An integrated CAD strategy for nonlinear dynamics of 3D suspended bridges

Abstract

We propose a numerical strategy for predicting the nonlinear response of suspended bridges subject to aerodynamical loading conditions, directly implemented in the common CAD scripting language Python, without interfacing with any external tools, and tested on Autodesk Maya. This work addresses the problem of the simultaneous design and simulation, and in case, health monitoring, of complex structures undergoing highly nonlinear behaviour within times that are comparable with the 3D solid generation and rendering. The implementation benefits from a theoretical framework which allows us to reduce the fully 3D mechanical problem of the suspended bridge to a beam-like problem accounting for the main nonlinear dynamical features. The same rules governing the theoretical reduction serve as instructions for rendering in 3D data structures the beam response under varying loads. This code is useful for researchers in the field of nonlinear dynamics of suspended bridges and for practicing engineers seeking automated conceptual design tools. With further extensions, the code could solve sophisticated 3D conceptual design problems in structural engineering, mechanical engineering and architecture practice.