ELASTIC AND INELASTIC ANALYSIS

OF NONPRISMATIC M E M B E R S
By Demeter G. Fertis, 1 Member, A S C E , and Michael E. Keene 2

ABSTRACT: This paper deals with the static analysis of nonprismatic members of
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any arbitrary variation in its moment of inertia / „ and where their material is stressed
beyond their elastic limit, thus causing the modulus of elasticity Ex to vary along
their length. The stress and deflection characteristics of such members for both
elastic and inelastic analysis will be determined by using the method of the equiv-
alent systems (see Fertis 1956, 1964, 1973, 1984). This method permits the re-
placement of the original member of variable stiffness EJX with one of uniform
stiffness EJi, whose elastic line is identical to that of the original variable stiffness
member. An exact, as well as a very accurate approximate solution is obtained
that drastically reduces the mathematical complexity of the problem. The member
can be analyzed in both elastic and inelastic ranges to failure, thus permitting ob-
servation of progressive deterioration of the member's ability to resist load, stress,
and deformation, and establishing useful, practical, critical limits regarding these
quantities.

BASIC CONCEPT AND THEORY OF EQUIVALENT SYSTEMS

Members of variable stiffness EXIX are commonly used in many engineer-

ing structures, such as highway bridges, buildings, space and aircraft struc-
tures, as well as in many mechanical components and machines. Their anal-
ysis in terms of stress and deformation becomes very complicated when Ex
and Ix are variable. The concept and method of the equivalent systems as
discussed in this paper, provide an exact solution and an accurate approxi-
mate solution to this complex problem that greatly simplify the computa-
tional work required in the solution.
The concept and development of the method of the equivalent systems
were initiated and developed by Fertis (1956, 1964, 1966, 1973, 1984) and
Fertis and Zobel (1958, 1961), with applications to plates by Fertis and Kozma
(1962) and Fertis and Mijatov (1989), and to other structural mechanics,
vibration, and dynamics problems. This paper deals with the derivation of
equivalent systems of constant stiffness EJj, where both Ex and Ix of the
original system are permitted to vary in any arbitrary manner. The method
will be applied to both elastic and inelastic members.
The mathematical derivation of exact equivalent systems of constant stiff-
ness EJi that can replace the original system of variable stiffness EXIX may
be initiated by considering the second-order differential equation for the elas-
tic curve of a member that, for small deflection theory, may be written as

By integrating Eq. 1 twice

'Prof., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Akron, Akron, OH 44325.
2
Mgr., Reactor Equipment Design, Babcock & Wilcox Co., Barberton, OH 44203-
0227.
Note. Discussion open until July 1, 1990. To extend the closing date one month,
a written request must be filed with the ASCE Manager of Journals. The manuscript
for this paper was submitted for review and possible publication on September 15,
1988. This paper is part of the Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 116, No.
2, February, 1990. ©ASCE, ISSN 0733-9445/90/0002-0475/$1.00 + $.15 per page.
Paper No. 24377.

475

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 J(-Jt?)*+c'J dx + C2.

where Cx and C2 = constants of integration and depend on boundary con-

(2)

ditions of member.
The variable stiffness Exlx of a member may be expressed as
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ExIx = E1I1f(x)g(x). (3)

where EJi = an arbitrary reference value of stiffness EJX; f(x) = function
of x representing variation of Ix with respect to reference value /,; and g{x)
= another function of x representing variation of Ex with respect to a ref-
erence value Ex. By substitution, Eq. 3 yields
Mxdx
dx + d | dx + C2 . (4)
EJil LJ f(x)g(x)j
For a member of constant stiffness EJi with length and reference system
of axes identical to the member used for Eq. 4, its elastic line ye is given
by the equation

y = ( - I Mtdx\dx + C[ dx + C2 (5)

where Me = bending moment at any x; and C[ and C2 = constants of in-

tegration.
The elastic lines represented by Eqs. 4 and 5 will be identical if
C[ = C, (6)
=
/W/^]^ /(-/H^
The conditions in Eq. 6 are easily satisfied if the two members have the
(7)

same length and boundary conditions. Eq. 7 is satisfied if

Mx
Me (8)
f(x)g(x)
Eq. 8 indicates that the moment diagram Me of the equivalent system of
constant stiffness EJ^ can be determined for any given set of functions f(x)
and g(x). With known Me, the shear force Ve and the applied load We of the
equivalent system can be obtained from the equations
d d Mr
(9)
dx dx .mg(x)\
_ d_ d2 M,
e (10)
dx dx1 I(x)g(x)j
Once the constant stiffness equivalent system is obtained, simple methods
of linear mechanics can be used to determine static responses, such as de-
flections, rotations, and stress characteristics.
In both cases of elastic and inelastic analysis, simplifications are intro-
476

