This paper presents numerical results on the static and dynamic analysis of thinwalled,
composite structures. The results are obtained via 1D finite elements based on refined
beam theories. The Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) is employed to build the refined theories.
In the CUF framework, structural models can be obtained using expansions of the unknown
variables along the cross-section of the beam. Any expansion type can be employed; for
instance, polynomial, exponential, harmonic, etc.. Moreover, the order of the expansion can be
set as an input, and chosen via a convergence analysis. Such features stem from the use of a
few fundamental nuclei to obtain the governing equations and the finite element matrices. The
formal expressions of the nuclei are independent of the order and the type of the expansion.
1D CUF models can provide 3D-like accuracies with low computational cost. Moreover, nonclassical
effects, such as warping, can be dealt with straightforwardly. This paper shows the
latest extension of 1D CUF models. Legendre polynomials are employed as expansion functions
of the displacement variables. The use of Legendre polynomials allows the parametrization of
the cross-section geometry to tackle complex geometries, such as curved boundaries. The Principle
of Virtual Displacements (PVD) is employed to obtain the finite element matrices. Various
structural configurations are considered, including composite, thin-walled, curved structures.
The results are compared with those from literature and 3D finite element models
