A unified energy formulation for the stability analysis of open and closed thin-walled members in the framework of the generalized beam theory

Abstract

Generalized beam theory--GBT--is among the most adequate tools for the analysis of thin-walled prismatic elements. It enables the analysis of the distortion of the element cross-section and local buckling of individual walls in a unified manner that incorporates the results from classical bending theory. The basis of this theory was developed in the 1960s by Schardt for first and second order elastic behaviour of thin-walled members.