Beam Element based on equilibrium section forces, and not assumed displacement functions.

What is it about?

Beams with variable properties along the beam axis usually lead to non-trivial displacement distributions. It is therefore advantageous to obtain the stiffness properties of a non-homogeneous beam element by use of section force distributions that satisfy the equilibrium equations. The results are simple and explicit, and typically permits analysis with a smaller number of elements. Results are given both for an unloaded element and an element carrying concentrated or distributed loads.

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Why is it important?

Beams are often used in structural analysis and in important cases - such as wind turbine blades - the section properties vary strongly along the blade. Th equilibrium based element permits an equally accurate analysis with a smaller number of elements, and furthermore the stiffness matrix of the element is given in a direct explicit form that facilitates computation.

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