Computational method for the deformation mechanism of non-prestressed cable net structures based on the vector form intrinsic finite element method. (15th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Yan; Chen, Deshen; Qian, Hongliang
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 231(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-15
• Subjects: Non-prestressed cable net -- Deformation mechanism -- Form and force analysis -- Vector form intrinsic finite element -- Computational method; 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.2020.111788
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: A computational method is proposed to solve the large mechanism deformation problem. This method can realize whole-process motion tracking until to equilibrium state. Strong adaptability and accuracy of this method are proved by numerical examples. A non-prestressed cable net model experiment is designed and performed in detail. Measured displacement and cable internal force agree well with numerical results. Abstract: An effective computational method for the non-prestressed cable net structure with large deformation problem is proposed in the present study. This computational method is based on the vector form intrinsic finite element (VFIFE) method, which is a novel method to analyze structural behavior. Firstly, we proposed the basic principle and calculation process for analyzing the deformation mechanism of various cable net structures and compiled a finite element analysis program. Then, the numerical examples such as the rod chain mechanism and the space hyperboloid cable net are analyzed in detail. In addition, the accurate tracking of the motion status at different times was realized and the experiment in previous study was also used to verify the calculation results. A space cable net model experiment was designed and performed. The feasibility and correctness of this method were verified by the comparison of the measured deformation and internal force to the numerical results. The computational method proposed in this paper can effectively calculate the whole process of large deformation and internal force distribution of the non-prestressed cable net structure or similar structures, which provides an important method reference for the numerical analysis of such large deformations and strongly nonlinear engineering problems.