Dynamic analysis of slender rods

A new three-dimensional finite element model of an inextensible elastic rod with equal principal stiffnesses is presented. The model permits large deflections and finite rotations and accounts for tension variation along its length. Its use in static analysis is described and a time integration method for dynamic analysis is developed. Accuracy of the spatial discretization and stability of the time integration method are demonstrated by comparison of numerical results with exact solutions for certain nonlinear problems.