Inelastic uniform torsion of steel members

Abstract

This paper develops a mitre model for the shear strain distribution in steel members under uniform torsion. The mitre model provides reasonable approximations for the shear stress distributions, except near re-entrant corners, and accurate predictions of the fully plastic uniform torque. The elastic torque-twist relationship is predicted with high accuracy, and the inelastic relationship with reasonable accuracy. The mitre model uses a simple approximation to the shear strain distribution caused by uniform torsion. It can be expected to provide a relatively simple method of predicting the inelastic behaviour of steel members when uniform torsion acts in combination with axial force and bending moment.