Nonlinear analysis of thin-walled beams with highly deformable sections

• Published in: International journal of non-linear mechanics Vol. 128; p. 103613
• Main Authors: Carrera, E., Pagani, A., Giusa, D., Augello, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Finite element method; Formability; Geometric nonlinearities; Large displacements; Lattice structure; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Model accuracy; Nonlinear analysis; Refined 1D theories; Sensitivity analysis; Structural models; Two dimensional analysis; Finite element method; Large displacements; Geometric nonlinearities; Lattice structure; Refined 1D theories
• ISSN: 0020-7462; 1878-5638
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnonlinmec.2020.103613

This work proposes an alternative approach for the nonlinear analysis of 2D, thin-walled lattice structures. The method makes use of the well-established Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) for the implementation of high order 1D finite elements, which lay along the thickness direction. In this manner, the accuracy of the mathematical model does not depend on the finite element discretization and can be tuned by increasing the theory approximation order. In fact, the governing equations are invariant of the order of the structural model in CUF. Another advantage is that complex curved geometries can be considered with ease and without altering the nonlinear strain–displacement relations. After a preliminary assessment, attention is focussed on the nonlinear equilibrium analyses of U-shaped 2D lattice structures both in traction and compression. Also, a sensitivity analysis against the effect of various geometrical nonlinear terms is conducted. The results demonstrate the accuracy of the present method, as well as its computationally efficiency, giving confidence for future research in this direction. •The paper discusses innovative thin-walled lattice structures.•CUF is employed to formulate refined-kinematics theories.•The investigation considers different modeling approaches and various nonlinear formulations.•U-shaped 2D lattice structures both in traction and compression are analyzed.•The results demonstrate the accuracy of the present method, as well as its computationally efficiency.