Isogeometric analysis for the dynamic problem of curved structures including warping effects

Abstract

ABSTRACTCurved beam structures have been used in many civil, mechanical, aircraft, and aerospace constructions. The analysis is mainly based on solid and plate models due to the fact that traditional curved beam elements do not include nonuniform warping effects, especially in the dynamic analysis. In this article, independent warping parameters have been taken into account and the initial curvature effect is considered. Curved beam’s behavior becomes more complex, even for dead loading, due to the coupling between axial force, bending moments, and torque that curvature produces. In addition to these, the Isogeometric tools (b-splines or NURBS), either integrated in the Finite Element Method or in a Boundary Element–based Method called Analog Equation Method, have been employed in this contribution for the dynamic analysis of horizontally curved beams of open or closed (box-shaped) cross sections. Free vibration characteristics and responses of the stress resultants and displacements to moving loading have been studied.