A Continuum Mechanics based Beam Finite Element for Elastoplastic Large Displacement Analysis.

Abstract

"In this paper, a total Lagrangian formulation of three-dimensional continuum mechanics based beam finite elements is presented for general nonlinear analysis. Warping displacements are continuously interpolated with a corresponding warping director vector and a warping degree of freedom. The beam element has seven degrees of freedom at each beam node. The beam element provides excellent nonlinear performance to predict the large twisting behaviour of beams with complicated three-dimensional geometry. The Green-Lagrange strain obtained implicitly includes the Wagner strain coupled with other strain components. Thus, the present element can successfully simulate complex nonlinear phenomena. The performance of the continuum mechanics based beam finite element in general nonlinear analysis is demonstrated using two post-buckling problems with elastic and elasto-plastic materials."