Higher order representation of the beam cross section deformation in large displacement finite element analysis

Most existing beam formulations assume that the cross section of the beam remains rigid regardless of the amplitude of the displacement. The absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF); however, allows for the deformation of the cross section and leads to a more general beam models that capture the coupling between different modes of displacement. This paper examines the effect of the order of interpolation on the modes of deformation of the beam cross section using ANCF finite elements. To this end, a new two-dimensional shear deformable ANCF beam element is developed. The new finite element employs a higher order of interpolation, and allows for new cross section deformation modes that cannot be captured using previously developed shear deformable ANCF beam elements. The element developed in this study relaxes the assumption of planar cross section; thereby allowing for including the effect of warping as well as for different stretch values at different points on the element cross section. The displacement field of the new element is assumed to be cubic in the axial direction and quadratic in the transverse direction. Using this displacement field, more expressions for the element extension, shear and the cross section stretch can be systematically defined. The change in the cross section area is measured using Nanson’s formula. Measures of the shear angle, extension, and cross section stretch can also be systematically defined using coordinate systems defined at the element material points. Using these local coordinate systems, expressions for a nominal shear angle are obtained. The differences between the cross section deformation modes obtained using the new higher order element and those obtained using the previously developed lower order elements are highlighted. Numerical examples are presented in order to compare the results obtained using the new finite element and the results obtained using previously developed ANCF finite elements.