Modeling and Analysis of Flexible Deployable Structure with Scissor-Like Elements Using a Novel Non-Locking Beam Element

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to develop a comprehensive dynamic modeling and analysis method based on the absolute node coordinate method to predict the impact of the member flexibility on the dynamic performance of scissor deployable structure under the framework of flexible multi-body dynamics. In the process, three locking problems in the classical plane shear beam element are reviewed and discussed. Then a novel non-locking planar beam element is proposed to solve the element locking problem, and the dynamic model of the scissor deployable structure is established. Next, the cantilever beam, simply supported beam and flexible simple pendulum are respectively used to verify the correctness of the proposed non-locking beam element from the static and dynamic perspectives. Finally, the simulation and experiment results show that the proposed new non-locking element and normal matrix modeling method can effectively evaluate the dynamic performance of deployable structure and improve the computational efficiency. This study not only provides theoretical guidance for the dynamic behavior analysis and prediction of scissor deployable structure, but also offers reference for the layout and design of same type mechanisms.