Abstract In view of the mechanics problems of beam-like structural members or systems that cannot be dealt with by existing beam theories, a unified analytical model for all beam-like members or structural systems, known as a Unified Analytical beam or a UA beam, and a novel computational methodology named Finite Nodal-Line (FNL) method are presented. By means of the UA beam theory and the FNL method, the analyses of arbitrary stocky shaped members and structural systems will be readily carried out. Furthermore, when the properties of a mechanics problem are consistent with the application conditions of a traditional classical beam, both the UA beam and traditional classical beam will possess an identical precision solution for the problem. The comparison study among different examples of beams is performed to verify the rationality of the UA beam theory and the validity of the FNL method.
Received: 18 November 2014
Published: 28 April 2015
2015, Vol. 36 
