A computationally efficient numerical model for a dynamic analysis of beam type structures based on the combined finite‐discrete element method

This paper presents a new numerical model for the analysis of beam‐type structures based on the combined finite‐discrete element method. The model uses straight two‐node rotation free finite elements, and takes into account linear‐elastic material behaviour, finite displacements, finite rotations and small strains. The presented numerical model is implemented into the open source finite‐discrete element method package “Yfdem”. Performance of the new numerical model was demonstrated on simple benchmark tests where very good agreement of obtained numerical results with reference solutions was shown. Performed numerical analysis indicates that the presented numerical model is applicable in static, dynamic and stability analyses of beam type structures.