A High-order Finite Element Formulation for Vibration Analysis of Beam-type Structures

A high-order finite element model is presented to perform the vibration analysis of beams. The equations of motion are formulated by applying the principle of total potential energy in elastic dynamic system and the "set-in-right-position" rule for the construction of system matrices first proposed by the author. The primary advantage of the principle and rule lies in its simplicity and efficiency in solving the modeling problem of complex dynamic system. The requirement of strain continuity has certainly not being met at element interfaces with the use of conventional cubic Hermitian formulation. Hence, it is difficult to predict the dynamic responses of beams accurately. In order to overcome this problem, a beam element with simple higher-order interpolation function is chosen as the analysis model. Although the number of nodal degrees of freedom is increased herein, usually a coarse mesh will suffice. The present formulation is able to provide results of high accuracy with low computational effort. For the purpose of illustration, the dynamic characteristics analysis and dynamic response analysis are carried out on beam models. The solutions obtained for all the examples are in good agreement with the exact solutions found by fundamental theory of vibration.