Integration of non-uniform Rational B-splines geometry and rational absolute nodal coordinates formulation finite element analysis

This investigation is intended to develop a computer procedure for the integration of NURBS geometry and the rational absolute nodal coordinate formulation (RANCF) finite element analysis. A linear transformation is given that can be used to convert the NURBS curve to RANCF cable element mesh retaining the same geometry and the same degree of continuity, including the discussion of continuity control and mesh refinement. The green strain tensor is used to establish the nonlinear dynamic equations with numerical examples to demonstrate the use of the procedure in the dynamic analysis of flexible bodies.