Improved displacement based alternative to force based finite element for nonlinear analysis of framed structures. (15th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferreira, Miguel; Providência, Paulo; Gala, Pedro; Almeida, João
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 135(2017:Mar. 15)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2017-03-15
• Subjects: Finite element method (FEM) -- Nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) -- Displacement-based element (DBE) -- Force-based element (FBE) -- Fictitious Force Method (FFM); Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.12.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: The proposed 1D element, iDBE, performs nonlinear analyses with very coarse meshes. Alternative to force based finite element w/low order displacement shape functions. The paper presents the nonlinear elastic formulation of iDBE. Examples with elastic, elastic-plastic and tapered elements with a single FE. The bending-axial interaction along the element is correctly considered. Abstract: This paper presents an improved displacement based element (iDBE) for nonlinear finite element analysis of framed structures, which, like the force based elements (FBE), needs neither high order shape functions nor the refinement of the finite element mesh in straight members to attain an accurate solution. To achieve this objective, to the strain fields based on the displacements shape functions of the conventional displacement based element (cDBE) corrective fields are added, which are determined at the element level by the principle of virtual forces. Simple examples involving tapered elements, nonlinear axial-bending interaction and elasto-plastic behavior, are included to illustrate the application of iDBE and compare its performance to cDBE and FBE.