Clamped end conditions and cross-section deformation in the finite element absolute nodal coordinate formulation (Q1024026)

The authors present a fully parametrised finite element absolute nodal coordinate formulation and the results of calculation of two different sets of clamped end conditions that define two different joints. The partially clamped joint eliminates only the translations and rotations at a point on the cross-section, and therefore it allows for the deformation of the cross-section, measured by Nanson formula. The fully clamped joint, however, eliminates all the translations, rotations and deformation degrees of freedom at a point on the cross-section, and therefore it does not allow for a deformation of the cross-section at the joint node, and the gradient vectors remain orthogonal unit vectors. The authors present a numerical example of a flexible pendulum connected to the ground by a spherical joint and attached to a rigid body at its end by a (fully or partially) clamped joint.