Closed-form analysis of a higher-order composite box beam theory

A higher-order theory is developed for composite box beams with rectangular, closed cross-sections. Each cross-section is therefore divided into two flanges and webs. Displacement representations are chosen for each part separately. The in-plane kinematics is 2nd order for the flanges and even 3rd order for the webs. The kinematics of the four parts is interconnected with the help of geometric coupling. All in-plane stress components can be obtained directly by using a reduced stiffness matrix for each single layer. The layups of the laminates for the flanges and webs are independent from each other. Only a symmetric layup with balanced angles is necessary. The determined differential equation system of 2nd order including four independent functions can be solved completely in a closed-form analytical manner. As an actual example a cantilever beam under combined bending moment and transverse force is considered. The results obtained by this new theory are compared with the results of a FEM-model with a very fine shell element discretization. (© 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Deformation of short composite beam using refined theories

High-order flexural theories for short laminated composite beams subjected to mechanical and thermal loading are presented. The formulation allows for warping of the cross-section of the beam and eliminates the need for using arbitrary shear correction coefficients as in other theories. Based on higher-order shear deformation theories, the governing equations are obtained using the principle of virtual work (PVW). The justification for use of higher-order shear deformation theories is established for short and composite beams where cross-sectional warping is predominant.     

Formulación de elementos finitos para vigas de sección abierta formadas por laminados compuestos incluyendo las deformaciones tangenciales por cortante y torsión

In this paper we derive the field of displacements and strains for thin-walled open composite beams with composite laminated material including in their kinematics flexural and torsional shear deformations effects. The equilibrium equations are defined through the variational formulation and show that is possible to formulate C_o finite elements taking into account the torsional shear deformation. Stress-strain relationships for the cross-section of thin-walled composite beams are obtained by extending first-order laminate (FSDT: first-order shear deformation) theory and using a «free stress resultant condition at the boundary». Three different one-dimensional finite elements with C_o continuity are formulated for the study of thin-walled open composite beams and they are labelled as BSW (beam with shear and warping). The influence of the integration strategy in the BSW elements is evaluated via the shear-locking phenomenon and the rate of convergence for displacements and rotations. The stiffness matrix integration is compared using exact and reduced integration methods. Examples of pure torsion and flexo-torsion in a cantilever composite beam are performed. Numerical results are compared to those reported by other authors.     

Variant of an Analytical Shear Model for the Stress-Strain State of Heterogeneous Composite Beams

A nonclassical analytical model for the stress-strain state of composite beams with account of shear strains is suggested. It is assumed that the beam is piecewise heterogeneous across its height. Normal and tangential loads operate on its upper and lower surfaces and on interfaces. The model describes the distribution of tangential displacements across the thickness of plies by a third-degree polynomial. The corresponding system of differential equations is obtained by the variational method and contains two equations. The first one is an analog of the equation of classical theory of beams for deflections, and the second one is an analog of the equation of the theory for the bending moment from the generalized load. The solutions to test problems are compared with three-dimensional solutions and with experimental results for simply supported and clamped beams of different composite structure. An applied engineering problem is solved for a multispan statically indeterminate beam.     

A linear model for the static and dynamic analysis of non-homogeneous curved beams

A simple one-dimensional mechanical model is presented to analyse the static and dynamic feature of non-homogeneous curved beams and closed rings. Each cross-section is assumed to be symmetrical and the “resultant loads” are acted in the plane of symmetry. The internal forces in a cross-section are replaced by an equivalent force–couple system at the origin of the cylindrical coordinate system used. The equations of motion and the boundary conditions are expressed in terms of two kinematical variables. The first kinematical variable is the radial displacement of cross-sections and the second one is the rotation of the cross-sections. Each of them depends on the time and the polar angle. Assumed form of the displacement field assures the fulfillment of the classical Bernoulli–Euler beam theory. Rotary inertia is included in the equations of motion. Natural frequencies for simply supported laminated composite curved beams and non-homogeneous circular rings are obtained by exact solutions. The application of the model presented is illustrated by examples.     

Free vibration analysis of cracked composite beams subjected to coupled bending–torsion loads based on a first order shear deformation theory

In this paper, free vibration analysis of cracked composite beam subjected to coupled bending–torsion loading is presented. The composite beam is assumed to have an open edge crack of length a. A first order shear deformation theory is applied to count for the effect of shear deformations on natural frequencies as well as the effect of coupling in torsion and bending modes of vibration. Governing equations and boundary conditions are derived using Hamilton principle. Local flexibility matrix is used to obtain the additional boundary conditions of the beam in cracked area. After obtaining the governing equations and boundary conditions, generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method is applied to solve the obtained eigenvalue problem. Finally, some numerical results of beams with various boundary conditions and different fiber orientations are given to show the efficiency of the method. In addition, to study the effect of shear deformations, numerical results of the current model are compared with previously given results in which shear deformations were neglected.     

