Best-fit constraint equations for coupling mixed-dimension simulation models with wide flange cross sections

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.finel.2022.103782Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • A method to couple beam and continuum elements was developed using minimization.

  • The minimization implies a linear eigenproblem for bi-symmetric sections.

  • The method was implemented, then verified with numerical and experimental data.

  • The method results in minimal constraints to couple the beam and continuum domains.

  • Torsion-warping deformations are coupled, and shear stress transfer is improved.

Abstract

A new mixed-dimension coupling method is formulated for members with (bi-symmetric) wide flange cross sections based on the idea of least squares transformations between two sets of point clouds. This coupling method imposes the minimum number of constraint equations required to link the displacement, rotation, and torsion-warping degrees-of-freedom of the dependent node. At the heart of the formulation is the solution of a 4 × 4 eigenvalue problem and the deduction of torsion-warping deformations. The proposed method is implemented and validated for nonlinear finite element analysis and the source code is made publicly available. Examples demonstrate that the proposed coupling method can improve interface stress distributions over alternative methods and is suitable for the coupling of elastic continuum finite elements.

Keywords

Reduced-order model
Multipoint constraint equations
Warping
Quaternions
Steel structures
Finite element analysis

Data availability

Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available in a repository or online in accordance with funder data retention policies. This includes the code for the proposed coupling method [34]. Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. This includes the finite element models used in the case studies.

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