Beam Structures (PDF)

Beam theories are exploited worldwide to analyze civil, mechanical,
automotive, and aerospace structures. Many beam approaches have
been proposed during the last centuries by eminent scientists such
as Euler, Bernoulli, Navier, Timoshenko, Vlasov, etc. Most of
these models are problem dependent: they provide reliable results
for a given problem, for instance a given section and cannot be
applied to a different one.

Beam Structures: Classical and Advanced Theories proposes
a new original unified approach to beam theory that includes
practically all classical and advanced models for beams and which
has become established and recognised globally as the most
important contribution to the field in the last quarter of a
century.

The Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) has hierarchical
properties, that is, the error can be reduced by increasing the
number of the unknown variables. This formulation is extremely
suitable for computer implementations and can deal with most
typical engineering challenges. It overcomes the problem of
classical formulae that require different formulas for tension,
bending, shear and torsion; it can be applied to any beam
geometries and loading conditions, reaching a high level of
accuracy with low computational cost, and can tackle problems that
in most cases are solved by employing plate/shell and 3D
formulations.

Key features:

* compares classical and modern approaches to beam theory,
including classical well-known results related to Euler-Bernoulli
and Timoshenko beam theories

* pays particular attention to typical applications related to
bridge structures, aircraft wings, helicopters and propeller
blades

* provides a number of numerical examples including typical
Aerospace and Civil Engineering problems

* proposes many benchmark assessments to help the reader
implement the CUF if they wish to do so

* accompanied by a companion website hosting dedicated software
MUL2 that is used to obtain the numerical solutions in the book,
allowing the reader to reproduce the examples given in the book as
well as to solve other problems of their own href="http://www.mul2.com/">www.mul2.com

Researchers of continuum mechanics of solids and structures and
structural analysts in industry will find this book extremely
insightful. It will also be of great interest to graduate and
postgraduate students of mechanical, civil and aerospace
engineering.