Node-Dependent Kinematic One-Dimensional Models for the Analysis of Rotating Structures

In this paper, the dynamics of rotating structures has been studied using a refined one-dimensional finite element model with a node-dependent kinematics. The present approach has been used to derive models where refined theories are used only in the region in which they are required and classical models elsewhere. This produces a reduction in the computational cost without a reduction in the accuracy of the analysis. The equations of motion have been derived in a three-dimensional fashion and they include all contributions due to the rotational speed, namely the gyroscopic, the spin softening, and the centrifugal stiffening terms. Classical and higher-order refined models have been established with the Carrera Unified Formulation. The numerical model has been assessed and then a number of applications to thin-walled structures have been proposed. The current methodology appears very effective when rotors are constituted of components with different deformability such as compact shafts and disks. The results have been compared with those obtained from uniform kinematic models and convergence analyses have been performed. The results show the efficiency of the proposed model.