Derivation of the nonlinear bending-torsion model for a junction of elastic rods

Abstract: In this paper we derive the one-dimensional bending-torsion equilibrium model modeling the junction of straight rods. The starting point is a three-dimensional nonlinear elasticity equilibrium problem written as a minimization problem for a union of thin rod-like bodies. By taking the limit as the thickness of the 3D rods goes to zero, and by using ideas from the theory of $\Gamma$-convergence, we obtain that the resulting model consists of the union of the usual one-dimensional nonlinear bending-torsion rod models which satisfy the following transmission conditions at the junction point: continuity of displacement and rotation of the cross-sections and balance of contact forces and contact couples.