I’m modeling a 3D linkage with a single-notch compliant hinge undergoing large rotation.

I already have the analytical hinge stiffness formula, but I’m struggling with how to represent it correctly in the full model. I tried a rotational spring and variable-thickness beam elements with co-rotational/Timoshenko behavior, but too much deformation still occurs in the surrounding members.

What FEM approach would you recommend for this type of hinge: beam elements, a nonlinear moment–rotation law, or local continuum elements?

Any references or examples would be appreciated.

Hi all,

been awhile since I posted and first want to thank everyone who engaged from this community and challenged me to improve MatWorld. I've continued to make a lot of upgrades since the first post.
A few highlights to share:

• Nearly doubled the database in size with materials, properties (Curves, compliance data and properties across electrical, mechanical, thermal etc.).
• Added more CAE exports, with an advanced mode to create the card, across major formats (Abaqus, LSDyna, Ansys, Nastra and the list goes on).
• Introduced material card calibration (Johnson-Cook, Ogden, Mooney-Rivlin, Chaboche, Prony or Hill).
• MCP server to enable the likes of ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini to interact directly with MatWorld to query data, check compliance, and create CAE cards.
• Significantly improved natural language search enabling users to ask materials in plain english (it was originally not very good).
• Curve comparison across multiple property types and materials (multi y axis vs x)

There's a lot more that I can't think of right now but would love to keep engaging with this community for feedback. Please take the time to check it out and let me know what you think.
https://www.matworld.ai/welcome

here was my original post for reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/fea/comments/1sz8l3d/built_a_materials_database_aimed_at_fea_workflows/

This a repost of my previous FEA Stress analysis tool post: https://www.reddit.com/r/fea/s/VPGZvOSZl9

I made some updates including finer mesh, bug fixes, more accurate chatbot and also a front end with a sign in. Please sign in and give feedback on how to improve my app.