Large deflection of composite beams by finite elements with node-dependent kinematics

Abstract In this paper, the use of node-dependent kinematics concept for geometrical nonlinear analysis composite one-dimensional structures is proposed With present approach, can be independent in each element node. Therefore theory changes continuously over structural domain, describing remarkable cross-section deformation with higher-order and giving a lower-order kinematic to those portion structure which does not require refinement. way, reliability simulation ensured, keeping reasonable computational cost. This possible by Carrera unified formulation, allows writing finite equilibrium incremental equations compact recursive form. Compact thin-walled are analyzed, symmetric unsymmetric loading conditions, test approach when dealing warping torsion phenomena. Results show how models behave as well ones uniform highly refined kinematic. particular, zones undergo deformations demand high-order theories structures, whereas employed if no local phenomena occur: easily accomplished analysis.