Generalization of the equations for frame-type structures. A variational approach (Q1060893)

The differential equations for frame-type structures with elastically deformable joints, derived recently by \textit{A. D. Kerr} and \textit{A. M. Zarembski} [ibid. 40, 253-276 (1981; Zbl 0481.73056)], are generalized first by including the translational inertia terms. The corresponding variational principle is then derived formally, and the mechanical meaning of each term is established. The variational principle is then generalized by including a geometrical nonlinearity, the effect of thermal and variable axial forces, and the variation of sectional properties. The corresponding differential equations are derived and the admissible boundary and matching conditions are discussed. As examples, formulations for two problems are presented.