SBFEM elements for thin-walled composite beams with arbitrary layup

The scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) is a semi-analytical method in which only the boundary is discretized. The results on the boundary are scaled into the domain with respect to a scaling center which must be “visible” from the whole boundary. For beam-like problems the scaling center can be selected at infinity and only the cross-section is discretized. Two new elements for thin-walled beams have been developed on the basis of the first order shear deformation theory. The beam sections are considered to be multilayered laminate plates with arbitrary layup. The arbitrary cross-section is discretized with beam elements of Timoshenko type. Using the virtual work principle gives the SBFEM equation, which is a system of differential equations of a gyroscopic type. The solution is calculated using the matrix exponential function. The elements have been tested and compared with a finite element model and they give good results. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Analytical solution for the fully coupled static response of variable stiffness composite beams

An analytical solution is presented for the 3D static response of variable stiffness non-uniform composite beams. Based on Euler-Bernoulli theory, a set of governing differential equations are obtained, in which four degrees of freedom are fully coupled. For the variable stiffness beam, the governing field equations have variable coefficients reflecting the stiffness variation along the beam. Using the direct integration technique, the general analytical solution is derived in the integral form and the closed-form expressions of the obtained solutions are presented employing a series expansion approximation. The series expansion representation enables the proposed approach to be applicable for variable stiffness composite beams with arbitrary span-wise variation of properties. As an alternative solution, the Chebyshev collocation method is applied to the proposed formulation to verify the results obtained from the analytical solution. A number of variable stiffness composite beams made by fibre steering with various boundary conditions and stacking sequences are considered as the test cases. The static response are presented based on the analytical solution and Chebyshev collocation method and excellent agreement is observed for all test cases. The proposed model presents a reliable and efficient approach for capturing the complicated behaviour of variable stiffness non-uniform composite beams.     

Non-linear oscillations of a thin-walled composite beam with shear deformation

A geometrically non-linear theory is used to study the dynamic behavior of a thin-walled composite beam. The model is based on a small strain and large rotation and displacements theory, which is formulated through the adoption of a higher-order displacement field and takes into account shear flexibility (bending and warping shear). In the analysis of a weakly nonlinear continuous system, the Ritz’s method is employed to express the problem in terms of generalized coordinates. Then, perturbation method of multiple scales is applied to the reduced system in order to obtain the equations of amplitude and modulation. In this paper, the non-linear 3D oscillations of a simply-supported beam are examined, considering a cross-section having one symmetry axis. Composite is assumed to be made of symmetric balanced laminates and especially orthotropic laminates. The model, which contains both quadratic and cubic non-linearities, is assumed to be in internal resonance condition. Steady-state solution and their stability are investigated by means of the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix. The equilibrium solution is governed by the modal coupling and experience a complex behavior composed by saddle noddle, Hopf and double period bifurcations.     

Dynamic modeling for rotating composite Timoshenko beam and analysis on its bending-torsion coupled vibration

A formulation is presented for steady-state dynamic responses of rotating bending-torsion coupled composite Timoshenko beams (CTBs) subjected to distributed and/or concentrated harmonic loadings. The separation of cross section's mass center from its shear center and the introduced coupled rigidity of composite material lead to the bending-torsion coupled vibration of the beams. Considering those two coupling factors and based on Hamilton's principle, three partial differential non-homogeneous governing equations of vibration with arbitrary boundary conditions are formulated in terms of the flexural translation, torsional rotation and angle rotation of cross section of the beams. The parameters for the damping, axial load, shear deformation, rotation speed, hub radius and so forth are incorporated into those equations of motion. Subsequently, the Green's function element method (GFEM) is developed to solve these equations in matrix form, and the analytical Green's functions of the beams are given in terms of piecewise functions. Using the superposition principle, the explicit expressions of dynamic responses of the beams under various harmonic loadings are obtained. The present solving procedure for Timoshenko beams can be degenerated to deal with for Rayleigh and Euler beams by specifying the values of shear rigidity and rotational inertia. Cantilevers with bending-torsion coupled vibration are given as examples to verify the present theory and to illustrate the use of the present formulation. The influences of rotation speed, bending-torsion couplings and damping on the natural frequencies and/or shape functions of the beams are performed. The steady-state responses of the beam subjected to external harmonic excitation are given through numerical simulations. Remarkably, the symmetric property of the Green's functions is maintained for rotating bending-torsion coupled CTBs, but there will be a slight deviation in the numerical calculations.     

