To calculate the deformation of a beam, which is subjected to pure torsion, we require the
torsional constant of the beam cross section. In the case of simpler cross section shapes, this
can be done analytically by means of general terms, while in the case of more demanding
geometric shapes, analytical calculation is either immensely difficult or even impossible. It
is for this reason that we utilise numerical methods.
This final thesis includes the design and implementation of an algorithm for the numerical
calculation of the torsional constant of a cross section of an arbitrary shape based on the
finite difference method. Shown within this thesis are the results of the algorithm for a full
and hollow square cross section as well as a full circular cross section which are, for the
purposes of verifying the algorithm's accuracy, compared against values obtained via
analytical calculations.
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