Modelling an Axially Moving Beam using the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation

In the scope of this paper, a finite element formulation for an axially moving beam is presented. The beam element is based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation, where position and slope vectors are used as degrees of freedom instead of rotational parameters. The equations of motion for an axially moving beam are derived from generalized Lagrange equations in a Lagrange-Eulerian sense. This procedure yields equations which can be implemented as a straightforward augmentation to the standard equations of motion for a Bernoulli-Euler beam. Moreover, a contact model for frictional contact between an axially moving strip and rotating rolls is presented. To show the efficiency of the method, simulations of a belt drive are presented.