A Finite Element Method with Six-Node Isoparametric Element for Nonlinear Analysis of Cable Structures

Abstract

This paper applied nonlinear elastic theory to the cable structures, presented a finite element method with six-node isoparametric element, used the polynomial of degree five as displacement functions and initial curve of the element. Assuming the cable to be ideal flexible, by means of Lagrangian method, the finite element equations has been derived, so can use this method to compute cable structures.