Application of the Finite Element Method for the Solution of Stability Problems of the Timoshenko Beam with Exact Shape Functions

In this article, the problems of the stability of a Timoshenko beam are solved by the finite element method, with application of exact shape functions. These shape functions are derived from the solution of homogeneous equations of equilibrium. The article presents expressions for elements of stiffness matrixes and the geometric rigidity of a Timoshenko beam. The approach that is used makes it possible to exclude the shear (locking) effect and obtain a high degree of correspondence between the numerical and analytical solutions with a small number of finite elements.