Computing the kern of a general cross-section

The 'kern' of a cross-section is the convex region within which any point l oad applied will produce stresses of the same sign as that of the load thro ughout the entire cross-section. Based on theorems of Mofid and Yavari [Int . J. Solids Struct. 31 (1998) 2377], an algorithm is presented that can com pute the kern of any cross-section numerically. We have developed a program based on this algorithm. A few examples arc solved using this program. The results are compared with those of Wilson and Turcotte [Adv. Engng Softwar e 17 (1993) 113] and Mofid and Yavari and excellent agreement is observed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.