9. Finite element methods for beam structures

This section and its sub-sections deal with finite element methods for beam structures. Finite element method is discussed in (more) detail in the bbook about mathematics, mainly in the sections about partial differential equations (PDEs) and numerical methods for PDEs.

Here, FEM are presented applied to:

• decoupled beam structures, where axial, torsional and shear-bending dynamics are nutually independent, and governed by eq… derived for a decoupled Timoshenko beam

• generic beam structures, where a general coupling may exist between any kinematic variable and internal force/moment, as described for a general Timoshenko beam, eq…