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 duced as shown in the following pages that greatly simplify the mathematical
complexity of the problem without significant loss of accuracy.

ELASTIC ANALYSIS

For a variable stiffness member that is not stressed beyond its elastic limit
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and g(x) = 1, the modulus of elasticity E remains linearly elastic and con-
stant. If the member is made out of various materials but none of its ma-
terials are stressed beyond, its elastic limit, E will not be constant throughout
the length of the member, but it can remain linearly elastic. In this section,
we will assume that the variable stiffness member is made out of one ma-
terial and that g(x) = 1.
As an illustration of the theory and method, consider the variable stiffness
cantilever beam in Fig. 1(a) loaded as shown. The material of the beam is
Monel with a yield stress of 50,000 psi (344,750 kPa) at 70° F (21.11° C)
and with a modulus of elasticity E = 26 X 106 psi (179.27 X 106 kPa).
Since the beam will not be stressed beyond the elastic limit of its material,
g(x) = 1. The depth h at the free end A of the beam is 7.94 in. (0.202 m),
and the width b is constant at 6 in. (0.1524 m). The moment of inertia IB
at B is 250 in.4 (104.057 X 10~6 m4), and it is 500 in.4 (208.115 x 10~6
m4) at the end A. For convenience, Ix is assumed to vary linearly between
ends A and B. The weight of the beam is neglected in the following com-
putations.

(a)

FIG. 1. (a) Original Variable Stiffness Member; (b) M, Diagram Approximated with
Straight Lines; (c) Exact Equivalent System of Uniform Stiffness EIB; (d) Approx-
imate Equivalent System of Constant Stiffness El„ (1 in. = 0.0254 m; 1 lb =
4.448 N)
477

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 On the basis of the above data
1L - x\
; ai)
'--{—h 1L - x
fix) = —j— (12)
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Mx = -P(L - x)= Px- PL (13)

2
M, PLx - PL
Me = — = (14)
/(*) 2L-x
/2L-x\U3
K = hi — — I (15)

and from Eq. 10

d2 2PL2
^ = - ^ w =^r^ • ™
By using the given values for P and L, Eqs. 14 and 16 are plotted as shown
in Figs. 1(b) and 1(c), respectively. Fig. 1(c) is the exact equivalent system
of constant stiffness EIB. Its elastic line is identical to that of the original
variable stiffness system in Fig. 1(a).
The solution of the equivalent system in Fig. 1(c) may be obtained by
using known methods of analysis. For example, by using the differential
equation
d2y Me
2
(17)
dx ~EIB
and integrating twice
PLx PL2
(x + 2L) In ( ]+x (18)
,2L - x,
which yields the vertical deflection y at any distance x. At x = 120 in. (3.048
m), which is the free end, Eq. 18 yields y = vmax = 5.135 X 10~3 in. (1.304
X 10"4 m).
For the rectangular cross section beam in Fig. 1(a), the maximum stress
CTmax at any cross section can be determined from the equation

<rmax = — (19)

or, from the equation

Meh llh + x\m
°- = ^{-r) • (20)

if the equivalent system in Fig. 1(c) is used. For example, at the fixed end,
478

