Finite Element Analysis of Trusses and Beams

This chapter focuses on the finite element analysis of trusses and beams. It first introduces the energy functionals for truss (bar) elements, torsional shaft elements, beam bending elements, and shear beam bending elements. The chapter then discusses h- and p-type finite elements for trusses and beams. Trusses and beams are among the simplest and most widely used structural components, and their corresponding finite element formulations are two typical one-dimensional finite elements. Therefore, this chapter provides a detailed introduction along with multiple examples.