Equivalent continuum modeling method for transient response analysis of large space truss structures with nonlinear elastic joints

• Published in: Acta mechanica 2023-08, Vol.234 (8), p.3499-3517
• Main Authors: Liu, Fushou, Jin, Dongping, Li, Xinyuan, Wei, Guo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Classical and Continuum Physics; Continuum modeling; Control; Dynamical Systems; Engineering; Engineering Fluid Dynamics; Engineering Thermodynamics; Equations of motion; Equilibrium conditions; Equivalence; Finite element method; Heat and Mass Transfer; Iterative methods; Mathematical models; Newton-Raphson method; Original Paper; Satellite communications; Solid Mechanics; Stiffness; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Transient response; Trussed structures; Vibration
• ISSN: 0001-5970; 1619-6937
• DOI: 10.1007/s00707-023-03565-8

This study presented an equivalent continuum modeling method for analysis of the transient response of the large space truss structures with nonlinear elastic joints. Firstly, a two-node hybrid joint-beam element model was established for a truss member with two nonlinear joints at its both ends based on the geometrical relationship and equilibrium condition between the truss member and the nonlinear joints. Subsequently, an equivalent 8-DOFs nonlinear beam element including the warping and distortional deformations was derived for approximating the repeating element of the beam-like truss structure with rectangular cross-sections based on the energy equivalence method, the external force vector and nonlinear restoring force vector of the truss structure were transferred to the external force vector and nonlinear restoring force vector of the equivalent beam element. The equation of motion of the equivalent nonlinear beam model was solved by the combination of the Newmark- β method and the Newton–Raphson iteration method. In the numerical studies, a cantilevered truss structure and a spacecraft with a truss support structure were simulated by considering the joint have piece-wise linear stiffness. The correctness and high efficiency of the presented modeling method was verified by comparison of the results of the equivalent models with the original nonlinear finite element models established by ANSYS.