A Hybrid Discrete-Finite Element method for continuous and discontinuous beam-like members including nonlinear geometric and material effects

This paper introduces a novel formulation, called Hybrid Discrete-Finite Element (HybriDFEM) method, for modelling one-directional continuous and discontinuous planar beam-like members, including nonlinear geometric and material effects. In this method, the structure is modelled as a series of distinct rigid blocks, connected to each other through contact pairs distributed along the interfaces. Each of those contact pairs are composed of two nonlinear multidirectional springs in series, which can represent either the deformation of the blocks themselves, or the deformation of their interface. Unlike the Applied Element Method, in which contact pairs are composed of one single spring, the current approach allows capturing phenomena such as sectional deformations or relative deformations between two blocks composed of different materials. This method shares similarities with the Discrete Element Methods in its ability to model contact interfaces between rigid or deformable units, but does not require a numerical time-domain integration scheme. More importantly, its formulation resembles that of the classical Finite Elements Method, allowing one to easily couple the latter with HybriDFEM. Following the presentation of its formulation, the method is benchmarked against analytical solutions selected from the literature, ranging from the linear-elastic response of a cantilever beam to the buckling and rocking response of continuous flexible columns, and rigid block stackings. One final example showcases the coupling of a HybriDFEM element with a linear beam finite element. •Novel hybrid discrete-finite formulation enabling coupling with classical FEM.•Structure modelled as an assembly of rigid blocks with contact faces.•Contact faces modelled with distributed pairs of nonlinear springs.•Benchmark validation of buckling behaviour of continuous and discrete systems.•Joint geometric and material nonlinearity validated with rocking of a flexible column.