Simple deformation measures for discrete elastic rods and ribbons

Abstract

The discrete elastic rod method (Bergou et al. 2008 ACM Trans. Graph . 27 , 63:1–63:12. ( doi:10.1145/1360612.1360662 )) is a numerical method for simulating slender elastic bodies. It works by representing the centreline as a polygonal chain, attaching two perpendicular directors to each segment and defining discrete stretching, bending and twisting deformation measures and a discrete strain energy. Here, we investigate an alternative formulation of this model based on a simpler definition of the discrete deformation measures. Both formulations are equally consistent with the continuous rod model. Simple formulae for the first and second gradients of the discrete deformation measures are derived, making it easy to calculate the Hessian of the discrete strain energy. A few numerical illustrations are given. The approach is also extended to inextensible ribbons described by the Wunderlich model, and both the developability constraint and the dependence of the energy on the strain gradients are handled naturally.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2021
Source ID
10.1098/rspa.2021.0561

Entities

People

  • Basile Audoly
  • K. Bhattacharya
  • K. Korner

Organizations

  • California Institute of Technology
  • Office of Naval Research
  • Polytechnic Institute of Paris

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Mathematics

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.