On the cross-section distortion of thin-walled beams with multi-cell cross-sections subjected to bending

This paper deals with distortion of the cross-section contour of thin-walled beams with simple multi-cell closed rectangular cross-sections. The cross-section distortion is considered in the limit case. It is assumed that beam plates are hinged together along their longitudinal edges. Double symmetric three and two-cell closed cross-sections are considered. The stresses and displacements are obtained in the closed analytical form. The additional stresses and displacements due to distortion with respect to the stresses and displacements of the ordinary theory of bending are obtained. The boundary conditions are given in the general form. Some illustrative examples are given.