Three-dimensional large deformation analysis of thin walled beams

A set of kinematic assumptions and constraints is used to develop a formulation for the analysis of thin-walled beams, of arbitrary open cross-section, subjected to arbitrarily large displacements in three-dimensional space. The validity of the formulation is illustrated through numerical solutions for elastic lateral-torsional post-buckling behavior of “I” beams, and a comparison of these solutions with experimental results.