6. Discrete Elements - ConElas, ConMass, Bulk, Spring

Discrete elements are a general class of point or line elements which have applicability in both 2D and 3D space and are used in practice to idealize certain mass, stiffness or heat capacitance modelling situations. The ConElas and ConMass modules are useful for representing various types of concentrated or degree of freedom springs and masses. The Bulk module is used to represent a volumetric mass or heat capacitance. The Spring module is used to model various type of specialized elastic connections such as spot welds and flexible links.

6.1. Concentrated and Degree of Freedom Springs - ConElas

The ConElas module is used to simulate abstract ground and line elastic springs and damper. Spring and damper stiffness coefficients may be entered explicitly at specified degrees of freedom at each of two points. This feature is sometimes referred to as a degree of freedom or “scalar” spring/damper. Intrinsic extensional and/or torsional spring/damper stiffnesses may be specified and the ConElas module will generate either a rank-one or a rank-two matrix with an extensional and/or torsional component introduced in the direction defined by the end point coordinates.

The methods associated with a ConElas object are the following.

Instance a ConElas object using vfe_ConElasBegin(). Once a ConElas is instanced, define the spring/damper type and dimension using vfe_ConElasDef(). If the spring/damper is defined to exist in 3D space, then all 3 translations and 3 rotations may exist in the element degree of freedom map. If the spring/damper is defined to exist in 2D space, then only the x and y translations and z rotation may appear in the element degree of freedom map.

There are two basic types of spring/dampers available in the ConElas module. The first type are termed degree-of-freedom or “dof” spring/dampers. These may contain either one or two nodes in which each node is connected to a single degree of freedom. A dof spring/damper may be either a scalar or a vector spring/damper. The scalar spring is similar to NASTRAN-like CELASx elements, while the scalar damper is similar to NASTRAN-like CDAMPx elements. The directions of the scalar spring degree of freedoms are assumed to be predetermined. Use vfe_ConElasSetDofScalar() to define scalar springs A vector spring is similar to ABAQUS like SPRING1 and SPRING2 elements. The directions of the spring degrees of freedom are determined by the spring element local system which is evaluated at the spring nodes using the prescription specified by vfe_ConElasSetLocalSystem(). Use vfe_ConElasSetDofVector() to define vector spring/dampers.

ConElas supports damping properties. For reaction and damping matrix calculations the nodal velocities may be defined using vfe_ConElasSetPropPtr(). If left undefined they are assumed zero.

The second basic spring/damper type is the intrinsic stiffness spring/damper with two nodes. An extension and/or torsional component may be specified for the intrinsic spring. An extensional component activates all translational freedoms at the spring nodes and a torsional component activates all rotational freedoms. The extensional and torsional components act along the line between the element endpoints. Therefore the element endpoints must not be coincident. If spring stiffness must be modelled between two coincident nodes a combination of vector dof springs may be used. Use vfe_ConElasSetIntrinsic() to define the intrinsic extensional and/or torsional stiffness for an intrinsic spring. A purely extensional intrinsic spring is similar to ABAQUS SPRINGA elements.

The degree of freedom configuration for the element may be returned using vfe_ConElasNumDof() and vfe_ConElasDofMap().

Unlike other, more general, finite elements, these elements do not require a material function interface using the MatlFun object. Element reactions, stiffness, and damping matrices are computed using vfe_ConElasStiff(), vfe_ConElasReactStiff(), vfe_ConElasReact(), vfe_ConElasStiffDamp(), and vfe_ConElasReactStiffDamp().

6.2. Function Descriptions

The currently available ConElas functions are described in detail in this section.

vfe_ConElas *vfe_ConElasBegin(void)

create an instance of a ConElas object

Create an instance of a ConElas object. Memory is allocated for the object private data and the pointer to the object is returned.

Destroy an instance of a ConElas object using 

void vfe_ConElasEnd (vfe_ConElas *conelas)

Return the current value of a ConElas object error flag using 

Vint vfe_ConElasError (vfe_ConElas *conelas)

Returns:

The function returns a pointer to the newly created ConElas object. If the object creation fails, NULL is returned.

void vfe_ConElasEnd(vfe_ConElas *p)

destroy an instance of a ConElas object

See vfe_ConElasBegin()

Vint vfe_ConElasError(vfe_ConElas *p)

return the current value of a ConElas object error flag

See vfe_ConElasBegin()

void vfe_ConElasDef(vfe_ConElas *p, Vint type, Vint dimension)

define spring type and dimension

Define the type and dimension of the spring to be specified. The type CONELAS_DOFSCALAR requires a call to vfe_ConElasSetDofScalar(), CONELAS_DOFVECTOR requires a call to vfe_ConElasSetDofVector() and CONELAS_INTRINSIC requires a call to vfe_ConElasSetIntrinsic().

Inquire of a defined type and dimension as output arguments using 

void vfe_ConElasInq (vfe_ConElas *conelas,
                     Vint *type,
                     Vint *dime)

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type or dimension is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • type – Spring type 

    x=CONELAS_DOFSCALAR         Degree of freedom scalar spring
 =CONELAS_DOFVECTOR         Degree of freedom vector spring
 =CONELAS_INTRINSIC         Intrinsic spring stiffness

  • dimension – Spring dimension 

    =VFE_2D       2D analysis
=VFE_3D       3D analysis

void vfe_ConElasInq(vfe_ConElas *p, Vint *type, Vint *dim)

inquire of a defined type and dime as output arguments

See vfe_ConElasDef()

void vfe_ConElasSetDofScalar(vfe_ConElas *p, Vint tag1, Vint tag2, Vdouble kl[3], Vdouble dl[3])

set dof spring scalar properties

Define a scalar spring/damper symmetric matrix connecting a degree of freedom at each of two points. If the dimension of the element is 2D, then tag1 and tag2 must be one of SYS_DOF_TX, SYS_DOF_TY, or SYS_DOF_RZ, otherwise any translational or rotational degree of freedom type is allowed. The element stiffness and reaction calculation are independent of node coordinates.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper tag1 or tag2 is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • tag1 – First degree of freedom type

  • tag2 – Second degree of freedom type

  • kl – Lower triangle of symmetric stiffness matrix

  • dl – Lower triangle of damping matrix

void vfe_ConElasSetDofVector(vfe_ConElas *p, Vint tag1, Vint tag2, Vdouble kl[3], Vdouble dl[3])

set dof spring vector properties

Define a vector spring/damper symmetric matrix connecting a degree of freedom at each of two points in the element local system at each point. If the dimension of the element is 2D, then tag1 and tag2 must be one of SYS_DOF_TX, SYS_DOF_TY, or SYS_DOF_RZ, otherwise any translational or rotational degree of freedom type is allowed. The element local system at each point is specified by vfe_ConElasSetLocalSystem().

