Mixed state-vector finite element analysis for a higher-order box beam theory

Abstract

If thin-walled closed beams are analyzed by the standard Timoshenko beam elements, their structural behavior, especially near boundaries, cannot be accurately predicted because of the incapability of the Timoskenko theory to predict the sectional warping and distortional deformations. If a higher-order thin-walled box beam theory is used, on the other hand, accurate results comparable to those obtained by plate finite elements can be obtained. However, currently available two-node displacement based higher-order beam elements are not efficient in capturing exponential solution behavior near boundaries. Based on this motivation, we consider developing higher-order mixed finite elements. Instead of using the standard mixed formulation, we propose to develop the mixed formulation based on the state-vector form so that only the field variables that can be prescribed on the boundary are interpolated for finite element analysis. By this formulation, less field variables are used than by the standard mixed formulation, and the interpolated field variables have the physical meaning as the boundary work conjugates. To facilitate the discretization, two-node elements are considered. The effects of interpolation orders for the generalized stresses and displacements on the solution behavior are investigated along with numerical examples.