEFI and scatter matrix are used to identify the elastic component with the weakest stiffness performance, providing a new approach for effectively improving the stiffness performance of the mechanism.     

A smart displacement based (SDB) beam element with distributed plasticity

The standard displacement based inelastic beam element suffers of approximations related to the inability of the cubic polynomial interpolation functions to properly describe the displacement response of the beam when exhibiting inelastic behaviour. The increase of the number of finite elements, or the use of higher order functions with additional internal degrees of freedom, are common remedies suggested to improve the approximation leading to an unavoidable reduction of the computational efficiency. Alternatively, it has been shown that the development of force based finite elements, based on the adoption of exact force shape functions, lead to more accurate results, although requiring different and more complicated iterative solution strategies. Within this scenario, this paper proposes a new inelastic beam element, within the context of the displacement based approach, based on variable displacement shape functions, whose analytic expressions are related to the plastic deformation evolution in the beam element. The adaptive generalised displacement shape are obtained by identifying, at each step, an equivalent tangent beam, characterised by abrupt variations of flexural stiffness, as a suitable representation of the current inelastic state of the beam. The presented approach leads to the formulation of a Smart Displacement Based (SDB) beam element whose accuracy appears to be comparable to those obtained through a force based approach but requiring a reduced implementation effort and a more straightforward approach. The term ‘smart’ aims at emphasizing the ability of the element to upgrade the displacement field according to the current inelastic state.     

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.     

Vibrations of Timoshenko beams with isogeometric approach

A study on the free vibration analysis of Timoshenko beams is presented here. In order to determine natural frequencies of beams, a thick beam element is developed by using isogeometric approach based on Timoshenko beam theory which allows the transverse shear deformation and rotatory inertia effect. Three refinement schemes such as h-, p- and k-refinement are used in the analysis and the identification of shear locking is also conducted by using numerical examples. From numerical results, the present element can produce very accurate values of natural frequencies and the mode shapes due to exact definition of the geometry. With higher order basis functions, there is no shear locking phenomenon in very thin beam situations. Finally, the benchmark tests described in this study are provided as future reference solutions for Timoshenko beam vibration problem.     

Exact solutions for coupled analysis of thin-walled functionally graded beams with non-symmetric single- and double-cells

In the present work, the exact solutions for coupled analysis for bending and torsional case thin-walled functionally graded (FG) beams with non-symmetric single- and double-cells are presented for the first time. For this purpose, an accurate and efficient method is proposed to obtain the FG member stiffness matrix based on the series expansions of displacement components. Three types of material distributions are considered and the beam mechanical properties are graded along the wall thickness according to a power law of the volume fraction. The present beam model is on the basis of the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and the Vlasov one for bending and torsional problems, respectively. The explicit expressions for displacement parameters are derived using the power series approach from the four coupled equilibrium equations. Finally, the FG member stiffness matrix is determined from the seven force-displacement relations. In order to show the accuracy and super convergence of the thin-walled FG beam element developed by this study, the numerical solutions are presented and compared with results obtained from the finite beam element based on the approximate interpolation polynomials and other available results. Especially, the effects of various structural parameters such as material distribution type, volume fraction index, boundary condition, and material ratio on the spatially coupled responses of FG box beams with non-symmetric single- and double-cells are parametrically investigated.     

Beam element modelling of vehicle body-in-white applying artificial neural network

In this study a large knowledge base is first established through numerous designs of experiments on beam elements, based on a validated finite element model of a reference vehicle body-in-white. Then a recurrent artificial neural network is applied to extract the input/output relationship between the crash dynamic characteristics and beam element features. With such established relationship, beam element features are predicted according to expected crash dynamic characteristics. Our analyses show that the predicted beam element model enables generating essential crash dynamic characteristics for concept BIW design evaluation at a reasonable level of accuracy. Last, a data assurance criterion is developed to quantitatively validate the beam element modelling.     