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper tag1 or tag2 is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • tag1 – First degree of freedom type

  • tag2 – Second degree of freedom type

  • kl – Lower triangle of element local symmetric stiffness matrix

  • dl – Lower triangle of element local damping matrix

void vfe_ConElasSetIntrinsic(vfe_ConElas *p, Vint type, Vdouble kext, Vdouble ktor, Vdouble dext, Vdouble dtor)

set intrinsic spring stiffnesses

Define the type and magnitude of intrinsic stiffness. The type CONELAS_EXT ignores ktor and dtor. The type CONELAS_TOR ignores kext and dext. If the dimension of the element is 2D, then only a type of CONELAS_EXT is allowed.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

  • SYS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if an unallowed type is specified for 2D analysis.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • type – Spring stiffness type 

    x=CONELAS_EXT               Extensional only
 =CONELAS_TOR               Torsional only
 =CONELAS_EXTTOR            Extensional and torsional

  • kext – Intrinsic extensional stiffness

  • ktor – Intrinsic torsional stiffness

  • dext – Intrinsic extensional damping coefficient

  • dtor – Intrinsic torsional damping coefficient

void vfe_ConElasNumDof(vfe_ConElas *p, Vint analysistype, Vint *nedofs)

query number of element degrees of freedom

Query for number of element degree of freedom nedofs. The number of degrees of freedom will generally be equal to the number of nodal degrees of freedom per node times the number of nodes. Use vfe_ConElasDofMap() to return the location and type of each degree of freedom.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper analysistype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • analysistype – The type of analysis 

    x=VFE_ANALYSIS_STRUCTURAL Structural analysis

  • nedofs – [out] Number of element degrees of freedom

void vfe_ConElasDofMap(vfe_ConElas *p, Vint analysistype, Vint loc[], Vint tag[])

query element degree of freedom map

Query for element degree of freedom map. The degree of freedom map consists of a location index, loc and type, tag for each degree of freedom used by the element.

The location index is a positive node index into the element connectivity indicating a nodal freedom. The tag indicates the type of the degree of freedom. Tag values are one of a set of enumerated types which indicate whether the degree of freedom is a translation or rotation. The length of the loc and tag vectors is equal to the number of element degrees of freedom. Use vfe_ConElasNumDof() to return the number of element degrees of freedom.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper analysistype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • analysistype – The type of analysis 

    x=VFE_ANALYSIS_STRUCTURAL Structural analysis

  • loc – [out] Vector of degree of freedom locations

  • tag – [out] Vector of degree of freedom types

void vfe_ConElasReact(vfe_ConElas *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble u[], Vdouble r[])

reaction vector

Compute the reaction vector, r, given the node coordinates, x, and the degree of freedom displacement vector, u. If damping is defined the nodal velocities are set with vfe_ConElasSetPropPtr().

Errors

SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if element geometry can not be defined.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • u – Degree of freedom vector of displacements

  • r – [out] Degree of freedom reaction vector

void vfe_ConElasStiff(vfe_ConElas *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble kl[])

linear stiffness matrix

Compute the linear stiffness matrix, kl, given the node coordinates, x. The lower triangle of the stiffness matrix is returned.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if element geometry can not be defined.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • kl – [out] Degree of freedom stiffness matrix

void vfe_ConElasReactStiff(vfe_ConElas *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble u[], Vint kflag, Vdouble r[], Vdouble k[])

reaction vector, stiffness matrix

Compute the reaction vector, r, and optionally the stiffness matrix, k, given the node coordinates, x, and the degree of freedom displacement vector, u. The lower triangle of the stiffness matrix is returned. If damping is defined the nodal velocities are set with vfe_ConElasSetPropPtr().

Errors

SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if element geometry can not be defined.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • u – Degree of freedom vector of displacements

  • kflag – Flag to compute stiffness matrix, k 

    =SYS_OFF      Do not compute stiffness matrix
=SYS_ON       Compute and return stiffness matrix

  • r – [out] Degree of freedom reaction vector

  • k – [out] Degree of freedom stiffness matrix

void vfe_ConElasStiffDamp(vfe_ConElas *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble kl[], Vdouble dl[])

linear stiffness and damping matrices

Compute the linear stiffness matrix, kl, given the node coordinates, x. The lower triangle of the stiffness matrix is returned.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if element geometry can not be defined.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • kl – [out] Degree of freedom stiffness matrix

  • dl – [out] Degree of freedom damping matrix

void vfe_ConElasReactStiffDamp(vfe_ConElas *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble u[], Vint kflag, Vint dflag, Vdouble r[], Vdouble k[], Vdouble d[])

reaction vector, stiffness and damping matrices

Compute the reaction vector, r, and optionally the stiffness matrix, k, and the damping matrix, d, given the node coordinates, x, and the degree of freedom displacement vector, u. If damping is defined the nodal velocities are set with vfe_ConElasSetPropPtr(). The lower triangle of the stiffness matrix is returned.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if element geometry can not be defined.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • u – Degree of freedom vector of displacements

  • kflag – Flag to compute stiffness matrix, k 

    =SYS_OFF      Do not compute stiffness matrix
=SYS_ON       Compute and return stiffness matrix

  • dflag – Flag to compute damping matrix, d 

    =SYS_OFF      Do not compute damping matrix
=SYS_ON       Compute and return damping matrix

  • r – [out] Degree of freedom reaction vector

  • k – [out] Degree of freedom stiffness matrix

  • d – [out] Degree of freedom damping matrix

void vfe_ConElasSetLocalSystem(vfe_ConElas *p, Vint type, Vdouble vec[], Vdouble angle)

set element local system direction

Specify the convention to be used to construct the orientation of the element local x’,y’,z’ coordinate system. This local system is computed for vector spring elements only at each node location to determine the local directions of the node degree of freedom.

