Finite element procedures for nonlinear structures in moving coordinates. Part 1: infinite bar under moving axial loads

Abstract : This paper deals with analyzing nonlinear structures under high-speed moving loads by use of the finite element method. The stationary response of an infinite bar posed on a Winkler foundation under constant moving loads is investigated. Instead of the transient analysis, the stationary solution of this problem is obtained by solving a static system in a reference frame which moves with the load for reducing the computation cost. To overcome the difficulty due to numerical instabilities when considering very fast loads (supersonic loads), a new procedure to govern the finite element formulation in moving coordinates is proposed. Comparing numerical solutions with analytical ones shows that the proposed method is valid for all values of load speed. Last, an example of nonlinear elastic foundation is considered to outline the nonlinear effects.