A time finite element method for structural dynamics

A time (Galerkin) finite element method (time FEM) for structural dynamics is proposed in this paper. The key lies in a variational formulation that is well-posed and equivalent to the conventional strong form of governing equations of structural dynamics. Based on the variational formulation, a time finite element formulation is naturally established and its convergence property is easily derived through an a priori error analysis. Technical details on practical implementation of the time FEM are presented. Numerical examples are studied to verify the proposed time FEM.