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Finite element mapping for spring network representations of the mechanics of solids
1Institute of Polymers, Department of Materials, ETH Hönggerberg, HCI H527, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
We present a general finite element mapping procedure for defining spring network representations of solid mechanics. The procedure is rigorous and equally suitable for setting regular and unstructured spring network models of generally anisotropic solids. We use the procedure to define close-packed triangular and simple cubic lattice spring models of isotropic 2D and 3D elastic media, respectively. We extend the study to heterogeneous solids and show that the mapped spring network approach constitutes an appealing route for incorporating subelement level constitutive equations.
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