Finite element formulations for the analysis of open and closed cross sections
Abstract
Two finite element models are compared for the analysis of beam cross sections in which the cross section is assumed to be rigid. The first model, a Bernoulli-Euler beam model with added shear flexibility, is shown to give good results for bending of the cross-section, but poor results for torsion of the cross section. A completely compatible cubic beam element is shown to provide improved results for the case of torsion. Differences between the results of the computer analyses and the classic Vlasov theory of torsion are highlighted.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Composite Structure Analysis and Optimization
Structural Load-Bearing Analysis
Engineering Applied Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 383–389
- Publication date
- 26 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter