Study of warping torsion of thin-walled beams with open cross-section using macro-elements

Thin-walled beams with open cross-section under torsion or complex load are studied based on the hypotheses of the classical theory (Vlasov). Differen t from previous techniques presented in the literature, the concept of a st rip-plate is introduced. This concept is used to accurately model the effec t of bending induced by torsion and to define an alternate finite element c alled macro-element. The macro-elements are shown to model more accurately the thin-walled beams under warping torsion or complex load therefore givin g better results than the classical theory. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.