Field-consistency rules for a three-moded shear flexible beam element under non-uniform isoparametric mapping

Most studies on the three-noded quadratic Timoshenko beam13; element have been based on a 2-point Gaussian integration rule for the shear energy or on the use of a smoothed substitute shape function or assumed shear strain field to improve its performance. However, if the mid-node of the element does not lie exactly mid-way between the end nodes, the consistency requirements for the constrained shear strain field are more curejex this investigates this problem and the finding:throw more light on consistency procedures d@manded for distorted quadrilateral plate and shell elements. Another interesting aspect examined here is the advantage of introducing linearised Lsuned strain fields so that interpretatioh of strain and force results become easier under non-uniform mapping