New Analytical Model Used in Finite Element Analysis of Solids Mechanics

In classical mechanics, determining the governing equations of motion using finite element analysis (FEA) of an elastic multibody system (MBS) leads to a system of second order differential equations. To integrate this, it must be transformed into a system of first-order equations. However, this can also be achieved directly and naturally if Hamilton's equations are used. The paper presents this useful alternative formalism used in conjunction with the finite element method for MBSs. The motion equations in the very general case of a three-dimensional motion of an elastic solid are obtained. To illustrate the method, two examples are presented. A comparison between the integration times in the two cases presents another possible advantage of applying this method.