Numerical Simulation on Combined Deformation of Tip-Loaded Cantilever Beam with Particle Flow Code

Abstract

In order to calculate the combined deformations of an Euler-Bernoulli cantilever beam subjected to bending moment, twisting moment, transverse load and axial load, particle flow code in 3 dimensions (PFC3D) is used with parallel bonds model. The computed deformations, including transverse deflections, rotations about axis, maximum normal and shear stresses, were compared with the analytical beam-theory solution in terms of axial tension, axial compression and none axial load, respectively. Between computed results and analytical beam-theory solution, the error bands are greater than 99.7% at the beam tip, while the error of the transverse deflection of the whole beam is less than 0.6%. So, the PFC3D is able to precisely simulate the combined deformation of cantilever beam, and this work has special reference to engineering calculations and designs when PFC is applied to model the mechanical behaviors of continuum materials.