Analytical p-version finite elements and application in analyses of structural collision protection

Abstract

Several new versatile two-dimensional p-version finite elements are developed. The element matrices are integrated analytically to guarantee the accuracy and monotonic convergence of the predicted solutions of the proposed p-version elements. The analysis results show that the convergence rate of the present elements is very fast with respect to the number of additional Fourier or polynomial terms in shape functions, and their solutions are much more accurate than those of the linear finite elements for the same number of degrees of freedom. Additionally, the new p-version plate elements without the reduced integration can overcome the shear locking problem over the conventional h-version elements. Using the proposed p-version elements with fast convergent characteristic, the elasto-plastic impact of the structure attached with the absorber is simulated. Good agreement between the simulated and experimental results verifies the present p-version finite elements for the analyses of structural dynamic responses and the structural elasto-plastic impact. Further, using the elasto-plastic impact model and the p-version finite element method, the absorber of the T structure on the Qiantang River is designed for its collision protection.