For a description of element coordinate systems, type, and associated orientation vector data, please see Element Coordinate Systems

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is input.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • type – Local system convention

  • vec – Orientation vector data

  • angle – Angle to rotate y’,z’ axes about the element x’ axis in degrees.

void vfe_ConElasSetPropPtr(vfe_ConElas *p, Vint type, Vdouble *propptr)

set pointer to element nodal properties

Set a pointer to the start of a specified type of element properties. Note that the properties are not copied by this function, only the pointer itself is copied. If a property pointer is not set the element assumes a default value. By default the velocity used in damping functions is 0.0.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConElas object.

  • type – Type of element property 

    x=VFE_PROP_VELOCITY         Velocity

  • propptr – Pointer to start of element nodal properties

6.3. Concentrated and Degree of Freedom Masses - ConMass

The ConMass module is used to simulate concentrated mass and degree of freedom masses. Mass matrix coefficients may be entered explicitly at specified degrees of freedom at each of two points. This feature is sometimes referred to as a degree of freedom or “scalar” mass. A variety of other concentrated mass types are available.

The methods associated with a ConMass object are the following.

Instance a ConMass object using vfe_ConMassBegin(). Once a ConMass is instanced, define the mass type and dimension using vfe_ConMassDef(). If the mass is defined to exist in 3D space, then all 3 translations and 3 rotations may exist in the element degree of freedom map. If the mass is defined to exist in 2D space, then only the x and y translations and z rotation may appear in the element degree of freedom map. Use vfe_ConMassSetDofLink() to define scalar masses similar to NASTRAN like CMASSx elements. Use vfe_ConMassSetMatrix() to define the components of a complete symmetric mass matrix at a point similar to NASTRAN like CONM1 elements. Use vfe_ConMassSetPrinc() to define a concentrated mass as a translational mass and a rotary inertia tensor similar to NASTRAN like CONM2 elements. Use vfe_ConMassSetTrans() to define a single concentrated translational mass at a point.

The degree of freedom configuration for the element may be returned using vfe_ConMassNumDof() and vfe_ConMassDofMap().

Unlike other, more general, finite elements, these elements do not require a material function interface using the MatlFun object. Element consistent and diagonal mass are computed using vfe_ConMassMass() and vfe_ConMassMassDiag().

6.4. Function Descriptions

The currently available ConMass functions are described in detail in this section.

vfe_ConMass *vfe_ConMassBegin(void)

create an instance of a ConMass object

Create an instance of a ConMass object. Memory is allocated for the object private data and the pointer to the object is returned.

Destroy an instance of a ConMass object using 

void vfe_ConMassEnd (vfe_ConMass *conmass)

Return the current value of a ConMass object error flag using 

Vint vfe_ConMassError (vfe_ConMass *conmass)

Returns:

The function returns a pointer to the newly created ConMass object. If the object creation fails, NULL is returned.

void vfe_ConMassEnd(vfe_ConMass *p)

destroy an instance of a ConMass object

See vfe_ConMassBegin()

Vint vfe_ConMassError(vfe_ConMass *p)

return the current value of a ConMass object error flag

See vfe_ConMassBegin()

void vfe_ConMassDef(vfe_ConMass *p, Vint type, Vint dimension)

define mass type and dimension

Define the type and dimension of the mass to be specified. The type CONMASS_DOFLINK requires a call to vfe_ConMassSetDofLink(), CONMASS_TRANS requires a call to vfe_ConMassSetTrans(), CONMASS_PRINC requires a call to vfe_ConMassSetPrinc() and CONMASS_MATRIX requires a call to vfe_ConMassSetMatrix(), By default type is CONMASS_DOFLINK and dime is VFE_3D.

Inquire of a defined type and dime as output arguments using 

void vfe_ConMassInq (vfe_ConMass *conmass,
                     Vint *type,
                     Vint *dime)

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type or dime is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • type – Mass type 

    x=CONMASS_DOFLINK           Degree of freedom link
 =CONMASS_TRANS             Translational mass
 =CONMASS_PRINC             Translational mass, rotary inertia
 =CONMASS_MATRIX            Symmetric mass matrix

  • dimension – Mass dimension 

    =VFE_2D       2D analysis
=VFE_3D       3D analysis

void vfe_ConMassInq(vfe_ConMass *p, Vint *type, Vint *dim)

inquire of a defined type and dime as output arguments

See vfe_ConMassDef()

void vfe_ConMassSetDofLink(vfe_ConMass *p, Vint tag1, Vint tag2, Vdouble kl[3])

set degree of freedom link properties

Define a general mass symmetric matrix connecting a degree of freedom at each of two points. If the dimension of the element is 2D, then tag1 and tag2 must be one of SYS_DOF_TX, SYS_DOF_TY, or SYS_DOF_RZ, otherwise any translational or rotational degree of freedom type is allowed.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper tag1 or tag2 is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • tag1 – First degree of freedom type

  • tag2 – Second degree of freedom type

  • kl – Lower triangle of symmetric mass matrix

void vfe_ConMassSetTrans(vfe_ConMass *p, Vdouble mass)

set single translational mass

Define a single translational mass. This mass value is inserted as the diagonal translational mass for all appropriate translational degrees of freedom.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • mass – Single translational mass

void vfe_ConMassSetPrinc(vfe_ConMass *p, Vdouble mass, Vdouble rotary[3], Vdouble tm[3][3], Vdouble offset[3])

set translational mass and rotary inertia

Define a concentrated mass matrix at a point as a single translational mass and the principal moments of rotary inertia, rotary. The orientation of the principal axes is specified with the direction cosine matrix, tm. The center of gravity of the mass may be offset from its attachment point.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • mass – Single translational mass

  • rotary – Principal values of rotary inertia.

  • tm – Orientation of principal axes of rotary inertia tensor

  • offset – Offset of the center of gravity of the mass.

void vfe_ConMassSetMatrix(vfe_ConMass *p, Vdouble a[])

set symmetric mass matrix at a point

Define a concentrated mass matrix at a point as a complete symmetric mass matrix. The mass matrix entries are dependent upon the dimension of the element. In 3D the entries of a are as follows in which the order of the degrees of freedom at the point is SYS_DOF_TX, SYS_DOF_TY, SYS_DOF_TZ, SYS_DOF_RX, SYS_DOF_RY, SYS_DOF_RZ. 

