Automated Finite Element Analysis of Complex Dynamics of Primary System Traversed by Oscillatory Subsystem

Abstract

The extensive literature on a particular dynamics problem, the bridge-vehicle-interaction, has provided insights and understanding of the many complex issues involved, but the mathematical and numerical work reported remained too highly specialized for practicing engineers. In particular, the use of standard FEA packages is virtually nonexistent. To this end, we propose an alternative approach by considering the primary and secondary systems as deformable solids, undergoing large, overall relative sliding motion. This will directly account for important convective accelerations, and the possible contact/separation. The versatility of the proposed strategy has been demonstrated by the solution of an extensive number of benchmark problems.

Keywords:

• Bridge vehicle interaction
• Moving loads and masses
• Parametric resonance
• Contact interactions
• Finite element analysis
• Benchmark problems