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 Eq. 19 or Eq. 20 yields crmax = 120.0 psi (827.4 kPa).
In order to reduce the mathematical complexity of the problem, the shape
of the Me diagram in Fig. 1(b) is approximated with straight lines as shown.
The juncture points of the straight lines may lie above or below the Me curve
so that the areas added to or subtracted from the Me diagram are approxi-
mately balanced. On this basis, the equivalent system of constant stiffness
EIB will always be loaded with equivalent concentrated loads as shown in
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Fig. 1(d). The solution of the system in Fig. 1(d) provides a convenient and
accurate solution to the variable stiffness problem. By using the moment
area method, the deflection 5B at the free end B of the equivalent system is
5.022 X 10~3 in. (1.276 X 10~4 m). Compared to the exact solution, the
error is 2.2%. Greater accuracy may be obtained by using more straight lines
in the approximation of the shape of the Me diagram in Fig. 1(b).
The approximation of the shape of the Me diagram with straight lines per-
mits the derivation of constant stiffness equivalent systems for any arbitrary
variation in the stiffness of the original system. This is possible because the
Me diagram can be constructed by selecting arbitrarily the moment of inertia
at a section of the member as a reference value, then calculating f(x) at
discrete points along the length of the member. At the same points, the
moment Mx of the member is also determined. Then, by Eq. 8, the exact
Me values are obtained at the same points. The plot of these Me points yield
the shape of the Me diagram of the constant stiffness equivalent system.
Consider for example the variable stiffness member in Fig. 2(a), which
is acted upon by a uniformly distributed load. The depth of the member
varies as shown, and the width b is constant and equal to 10 in. (0.254 m).
The values of Mx, f(x), and Me at selected values of x from end A are in
Table 1. The depth of 11 in. (0.2794 m) is used as the reference section to
calculate/(x). The shape of the Me diagram approximated with six straight
lines is shown in Fig. 2(b), and the constant stiffness equivalent system loaded
with five concentrated loads is shown in Fig. 2(c). Its constant depth is 11
in. (0.2794 m), its constant modulus of elasticity E = 3 X 106 psi (20.685
X 106 kPa), and its moment of inertia/ = 1,109.1667 in.4 (461.67 x 10~6
m4).
The deflections at any distance x along the length of the member in Fig.
2(a) may be accurately determined by using the equivalent system in Fig.
2(c) and applying known handbook formulas of mechanics of materials, or
appropriate methods dealing with small deflection theory. For example, by
applying handbook formulas, the vertical deflection y3 at point 3 is equal to
0.3055 in. (7.76 X 10"3 m).
If the variable stiffness member is statically indeterminate, the Mx in Eq.
8 is not readily available. The redundant reactions would have to be deter-
mined first by solving the statically indeterminate problem. Consider for ex-
ample the variable stiffness member in Fig. 3(a) with/(x) varying as shown
in Fig. 3(b). By selecting the reaction RA at the end A as the redundant, the
two cantilever beam problems that need to be solved are shown in Figs. 3(c)
and 3(d). Since these two problems are statically determinate, Mx in each
case can be determined. In Fig. 3(d), the Mx is a function of RA. By applying
the method of the equivalent systems as stated earlier, the equivalent system
of constant stiffness EIA corresponding to the problem in Fig. 3(c) is as
shown in Fig. 4(a). The equivalent system corresponding to the problem in
Fig. 3(o") is shown in Fig. 4(b).

479

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 ik/ft
IIHUI TTT?
2§^__30"
32""- 33"

-'-?.' 5 c'|.. 5 '.|i?'.|?' TJ.5'I|T5.I'

30"

(a)
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A i » • ~ ' *—fB
/£l 2 3 4 5^7-
12.5'5' 5' 10' 5'2.5'

FIG. 2. (a) Original Variable Stiffness Member; (b) M f Diagram Approximated with
Straight Lines; (c) Constant Stiffness Equivalent System (1 in. = 0.0254 m; 1 ft =
0.3048 m; 1 kip-ft = 1,356 Nm; 1 kip = 4.448 kN)

By utilizing the equivalent system in Fig. 4(a) and applying handbook

formulas, the deflection 8^ at the free end A is equal to -168,868/£7 A .
Similarly, by using the equivalent system in Fig. 4(b), the deflection 8^ at
the free end A is 10,923 RA/EIA.
The unknown reaction RA at the end A of the original variable stiffness
member in Fig. 3(a) can be determined from the boundary condition
K + K = 8, = 0 (21)

TABLE 1. Values of f(x), M„ and Me for Elastic Analysis (1 ft = 0.3048 m; 1 kip

= 4.448 kN)

*(ft) M, (kip-ft) /(*) M, = MJf{x) (kip-ft)

(1) (2) (3) (4)
0 0 2.5357 0
2.5 34.375 1.0000 34.375
7.5 84.375 24.6190 3.427
12.5 109.375 11.7393 9.317
17.5 109.375 20.2855 5.392
22.5 84.375 27.0000 3.125
27.5 34.375 3.0774 11.170
30.0 0 8.0000 0

480

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 k/ft

3.75 k 9.91k 13.23 k 4.74 k

•t * n t
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•H IB' -M7'^,U.83J
41 ."S?