    -                                     -
    | a[ 0] a[ 1] a[ 3] a[ 6] a[10] a[15] |
    | a[ 1] a[ 2] a[ 4] a[ 7] a[11] a[16] |
M = | a[ 3] a[ 4] a[ 5] a[ 8] a[12] a[17] |
    | a[ 6] a[ 7] a[ 8] a[ 9] a[13] a[18] |
    | a[10] a[11] a[12] a[13] a[14] a[19] |
    | a[15] a[16] a[17] a[18] a[19] a[20] |
    -                                     -
In 2D the entries of a are as follows in which the order of the degrees of freedom at the point is SYS_DOF_TX, SYS_DOF_TY, SYS_DOF_RZ. 
    -                   -
    | a[ 0] a[ 1] a[ 3] |
M = | a[ 1] a[ 2] a[ 4] |
    | a[ 3] a[ 4] a[ 5] |
    -                   -

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • a – Complete lower triangle of symmetric mass matrix at a node

void vfe_ConMassNumDof(vfe_ConMass *p, Vint analysistype, Vint *nedofs)

query number of element degrees of freedom

Query for number of element degree of freedom nedofs. The number of degrees of freedom will generally be equal to the number of nodal degrees of freedom per node times the number of nodes. Use vfe_ConMassDofMap() to return the location and type of each degree of freedom.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper analysistype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • analysistype – The type of analysis 

    x=VFE_ANALYSIS_STRUCTURAL Structural analysis
 =VFE_ANALYSIS_THERMAL    Thermal analysis

  • nedofs – [out] Number of element degrees of freedom

void vfe_ConMassDofMap(vfe_ConMass *p, Vint analysistype, Vint loc[], Vint tag[])

query element degree of freedom map

Query for element degree of freedom map. The degree of freedom map consists of a location index, loc and type, tag for each degree of freedom used by the element.

The location index is a positive node index into the element connectivity indicating a nodal freedom. The tag indicates the type of the degree of freedom. Tag values are one of a set of enumerated types which indicate whether the degree of freedom is a translation or rotation. The length of the loc and tag vectors is equal to the number of element degrees of freedom. Use vfe_ConMassNumDof() to return the number of element degrees of freedom.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper analysistype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • analysistype – The type of analysis 

    x=VFE_ANALYSIS_STRUCTURAL Structural analysis
 =VFE_ANALYSIS_THERMAL    Thermal analysis

  • loc – [out] Vector of degree of freedom locations

  • tag – [out] Vector of degree of freedom types

void vfe_ConMassSetParami(vfe_ConMass *p, Vint type, Vint iparam)

set integer parameters

Set element formulation parameters. The inclusion of rotary inertias to the element mass matrix is set with the VFE_ROTINERTIA parameter. By default VFE_ROTINERTIA is set to SYS_OFF.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • type – Type of formulation parameter to set 

    x=VFE_ROTINERTIA         Enable rotary inertias

  • iparam – Integer parameter value. 

    x=SYS_OFF                Disable
 =SYS_ON                 Enable

void vfe_ConMassMass(vfe_ConMass *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble m[])

consistent mass matrix

Compute the consistent mass matrix, m. The lower triangle of the consistent mass is returned. Use vfe_ConMassMassDiag() to compute diagonal mass.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • m – [out] Consistent mass matrix

void vfe_ConMassMassDiag(vfe_ConMass *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble md[])

diagonal mass matrix

Compute the diagonal mass matrix, md. Use vfe_ConMassMass() to compute consistent mass.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • md – [out] Diagonal mass matrix

void vfe_ConMassElemLoad(vfe_ConMass *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble q[][3], Vdouble f[])

body force vector

Compute the consistent degree of freedom body loads given acceleration load vector, q on an element. The vector q contains an acceleration vector for for each node in the element. The output array of consistent degree of freedom loads, f, contains loads for all degrees of freedom in the element. The input element loads are in the units of force per unit mass.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • q – Array of node accelerations

  • f – [out] Degree of freedom vector of consistent loads.

void vfe_ConMassSetLocalSystem(vfe_ConMass *p, Vint type, Vdouble vec[], Vdouble angle)

set local inertia tensor system

Specify the local coordinate system of the inertia tensor. The default is SYS_ELEMSYS_GLOBAL.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is input.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • type – Local system convention

  • vec – Orientation vector data

  • angle – Angle to rotate y’,z’ axes about the element x’ axis in degrees.

void vfe_ConMassSetOffset(vfe_ConMass *p, Vdouble offset[])

set offset of center of mass

Define an offset of the center of mass in global coordinates.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to ConMass object.

  • offset – Offset of center of mass in global coordinates

6.5. Bulk Elements - Bulk

The Bulk module is used to represent a volumetric mass or heat capacitance at a single point.

The methods associated with a Bulk object are the following.

Instance a Bulk object using vfe_BulkBegin(). Once a Bulk is instanced, define the bulk dimension using vfe_BulkDef(). In structural analysis, if the bulk mass is defined in 2D space, then only x and y translations appear in the element degree of freedom map. If the bulk mass is defined in 3D space, then x, y and z translations appear in the element degree of freedom map. The bulk mass does not contain any rotary inertia. In thermal analysis, the bulk capacitance will always have the temperature appear in the element degree of freedom map.

The Bulk module accesses material density and specific heat through a MatlFun interface to a primitive material. Use vfe_BulkSetObject() to set the MatlFun object. The bulk element temperature and volume are set using vfe_BulkSetPropPtr(). Query the element degree of freedom map using vfe_BulkDofMap() and vfe_BulkNumDof().

For structural analysis the bulk element supports the computation of body forces and consistent and diagonal mass using vfe_BulkElemLoad(), vfe_BulkMass() and vfe_BulkMassDiag(). For thermal analysis the bulk element supports the computation of body heat generation and consistent and diagonal capacitance using vfe_BulkElemHeat(), vfe_BulkCap() and vfe_BulkCapDiag(). Note that the coordinate location of the bulk element is immaterial. The functions for the computation of body loads, mass and capacitance have the coordinates in their input argument lists only for consistency with the argument lists of the analogous functions for all other element types such as Solid3D, etc.

6.6. Function Descriptions

The currently available Bulk functions are described in detail in this section.

vfe_Bulk *vfe_BulkBegin(void)

create an instance of a Bulk object

Create an instance of a MatlFun object. Memory is allocated for the object private data and the pointer to the object is returned.

