A NEW HIGHER-ORDER HYBRID-MIXED CURVED BEAM ELEMENT

The purpose of this work is to show the successful use of nodeless deg rees of freedom in developing a highly accurate, locking free hybrid-m ixed C-0 curved beam element. In the performance evaluation process of the present field-consistent higher-order element, the effect of fiel d consistency and the role of higher-order interpolation on both displ acement-type and hybrid-mixed-type elements are carefully examined. Se veral benchmark tests confirm the superior behaviour of the present el ement. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.