Frame-indifferent beam finite elements based upon the geometrically exact beam theory

Abstract

This paper describes a new beam finite element formulation based upon the geometrically exact beam theory. In contrast to many previously proposed beam finite element formulations the present discretization approach retains the frame-indifference (or objectivity) of the underlying beam theory. The space interpolation of rotational degrees-of-freedom is circumvented by the introduction of a reparameterization of the weak form corresponding to the equations of motion of the geometrically exact beam theory. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.