Analysis of mechanical response of random skeletal structure

Abstract

In order to discuss the transmission of forces and moments in cellular materials, a computational scheme by use of rod-beam element is adopted to represent open-celled skeletal materials with random configuration. The target domain is obtained by so-called the Voronoi tessellation technique, in which we consider the line segments of the polyhedra as the substantial beam-like members, and these members are interconnected with each other at the corners. Finite element analyses by rod-beam elements are then carried out to examine the characteristics of the complex structures. We discuss the transition from microscopic deformation in member beams to macroscopic response of such structures.