How to approach torsion in a thin-walled ring

[dav2008]

Hello,

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to approach torsion of a thin-walled thin ring/oval?

so if this is a top view of the ring: O then the torque would be applied with the torque vector pointing as O--> (ring is fixed at the opposite end).

 

[dav2008]

I guess one thought is to treat it as a varying cross-section and integrate, but it's not a circular cross-section so the typical Tr/J formula wouldn't apply.

 

[FredGarvin]

So the torque is really a moment that is trying to "fold" the o-ring in half?

What are the rest of the boundary conditions?

 

[dav2008]

So the torque is really a moment that is trying to "fold" the o-ring in half?

What are the rest of the boundary conditions?

No, maybe this picture will clear it up:

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8627/ringtorsion.jpg

 

[Dr.D]

So, what do you want to know? Can your question be answered as a rigid body dynamics problem?