On Finite Element Modeling of Clamped Boundary Conditions of Shear Flexible Beams

This paper investigates the proper modeling of the clamped boundary conditions of shear flexible beams when the 2D or 3D finite element models are used Although the clamped boundary condition is well defined in the engineering beam theories, how to implement this kind of displacement boundary condition in the 2D or 3D finite element models is not unique and not well defined either. It is shown in this paper that the different modeling of the clamped boundary conditions results in totally different results. The proper way to model the clamped boundary condition of shear flexible beams is suggested in this paper. The conclusion given in this paper can also be applied to the 3D finite element analysis of shear flexible plates.