Destroy an instance of a MatlFun object using 

void vfe_BulkEnd (vfe_Bulk *bulk)

Return the current value of a MatlFun object error flag using 

Vint vfe_BulkError (vfe_Bulk *bulk)

Returns:

The function returns a pointer to the newly created MatlFun object. If the object creation fails, NULL is returned.

void vfe_BulkEnd(vfe_Bulk *p)

destroy an instance of a Bulk object

See vfe_BulkBegin()

Vint vfe_BulkError(vfe_Bulk *p)

return the current value of a Bulk object error flag

See vfe_BulkBegin()

void vfe_BulkSetObject(vfe_Bulk *p, Vint objecttype, Vobject *object)

set attribute object

Set a pointer to an attribute object. Users must supply a MatlFun object prior to computing any quantity that requires a material model definition.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_OBJECTTYPE is generated if an improper objecttype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • objecttype – The object type identifier 

    x=VFE_MATLFUN            MatlFun object

  • object – Pointer to the object to be set.

void vfe_BulkDef(vfe_Bulk *p, Vint dimension)

define bulk dimension

Define the dimension of the bulk element.

Inquire of a defined dimension as an output argument using 

void vfe_BulkInq (vfe_Bulk *bulk,
                  Vint *dime)

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper dimension is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • dimension – Bulk dimension 

    =VFE_2D       2D analysis
=VFE_3D       3D analysis

void vfe_BulkSetPropPtr(vfe_Bulk *p, Vint type, Vdouble *propptr)

set pointer to element nodal properties

Set a pointer to the start of a specified type of element properties. Note that the properties are not copied by this function, only the pointer itself is copied. If a property pointer is not set the element assumes a default value. By default the temperature is 0. and the volume is 1.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • type – Type of element property 

    x=VFE_PROP_TEMPERATURE      Temperatures
 =VFE_PROP_VOLUME           Volume

  • propptr – Pointer to start of element nodal properties

void vfe_BulkNumDof(vfe_Bulk *p, Vint analysistype, Vint *nedofs)

query number of element degrees of freedom

Query for number of element degrees of freedom nedofs. For structural analysis, nedofs is 2 for 2D space and 3 for 3D space. For thermal analysis, nedofs is 1. Use vfe_BulkDofMap() to return the location and type of each degree of freedom.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper analysistype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • analysistype – The type of analysis 

    x=VFE_ANALYSIS_STRUCTURAL Structural analysis
 =VFE_ANALYSIS_THERMAL    Thermal analysis

  • nedofs – [out] Number of element degrees of freedom

void vfe_BulkDofMap(vfe_Bulk *p, Vint analysistype, Vint loc[], Vint tag[])

query element degree of freedom map

Query for element degree of freedom map. The degree of freedom map consists of a location index, loc and type, tag for each degree of freedom used by the element.

The location index is a positive node index into the element connectivity indicating a nodal freedom. The tag indicates the type of the degree of freedom. Tag values are one of a set of enumerated types which indicate whether the degree of freedom is a translation, temperature, etc.

The length of the loc and tag vectors is equal to the number of element degrees of freedom. Use vfe_BulkNumDof() to return the number of element degrees of freedom.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper analysistype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • analysistype – The type of analysis 

    x=VFE_ANALYSIS_STRUCTURAL Structural analysis
 =VFE_ANALYSIS_THERMAL    Thermal analysis

  • loc – [out] Vector of degree of freedom locations

  • tag – [out] Vector of degree of freedom types

void vfe_BulkMass(vfe_Bulk *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble m[])

consistent mass matrix

Compute the consistent mass matrix, m, given the node coordinates, x. The lower triangle of the consistent mass is returned. Use vfe_BulkMassDiag() to compute a diagonal mass matrix.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • m – [out] Degree of freedom consistent mass matrix

void vfe_BulkMassDiag(vfe_Bulk *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble md[])

diagonal mass matrix

Compute the diagonal mass matrix, md, given the node coordinates, x. The diagonal mass is returned as a degree of freedom length vector. Use vfe_BulkMass() to compute a consistent mass matrix.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • md – [out] Degree of freedom diagonal mass vector

void vfe_BulkElemLoad(vfe_Bulk *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble q[][3], Vdouble f[])

body force vector

Compute the consistent degree of freedom body loads given acceleration load vector, q on an element. The vector q contains an acceleration vector for for each node in the element. The output array of consistent degree of freedom loads, f, contains loads for all degrees of freedom in the element. The input element loads are in the units of force per unit mass. Note that the computation of consistent loads uses the material density.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if a non-positive Jacobian is computed.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • q – Array of node accelerations

  • f – [out] Degree of freedom vector of consistent loads.

void vfe_BulkElemHeat(vfe_Bulk *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble q[], Vdouble f[])

body heat generation

Compute the consistent degree of freedom body heat generation given nodal heat generation vector, q on an element. The vector q contains heat generation per volume for each node in the element. The output array of consistent degree of freedom loads, f, contains the heat generation in the element. The input element loads are in the units of power per unit volume.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if a non-positive Jacobian is computed.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • q – Array of node heat fluxes

  • f – [out] Degree of freedom vector of consistent loads.

void vfe_BulkCap(vfe_Bulk *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble u[], Vdouble c[])

consistent capacitance matrix

Compute the consistent capacitance matrix, c, given the node coordinates, x, and temperatures, u. The lower triangle of the consistent capacitance is returned. Use vfe_BulkCapDiag() to compute a diagonal capacitance matrix. This calculation requires material density and specific heat.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

  • SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if a negative Jacobian transformation is computed.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • u – Degree of freedom vector of temperatures

  • c – [out] Degree of freedom consistent capacitance matrix

void vfe_BulkCapDiag(vfe_Bulk *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble u[], Vdouble cd[])

diagonal capacitance matrix

Compute the diagonal capacitance matrix, cd, given the node coordinates, x, and temperatures, u. The diagonal capacitance is returned as a degree of freedom length vector. Use vfe_BulkCap() to compute a consistent capacitance matrix. This calculation requires material density and specific heat.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Bulk object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • u – Degree of freedom vector of temperatures

  • cd – [out] Degree of freedom diagonal capacitance matrix

6.7. Springs - Spring

The Spring module is used to model specialized elastic connections such as spot welds and flexible joints. In their simplest form, springs act like connectors between two end points. The Spring module generalizes this concept to allow for each end point connection to be distributed over an element surface.

