Nonlinear Approach to Thin-Walled Beams with a Symmetrical Open Section

Abstract

The principle of virtual work is applied to thin-walled beams with a cross-section with the middle line of an arbitrary curvilinear shape and with a continuously varying thickness. Six equilibrium equations and a seventh one related to the constrained torsion are derived taking into account general sectorial coordinates. The obtained relations are applied to structural elements with one longitudinal plane of symmetry with the shape similar to real turbine blades. All geometrical characteristics are calculated for one structural element with a modified cross-section shape. It has been shown that it is not recommendable to neglect the influence of secondary effects.