Dynamic Nonlinear Analysis of Semi-Rigid Steel Frames Based on the Finite Particle Method

Abstract

The Finite Particle Method (FPM), based on the Vector Mechanics, is a new structural analysis method. This paper explores the possibility of the proposed method being applied in the dynamic nonlinear analysis of semi-rigid steel frames. Taking the two dimensional beam element as an example, the formulations of the FPM to calculate the dynamic and geometric nonlinear problems are derived. Spring model with zero-length is adopted to simulate the relationship between internal forces and deformations of the semi-rigid steel connections. The nonlinear strengthen spring model is used to analyze the nonlinear behavior of the semi-rigid connection. Explicit time integrations are used to solve equilibrium equations. Comparing to traditional Finite Element Method, iterations and special modifications are not needed during the dynamic nonlinear analysis, which is more advantageous in structural complex behavior analysis. Two numerical examples are presented to analyze the behaviors of rigid and semi-rigid steel frames, and behaviors of linear and nonlinear semi-rigid connections, which demonstrate the accuracy and applicability of this method in dynamic nonlinear analysis.