On the semi-analytical framework for Cosserat continuum

Abstract

In this paper, a semi-analytical method is employed to model a Cosserat continuum. The spatial discretization is based on quadtree decomposition, a hierarchical structure. The hanging nodes as a result of quadtree decomposition are naturally handled by the scaled boundary finite element framework without requiring additional constraints/shape functions. The accuracy and convergence properties of the proposed framework is demonstrated with four numerical examples of varying complexity. From the numerical study, it is opined the framework yields accurate results. The influence of characteristic length ℓ and the Cosserat constant a on the stress distribution in a masonry structure and in the vicinity of the hole and crack tip is systematically studied.