A nonlocal higher-order curved beam finite model including thickness stretching effect for bending analysis of curved nanobeams

In the present work, a finite element approach is developed for the static analysis of curved nanobeams using nonlocal elasticity beam theory based on Eringen formulation coupled with a higher-order shear deformation accounting for through-thickness stretching. The formulation is general in the sense that it can be used to compare the influence of different structural theories, through static and dynamic analyses of curved nanobeams. The governing equations derived here are solved introducing a 3-nodes beam element. The formulation is validated considering problems for which solutions are available. A comparative study is done here by different theories obtained through the formulation. The effects of various structural parameters such as thickness ratio, beam length, rise of the curved beam, loadings, boundary conditions, and nonlocal scale parameter are brought out on the static bending behaviors of curved nanobeams.     

Computational aspects of vector-like parametrization of three-dimensional finite rotations

Theoretical and computational aspects of vector-like parametrization of three-dimensional finite rotations, which uses only three rotation parameters, are examined in detail in this work. The relationship of the proposed parametrization with the intrinsic representation of finite rotations (via an orthogonal matrix) is clearly identified. Careful considerations of the consistent linearization procedure pertinent to the proposed parametrization of finite rotations are presented for the chosen model problem of Reissner's non-linear beam theory. Pertaining details of numerical implementation are discussed for the simplest choice of the finite element interpolations for a 2-node three-dimensional beam element. A number of numerical simulations in three-dimensional finite rotation analysis are presented in order to illustrate the proposed approach.     

On a geometrically exact curved/twisted beam theory under rigid cross-section assumption

 A geometrically exact curved/ twisted beam theory, that assumes that the beam cross-section remains rigid, is re-examined and extended using orthonormal frames of reference starting from a 3-D beam theory. The relevant engineering strain measures with an initial curvature correction term at any material point on the current beam cross-section, that are conjugate to the first Piola-Kirchhoff stresses, are obtained through the deformation gradient tensor of the current beam configuration relative to the initially curved beam configuration. The stress resultant and couple are defined in the classical sense and the reduced strains are obtained from the three-dimensional beam model, which are the same as obtained from the reduced differential equations of motion. The reduced differential equations of motion are also re-examined for the initially curved/twisted beams. The corresponding equations of motion include additional inertia terms as compared to previous studies. The linear and linearized nonlinear constitutive relations with couplings are considered for the engineering strain and stress conjugate pair at the three-dimensional beam level. The cross-section elasticity constants corresponding to the reduced constitutive relations are obtained with the initial curvature correction term. Along with the beam theory, some basic concepts associated with finite rotations are also summarized in a manner that is easy to understand. Received: 17 June 2002 / Accepted: 21 January 2003 The work was partly sponsored by a grant (CDAAH04-95-1-0175) from the Army Research Office with Dr. Gary Anderson as the grant monitor. We would also like to thank Prof. Raymond Plaut of Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for his technical help.     

A frame-invariant scheme for the geometrically exact beam using rotation vector parametrization

While frame-invariant solutions for arbitrarily large rotational deformations have been reported through the orthogonal matrix parametrization, derivation of such solutions purely through a rotation vector parametrization, which uses only three parameters and provides a parsimonious storage of rotations, is novel and constitutes the subject of this paper. In particular, we employ interpolations of relative rotations and a new rotation vector update for a strain-objective finite element formulation in the material framework. We show that the update provides either the desired rotation vector or its complement. This rules out an additive interpolation of total rotation vectors at the nodes. Hence, interpolations of relative rotation vectors are used. Through numerical examples, we show that combining the proposed update with interpolations of relative rotations yields frame-invariant and path-independent numerical solutions. Advantages of the present approach vis-a-vis the updated Lagrangian formulation are also analyzed.     

Genuinely resultant shell finite elements accounting for geometric and material non-linearity

A general theoretical framework is presented for the fully non-linear analysis of shells by the finite element method. The governing equations are derived exclusively in terms of resulting quantities through a logical and straightforward descent from three-dimensional continuum mechanics without appealing to simplifying assumptions (hence the name genuinely resultant). As a result, the underlying theory is statically and geometrically exact, and it naturally includes small strain and finite strain problems of thin as well as thick shells. The underlying mathematical structure and the variational formulation of the theory are examined. This appears to be crucial for the development of computational procedures employing the Newton-Kantorovich linearization process and the Galerkin type discretization method. The treatment of finite rotations through an arbitrary parametrization of the rotation group and the interpolation procedure of SO(3)-valued functions underlying the construction of finite element basis are other issues studied in this paper. A numerical analysis is presented in order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed formulation. Small strain problems as well as finite strain deformation of rubber-like shells undergoing finite rotations are considered. Special attention is devoted to the assessment of the relevance of the drilling degree-of-freedom and highly non-uniform through-the-thickness deformation in the case of shells made of incompressible material.     

