Development of a novel finite rigid body element with embodied continuum theory | |
| Author | Weijie, Lim |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.ST-25-10 |
| Subject(s) | Mechanics of materials Dynamics, Rigid |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study presents a novel finite rigid body formulation derived from continuum mechanics principles, enabling accurate lateral deformation prediction without iterative calculations. By adapting finite element method (FEM) continuum derivations, the proposed approach achieves explicit modeling of Poisson-induced deformations in rigid body systems—a longstanding challenge in computational mechanics. The framework is validated through numerical biaxial and uniaxial compression tests on concrete specimens, demonstrating exact agreement with theoretical elastic-stage predictions (e.g., lateral strain matching ν*εₓ for ν = 0.2).Key innovations include: (1) a non-iterative deformation mapping technique that preserves volume constraints, and (2) a mechanical-based stiffness formulation bridging rigid body dynamics and continuum response. Results show ≤5% error in Von Mises stress capture compared to analytical solutions, outperforming conventional rigid body methods that require ad-hoc Poisson coupling. This work advances multiscale modeling by enabling efficient rigid-body-scale simulations with inherent continuum deformation properties, particularly beneficial for quasi-brittle materials like concrete under service loads. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Structural Engineering (STE) /Former Name = Structural Engineering and Construction (ST) |
| Chairperson(s) | Krishna, Chaitanya; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Pennung Warnitchai;Raktipong Sahamitmongkol;Anwar, Naveed; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | BRIDGEX BINA SDN BHD, Malaysia; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |