Large deflection of composite beams by finite elements with node-dependent kinematics

Abstract

In this paper, the use of the node-dependent kinematics concept for the geometrical nonlinear analysis of composite one-dimensional structures is proposed With the present approach, the kinematics can be independent in each element node. Therefore the theory of structures changes continuously over the structural domain, describing remarkable cross-section deformation with higher-order kinematics and giving a lower-order kinematic to those portion of the structure which does not require a refinement. In this way, the reliability of the simulation is ensured, keeping a reasonable computational cost. This is possible by Carrera unified formulation, which allows writing finite element nonlinear equilibrium and incremental equations in compact and recursive form. Compact and thin-walled composite structures are analyzed, with symmetric and unsymmetric loading conditions, to test the present approach when dealing with warping and torsion phenomena. Results show how finite element models with node-dependent behave as well as ones with uniform highly refined kinematic. In particular, zones which undergo remarkable deformations demand high-order theories of structures, whereas a lower-order theory can be employed if no local phenomena occur: this is easily accomplished by node-dependent kinematics analysis.