The methods associated with a Spring object are the following.

Instance a Spring object using vfe_SpringBegin(). Once a Spring object is instanced, define the spring type using vfe_SpringDef(). Currently options exist for spot welds, and generalized springs. The spot weld is similar to the NASTRAN CWELD element and is specified using vfe_SpringSetWeld(). The generalized spring is similar to the NASTRAN CBUSH element and is specified using vfe_SpringSetBush().

Set the material function attribute object MatlFun using vfe_SpringSetObject(). Query the element degree of freedom map using vfe_SpringDofMap() and vfe_SpringNumDof().

If the element is to support a material model, such as a plastic material model, which requires a material history then the user must manage the material history information using vfe_SpringSetHistPtr() and vfe_SpringInitHist(). Since all element geometry is available directly to the element the material function should point to a primitive material.

6.8. Element Geometry

The basic spring element connection is between two end points, A and B. The Spring module allows for the motion of an end point to be represented by the motion of a single node or the motion of an element face at a point. The three possibilities become node to node, node to element face and element face to element face. Therefore the nodal connections of a spring may range from two nodes to the set of nodes on two element faces. If the connection is node to node the end point coordinates A and B are entered using vfe_SpringSetPntPnt(). If the connection is node to element face the end point coordinates A and B and the topology of the element face to be connected to point B are entered using vfe_SpringSetPntSurf(). If the connection is element face to element face the end point coordinates A and B and the topologies of the associated element faces are entered using vfe_SpringSetSurfSurf(). The topologies of the two element faces need not be the same.

Options exist for the Spring module to alter the end point coordinates under certain conditions. One option specifies that the end point coordinates will be projected to the associated node or element face. This option is set using vfe_SpringSetParami() with type VIS_ENDPROJECT. An additional end point alteration may occur in the case of the weld type spring if the length/diameter ratio exceeds certain bounds. These limits are specified using vfe_SpringSetParamd() with the types VFE_MINRATIO and VFE_MAXRATIO. The element coordinate system x’,y’,z’ is constructed so that the x’ coordinate system is directed from end point A to B in their final adjusted locations. The orientation of the y’ and z’ axes is determined using vfe_SpringSetLocalSystem().

The link type spring is the simplest: it connects two nodes with a simple spring constant. The force along the direction defined by the two nodes depends on the relative change in distance between the nodes.

The weld type spring is characterized by a specialized beam connection characterized by a radius and a length from end point A to B. The computed stress and strain are the same as an equivalent beam element connected to points A and B. A MatlFun of a primitive material must be set using vfe_SpringSetObject(). The weld type spring geometry is illustrated below in Figure 6-1.

../../_images/vfetools-weld1.gif

Figure 6-1, Geometry for a Weld type Point to Surface Spring

The generalized bush type spring is characterized by a spring location S and a set of 6 stiffness coefficients and 6 stress and 6 strain recovery coefficients. Each of the stiffness coefficients relates the relative displacement of the 3 translations and 3 rotations of the end points of the spring in the spring element local system to the element forces. The stress is reported as the element force times the associated stress recovery coefficient. The strain is reported as the element relative displacement times the associated strain recovery coefficient. A MatlFun is not required. The generalized (bush) type spring geometry is illustrated below in Figure 6-2.

../../_images/vfetools-weld2.gif

Figure 6-2, Geometry for a Bush type Point to Surface Spring

The nodal freedoms used by spring elements depend upon the spring element type and the end point connection. If the motion of an end point is connected to an element face, only the translational freedoms of the element face nodes are used to compute the motion of the connected end point.

6.9. Function Descriptions

The currently available Spring functions are described in detail in this section.

vfe_Spring *vfe_SpringBegin(void)

create an instance of a Spring object

Create an instance of a Spring object. Memory is allocated for the object private data and the pointer to the object is returned.

Destroy an instance of a Spring object using 

void vfe_SpringEnd (vfe_Spring *spring)

Return the current value of a Spring object error flag using 

Vint vfe_SpringError (vfe_Spring *spring)

Returns:

The function returns a pointer to the newly created Spring object. If the object creation fails, NULL is returned.

void vfe_SpringEnd(vfe_Spring *p)

destroy an instance of a Spring object

See vfe_SpringBegin()

Vint vfe_SpringError(vfe_Spring *p)

return the current value of a Spring object error flag

See vfe_SpringBegin()

void vfe_SpringSetObject(vfe_Spring *p, Vint objecttype, Vobject *object)

set attribute object

Set a pointer to an attribute object. Users must supply a MatlFun object prior to computing any quantity that requires a material model definition. The bush type spring does not require a MatlFun object.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_OBJECTTYPE is generated if an improper objecttype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • objecttype – The object type identifier 

    x=VFE_MATLFUN            MatlFun object

  • object – Pointer to the object to be set.

void vfe_SpringSetParami(vfe_Spring *p, Vint type, Vint iparam)

set element formulation parameters

Set element formulation parameters.

Use VFE_ENDPROJECT to specify that an end point coordinate is to be projected to its connected node location or to the surface of its connected element face. By default VFE_ENDPROJECT is set to SYS_ON.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

  • SYS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper iparam is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • type – Type of formulation parameter to set 

    x=VFE_ENDPROJECT         Project end point

  • iparam – Integer parameter value. 

    x=SYS_OFF                Disable
 =SYS_ON                 Enable

void vfe_SpringSetParamd(vfe_Spring *p, Vint type, Vdouble dparam)

set element formulation parameters

Set element formulation parameters.

Use VFE_MINRATIO and VFE_MAXRATIO to set the minimum and maximum length/diameter ratios for the weld type spring. By default VFE_MINRATIO is .2 and VFE_MAXRATIO is 5.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

  • SYS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper dparam is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • type – Type of formulation parameter to set 

    x=VFE_MINRATIO           Minimum length/diameter ratio
 =VFE_MAXRATIO           Maximum length/diameter ratio

  • dparam – Double precision parameter value.

void vfe_SpringDef(vfe_Spring *p, Vint type, Vint contype)

specify spring type

Define the type of spring to be specified. SPRING_WELD requires a call to vfe_SpringSetWeld(), SPRING_BUSH requires a call to vfe_SpringSetBush(), SPRING_LINK requires a call to vfe_SpringSetLink(), Specify the connection type to be made at end point A and B. SPRING_PNTPNT requires a call to vfe_SpringSetPntPnt(), SPRING_PNTSURF requires a call to vfe_SpringSetPntSurf(), SPRING_SURFSURF requires a call to vfe_SpringSetSurfSurf(). SPRING_NONE does not required any additional call, as the direction is specified by the coordinates passed to the element routines. This is only valid for type=SPRING_LINK.

