Flexural-torsional analysis of steel beam structures using ANSYS

Abstract

The theories for uniform torsion and non-uniform torsion are studied. The aim of the paper is to study the behaviour of the beams of different sections for combined bending and torsion under various loadings and support conditions. The comparative study of the finite element for beams with different geometry sections of solid and hollow circular sections, rectangular section and symmetric I sections subjected to concentric and eccentric loading conditions with simply supported and cantilever end conditions is presented using ANSYS 18.1 workbench. The length of the beam is kept constant as 4 m. The transverse and axial deformation, the equivalent stresses and strains of beams were studied along with the mode of failure and effect of bending and torsion. It was observed that concentric loading resulted in transverse deflections while the torsional moment loading causes in-plane deformation in form of twisting of the cross-section with maximum stress generation and the eccentric loading results in combined transverse and in-plane axial deformation. From the result obtained it can be said that open sections has lesser efficiency for torsional and eccentric type loading as higher stresses and axial deflections were observed as compared to the hollow circular and rectangular sections.