(a)
0.97WA 0.826R A | |0.690RA
A
I 12.83'
rail
4 spaces 0 7.25'=29' i
j&inj wo "•' $&&
t
I 17' fi1 18
-fc
ft?1 ^

10.7l|7.86JJ4.18jj< 7.36kA 2.54k

A J.u.um..i—

fr.r..?1...
[UHIII cf«n tef^ JSS£B*.
II1
pijimBl
9.83M
Bfflj
69.0k-ft

(c)

FIG. 3. (a) Original Statically Indeter-
minate Variable Stiffness Member; (b)
Moment of Inertia Variation; (c) Canti-
lever Beam with Original Loading; (d)
Cantilever Beam Loaded with Reaction
RA (1 ft = 0.3048 m; 1 kip = 4.448 kN)
FIG. 4. (a) Equivalent System for
Member in Fig. 3(c); (b) Equivalent Sys-
tem for Member in Fig. 3(d); (c) Equiv-
alent System for Member in Fig. 3(a) (1
ft = 0.3048 m; 1 kip = 4.448 kN)

By substitution
-168,868 10,923flA
(22)
Eh Eh
or
RA 15.46 kips (23)
With known RA, the vertical deflection at any point along the length of the
member in Fig. 3(a) can be determined by using the constant stiffness equiv-
alent systems in Figs. 4(a) and 4(b) and superimposing results.
Since RA is known, the moment Mx at any x at the original variable stiff-
ness member in Fig. 3(a) may be determined. Thus, by Eq. 8, the moment
diagram Me of the equivalent system of constant stiffness EIA can be deter-
mined. The approximation of its shape with straight lines as stated earlier,
leads to the constant stiffness equivalent system in Fig. 4(c). Its elastic line
is closely identical to that of the original system. Thus, deflections of the
original system can also be determined by using the constant stiffness equiv-
alent system in Fig. 4(c).

INELASTIC ANALYSIS

When the material of a member of variable moment of inertia is permitted

to be stressed beyond its elastic limit, then g(x) and/(x) in Eq. 8 should be
known, or evaluated, in order to determine the moments Me of the constant
481

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 (a)
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=2EJ |e1|=ie2l r=h/A

ay=50000 psi H r =E r I/r

(c)

FIG. 5. (a) Original Variable Stiffness Member; (b) Bilinear Stress-Strain Curve;
(c) Areas under Stress-Strain Curve (1 in. = 0.0254 m; 1 lb = 4.448 N; 1 psi =
6.894 kPa)

stiffness equivalent system. The method used here to determine g(x) will be
demonstrated by utilizing again the variable stiffness member in Fig. 1(a).
When the load in Fig. 1(a) is increased from 100 lb (444.8 N) to 60,000
lb (266.88 kN), as shown in Fig. 5(a), the stress uA at the fixed end A on
a perfectly elastic basis is

MA
(60,000)(5)
aA = ± - = ±72,000 psi (496,440 kPa) (24)
500
Since the yield stress ay of Monel is 50,000 psi (344,750 kPa), the modulus
of elasticity E is no longer constant along the length of the member.
The evaluation of the function g(x) in this case is based on the determi-
nation of a reduced modulus Er by using Timoshenko's method (1976). In
order to utilize this method, the stress-strain relationship of the material must
be known. For Monel, this relationship is approximated by a bilinear curve
as shown in Fig. 5(b), in order to simplify the illustration of the method.
The actual stress-strain curve, or a better approximation of this curve, can
be used if a higher degree of accuracy is desired.
The approximated tension-compression stress diagram for the material is
shown in Fig. 5(c). It is assumed that the compressive yield strength is equal
in magnitude to the tensile yield strength, i.e., symmetry. This assumption
482