REFINED CONSISTENT FORMULATION OF A CURVED TRIANGULAR FINITE ROTATION SHELL ELEMENT

The present paper considers a finite rotation formulation for curved shell elements with rotations about the element sides as nodal degrees of freedom. Attention is mainly on the derivation of a consistent finite rotation formulation. Significant simplifications of the governing equations are presented. These simplifications lead to more efficient finite element implementations. Numerical examples demonstrate the differences between the present consistent and previous approximate formulations.     

A spatially curved‐beam element with warping and Wagner effects

This paper presents a new spatially curved‐beam element with warping and Wagner effects that can be used for the non‐linear large displacement analysis of members that are curved in space. The non‐linear behaviour of members curved in space shows that the Wagner effects are substantial in the large twist rotation analysis. Most existing finite beam element models, such as ABAQUS and ANSYS cannot predict the non‐linear large displacement response of members curved in space correctly because the Wagner effects, viz. the Wagner moment and the corresponding finite strain terms, have not been considered in these finite beam elements. As a consequence, these finite beam elements do not provide correct predictions for the out‐of‐plane buckling and postbuckling behaviour of arches as well. In this paper, the symmetric tangent stiffness matrix has been derived based on the finite rotations parameterized by the conventional displacements. The warping and Wagner effects: both the Wagner moment and the corresponding finite strain terms and their constitutive relationship, are included in the spatially curved‐beam element. Two components of the initial curvature, the initial twist and their interactions with the displacements are also considered in the spatially curved‐beam element. This ensures that the large twist rotation analysis for the members curved in space is accurate. Comparisons with existing experimental, analytical and numerical results show that the spatially curved‐beam element is accurate and efficient for the non‐linear elastic analysis of curved members, buckling and postbuckling analysis of arches, and in its ability to predict large deflections and twist rotations in more arbitrarily curved members. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Kinematics and dynamics of rigid and flexible mechanisms using finite elements and quaternion algebra

A technique for representing large finite rotations in terms of only three independent parameters, the conformal rotation vector, is described and applied to the finite element formulation of 3-D mechanisms problems. A beam finite element that takes into account large finite rotations and various types of rigid joints have been developed. Some test examples which demonstrate the applicability of the proposed technique are presented.     

Coupled mechanics and finite element for non‐linear laminated piezoelectric shallow shells undergoing large displacements and rotations

A theoretical framework is presented for analysing the coupled non‐linear response of shallow doubly curved adaptive laminated piezoelectric shells undergoing large displacements and rotations. The formulated mechanics incorporate coupling between in‐plane and flexural stiffness terms due to geometric curvature, coupling between mechanical and electric fields, and encompass geometric non‐linearity effects due to large displacements and rotations. The governing equations are formulated explicitly in orthogonal curvilinear co‐ordinates and are combined with the kinematic assumptions of a mixed‐field shear‐layerwise shell laminate theory. Based on the above formulation, a finite element methodology together with an incremental‐iterative technique, based on Newton–Raphson method is formulated. An eight‐node coupled non‐linear shell element is also developed. Various evaluation cases on laminated curved beams and cylindrical panels illustrate the capability of the shell finite element to predict the complex non‐linear behaviour of active shell structures including buckling, which is not captured by linear shell models. The numerical results also show the inherent capability of piezoelectric shell structures to actively induce large displacements through piezoelectric actuators, by jumping between multiple equilibrium states. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Frame‐indifferent beam finite elements based upon the geometrically exact beam theory

This paper describes a new beam finite element formulation based upon the geometrically exact beam theory. In contrast to many previously proposed beam finite element formulations the present discretization approach retains the frame‐indifference (or objectivity) of the underlying beam theory. The space interpolation of rotational degrees‐of‐freedom is circumvented by the introduction of a reparameterization of the weak form corresponding to the equations of motion of the geometrically exact beam theory. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic response of intrinsic continua for use in biological and molecular modeling: Explicit finite element formulation

An intrinsic beam formulation has recently appeared (AIAA J. 2003; 41 (6):1131–1137), which presents the three‐dimensional equations of motion governing spatial and temporal changes in a one‐dimensional continua's curvature, strain, rectilinear velocity, and angular velocity. The formulation would suggest several computational advantages over more‐traditional displacement‐based continua approaches: low‐order interpolation functions can describe generally curved and twisted continua configurations; inter‐element displacements, slopes, strains, and curvatures can be matched; and finite rotational variables and their complexities are absent. Here, we present a completed intrinsic continua finite element development and critical analysis, which follows from an earlier preliminary treatment as applied to carbon nanotubes (Int. J. Solids Struct. 2007; 44 :874–894). Modeling of nodal displacements and rotations are included. Explicit time stepping, with desired high‐frequency damping, is accomplished using an implementation of the generalized‐α method. Zero‐energy modes inherent in the formulation are also identified and rectified. Finally, we document very good agreement between results predicted with the intrinsic continua finite element simulator and results generated using more‐traditional finite element simulations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On best‐fit corotated frames for 3D continuum finite elements

