Non-Classical Non-Linear Effects in Thin Walled Open Section Composite Beams

Abstract

This work describes the development of a comprehensive and reliable tool for analysis of the most commonly used geometries of open section thin walled composite beams. This tool, being based on the mathematically rigorous variational asymptotic method, automatically incorporates all the relevant non-linear and non-classical effects that arise in an arbitrary thin walled open section composite beam. Further, the closed form solutions for all the variables enable an effective transformation to a reliable and computationally effecient probabilistic model. With the inclusion of an easy-to-use and portable graphics user interface we now have an effective aid for composite tailoring of open section beams.