A Simple Co-Rotational Finite Planar Beam Element of Geometrical and Material Nonlinearity

Abstract

A simple geometrical and material nonlinear co-rotational planar beam element of field consistency is proposed. Herein the element which produces a local stiffness matrix of 3 by 3 other than 6 by 6 is developed. Material nonlinearity is taken into account on the base of yield function of element internal forces. By applying static equilibrium relationship of classic beam theory for the transferring of local element nodal force to global element nodal force, a new transformation matrix different from the nodal displacement transformation matrix is established. Although this results in an asymmetric global tangential stiffness matrix, the new transformation is simpler, and gives rise to field consistency and makes it possible to compute very large beam deflection without remeshing of the deformed structure. Computations of numerical example indicates that formulations for the nonlinear beam element are of validation and high efficiency