An Engineering Theory of thick Curved Beams loaded in-plane and out-of-plane: 3D Stress Analysis

The complete theory of curved beams in terms kinematic and stress, considering thickness effect out-of-plane loads (torsion included) is provided this paper. engineering beam approach followed; therefore, the key-point invariance cross-section shape during undeformed-deformed configuration change. normal circumferential stress tangential stresses due to torsion derive from latter assumption; other two (radial axial) pure shear are obtained through a generalization Jourawsky's for beams. state triaxial takes into account five six components tensor. equations valid any compact (non-thin-walled) non-hollowed cross-section. solution, instead, limited further assumption double-symmetric cross-sections. For case rectangular sections an analytical solution closed-form available. sections, procedure requires numerical evaluation some geometric integrals. reliability proposed tested planar loading comparing it with 2D Elasticity; cases comparisons carried out FEM analyses (3D solid elements). model agrees very well both comparisons. An interesting advantage capability carry post-processing on structures, using results finite elements (one-dimensional) avoiding recourse higher element types