Galerkin-Kantorovich variational method for solving saint venant torsion problems of rectangular bars

Abstract

The unrestrained torsional analysis of bars is an important theme in elasticity theory, first solved by Saint-Venant using semi-inverse methods. It has been considered and solved by several others using analytical methods and numerical procedures due to the importance in the design of machine parts under torsional moments. In this paper, the Saint Venant torsion problem is solved for rectangular prismatic bars using Galerkin-Kantorovich variational method (GKVM). The work presents a detailed theoretical framework of the problem, deriving using first principles considerations the stress compatibility equation in terms of the Prandtl stress function ϕ(x,y). The derived domain equation which is required to be satisfied over the rectangular cross-sectional domain is a partial differential equation of the Poisson type. GKVM is adopted as the solution method for finding the solution to the domain equation. The unknown Prandtl stress function ϕ(x,y) is assumed, following Kantorovich method to be a product of an unknown function for fx sought to minimize the Galerkin-Kantorovich variational functional (integral) (GKVF) and a known function (y2-b2) which satisfies the boundary conditions at all boundary points in the y-direction, that is, at y=±b. The resulting GKVF is a simplified functional whose integral is a second order inhomogeneous ordinary differential equation (ODE) in fx. The integrand is solved to find fx leading in a full determination of the Prandtl stress function. The expression for stresses, torsional moments and torsional parameters are then found and they satisfy the boundary conditions and the domain equation. The results for the torsional moments and torsional parameters are identical to previous results obtained using double finite sine transform method (DFSTM), and analytical methods. The merit of GKVM is that it has led to the exact solution of the unrestrained torsion problems.