The solution of open and closed elasticas using intrinsic coordinate finite elements

✍ Scribed by B.W. Golley

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1997
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 627 KB
• Volume: 146
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0045-7825
• DOI: 10.1016/s0045-7825(96)01231-5

✦ Synopsis

The determination of the deflected shape of a bar bent through frictionless supports using finite elements is addressed. The finite element procedure uses intrinsic coordinates, which are computationally efficient and produce solutions in a convenient form. Variables include node rotations, Lagrange multipliers and bar lengths between supports, which are determined simultaneously using Newton-Raphson iteration. Linear, quadratic and cubic Lagrangian elements are considered.

The method may find use in a range of applications, from pipeline analysis, curve fitting, computer aided design and wave guide optimisation. Two examples are considered.