Differential Equations of Motion for Naturally Curved and Twisted Composite Space Beams

Abstract

The differential equations of motion for naturally curved and twisted elastic space beams made of anisotropic materials with noncircular cross sections, being a coupled system consisting of 14 second-order partial differential equations with variable coefficients, are derived theoretically. The warping deformation of beam’s cross section, as a new design factor, is incorporated into the differential equations in addition to the anisotropy of material, the curvatures of the rod axis, the initial twist of the cross section, the rotary inertia, and the shear and axial deformations. Numerical examples show that the effect of warping deformation on the natural frequencies of the beam is significant under certain geometric and boundary conditions. This study focuses on improving and consummating the traditional theories to build a general curve beam theory, thereby providing new scientific research reference and design principle for curve beam designers.