novel finite element methods for buckling analysis
about the project
1. project background and relevance
embark on an exhilarating research voyage into the heart of engineering systems with our cutting-edge project on the buckling of slender rods. this fascinating study is not just academic—it’s a gateway to innovation in real-world applications. imagine the thrill of exploring the depths of the ocean with underwater cables [1], the architectural marvel of cable truss structures [2], or the energy industry’s lifeline, coil tubing [3]. your research could redefine these essential systems.
despite decades of exploration, the enigma of buckling—be it axial, lateral, or themesmerizing helical—remains a formidable challenge. it’s a puzzle that demands a keen understanding of geometric nonlinearities across all degrees of freedom (dof), and their intricate interplay. the quest for knowledge takes us beyond the realm of commercial finite element (fe) software, which, while powerful, often obscures the mathematical beauty behind a graphical façade and demands considerable computational resources.
here’s where you come in. we’re crafting a custom-made fe tool, streamlined to capture the essence of these phenomena with lower dof elements [1]. this bespoke approach promises a leap in accuracy and computational efficiency, outpacing conventional software [4-6]. it’s a chance to be at the forefront of post-buckling behaviour analysis, especially the elusive helical buckling, and to leave your mark on the field.
2. aims and objectives
the proposed fundamental research aims to develop novel, fit-for-purpose finite elements that unveil complexities behind strongly nonlinear phenomena, such as helical buckling, while significantly improving accuracy and computational time. the key objectives of the proposed project are:
· development of a full nonlinear dynamical model of a beam element combining nonlinear geometric stiffness [4] with the appropriate inertia, damping and contact properties. this model will allow detailed post-buckling analysis for case studies, e.g. slender rod inside a cylinder, slender rod of nonuniform cross-sections, slender rod inside noncylindrical, not straight boundary.
· numerical implementation of the developed model and its validation and benchmarking against commercial fe software for selected case studies. design of the small-scale experimental rig used for calibration and verification of predictive capabilities of the developed model for the selected case studies.
· detailed numerical and experimental studies aimed at detecting onset to helical buckling, transitions between various possible helical shapes of the rod and experimental identification of co-existing helical configurations.
· identification of key internal mechanisms determining transitions between post-buckling helical configurations with view of controlling/mitigating them.
references
[1] s. goyal, n. perkins, c. lee, nonlinear dynamics and loop formation in kirchhoff rods with implications to the mechanics of dna and cables, journal of computational physics, vol. 209 (1), 2005, p. 371-389.
[2] j. zhang, b. he, l. zhang, r. nie, x. ma, high surface accuracy and pretension design for mesh antennas based on dynamic relaxation method, international journal of mechanical sciences, vol. 209, 2021, p. 106687.
[3] z. liang, z. l. zhu, critical helical buckling load assessment of coiled tubing under axial force by use of the explicit finite-element method, journal of petroleum science and engineering, vol.169, 2018, p. 51-57.
[4] m. kapitaniak, v. vaziri, m. wiercigroch, bifurcation scenarios in helical buckling of slender rods using new fe, international journal of engineering science, vol. 147, 2020, p. 103197.
[5] m. kapitaniak, v. vaziri, m. wiercigroch, helical buckling of thin rods: fe modelling, matec web conference, vol. 211, 2018, p. 2010.
[6] s. stoykov, p. ribeiro, nonlinear forced vibrations and static deformations of 3d beams with rectangular cross section: the influence of warping, shear deformation and longitudinal displacements, international journal of mechanical sciences, vol. 52 (11), 2010, p. 1505-1521.