Global static and stability analysis of thin-walled structures with open cross-section using FE shell-beam models

• FE models for stability analysis of thin-walled structures have been proposed.
• Two finite shell-beam models have been elaborated.
• The total Lagrangian approach has been used.
• The second terms of the finite rotations have been taken into account.
• Matrices and vectors of the element have been computed using symbolic operations.

The finite shell-beam models for static and global stability analysis of thin-walled structures with open cross-section are proposed. The discretization using thin-walled beam elements is connected with the space discretization of some parts of the frame. The space joint element, formulated using only translational degrees of freedom on cross-sections connecting the joint with the thin-walled beams and the so-called transition elements, defined between the beam and the shell nodes are used for consistent coupling beams and shell parts.