Variable-kinematic finite beam elements and viscous-spring artificial boundary for wave propagation in infinite space

This paper uses the viscous-spring artificial boundary method and variable-kinematic finite beam elements to solve wave propagation problems in infinite space. According to the artificial boundary technique, springs and dashpots with appropriate elastic and damping coefficients are applied at the external surfaces of the domain to ensure the absorption of the incident waves. The finite-element matrices and vectors corresponding to various one-dimensional kinematic models are obtained with the Carrera Unified Formulation. In particular, using Lagrange-type expansions for approximating the primary variables over the finite beam element cross-section has enabled the artificial boundaries to be easily applied. Both outer- and inner-source problems have been considered to compare the methodology with analytical and numerical solutions available in the literature. Moreover, the current approach has been adopted to solve wave propagation problems of a configuration consisting of a semi-infinite space and a beam-like structure on its free surface and subjected to various loading conditions.