Non-uniform warping including the effects of torsion and shear forces. I: A general beam theory (Q2385230)

The paper, the first one of the two-part contribution, derives a non-uniform warping beam theory from the principle of virtual work by using three independent warping parameters. The proposed beam theory can account for the effects of torsion and shear forces and is valid for any homogeneous cross-section made of isotropic elastic material. Based on a kinematical assumption that the cross-section maintains its shape, the beam theory is free from the classical assumptions on the warping functions or on the shear distributions. Comparison with classical beam theories highlights the additional effects due to the non-uniformity of the warping. Simplified versions of the beam theory are presented if a part of the energy associated to the secondary internal forces is neglectable.