Mixed finite element methods for elastic rods of arbitrary geometry (Q1326423)

The boundary value problem for rods having arbitrary geometry, and subjected to arbitrary loading, is studied within the context of the small-strain theory. The basic assumptions underlying the rod kinematic are those corresponding to the Timoshenko hypotheses in the plane rectilinear case: that is, plane sections normal to the line of centroids in the undeformed state remain plane, but not necessarily normal. The problem is formulated in both the standard and mixed variational forms, and after establishing the existence and uniqueness of solutions to these equivalent problems, the corresponding discrete problems are studied.