A robust hyper-elastic beam model under bi-axial normal-shear loadings

In this paper, a simple and robust constitutive model is proposed to simulate mechanical behaviors of hyper-elastic materials under bi-axial normal-shear loadings in the finite strain regime. The Mooney–Rivlin strain energy function is adopted to develop a two-dimensional (2D) normal-shear constitutive model within the framework of continuum mechanics. A motion field is first proposed for combined normal and shear deformations. The deformation gradient of the proposed field is calculated and then substituted into right Cauchy–Green deformation tensor. Constitutive equations are then derived for normal and shear deformations. They are two explicit coupled equations with high-level polynomial non-linearity. In order to examine capabilities of the developed hyper-elastic model, uniaxial tensile responses and non-linear stability behaviors of moderately thick straight and curved beams undergoing normal axial and transverse shear deformations are simulated and compared with experiments. Fused deposition modeling technique as a 3D printing technology is implemented to fabricate hyper-elastic beam structures from soft poly-lactic acid filaments. The printed specimens are tested under tensile/compressive in-plane and compressive out-of-plane forces. A finite element formulation along with the Newton–Raphson and Riks techniques is also developed to trace non-linear equilibrium path of beam structures in large defamation regimes. It is shown that the model is capable of predicting non-linear equilibrium characteristics of hyper-elastic straight and curved beams. It is found that the modeling of shear deformation and finite strain is essential toward an accurate prediction of the non-linear equilibrium responses of moderately thick hyper-elastic beams. Due to simplicity and accuracy, the model can serve in the future studies dealing with the analysis of hyper-elastic structures in which two normal and shear stress components are dominant.     

Axial-flexural coupled vibration and buckling of composite beams using sinusoidal shear deformation theory

A finite element model based on sinusoidal shear deformation theory is developed to study vibration and buckling analysis of composite beams with arbitrary lay-ups. This theory satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of beam without using shear correction factors. Besides, it has strong similarity with Euler–Bernoulli beam theory in some aspects such as governing equations, boundary conditions, and stress resultant expressions. By using Hamilton’s principle, governing equations of motion are derived. A displacement-based one-dimensional finite element model is developed to solve the problem. Numerical results for cross-ply and angle-ply composite beams are obtained as special cases and are compared with other solutions available in the literature. A variety of parametric studies are conducted to demonstrate the effect of fiber orientation and modulus ratio on the natural frequencies, critical buckling loads, and load-frequency curves as well as corresponding mode shapes of composite beams.     

A nonlinear planar beam formulation with stretch and shear deformations under end forces and moments

A new nonlinear planar beam formulation with stretch and shear deformations is developed in this work to study equilibria of a beam under arbitrary end forces and moments. The slope angle and stretch strain of the centroid line, and shear strain of cross-sections, are chosen as dependent variables in this formulation, and end forces and moments can be either prescribed or resultant forces and moments due to constraints. Static equations of equilibria are derived from the principle of virtual work, which consist of one second-order ordinary differential equation and two algebraic equations. These equations are discretized using the finite difference method, and equilibria of the beam can be accurately calculated. For practical, geometrically nonlinear beam problems, stretch and shear strains are usually small, and a good approximate solution of the equations can be derived from the solution of the corresponding Euler–Bernoulli beam problem. The bending deformation of the beam is the only important one in a slender beam, and stretch and shear strains can be derived from it, which give a theoretical validation of the accuracy and applicability of the nonlinear Euler–Bernoulli beam formulation. Relations between end forces and moments and relative displacements of two ends of the beam can be easily calculated. This formulation is powerful in the study of buckling of beams with various boundary conditions under compression, and can be used to calculate post-buckling equilibria of beams. Higher-order buckling modes of a long slender beam that have complex configurations are also studied using this formulation.     

Exact buckling solution for two-layer Timoshenko beams with interlayer slip

This paper deals with the buckling behavior of two-layer shear-deformable beams with partial interaction. The Timoshenko kinematic hypotheses are considered for both layers and the shear connection (no uplift is permitted) is represented by a continuous relationship between the interface shear flow and the corresponding slip. A set of differential equations is obtained from a general 3D bifurcation analysis, using the above assumptions. Original closed-form analytical solutions of the buckling load and mode of the composite beam under axial compression are derived for various boundary conditions. The new expressions of the critical loads are shown to be consistent with the ones corresponding to the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, when transverse shear stiffnesses go to infinity. The proposed analytical formulae are validated using 2D finite element computations. Parametric analyses are performed, especially including the limiting cases of perfect bond and no bond. The effect of shear flexibility is particularly emphasized.     

Two-dimensional analytical solutions of simply supported composite beams with interlayer slips

A new plane stress model of composite beams with interlayer slips is developed by the state space method. By virtue of the method of Fourier series expansion, the solution is obtained analytically for beams with two simply supported ends, which rigorously satisfies the governing equations and the specified boundary conditions. The solution includes the effect of shear deformation and is two-dimensionally exact since no Euler–Bernoulli hypothesis of the deformation is introduced, which is usually assumed in the one-dimensional theory. The results obtained from the present two-dimensional method are compared with those available in literature based on the one-dimensional theory. Parametric studies on the rigidity of the shear connectors are also conducted.     