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 is not mandatory for this method, but it follows typical engineering practice
for steels. The curve AOB in Fig. 5(b) represents the bending stress distri-
bution along the depth h of the member if h is substituted for A.
The radius of curvature r = ft/A. By referring to Timoshenko (1976)

brL (Tide. = M (25)

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where b = width of rectangular cross section; and M = bending moment at

considered cross section. Eq. 25, after a simple transformation, may be re-
written as
bh3 1 12 f'
, ; <re.de. = M (26)
12 r A 3 J 62
The equation that holds for the elastic condition is
EI
= M (27)
r
For the inelastic case where the proportional limit of the material is ex-
ceeded, the curvature produced by a moment M can be calculated from the
equation
ErI
— =M (28)
r

where the reduced modulus Er is defined as

12
Er = — | aerfe (29)
A
The integration in Eq. 29 represents the moment with respect to the vertical
axis through the origin O of the shaded area shown in Fig. 5(b).
A trial and error procedure is used to calculate Er for any specific values
of h and / along the length of the member in Fig. 5(a). By taking several
values of A and using the curve in Fig. 5(c), we determine for each value
of A the extreme elongations et and e2; and from Eq. 29, we determine the
corresponding values of Er (see also Appendix A). The corresponding mo-
ment required to produce the strains resulting in a specific Er depends on
the moment of inertia / and the height h of the rectangular cross section
beam. Table 2 includes a summary of the calculations of Er and the required
moment for various values of / and h of the beam. The trial and error pro-
cedure is used to match the required moment with the actual moment of the
beam in Fig. 5(a) at a given cross section (see the last column of Table 2).
Note that the stress at locations beyond 48 in. (1.219 m) is below the yield
strength of the material, and consequently Er = E in these locations.
Table 3 gives the values of f(x), E„ g(x), Mx, and Me = Mx/f(x)g(x), at
various locations x of the member. The moment diagram Me of the equiv-
alent system of constant stiffness EBIB is shown plotted in Fig. 6(a). The
approximation of its shape with four straight lines leads to the constant stiff-
ness equivalent system shown in Fig. 6(b). The deflections at any point along

483

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 TABLE 2. Summary of Reduced Modulus of Elasticity and Required Moment with
Respect to Location (1 in. = 0.0254 m; 1 psi = 6.895 kPa; 1 lb = 4.448 N)
x (in.) h (in.) / (in.4) A (in./in.) Er (x10 6 psi) r (in.) M „ , = M, (in.-lb)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
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0 10.0000 500.00 10.850-03 13.272 921.66 7.20 x 10 6

3.0 9.9582 493.75 9.270-03 15.275 1,074.24 7.02(10)6
6.0 9.9160 487.50 8.190-03 16.987 1,210.74 6.84(10)6
9.0 9.8734 481.25 7.410-03 18.441 1,332.44 6.66(10)6
12.0 9.8304 475.00 6.805-03 19.708 1,444.58 6.48(10)6
15.0 9.7872 468.75 6.320-03 20.815 1,548.61 6.30(10)6
18.0 9.7434 462.50 5.918-03 21.788 1,646.54 6.12(10)6
21.0 9.6994 456.25 5.580-03 22.632 1,738.24 5.94(10)6
24.0 9.6548 450.00 5.290-03 23.365 1,825.10 5.76(10)6
27.0 9.6100 443.75 5.035-03 24.001 1,908.64 5.58(10)6
30.0 9.5446 437.50 4.810-03 24.542 1,988.48 5.40(10)6
33.0 9.5188 431.25 4.611.03 24.989 2,064.37 5.22(10)6
36.0 9.4726 425.00 4.431-03 25.352 2,137.80 5.04(10)6
39.0 9.4260 418.75 4.268-03 25.633 2,208.53 4.86(10)6
42.0 9.3788 412.50 4.119-03 25.834 2,276.96 4.65(10)6
45.0 9.3312 406.25 3.982-03 25.956 2,343.35 4.50(10)6
48.0 9.2832 400.00 3.856-03 26.001 2,407.47 4.32(10)6

