Pseudo Three-Dimensional Finite Element

Abstract

A pseudo three-dimensional finite element was developed to efficiently model a wood-strand composite. The element is similar to the three-dimensional brick element; however, it contains only two degrees of freedom (DOF) at each node. Both the stress-strain and strain-displacement relationships were modified from the traditional relationships in developing the new element. Specifically, the element uses approximate relationships for two of the three shear strains and eliminates the normal stress in one of the three principal directions. The element was tested against the three-dimensional brick element for a specific application and performed well. The suitability of the element for other applications would require a further comparative analysis, which is beyond the scope of the present note. Formulation details are given, thereby allowing further investigative studies to determine the feasibility of using the element to model interfaces and similar situations, where reduction in computational effort is warranted.