The Bending of Beams in Finite Elasticity

In this paper the analysis for the anticlastic bending under constant curvature of nonlinear solids and beams, presented by Lanzoni, Tarantino (J. Elast. 131:137–170, 2018), is extended and further developed for the class of slender beams. Following a semi-inverse approach, the problem is studied by a three-dimensional kinematic model for the longitudinal inflexion, which is based on the hypothesis that cross sections deform preserving their planarity. A compressible Mooney-Rivlin law is assumed for the stored energy function and from the equilibrium equations, the free parameter of the kinematic model is computed. Thus, taking into account the three-dimensionality of the beam, explicit formulae for the displacement field, the stretches and stresses in every point of the body, following both Lagrangian and Eulerian description, are derived. Subsequently, slender beams under variable curvature were examined, focusing on the local determination of the curvature and bending moment along the deformed beam axis. The governing equations take the form of a coupled system of three equations in integral form, which is solved numerically. The proposed analysis allows to study a very wide class of equilibrium problems for nonlinear beams under different restraint conditions and subject to generic external load systems. By way of example, the Euler beam and a cantilever beam loaded by a dead or live (follower) concentrated force applied at the free end have been considered, showing the shape assumed by the beam as the load multiplier increases.