Geometric and Material Nonlinear Static and Dynamic Analysis of Space Truss Structures

Abstract

A formulation of the nonlinear FEM truss element that takes into account both the geometric nonlinearity and material nonlinearity of the structure is derived. The associated iterative algorithm for the application is described. Based on two inelastic material models (isotropic hardening and dynamic hardening), three space truss structures are subjected to static and to dynamic loads in order to illustrate the application of nonlinear FEM. The nonlinear FEM described can accurately trace the complex structural behavior of space truss structures, including snap-through, and buckling. The FEM results match well with the theoretical results.

Keywords:

• Geometric nonlinearity
• Material nonlinearity
• Time history analysis
• Truss

Notes

Communicated by Kuang-Hua Chang.

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