Abstract
A finite element formulation for the large displacement analysis of thin-walled beams is presented. The degeneration approach is taken in this formulation, so that the nodal degrees-offreedom in the beam element thus developed are all vector quantities. It is also noteworthy that the concept of bimoment which is significant in the classical theory of thin-walled beams needs not be referred to. The present formulation is therefore simple and straightforward. Numerical examples are solved and excellent agreement with analytical solutions is obtained, confirming the validity of the present formulation.
