Multi-snap-through and dynamic fracture based on Finite Particle Method

Using the recently proposed Finite Particle Method (FPM), we present the post-buckling analysis of space trusses considering both geometric and material nonlinearities and member fracture. The FPM models the space truss with finite separated particles. Since every particle is considered to be in dynamic equilibrium, the static and dynamic analysis can be unified to the same procedure. Particles are free to separate from each other with FPM, which is advantageous in the simulation of member fracture. Fictitious motion procedures are developed in the particle internal force calculations to handle strong geometric nonlinearity without iterative correction and stiffness matrix calculation. The material nonlinearity is accounted for by tracing a complete stress–strain relationship including elastic and inelastic buckling, yielding, post-buckling, unloading and reloading. The fracture criterion and fracture model of the FPM are developed to simulate member fracture. Phenomena of multi-snap-through and dynamic fracture during the post-buckling range of two classic space trusses are obtained using present method. Corresponding results are verified by comparisons of numerical simulation results and energy conservation studies.

► Finite Particle Method is used in the post-buckling analysis of space trusses.
► Geometric, material nonlinearities and fracture are considered in the analysis.
► The fracture criterion and model of the FPM are built to simulate member fracture.
► Multi-snap-through and dynamic fracture phenomena are obtained and discussed.