Strain and stress analysis of a curved tapered beam model

The strain and stress resultant expressions for a tapered curved beam model are derived. The model is a one-dimensional version of the finite element based shell theory model of Irons and it may be considered as a generalizat ion of the well-known Timoshenko beam model. To gain insight into the prope rties of the model, the expressions needed are developed analytically witho ut use of finite elements. An effort is made to clarify a statement given p reviously, which is needed in the application of the theory and apt to lead to some confusion in its interpretation. Small displacement theory is appl ied. The stress resultant expressions are derived using the principle of vi rtual work and in addition directly from the stresses acting on the beam cr oss-section. The stresses obtained by the model in the isotropic elastic ca se are compared in two simple example problems with those by the Timoshenko model and with the exact values. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.