Torsion and flexure analysis of orthotropic beams by a boundary element model

This paper deals with a boundary element model, realised for analysing the coupled torsion and flexure Saint-Venant problem of orthotropic beams having a polygonal cross-section. A quadratic B-spline approximation represents the boundary variables. All the integrals are transferred onto the boundary and analytically computed using hierarchically structured formulae, suitable for computer implementation. The model furnishes the complete shear stress field, through the evaluation of section properties and the shear centre location. Numerical results allow an analysis of the performances of the model.