Abstract
The solution of the torsion problem for a slender rectangular section has been made previously by approximate methods based on the Prandtl membrane analogy. In this paper approximate methods are employed in the solution of both the torsion and flexural shear problem for slender sections having a variety of shapes, most of them being doubly symmetric. Solutions obtained in this manner are compared with exact solutions, when these are available, and otherwise with solutions obtained by relaxation. It is shown that approximate methods provide an adequate solution for elements such as compressor-turbine blades when pretwist and taper can be neglected. Some attention is given to the problem of elastic-plastic torsion and elastic-plastic flexural shear of slender sections.