TABLE 3. Values of /(*), g(x), E„ Mx, and Me for Inelastic Analysis (1 in = 0.0254
m; 1 psi = 6.895 kPa; 1 lb-in. = 0.1130 N.m)
x (in.) fix) Er (x 106 psi) Six) M, (lb-in.) Me = MJf(x)g(x) (lb-in.)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
0 2 13.272 0.5105 7,200,000 7,051,910
6 1.95 16.987 0.6533 6,840,000 5,369,191
12 1.90 19.708 0.7580 6,480,000 4,499,375
18 1.85 21.788 0.8380 6,120,000 3,947,623
24 1.80 23.365 0.8987 5,760,000 3,560,699
30 1.75 24.542 0.9439 5,400,000 3,269,111
36 1.70 25.353 0.9751 5,040,000 3,040,412
42 1.65 25.834 0.9936 4,680,000 2,854,633
48 .. 1.60 26.001 1.0000 4,320,000 2,700,000
54 1.55 26.000 1.0000 3,960,000 2,554,839
60 1.50 26.000 1.0000 3,600,000 2,400,000
66 1.45 26.000 1.0000 3,240.000 2,234,483
72 1.40 26.000 1.0000 2,880,000 2,057,143
78 1.35 26.000 1.0000 2,520,000 1,866,667
84 1.30 26.000 1.0000 2,160,000 1,661,538
90 1.25 26.000 1.0000 1,800,000 1,440,000
96 1.20 26.000 1.0000 1,440,000 1,200,000
102 1.15 26.000 1.0000 1,080,000 939,130
108 1.10 26.000 1.0000 720,000 654,545
114 1.05 26.000 1.0000 360,000 342,857
120 1.00 26.000 1.0000 0 0

484

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by New York University on 05/18/15. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

" e " f(x)g(x

7.052xlO"lb-1n»
.U Cl.'M 44.156 k 215.023 k

I \-±,
27" 63"

(b)

FIG. 6. (a) M,_, Diagram Approximated with Straight Lines; (b) Equivalent System
of Constant Stiffness EBlB (1 in. = 0.0254 m; 1 lb = 4.448 N; 1 kip = 4.448 kN)

the length of the equivalent system may be determined by using handbook

formulas or linear methods of elementary mechanics. These deflections will
be closely identical to the corresponding deflections of the original variable
stiffness member in Fig. 5(a). For example, by using the moment area method,
the vertical deflection yB at the free end B is 3.456 in. (0.0878 m). By
applying Eq. 18, the exact elastic solution yields yB = 3.081 in. (0.0783
m). Thus, the inelastic solution yields a value that is 12.17% higher than
the elastic value, and it represents the effect of the reduced modulus Er. The
approximate elastic solution that is performed by approximating the shape
of the Me = Mx/f(x) moment diagram with three straight lines yields yB =
3.056 in. (0.0776 m), which is only 0.8% lower than the exact value of
3.081 in. (0.0783 m).
Now assume that the cantilever beam in Fig. 5(a) is loaded with a uni-
formly distributed load as shown in Fig. 7(a). The load value of 1.3889 kip/
in. (243.22 kN/m) was selected to produce a moment of 10 X 103 kip-in.
(1,130 X 103 Nm) at the fixed end, which stresses the member well into the
inelastic range. The material of the beam is again assumed to be Monel, and
its stress-strain curve has been approximated by seven straight line incre-
ments with stresses and strains as shown in Table 4.
Following the preceding example, the values of the reduced modulus Er
have been determined at sections along the length of the member as shown
in the third column of Table 5. In the same table, the values of the functions
f{x) and gix), moment Mx, and moment Me = Mx/fix)gix) of the equivalent
system of constant stiffness EBIB are also included. The variation of the re-
duced modulus Er along the length of the member is also shown schemati-
cally in Fig. lib).
By using the computed values of Me shown in Table 5, the moment dia-
gram Me of the equivalent system of constant stiffness EBIB is plotted as
shown in Fig. 8(a). The approximation of its shape with four straight lines
485

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 1.3889k/in
IXEHEEIX1
^ B
x o L-x
L=120"
U)
"J 30, -,
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20
•5 *

I 10.

