Newmark-Beta Method in Discrete Elastic Rods Algorithm to Avoid Energy Dissipation

Abstract

Discrete elastic rods (DER) algorithm presents a computationally efficient means of simulating the geometrically nonlinear dynamics of elastic rods. However, it can suffer from artificial energy loss during the time integration step. Our approach extends the existing DER technique by using a different time integration scheme—we consider a second-order, implicit Newmark-beta method to avoid energy dissipation. This treatment shows better convergence with time step size, specially when the damping forces are negligible and the structure undergoes vibratory motion. Two demonstrations—a cantilever beam and a helical rod hanging under gravity—are used to show the effectiveness of the modified discrete elastic rods simulator.