Reduced finite element models for mast analysis

The complexity of a rigging system is due to loads in compression, bending and torsion transmitted from stays, shrouds and sails to the mast as well as to its slenderness and nonlinearities. Buckling is by far the governing limit state, although additional phenomena may occur simultaneously such as excessive displacement/strain and yielding. In thin walled structures, like mast panels, also local collapse must be checked and finite element analysis of a 2D shell, rather than 1D beam, modeled mast panel is necessary to capture local buckling and related phenomena of such type of structures. Aiming at simplified numerical models, applicable in preliminary design and for optimization purposes, this paper investigates the possibility to create a 1D-beam model based on moment-curvature relations at different load conditions able to assess not only global limit states but also local ones.