Large Deformation Geometric Nonlinear Beam Element Based on U.L. Format

Abstract

Based on the geometric deformation of the Euler-Bernoulli beam element, the geometric nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli beam element based on U.L. formulation is derived. The element’s transverse first-order displacement field is constructed using the cubic Hermite interpolation polynomial, and the first-order Lagrange interpolation polynomial is used for the axial displacement field. Then the additional displacements induced from the rotation of the elemental are included into the transverse and longitudinal displacement fields, so those displacement fields are expressed as the quadratic function of nodal displacement. Afterwards the nonlinear finite element formulas of Euler-Bernoulli beam element under the form of U.L. formulation are derived using Cauchy strain tensor and the principle of virtual displacements. The total equilibrium equation and tangent stiffness for large displacement geometric nonlinear analysis of frame are obtained in the total coordinate system. The correctness of this element is proved by typical example.