Analysis of a continuum-based beam element in the framework of explicit-FEM

In this paper, a continuum-based (CB) beam element based on the original work of Belytschko [Nonlinear Finite Elements for Continua and Structures, Wiley, New York, 2001] has been modified and analysed in the framework of explicit finite element methods. Two main differences are introduced with respect to the original finite element technology proposed in Belytschko [Nonlinear Finite Elements for Continua and Structures, Wiley, New York, 2001]. Firstly, the velocity gradient tensor is computed in the slave nodes of the finite element rather than in the master nodes, enabling a more effective computational performance in terms of CPU-time as well as convergence. Secondly, the thickness of the element is assumed to be variable, which allows dilation and/or contraction when large deformation processes are involved. A series of numerical examples are presented in order to verify the robustness and capabilities of the algorithm.