Vibrations of spatially suspended flexible pipe-beam with moving fluid

The nonlinear dynamic model of flexible pipe–beam suspended by spatial system of cables is proposed for vibration analysis of pipeline suspension bridges. The model, based on substructure technique, is considered as an assemblage of the following substructures: cables, hangers and pipe–beam. Equation of motion of pipe–beam is derived by Galerkin's FEM with the original finite element formulated in order to include moving mass of transported fluid. To describe cable vibrations, general continuum approach proposed in Ref.[1] is adopted with application into 3D model. Cable model takes into account initial sag, pre–tension force, large displacements and hangers' point reactions. Equation governing the motion of pipe–beam with cables and hangers is obtained regarding equilibrium conditions of interaction forces and compatibility of displacements at connection points between substructures. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Nonlinear dynamic analysis of a complex dual rotor-bearing system based on a novel model reduction method

In this paper, a dynamic model of a complex dual rotor-bearing system of an aero-engine is established based on the finite element method with three types of beam elements (rigid disc, cylindrical beam element and conical beam element), as well as taking into account the nonlinearities of all of the supporting rolling element bearings. To rapidly and accurately analyze dynamic behaviors of the complex dual rotor-bearing system, a two-level model order reduction (MOR) method is proposed by combining component mode synthesis (CMS) method and proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) technique. The first-level reduced-order model (ROM) of the dual rotors is obtained by CMS method with a high precision for the original system. Then, the POD method is applied to second-level model order reduction to further decrease the degrees of freedom (DOFs) of first-level ROM. Second-level ROM with mode expansion and direct second-level ROM are obtained, and the nonlinear displacement responses of the two ROMs are compared with the first-level ROM. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method has a higher computational efficiency and accuracy in terms of mode expansion than the direct model reduction by using POD method. In addition, the nonlinear vibration responses of the dual rotor-bearing system are studied by this second-level ROM in the case of different clearances of the inter-shaft bearing. The results indicate that the dynamic characteristics of the dual rotor-bearing system are very complicated for a large clearance.     

Multiscale damage analyis for steel structures

An approach to model the deterioration of steel structures is presented by transferring the results of a continuum damage mechanics analysis to an extended beam model which can account for the loss of structural integrity. Damage starts at the microscopic level by the initiation, growth and coalescence of voids with decreasing material resistance followed by the formation of microcracks at the mesoscale. Nevertheless, the material behavior can be sufficiently modelled on a phenomenological basis taking into account viscoplasticity, hardening effects and damage evolution. The associated model parameters are identified with the help of an evolutionary algorithm adapting numerical to experimental results. Using the finite element method a nonlocal formulation of the damage variable is required to obtain mesh-independent results by structural analysis. The maximum element size is limited by the small magnitude of the internal length. Therefore, numerical analyses of large scale 3D steel structures are computationally expensive. To reduce the effort a beam element is proposed to account for the plastic hinges and the loss of resistance in the course of damage evolution. The corresponding relationship of bending moment and curvature bases on the continuum damage mechanics model. (© 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

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...     

轴向拉伸细长杆的非线性力学模型

聚酯系泊缆是深海工程中具备一定抗弯刚度、易拉伸变形的细长杆件结构.聚酯缆的轴向变形属大拉伸范畴,分析中应当区分变形前后状态,特别是缆索长度的改变使得基于小拉伸假设的细长杆模型需要予以改进.因此,基于Garrett细长杆模型,应用总体坐标和斜率取代Euler-Bernoulli(欧拉 伯努利)梁元的转角,解决缆索在空间中大转动变形的几何非线性问题;使用轴向拉伸变形前后物质点对应的方法,借助单元两个节点和一个中点,以及3个二次多项式形函数描述轴向拉伸变形下细长杆元的运动微分方程.通过与轴向拉伸悬臂梁的对比分析,验证了该拉伸杆元的收敛性和准确性.     

Modelling the bending behaviour of a new hybrid glulam beam reinforced with FRP and ultra-high-performance concrete

The main objective of this research project to develop a new type of hybrid glulam beam that will increase the performance of a timber structural element by combining it with ultra-high-performance concrete with short fibre reinforcement (UHPC-SFR). The hybrid beam is obtained is a layered structures obtained by combining a glued-laminated (glulam) wood beam with UHPC-SFR lamellae that is bonded to its top and bottom faces. The obtained hybrid beam possesses a lower bending stiffness than a glulam beam of similar overall dimensions but has a higher ultimate load capacity. Two models that were developed to validate this concept are presented in this paper. The first is an analytical model based on hypotheses related to the usual strength of materials, and the second is a finite element model. The load–displacement and moment–curvature relationships from both models are compared to the experimental results obtained from the large-scale specimens. The results show good correlation between the analytical modelling and experimental results and illustrate the potential applications of such composite beam configurations for civil engineering structures.