Finite element analysis of nonlinear dynamic response of articulated towers

In the analysis of articulated towers, being a compliant structure, the nonlinear effects due to large displacement, large rotation and wave force are very important. The structural velocity and acceleration have also been included in computing the wave force. A three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis of articulated towers has been developed adopting a beam element. Updated Lagrangian formulation, which is computationally more effective, has been used in the formulation of stiffness matrices. The Wilson-θ method, Newmark-β method and Newton-Raphson method are used for the solution of nonlinear equations. The details of the program formulation have been highlighted. The results of the analyses have been presented, along with a comparison of the response of the structure with available results.