Linear analysis of naturally curved and twisted anisotropic beams

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a consistent theory for the deformation of a naturally curved and twisted anisotropic beam. The proposed formulation naturally extends the classical Saint-Venant approach to the case of curved, twisted anisotropic beams. The mathematical model developed under the assumption of span-wise uniform cross-section, curvature and twist, can take into account any kind of elastic coupling due to the material properties and the curved geometry. The consistency of the math-model presented and its generality about the cross-sectional shape make it a useful tool in a preliminary design optimization context such as, for example, the aeroelastic tailoring of helicopter rotor blades. Obviously one of the main problems remains the identification of the elastic properties needed when modeling composite beams. Some simple examples are given in order to determine the feasibility of the method.