We discuss a strategy to construct corotated frames for three‐dimensional continuum finite elements by minimizing deformations within the frame. We find that irrespective of the type of element and the number of nodes, using a quaternion parametrization of rotations, this minimization is naturally stated as computing the smallest eigenvalue of a 4 × 4 matrix. The simplicity of this smallest eigenvalue plays a crucial role when linearizing the kinematics. Ensuant quaternion algebra, although lengthy, results in remarkably simple formulas for projections that arise in the linearized kinematics. The exact stiffness matrix does not require computation of the second derivative of the rotation function and is also given by a simple formula. As a result, the implementation of this corotational formulation becomes particularly straightforward. Furthermore, in contrast to other results in the literature, the stiffness matrix for elements with translational DOFs is symmetric. For illustration, this corotational formulation is applied to a solid‐shell finite element, and numerical results are presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A triangular finite shell element based on a fully nonlinear shell formulation

This work presents a fully nonlinear six-parameter (3 displacements and 3 rotations) shell model for finite deformations together with a triangular shell finite element for the solution of the resulting static boundary value problem. Our approach defines energetically conjugated generalized cross-sectional stresses and strains, incorporating first-order shear deformations for an inextensible shell director (no thickness change). Finite rotations are treated by the Euler–Rodrigues formula in a very convenient way, and alternative parameterizations are also discussed herein. Condensation of the three-dimensional finite strain constitutive equations is performed by applying a mathematically consistent plane stress condition, which does not destroy the symmetry of the linearized weak form. The results are general and can be easily extended to inelastic shells once a stress integration scheme within a time step is at hand. A special displacement-based triangular shell element with 6 nodes is furthermore introduced. The element has a nonconforming linear rotation field and a compatible quadratic interpolation scheme for the displacements. Locking is not observed as the performance of the element is assessed by several numerical examples, which also illustrate the robustness of our formulation. We believe that the combination of reliable triangular shell elements with powerful mesh generators is an excellent tool for nonlinear finite element analysis.Fellowship funding from FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo) and CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa), together with the material support and stimulating discussions in IBNM (Institut für Baumechanik und Numerische Mechanik), are gratefully acknowledged in this work.     

A consistent theory of finite stretches and finite rotations, in space-curved beams of arbitrary cross-section

 Attention is focused in this paper on the development of a consistent finite deformation beam theory, and its mixed variational formulation. The shearing deformation, as well as cross-sectional warping displacement, are taken into account in this formulation. Beginning with the equilibrium equations of 3-D continuum body, we obtain the linear momentum balance (LMB), angular momentum balance (AMB) and director momentum balance (DMB) conditions of the beam. The conjugate relationships between the strain and stress measures are obtained through the stress power, in which the AMB condition plays an important role. The use of the strain measures proposed herein, leads to the strain energy function which is invariant under a rigid-body motion. The present formulation is shown to be objective by using a numerical example. On the basis of Atluri's variational principle, we develop a mixed type variational functional for a space-curved beam, undergoing arbitrarily large rotations and arbitrarily large stretches. A choice of a proper finite rotation vector, and unsymmetric curvature strains, makes it possible for constructing a consistent variational principle. The use of the present functional always leads to a symmetric tangent stiffness. The mixed variational functional developed herein leads to a powerful tool for obtaining accurate numerical results of 3-D space-curved beams, undergoing arbitrarily large stretches and rotations. Received 22 November 2000     

Thin shells with finite rotations formulated in biot stresses: Theory and finite element formulation

A bending theory for thin shells undergoing finite rotations is presented, and its associated finite element model is described. The kinematic assumption is based on a shear elastic Reissner-Mindlin theory. The starting point for the derivation of the strain measures are the resultant equilibrium equations and the associated principle of virtual work. Within this formulation the polar decomposition of the shell material deformation gradient leads to symmetric strain measures. The associated work-conjugate stress resultants and stress couples are integrals of the Biot stress tensor. This tensor is invariant with respect to rigid body motions and, therefore, appropriate for the formulation of constitutive equations. Finite rotations are introduced via Eulerian angles. The finite element discretization of arbitrary shells is based on the isoparametric concept formulated with respect to a plane reference configuration. The numerical model is applied to different non-linear plate and shell problems and compared with existing formulations. Due to a consistent linearization, the step size of a load increment is only limited by the local convergence behaviour of Newton's method.     

Total Lagrangian Reissner's geometrically exact beam element without singularities

In this paper, we introduce a new Reissner's geometrically exact beam element, which is based on a total Lagrangian updating procedure. The element has the rotation vector as the dependent variable and the singularity problems at the rotation angle 2π and its multiples are passed by the change of parametrization on the rotation manifold. The beam formulation has several benefits such as all the unknown vectors belong to the same tangential vector space, no need for secondary storage variables, the path‐independence in the static case, any standard time‐integration algorithm may be used, and the symmetric stiffness. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.