Finite element formulation of spatially curved and twisted rods

摘要: Abstract For spatially curved and twisted rods a set of governing equations consisting equilibrium strain displacement constitutive relations are derived in terms three translational rotational degrees freedom. By solving the for constant zero states rigid body modes rod obtained. These then used as basis functions development finite element model. To verify formulation elemental matrices, examples analyzed each case computed results compared with those obtained from discrete model representation, using prismatic Timoshenko elements. It is found that element, which geometrically exact, yields more accurate it eliminates jumps some force quantities, caused by indeterminacy normal (and or tangent, binormal), at nodes.