Finite element analysis of structures with extruded aluminum profiles having complex cross sections

Abstract

Extruded aluminum profiles are widely used in building and automation structures due to their durability, lightweight, corrosion resistance, shorter fastening time and reusability. Proper design is crucial in maintaining the lifespan of these structures. It is therefore essential to determine the structural behaviors of the structures such as the natural frequency, mode shape, etc. The finite element analysis is a method which has been commonly used in determining structural behaviors. However, there are also numerous problems in analyzing these kinds of profiles using solid finite elements, such as modeling, meshing, solution time problems, etc. Therefore, beam finite elements have been used in the present study in modeling of the profiles. Furthermore, an equivalent beam element model has been developed for bolt-together connectors of the profiles. Simulation and experimental modal analysis have been conducted on example test systems. It has been demonstrated that this modeling technique is very practical and the results obtained from the method agree well with the experimental results.