Nonlinear Model for LTB Prediction of RHS Beams Under Combined Axial and Bending Loads With Distortional Deformation Allowed

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study is to develop an efficient and accurate analytical model for the lateral torsional buckling (LTB) prediction of RHS beams. To this end, a coherent nonlinear geometric theory is formulated assuming large torsion angles. This theory is based on a new kinematic model that incorporates the distortion deformations in addition to the bending and torsion ones. Ritz's method is employed to discretize the governing equilibrium equations basing on trigonometric shape functions, and then the eigenvalue problem is defined according to the fundamental state. The Buckling loads are obtained by imposing the singularity condition of the tangential stiffness matrix. The numerical investigation is carried out to prove the accuracy of the proposed model in LTB load evaluation, when compared with the nonlinear shell finite element simulation using Abaqus software. The numerical results reveal that the classical linear models associated with moderate torsion angles, such as those provided by Generalized Beam Theory (GBT) and the classical eigenvalue shell finite element method, tend to underestimate the correct value of LTB loads of simply supported RHS beams. In accordance with linear and non‐linear models, the numerical study is focused on the impact of load height, intensity of introduced compressive load and section ratio b/h in the LTB loads prediction.