1 0 •
o: T
0 24 48 72 96 120
Distance x (inches)
(b)

FIG. 7. (a) Original Variable Stiffness Member; (b) Variation of Er along Length
of Member; (1 in. = 0.0254 m; 1 kip = 4.448 kN; 1 psi = 6.895 kPa)

leads to the constant stiffness equivalent system in Fig. S(b). The vertical
deflection at any point along the length of the equivalent system may now
be determined by using known formulas or methods of elementary mechan-
ics, and the results will be closely identical to the corresponding results of
the original variable stiffness member in Fig. 1(a). For example, the vertical
deflection 8fl at the free end B in Fig. 8(b) was determined by using the
well-known moment area method, and it equaled 20.06 in. (0.5095 m). The
elastic deflection at the same point was also computed by using the method
of the equivalent systems as discussed in the preceding section, and it was
equal to 2.68 in. (0.0681 m). This value is much lower than the inelastic
value of 20.06 in. (0.5095 m), which indicates that the material is stressed
well beyond its elastic limit.
The modulus of elasticity EB used in these deflection computations was
taken to equal 30 x 106 psi (206.85 X 106 kPa), since the actual stress-

TABLE 4. Stress-Strain Curve Approximation with Seven Straight Line Incre-

ments and Corresponding Stresses and Strains (1 in. = 0.0254 m; 1 ksi = 6,895
kPa)
Strain e (in./in.) Stress o- (ksi)
(1) (2)
0 0
0.0010 30
0.0015 38
0.0020 43
0.0030 47
0.0040 50
0.0250 59
0.1000 75

486

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 TABLE 5. Values of/(x), g(x), Er, M„ and Me for Inelastic Analysis (1 in. 0.0254
m; 1 psi = 6.895 kPa; 1 k-in. = 113.0 N m )
x (in.) /(*) Er (x 106 psi) g(x) Mx (kip-in.) Me = Mx/f(x)g(x) (kip-in.)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
0 2 1.0767 0.03589 10,000 139,316
6 1.95 1.6405 0.05468 9,025 84,642
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12 1.90 3.1024 0.10341 8,100 41,226

18 1.85 6.9101 0.23034 7,225 16,955
24 1.80 13.8190 0.46063 6,400 7,719
30 1.75 19.1450 0.63817 5,625 5,037
36 1.70 22.9000 0.76333 4,900 3,776
42 1.65 25.6610 0.85537 4,225 2,994
48 1.60 27.9260 0.93087 3,600 2,417
54 1.55 29.4490 0.98163 3,025 1,988
60 1.50 30.0000 1.00000 2,500 1,677
66 1.45 30.0000 1.00000 2,025 1,397
72 1.40 30.0000 1.00000 1,600 1,143
78 1.35 30.0000 1.00000 1,225 907
84 1.30 30.0000 1.00000 900 692
90 1.25 30.0000 1.00000 625 500
96 1.20 30.0000 1.00000 400 333
102 1.15 30.0000 1.00000 225 196
108 1.10 30.0000 1.00000 100 91
114 1.05 30.0000 1.00000 25 24
120 1.00 30.0000 1.00000 0 0

2000 k-in

(a)

327.94^1647.05^7083.33"

I IL
17" 1 1 " 12"
Lg»_ : B=AO—aafluf—ai
(b)

FIG. 8. (a) Me Diagram Approximated with Straight Lines; (b) Equivalent System
of Constant Stiffness EBIB (1 in. = 0.0254 m; 1 kip = 4.448 kN)

487

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 strain curve is used, with stress cr = 30,000 psi (206.850 kPa) at strain e
= 0.001 (see Table 4). The modulus of 26 x 106 psi (179.27 x 106 kPa)
used in the preceding example, was based on a 2% offset strain in the stress-
strain curve.

CONCLUSIONS
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The research in this paper proved that elastic and inelastic analysis of
members with continuously varying moment of inertia Ix and modulus of
elasticity Ex, along the length of the variable stiffness member, can be car-
ried out by using linear equivalent systems of constant stiffness EJi and
applying known handbook formulas or methods of elementary mechanics of
materials. For both elastic and inelastic analyses, exact and approximate
equivalent systems are obtained. The approximate equivalent system, how-
ever, is very accurate, and greatly simplifies the solution of the original
variable stiffness complex problem. Since the only simplification involved
is the approximation of the shape of the Me diagram with straight lines, the
error will range between 0.5 and 2%, if only a few straight lines are used.
If desired, greater accuracy can be obtained if more straight lines are used.
The straight line approximation of the Me diagram drastically reduces the
complexity of the problem without appreciable loss of accuracy, and it is
strongly recommended to be used for practical engineering applications.
For the inelastic analysis, both the exact and the approximate methods of
the equivalent systems would depend on proper evaluation of the reduced
modulus Er. For practical applications, however, approximation of the stress-
strain curve with a few straight line segments should produce reasonable
results. Additional work along this line of research, also by incorporating
dynamic characteristics, is currently in progress.