Inquire of the defined type and contype as output arguments using 

void vfe_SpringInq (vfe_Spring *spring,
                    Vint *type,
                    Vint *contype)

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type or contype are specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • type – Spring type 

    x=SPRING_WELD               Weld type spring
 =SPRING_BUSH               Bush type spring
 =SPRING_LINK               Link type spring

  • contype – End point A and B connection type 

    x=SPRING_PNTPNT             Point to point connection
 =SPRING_PNTSURF            Point to surface connection
 =SPRING_SURFSURF           Surface to surface connection
 =SPRING_NONE               Coordinate connection

void vfe_SpringInq(vfe_Spring *p, Vint *type, Vint *contype)

inquire of the defined type and contype as output arguments

See vfe_SpringDef()

void vfe_SpringSetWeld(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble r)

set spot weld properties

Set the radius, r, of the spot weld.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if the spring type is not SPRING_WELD.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • r – Radius of spot weld

void vfe_SpringSetBush(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble xs[3], Vdouble ks[6], Vdouble sc[6], Vdouble ec[6])

set generalized spring properties

Set the location, xs, of the discrete spring, the spring stiffnesses, ks, and stress and strain recovery coefficients sc and ec.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if the spring type is not SPRING_BUSH.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • xs – Location of spring

  • ks – Stiffness coefficients

  • sc – Stress recovery coefficients

  • ec – Strain recovery coefficients

void vfe_SpringSetLink(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble stiff)

set link properties

Set the stiffness, stiff, of the spring.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if the spring type is not SPRING_LINK.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • stiff – Spring stiffness

void vfe_SpringSetPntPnt(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble xa[3], Vdouble xb[3])

set point to point connection

Set the locations of the end points, xa and xb.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if the connection type is not SPRING_PNTPNT.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • xa – Location of end point A

  • xb – Location of end point B

void vfe_SpringSetPntSurf(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble xa[3], Vdouble xb[3], Vint shapeb, Vint maxib, Vint maxjb)

set point to surface connection

Set the locations of the end points, xa and xb and the topology of the element face to be connected to end point B.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if the connection type is not SPRING_PNTPNT.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • xa – Location of end point A

  • xb – Location of end point B

  • shapeb – The shape for the element face connected to B 

    x=SYS_SHAPETRI           Triangle
 =SYS_SHAPEQUAD          Quadrilateral

  • maxib – The number of points along the i direction.

  • maxjb – The number of points along the j direction.

void vfe_SpringSetSurfSurf(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble xa[3], Vint shapea, Vint maxia, Vint maxja, Vdouble xb[3], Vint shapeb, Vint maxib, Vint maxjb)

set surface to surface connection

Set the locations of the end points, xa and xb and the topology of the element faces to be connected to end points A and B.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if the connection type is not SPRING_PNTPNT.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • xa – Location of end point A

  • shapea – The shape for the element face connected to A 

    x=SYS_SHAPETRI           Triangle
 =SYS_SHAPEQUAD          Quadrilateral

  • maxia – The number of points along the i direction.

  • maxja – The number of points along the j direction.

  • xb – Location of end point B

  • shapeb – The shape for the element face connected to B 

    x=SYS_SHAPETRI           Triangle
 =SYS_SHAPEQUAD          Quadrilateral

  • maxib – The number of points along the i direction.

  • maxjb – The number of points along the j direction.

void vfe_SpringReactStiff(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble u[], Vint kflag, Vdouble r[], Vdouble k[])

reaction vector, stiffness matrix

Compute the reaction vector, r, and optionally the stiffness matrix, k, given the node coordinates, x, and the degree of freedom displacement vector, u. The lower triangle of the stiffness matrix is returned.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

  • SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if a negative Jacobian transformation is computed or the maximum nodal projection angle is exceeded.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • u – Degree of freedom vector of displacements

  • kflag – Flag to compute stiffness matrix, k 

    =SYS_OFF      Do not compute stiffness matrix
=SYS_ON       Compute and return stiffness matrix

  • r – [out] Degree of freedom reaction vector

  • k – [out] Degree of freedom stiffness matrix

void vfe_SpringStiff(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble kl[])

linear stiffness matrix

Compute the linear stiffness matrix, kl, given the node coordinates, x. The lower triangle of the stiffness matrix is returned.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

  • SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if a negative Jacobian transformation is computed or the maximum nodal projection angle is exceeded.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • kl – [out] Degree of freedom stiffness matrix

void vfe_SpringReact(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble u[], Vdouble r[])

reaction vector

Compute the reaction vector, r, given the node coordinates, x, and the degree of freedom displacement vector, u.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

  • SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if a negative Jacobian transformation is computed or the maximum nodal projection angle is exceeded.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • u – Degree of freedom vector of displacements

  • r – [out] Degree of freedom reaction vector

void vfe_SpringNumDof(vfe_Spring *p, Vint analysistype, Vint *nedofs)

query number of element degrees of freedom

Query for number of element degree of freedom nedofs. The number of degrees of freedom will generally be equal to the number of nodal degrees of freedom per node times the number of nodes plus the number of elemental degrees of freedom. Use vfe_SpringDofMap() to return the location and type of each degree of freedom.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper analysistype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • analysistype – The type of analysis 

    x=VFE_ANALYSIS_STRUCTURAL Structural analysis

  • nedofs – [out] Number of element degrees of freedom

void vfe_SpringDofMap(vfe_Spring *p, Vint analysistype, Vint loc[], Vint tag[])

query element degree of freedom map

Query for element degree of freedom map. The degree of freedom map consists of a location index, loc and type, tag for each degree of freedom used by the element.

