Analysis of curved beams using a new differential transformation based curved beam element

Abstract

Differential transformation method is used to obtain the shape functions for nodal variables of an arbitrarily non-uniform curved beam element including the effects of shear deformation considering axially functionally graded material. The proposed shape functions depend on the variations in cross-sectional area, moment of inertia, curvature and material properties along the axis of the curved beam element. The static and free vibration of axially functionally graded tapered curved beams including shear deformation and rotary inertia are studied through solving several examples. Numerical results are presented for circular, parabolic, catenary, elliptic and sinusoidal beams (both forms—prime and quadratic) with hinged-hinged, hinged-clamped and clamped-clamped and clamped-free end restraints. Three general taper types (depth taper, breadth taper and square taper) for rectangular cross section are studied. Out of plane vibration is studied and the lowest natural frequencies are calculated and compared with the published results. Out of plane buckling is investigated for circular beams due to radial load.