Large-amplitude free vibrations of functionally graded beams by means of a finite element formulation

The large-amplitude free vibration analysis of functionally graded beams is investigated by means of a finite element formulation. The Von-Karman type nonlinear strain–displacement relationships are employed where the ends of the beam are constrained to move axially. The effects of the transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia are included based upon the Timoshenko beam theory. The material properties are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to the power-law distribution. A statically exact beam element which devoid the shear locking effect with displacement fields based on the first order shear deformation theory is used to study the geometric nonlinear effects on the vibrational characteristics of functionally graded beams. The finite element method is employed to discretize the nonlinear governing equations, which are then solved by the direct numerical integration technique in order to obtain the nonlinear vibration frequencies of functionally graded beams with different boundary conditions. The influences of power-law exponent, vibration amplitude, beam geometrical parameters and end supports on the free vibration frequencies are studied. The present numerical results compare very well with the results available from the literature where possible. Some new results for the nonlinear natural frequencies are presented in both tabular and graphical forms which can be used for future references.     

Thermal buckling and post-buckling analysis of functionally graded beams based on a general higher-order shear deformation theory

In the present work, attention is focused on the prediction of thermal buckling and post-buckling behaviors of functionally graded materials (FGM) beams based on Euler–Bernoulli, Timoshenko and various higher-order shear deformation beam theories. Two ends of the beam are assumed to be clamped and in-plane boundary conditions are immovable. The beam is subjected to uniform temperature rise and temperature dependency of the constituents is also taken into account. The governing equations are developed relative to neutral plane and mid-plane of the beam. A two-step perturbation method is employed to determine the critical buckling loads and post-buckling equilibrium paths. New results of thermal buckling and post-buckling analysis of the beams are presented and discussed in details, the numerical analysis shows that, for the case of uniform temperature rise loading, the post-buckling equilibrium path for FGM beam with two clamped ends is also of the bifurcation type for any arbitrary value of the power law index and any various displacement fields.     

Mathematical solution for bending of short hybrid composite beams with variable fibers spacing

In this study, the static response is presented for a simply supported functionally graded hybrid beam subjected to a transverse uniform load. Material properties of the beam are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. By varying the fiber volume fraction within a symmetric laminated beam and combining two fiber types to create a hybrid functionally graded material (FGM) can offer desirable increases in axial and bending stiffness. The equations governing the hybrid FGM beams are determined using the principle of virtual work (PVW) arising from the higher order shear deformation theories. Numerical results on the transverse deflection, axial and shear stresses in a moderately thick hybrid FGM beam under uniform distributed load are discussed in depth. The effect of power-law exponent on the deflection and stresses are also commented.     

Utilization of characteristic polynomials in vibration analysis of non-uniform beams under a moving mass excitation

Vibration of non-uniform beams with different boundary conditions subjected to a moving mass is investigated. The beam is modeled using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Applying the method of eigenfunction expansion, equation of motion has been transformed into a number of coupled linear time-varying ordinary differential equations. In non-uniform beams, the exact vibration functions do not exist and in order to solve these equations using eigenfunction expansion method, an adequate set of functions must be selected as the assumed vibration modes. A set of polynomial functions called as beam characteristic polynomials, which is constructed by considering beam boundary conditions, have been used along with the vibration functions of the equivalent uniform beam with similar boundary conditions, as the assumed vibration functions. Orthogonal polynomials which are generated by utilizing a Gram–Schmidt process are also used, and results of their application show no advantage over the set of simple non-orthogonal polynomials. In the numerical examples, both natural frequencies and forced vibration of three different non-uniform beams with different shapes and boundary conditions are scrutinized.     

Study on vibration and stability of an axially translating viscoelastic Timoshenko beam: Non-transforming spectral element analysis

Engineering systems, such as rolled steel beams, chain and belt drives and high-speed paper, can be modeled as axially translating beams. This article scrutinizes vibration and stability of an axially translating viscoelastic Timoshenko beam constrained by simple supports and subjected to axial pretension. The viscoelastic form of general rheological model is adopted to constitute the material of the beam. The partial differential equations governing transverse motion of the beam are derived from the extended form of Hamilton's principle. The non-transforming spectral element method (NTSEM) is applied to transform the governing equations into a set of ordinary differential equations. The formulation is similar to conventional FFT-based spectral element model except that Daubechies wavelet basis functions are used for temporal discretization. Influences of translating velocities, axial tensile force, viscoelastic parameter, shear deformation, beam model and boundary condition types are investigated on the underlying dynamic response and stability via the NTSEM and demonstrated via numerical simulations.     

