Equilibrium-Based Finite Element Formulation for Timoshenko Curved Tapered Beams

Abstract

[EN] Curved tapered beams have been widely used in many engineering applications. Their complex geometries pose challenges to the development of robust approaches for the numerical modelling of their mechanical behaviour. The aim of the present contribution is to introduce a novel, simple and effective, finite element formulation for the quasi-static analysis of Timoshenko curved tapered beams. This formulation relies on a complementary variational approach based on a set of approximations that satisfy in strong form all equilibrium conditions of the boundary-value problem, resulting thus in a formulation that is free from both shear and membrane locking phenomena. The effectiveness of the formulation is numerically demonstrated through its application to different beam problems and the obtained results are analysed and discussed.