A novel finite element model for single-layered wire strand

ZHOU Wei(周伟)^{1, 2}, TIAN Hong-qi(田红旗)^{1, 2}

(1. Key Laboratory of Traffic Safety on Track of Ministry of Education (Central South University),Changsha 410075, China;2. School of Traffic & Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China)

Abstract:A new finite element model for single-layered strand was investigated for accurate and efficient mechanical behavior analysis. Mathematical model was created by sectional path-nodes sweeping and dynamic node-beam mapping. Geometric relations between nodes in center core wire and helical wires were deduced in tension and bending incorporating material elasticity theory and deformation geometrical compatibility. Based on Timoshenko beam theory, strand of a pitch length was modeled with specific material, geometric parameters and synthesized constraint equations defined in ANSYS software, and predetermined load cases were performed. The obtained results show that discrepancies between suggested method and Costello theory do not exceed 1.51% in tension and 6.21% in bending, which verifies the correctness and accuracy of the suggested finite element model in predicting mechanical behavior of single-layered wire strand.

Key words:wire strand; finite element analysis; nodal constraint equation; geometrical compatibility; Timoshenko beam theory