Dynamic modeling and modal truncation approach for a high-speed rotating elastic beam

Abstract

In the classical finite element analysis of beams, the nonlinear terms of deformation are ignored due to the linearization of deformation based on the assumptions of structural dynamics. Since the number of generalized coordinates is large in flexible bodies when using the finite element method (FEM), the modal truncation approach (MTA) is usually used for improving computational efficiency, and only lower-order transverse modes are chosen. In this paper, dynamic modeling and application of the MTA to a high-speed rotating beam are studied. The foreshortening displacement is included in the longitudinal displacement, therefore the dynamic modeling takes account of the effect of geometric nonlinearity. Equations of a rotating beam are obtained and the FEM and MTA are used for discretization. The applicability of the MTA to a high-speed rotating elastic beam is verified. The comparison of the results obtained by the FEM and MTA shows that in the case of a high-speed rotation, the centrifugal force can excite high-order transverse modes. Since using lower-order transverse modes for modal truncation obviously can cause error, addition of more transverse modes may improve the result. Furthermore, a coupling effect between axial and transverse displacements is revealed. It is shown that in the case of a sudden change of the axial displacement, the inclusion of the axial modes can significantly improve the response.