The location index is either a positive node index into the element connectivity indicating a nodal freedom or a zero value indicating an elemental degree of freedom. The tag indicates the type of the degree of freedom. Tag values are one of a set of enumerated types which indicate whether the degree of freedom is a translation or rotation, etc.

The length of the loc and tag vectors is equal to the number of element degrees of freedom. Use vfe_SpringNumDof() to return the number of element degrees of freedom.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper analysistype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • analysistype – The type of analysis 

    x=VFE_ANALYSIS_STRUCTURAL Structural analysis

  • loc – [out] Vector of degree of freedom locations

  • tag – [out] Vector of degree of freedom types

void vfe_SpringNumIntPnt(vfe_Spring *p, Vint analysistype, Vint *nepnts)

query number of element integration points

Query for number of element integration points nepnts.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper analysistype is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • analysistype – The type of analysis 

    x=VFE_ANALYSIS_STRUCTURAL Structural analysis

  • nepnts – [out] Number of element integration points

void vfe_SpringSetHistPtr(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble *oldhist, Vdouble *newhist)

set pointers to material history

Set pointers to the start of the material history data at the previous step, oldhist and the current step newhist. This function is required when an underlying material model such as plasticity is used. Note that the material history data is not copied by this function, only the pointers themselves are copied. The number of double precision values required for the material history at a step is the number of history variables at an integration point times the number of element integration points. The number of history variables depends on the underlying material model and may be queried using vfe_MatlFunNumHist(). The number of element integration points is returned using vfe_SpringNumIntPnt(). By default the pointers to the material history are NULL. If the number of history variables is zero, this function need not be called.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • oldhist – Pointer to start of material history at previous step

  • newhist – Pointer to start of material history at current step

void vfe_SpringInitHist(vfe_Spring *p)

initialize material history

Initialize the values of the history variables used in the underlying element or primitive material model for the element. This operation should be performed once for each element (at the first load or time step for example) to initialize the old history variables to reflect the initial configuration condition. If the number of history variables is zero, this function need not be called.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

Parameters:

p – Pointer to Spring object.

void vfe_SpringMass(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble m[])

consistent mass matrix

Compute the consistent mass matrix, m, given the node coordinates, x. The lower triangle of the consistent mass is returned. Use vfe_SpringMassDiag() to compute a diagonal mass matrix.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

  • SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if a negative Jacobian transformation is computed or the maximum nodal projection angle is exceeded.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • m – [out] Degree of freedom consistent mass matrix

void vfe_SpringMassDiag(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble md[])

diagonal mass matrix

Compute the diagonal mass matrix, md, given the node coordinates, x. The diagonal mass is returned as a degree of freedom length vector. Use vfe_SpringMass() to compute a consistent mass matrix.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

  • SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if a negative Jacobian transformation is computed or the maximum nodal projection angle is exceeded.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • md – [out] Degree of freedom diagonal mass vector

void vfe_SpringGeomStiff(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble u[], Vdouble kg[])

geometric stiffness matrix

Compute the geometric stiffness matrix, kg, given the node coordinates, x, and the degree of freedom displacement vector, u. The lower triangle of the geometric stiffness is returned.

Errors

SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set. SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if a negative Jacobian transformation is computed or the maximum nodal projection angle is exceeded.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • u – Degree of freedom vector of displacements

  • kg – [out] Degree of freedom geometric stiffness matrix

void vfe_SpringSetLocalSystem(vfe_Spring *p, Vint type, Vdouble vec[], Vdouble angle)

set local coordinate system convention

Specify the convention to be used to construct the orientation of the element local x’,y’,z’ coordinate system with respect to the spring axis. This local system is computed at each integration point location on the element axis and is assumed to be the coordinate system in which the material properties of the element at the integration point are expressed. For stress and strain computation for output using vfe_SpringStrsStrn(), the local coordinate system is evaluated at each output location and is the coordinate system in which the output stresses and strains at the output location are expressed.

The x’ axis is always constructed to be directed from the first to the second spring end point. The orientation of the y’ and z’ axes perpendicular to the element x’ axis is determined by type. The vec array is only used if the specified type requires position or direction vectors. An additional rotation of the y’,z’ axes about the x’ axis can be specified with angle. By default the local system convention is SYS_ELEMSYS_STANDARD with angle set to 0.

For a description of element coordinate systems, type, and associated orientation vector data, please see Element Coordinate Systems

Errors

SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is input.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • type – Local system convention

  • vec – Orientation vector data

  • angle – Angle to rotate y’,z’ axes about the element x’ axis in degrees.

void vfe_SpringDirCos(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble tm[][3][3])

compute spring local direction cosines

Compute the direction cosine matrices of the element local coordinate system. For stress and strain computation the local coordinate system at each stress output location is the coordinate system in which the output stresses and strains at the location using vfe_SpringStrsStrn() are expressed. Given that X’,Y’ and Z’ are three orthonormal vectors indicating the direction of the local coordinate axes in the global coordinate system (x,y,z), then the direction cosine matrix, tm for this local coordinate system is defined as: 

 tm[0][0] = X'x  tm[0][1] = X'y  tm[0][2] = X'z
 tm[1][0] = Y'x  tm[1][1] = Y'y  tm[1][2] = Y'z
 tm[2][0] = Z'x  tm[2][1] = Z'y  tm[2][2] = Z'z
The local coordinate system is determined by the local system convention set using vfe_SpringSetLocalSystem().

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • x – Array of point locations defining spring axis

  • tm – [out] Array of direction cosine matrices at the element nodes.

void vfe_SpringStrsStrn(vfe_Spring *p, Vdouble x[][3], Vdouble u[], Vdouble strs[], Vdouble strn[])

stress and strain

Compute nodal stresses and strains, strs and strn, given the node coordinates, x, and the degree of freedom displacement vector, u. The stresses and strains are computed in the element local system at end points A and B. The values at end A are then output at all nodes connected to end point A. Similarly for end point B, the values at end B are then output at all nodes connected to end point B. The stress and strain values are ordered first by the 6 components followed by the the number of element nodes.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_NULLOBJECT is generated if a MatlFun attribute object has not been set.

  • SYS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if a negative Jacobian transformation is computed or the maximum nodal projection angle is exceeded.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to Spring object.

  • x – Array of node locations.

  • u – Degree of freedom vector of displacements

  • strs – [out] Array of nodal stresses

  • strn – [out] Array of nodal strains