Meshfree Method for Inelastic Frame Analysis
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 135, Issue 6
Abstract
The feasibility of using meshfree methods in nonlinear structural analysis is explored in an attempt to establish a new paradigm in structural engineering computation. A blended finite-element and meshfree Galerkin approximation scheme is adopted to solve the inelastic response of plane frames. In the proposed method, moving least-squares shape functions represent the displacement field, a plane stress approximation of the two-dimensional domain simulates beam bending, plasticity characterizes material behavior, and stabilized nodal integration yields the discrete equations. The particular case of steel frames composed of wide flange sections is investigated, though the concepts introduced can be extended to other structural materials and systems. Results of numerical simulations are compared with analytical solutions, finite-element simulations, and experimental data to validate the methodology. The findings indicate that meshfree methods offer an alternative approach with enhanced capabilities for nonlinear structural analysis. The proposed method can be integrated with finite elements so that a structural system is composed of meshfree regions and finite-element regions to facilitate simulations of large-scale systems.
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Acknowledgments
Helpful discussions with Dr. Michael Puso of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are gratefully acknowledged. Research support provided by the National Science Foundation, through Contract Grant Nos. NSFCMMI-0626481 and CMMI-0826513, is also acknowledged.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 135 • Issue 6 • June 2009
Pages: 676 - 684
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: May 21, 2007
Accepted: Dec 1, 2008
Published online: May 15, 2009
Published in print: Jun 2009
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Keith D. Hjelmstad
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