• Journal of Power System Engineering
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.83-89
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• 2006

Curved beams are more efficient in transfer of loads than straight beams because the transfer is effected by bending, shear and membrane action. The finite element method is a versatile method for solving structural mechanics problems and curved beam problems have been solved using this method by many author. In this study, a new three-noded hybrid-mixed curved beam element is proposed to investigate the in-plane flexural vibration behavior of arches depending on the curvature, aspect ratio and boundary conditions, etc. The proposed element including the effect of shear deformation is based on the Hellinger-Reissner variational principle, and employs the quadratic displacement functions and consistent linear stress functions. The stress parameters are then eliminated from the stationary condition of the variational principle so that the standard stiffness equations are obtained. Several numerical examples confirm the accuracy of the proposed finite element and also show the dynamic behavior of arches with various shapes.