Finite elements apparatus in thin-walled rods dynamics problems

Abstract

The calculation of thin-walled rods is extremely relevant problem of structural mechanics and not only from the scientific standpoint, but also due to the widespread use of so-called lightweight thin-walled steel structures for construction engineering sector. Regardless of a sufficiently large number of studies connected with the statics of thin-walled rods, the dynamics of such systems have not been thoroughly studied yet. Based on one of the forward-looking theories of calculation i.e. the semi-shear theory by Slicker, the paper provides a technique for solving the dynamics problems of thin-walled rods. The stiffness and mass matrices of the finite element system are obtained for linear approximation of the form functions, and the natural vibration frequencies of the rods are calculated. The obtained solution is accomplished by the extrapolation method of estimating the accuracy of numerical methods for solving mathematical problems.