Coupling effect of thickness and shear deformation on size-dependent bending of micro/nano-scale porous beams

A unified nonlocal strain gradient beam model with the thickness effect is developed to investigate the static bending behavior of micro/nano-scale porous beams. Size-dependent governing equations and corresponding analytical solutions for the bending of hinged-hinged beams are obtained by employing minimum total potential energy principle, the Navier solution method as well as the variational-consistent boundary conditions. For nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT) with thickness effect, virtual strain energy function of shear beams can contain additional nonlocal shear stress and high-order nonlocal shear stress related to the thickness direction in comparison with that of Euler–Bernoulli beam, so the coupling of the shear and thickness effects should be drawn huge attention. By means of detailed numerical analysis, it is found that, the stiffness-hardening effect is underestimated in NSGT without the thickness effect, and the stiffness-hardening and stiffness-softening effects of NSGT with the thickness effect can be not only length-dependent but also thickness-dependent. Interestingly, the generalized Young’s modulus depends on half-wave number, which means that the generalized Young’s modulus may be different due to applied load types. In the context of NSGT with the thickness effect, the deflection of Euler–Bernoulli beam predicted is smaller than that of shear beam, especially for thick beams. Furthermore, porosities distributed in the top or bottom of beams can possess a greater influence on the decrease of overall stiffness of beam than those distributed in the vicinity of the middle plane of beams.     

Imperfection sensitivity of thermal post-buckling behaviour of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite beams

This paper investigates the imperfection sensitivity of thermal post-buckling behaviour of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) beams subjected to in-plane temperature variation. The material properties of FG-CNTRCs are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction and temperature-dependent. A generic imperfection function is used to model various possible imperfections, including sine type, global and localized imperfections. The governing equations are derived based on the first-order shear deformation beam theory and von-Kármán geometric nonlinearity. The differential quadrature method in conjunction with modified Newton–Raphson technique is employed to determine the thermal post-buckling equilibrium path of imperfect FG-CNTRC beams. Thermal buckling is treated as a subset problem. A parametric study is conducted to examine the effects of imperfection mode, half-wave number, location and amplitude on their thermal post-buckling performance. The influences of distribution pattern and volume fraction of carbon nanotubes, boundary conditions and slenderness ratio are discussed as well. The results indicate that the thermal post-buckling is highly sensitive to the imperfection mode, half-wave number, location as well as its amplitude. It is also shown that the clamped-clamped FG-CNTRC beam is more sensitive to imperfections than those with other boundary conditions whereas other parameters do not substantially affect the imperfection sensitivity of thermal post-buckling behaviour.     

Stress and free vibration analysis of functionally graded beams using static Green's functions

In this paper static Green's functions for functionally graded Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams are presented. All material properties are arbitrary functions along the beam thickness direction. The closed-form solutions of static Green's functions are derived from a fourth-order partial differential equation presented in [2]. In combination with Betti's reciprocal theorem the Green's functions are applied to calculate internal forces and stress analysis of functionally graded beams (FGBs) under static loadings. For symmetrical material properties along the beam thickness direction and symmetric cross-sections, the resulting stress distributions are also symmetric. For unsymmetrical material properties the neutral axis and the center of gravity axis are located at different positions. Free vibrations of functionally graded Timoshenko beams are also analyzed [3]. Analytical solutions of eigenfunctions and eigenfrequencies in closed-forms are obtained based on reference [2]. Alternatively it is also possible to use static Green's functions and Fredholm's integral equations to obtain approximate eigenfunctions and eigenfrequencies by an iterative procedure as shown in [1]. Applying the Sensitivity Analysis with Green's Functions (SAGF) [1] to derive closed-form analytical solutions of functionally graded beams, it is possible to modify the derived static Green's functions and include terms taking cracks into account, which are modeled by translational or rotational springs. Furthermore the SAGF approach in combination with the superposition principle can be used to take stiffness jumps into account and to extend static Green's functions of simple beams to that of discontinuous beams by adding new supports. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

含分层复合材料层合梁弯曲问题的一般解法

基于一阶剪切梁理论,考虑分层边缘区域的变形特点,提出了含穿透分层复合材料梁模型．与传统分层模型不同,该文将未分层部分看作上下子梁,放弃了传统模型中分层前缘横截面始终保持平面的假设．通过分层前缘的位移连续条件和内力连续条件,建立了粘合段和分层段的控制方程．并且,应用该模型对不同边界条件下含不同分层尺寸对称和非对称分层的复合材料层合梁弯曲问题进行了求解,结果与三维有限元计算的结果一致,从而证明了模型的有效性和适用性．