The Finite Element Method for Sheet Metal Structures - Development of a Computer Program

摘要

Reference is made to two problems encountered in sheet metal research where the traditional methods of analysis are inadequate. One method which appears to be capable of analyzing this type of structure is the Finite Element Method. This method which has broadly the same basis as the methods of Ritz and Galerkin for the approximate solution of differential equations may be regarded as a general method for the solution of differential equations in which some functional associated with the equation concerned is minimized. Right from the beginning, however, this method has been developed within structural mechanics. It is usually derived through the formulation of the internal work of a structure on the basis of certain propositions concerning the deformations. Right from the beginning, common applications have been analyses of frame systems and wall panels. In recent years, however, the method has also been applied to oscillation problems, flow problems and heat transport, etc. Many non-linear cases have also been treated in recent years. The object of the work described in this report has been to develop a finite element model for the analysis of structures made up thin plate elements. The aim has been to ascertain whether the finite element method yields a usable model for the analysis of this type of structure, i.e., to find how the different possible instability phenomena are reproduced and what accuracy is attainable in the results. Another point of interest in connection with FE analysis is the demand on computer resources - execution time and storage capacity - which the analysis imposes.