The static and stress analyses of axially functionally graded exact super-elliptical beams via mixed FEM

In this paper, the static response and normal/shear stresses of axially functionally graded exact super-elliptical beams are presented via a warping-included mixed finite element method. Super-elliptical axis geometry is derived over the exact functions of planar curves. The constitutive equations are obtained from three-dimensional elasticity theory. The mixed finite element formulation is enhanced by including the warping deformations via displacement-type finite elements on the cross-section. The two-noded curved mixed finite element has twenty-four degrees of freedom in total. Satisfactory results are obtained for the warping-included normal/shear stresses, displacements and reactional forces of axially functionally graded exact super-elliptical beams even with lesser degrees of freedom compared to the three-dimensional behavior of brick finite elements. As benchmark examples, the influences of high axial curvature, cross-sectional geometry and material gradation on the static response and stresses of axially functionally graded exact super-elliptical beams are investigated.