The Compound Beam Element with Non-Linear Moment-Rotation Curves for the Side Impact and Roof Crush Analysis Using DYNA3D Program

In order to bring the advanced finite element programs closer to the requirements of the early design stages, a compound beam element with varying joint and hinge moment-rotation curves has been developed and implemented into the public version of program DYNA-3D. The new beam combines the existing Belytschko-Schwer beam element with rotary springs having very non linear moment-rotation curves in the elastic-plastic and deep collapse range. The element behaviour under uniaxial and biaxial bending presented using simple models where various effects can be easily traced.