Desenvolvimento de um elemento finito para vigas com seção transversal variável

Abstract

The Finite Element Method (FEM) consists of a discretization of continuum structures through the use of elements and nodes. Such method is greatly used in the aeronautic industry with the goal of analyzing structural components, including tapered structures, that may be found in both aircraft and aerospace strutures. However, the models currently at use to analyze those components are not exact and can lead to errors in the problem’s solution. With that in mind, in this paper a tridimensional beam finite element is developed, aiming to simulate tapered beam structures. When compared to traditional elements, with constant cross sections, it is expected that finite element developed will reduce the mesh size, maintaining an adequate error. The reduction in mesh size, with a smaller number of elements and degrees of freedom, will result in a reduction in simulation time and computational weight. After the formulation and implementation of the finite element developed, comparisons are made with reference solutions, in order to verify the numerical results obtained. Then, the tool is used to simulate a real application involving aeronautical structures, the results are then compared with experimental data and simulations using a commercial software.