Finite element solution to an elastica problem of beams

In this study, finite element solution procedures are developed for an elastica problem of inextensible beams. The element stiffness matrices are obtained by using Galerkin's method. Results of a numerical example compare reasonably well with those obtained by using the elliptical integral. Extensions of this research are currently being made to include membrane effects of beams and to develop plate element stiffness matrices for elastica problems of plate structures.