APPENDIX I. SAMPLE CALCULATIONS OF REDUCED MODULUS Er

The calculation of the reduced modulus is based on assuming a stress

distribution through the particular cross section under consideration. The stress
distribution is assumed to have the same distribution as that of the stress-
strain diagram, whereby the strain in the outside fiber is proportional to the
height of the beam. The area under the stress-strain diagram is calculated
and the moment of this area about the vertical (stress) axis is taken. The
moment required to produce this stress distribution is calculated and com-
pared to the actual moment. If they do not match, then a larger or smaller
strain is assumed and the calculations are repeated. The following example
illustrates the steps of this procedure. The cantilever beam with a concen-
trated force of 60,000 lb (266,700 N) in Fig. 5(a), is used as an example,
and the reduced modulus at the support (x — 0) is calculated.
Actual moment Mx = 7.200 X 106 lb-in. (0.8129 x 10* N • m) (30a)
4 6 4
IA = 500 in. (208.12 x 10~ m ) h = 10 in. (0.254 m) (2,0b)
3
ej = 5.425 X 10" in./in. (assumed) (30c)
3
A = 2e, = 10.850 x 10" (30a*)
Calculated moment of area under the stress-strain diagram
= 1.4127 lb/in. (247.2225 N/m) (31)
488

J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.

 12
Reduced modulus E,. = —1 (moment of area)
A
12
(1.4127) = 13.272(10)e psi (91.51 kPa) (32)
(10.850 x 10"7
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h 10
Radius of curvature r = - = _ „ , „ „ „ , _ 3 = 921.66 in. (23.41 m) (33)
A ~ 10.850(10)
ErlA (13.272)(10)6(500)
Required moment Mreq = =
r 921.66
6 6
= 7.200(10) lb-in. (0.8129 x 10 N • m) (34)
Thus
Required moment Mr = Actual moment Mx (35)

APPENDIX II. REFERENCES

Fertis, D. G. (1956). "Theoretical and experimental investigations on vibration sus-

ceptibilities of various highway bridges." Research Report, Mich. Dept. ofTransp.,
Lansing, Mich.
Fertis, D. G. (1964). "Contribution to the deflection and free vibration of uniform
and variable stiffness members," thesis presented to the National Technical Uni-
versity of Athens, Greece, at Athens, Greece, in partial fulfillment of the require-
ments for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Fertis, D. G. (1966). "Dynamic hinge concept for beam vibrations." J. Struct. Div.,
ASCE, 92(1).
Fertis, D. G. (1973). Dynamics and vibration of structures. John Wiley and Sons,
Inc., New York, N.Y.
Fertis, D. G. (1984). Dynamics and vibration of structures. Revised Ed., Robert E.
Krieger Publishing Co., Malabar, Fla.
Fertis, D. G., and Kozma, A. (1962). "Solution of the deflection of variable thick-
ness plates by the method of equivalent systems." / . Industrial Mathematics, 12(1).
Fertis, D. G., and Mijatov, M. M. (1989). "Equivalent systems for variable thickness
plates." J. Engrg. Mech., ASCE, 115(10).
Fertis, D. G., and Zobel, E. (1958). "Equivalent systems for the deflection of vari-
able stiffness members." / . Struct. Div., ASCE.
Fertis, D. G., and Zobel, E. (1961). Transverse vibration theory, applications of
equivalent systems. Ronald Press Co., Inc., New York, N.Y.
Timoshenko, S. (1976). Strength of materials, parti, elementary theory and prob-
lems. 3rd Ed., Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co., Hungtington, N.Y.
Timoshenko, S. (1976). Strength of materials, part II, advanced theory and prob-
lems. 3rd Ed., Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co., Huntington, N.Y.

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J. Struct. Eng. 1990.116:475-489.