Special Finite Elements with Adaptive Strain Field on the Example of One-Dimensional Elements

Abstract

The conception of special finite elements called multi-area elements for the analysis of structures with different stiffness areas has been presented in the paper. A new type of finite element has been determined in order to perform analyses and calculations of heterogeneous, multi-coherent, and layered structures using fewer finite elements and it provides proper accuracy of the results. The main advantage of the presented special multi-area elements is the possibility that areas of the structure with different stiffness and geometrical parameters can be described by single element integrated in subdivisions (sub-areas). The formulation of such elements has been presented with the example of one-dimensional elements. The main idea of developed elements is the assumption that the deformation field inside the element is dependent on its geometry and stiffness distribution. The deformation field can be changed and adjusted during the calculation process that is why such elements can be treated as self-adaptive. The application of the self-adaptation method on strain field should simplify the analysis of complex non-linear problems and increase their accuracy. In order to confirm the correctness of the established assumptions, comparative analyses have been carried out and potential areas of application have been indicated.