Finite Element Analysis of the Geometric Stiffening Effect Using the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation

Abstract

In this paper, the limitations of the linear elasticity finite element solutions in describing the coupling between the extensional and bending displacements are discussed. The fact that incorrect unstable solutions are obtained for models with more than one finite element using the linear elasticity theory motivates the analytical study of the rotating beam presented in this paper. It is shown, as documented in the literature, that the instability of the incorrect solution is directly related to the singularity of the stiffness matrix, and such an instability occurs when the angular velocity reaches the first bending fundamental frequency of the beam. The increase in the number of finite elements only leads to an increase of the critical speed. Crucial in the analysis presented in this paper is the fact that the mass matrix and the form of the elastic forces obtained using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation remain the same under orthogonal coordinate transformation. The absolute nodal coordinate formulation, in contrast to conventional finite element formulations, does account for the effect of the coupling between bending and extension. A similar concept can be incorporated into the finite element floating frame of reference formulation in order to introduce coupling between the axial and bending displacements. Nonetheless, when the linear theory of elasticity is used and no special measures are taken to account for the coupling effect as proposed in the literature, there always exists a critical velocity regardless of the number of finite elements used.