Stress and strain fields in non-prismatic inhomogeneous beams

Abstract. Beamlike structures are commonly studied via 1D beam models, which more efficient than 3D finite element methods, but do not permit accurate predictions of stresses in non-prismatic cases. Despite the progress made their modeling, either direct approaches or dimensional reductions from formulations, analytical prediction and strains beamlike yet elements, with non-uniform properties both terms materials cross-section shape, subject to large displacements, is an open problem. This work presents a model for such elements that particularly suitable numerical implementations allows strains. A paradigmatic example shows importance non-trivial stress absent prismatic homogeneous inadequacy usual models stepped-beam when dealing inhomogeneous