计及剪切影响的RC梁的非线性分析

为提高钢筋混凝土RC梁的计算效率和精度,提出了一种基于梁截面弯矩-曲率关系的宏观有限元方法,可用于各种跨高比RC梁的材料非线性分析。首先假定了混凝土和钢筋的非线性应力-应变关系,然后引入经过修正的Rodriguez截面模型,根据边界顶点把截面划分成若干梯形单元,利用quasi-Newton法求解由两个变量耦合而成的截面非线性平衡方程,由此建立RC截面的弯矩-曲率关系。在此基础上利用Timoshenko梁弯曲理论建立考虑横向剪切变形影响的RC梁的有限元分析模型。通过对试验梁的分析对比验证了所提出的分析方法的适用性。     

Formulation of Problems in the Bernoulli—Euler Theory of Anisotropic Inhomogeneous Beams

A procedure of reducing the three-dimensional problem of elasticity theory for a rectilinear beam made of an anisotropic iuhomogeueous material to a one-dimensional problem on the beam axis is studied. The beam is in equilibrium under the action of volume and surface forces. The internal force equations are derived on the basis of equilibrium conditions for the beam from its end to any cross section. The internal force factors are related to the characteristics of the strained axis under the prior assumptions on the distribution of displacements over the cross section of the beam. To regulate these assumptions, the displacements of the beam’s points are expanded in two-dimensional Taylor series with respect to the transverse coordinates. Some physical hypotheses on the behavior of the cross section under deformation are used. The well-known hypotheses of Bernoulli—Euler, Timoslienko, and Reissner are considered in detail. A closed system of equations is proposed for the theory of anisotropic iuhomogeueous beams on the basis of the Bernoulli—Euler hypothesis. The boundary conditions are formulated from the Lagrange variational principle. A number of particular cases are discussed.     

Asymptotic frequencies of various damped nonlocal beams and plates

A striking difference between the conventional local and nonlocal dynamical systems is that the later possess finite asymptotic frequencies. The asymptotic frequencies of four kinds of nonlocal viscoelastic damped structures are derived, including an Euler–Bernoulli beam with rotary inertia, a Timoshenko beam, a Kirchhoff plate with rotary inertia and a Mindlin plate. For these undamped and damped nonlocal beam and plate models, the analytical expressions for the asymptotic frequencies, also called the maximum or escape frequencies, are obtained. For the damped nonlocal beams or plates, the asymptotic critical damping factors are also obtained. These quantities are independent of the boundary conditions and hence simply supported boundary conditions are used. Taking a carbon nanotube as a numerical example and using the Euler–Bernoulli beam model, the natural frequencies of the carbon nanotubes with typical boundary conditions are computed and the asymptotic characteristics of natural frequencies are shown.     

考虑尺度效应的微梁静态弯曲数值分析

基于修正偶应力理论及表面弹性理论,本文提出了一种新的双曲线剪切变形梁模型,用于均匀微尺度梁的静态弯曲分析。该理论可以直接利用本构关系获得横向剪切应力,满足梁顶部和底部的无应力边界条件,避免了引入剪切修正因子。根据广义Young-Laplace方程建立了梁的内部与表面层的应力连续性条件,单一的变量场可以描述梁的位移模式。通过在位移场中考虑表面层厚度以及表面层的应力连续条件,可以使新模型能够更准确地预测微尺寸和表面能相关的尺度效应。通过Hamilton原理推导出了梁的控制方程和边界条件。应变能除了考虑经典弹性理论,还要考虑微结构效应和表面能。Navier-type的解析解适用于简支边界条件,而基于拉格朗日插值的微分求积法(DQEM)可以研究在不同边界条件下的力学响应。把该数值解与Navier方法得出的解析解作了对比,得出:微尺度梁在考虑表面能或微尺寸效应、不同载荷和梁高变化下的响应一致;当不考虑微结构相关性和表面能效应时,该模型退化为经典的欧拉梁模型。     

Refined theories may be needed for vibration analysis of structures with overhang

The effect of shear deformation and rotary inertia terms on the free vibration of a beam with overhang was investigated. A recently proposed modified Timoshenko-type equations of motion were used to analyze the vibration of the structure. Two different sets of boundary conditions, with either a fixed or hinged end support, were studied. The results were compared with those obtained for the classical Bernoulli–Euler beam theory. The comparison shows that for a hinged end beam with very long overhang, where the span between the supports is less than one tenth of the overall beam length, the classical theory significantly overestimates the values of the fundamental natural frequencies, even for isotropic shear rigidity. On the other hand, the span effect is reversed for the clamped end beam, for which a relatively significant difference between the classical theory and shear theory results may occur only for a long span. For transversely isotropic beams, the refined theory predictions of the fundamental natural frequencies may be much smaller than those obtained through the rigid shear theory, especially for short span hinged end beams and long span clamped end beams.     

基于修正偶应力和高阶剪切变形理论的变截面微梁的自由振动

基于修正偶应力和高阶剪切理论建立了仅含有一个尺度参数的Reddy变截面微梁的自由振动模型,研究了变截面微梁自由振动问题的尺度效应和横向剪切变形对自振频率计算的影响。基于哈密顿原理推导了动力学方程与边界条件,并采用微分求积法求解了各种边界条件下的自振频率。算例结果表明,基于偶应力理论预测的变截面微梁的自振频率均大于经典梁理论的预测结果,即捕捉到了尺度效应。另外,梁的几何尺寸与尺度参数越接近,尺度效应就越明显,而梁的长细比越小,横向剪切变形对自振频率的影响就越明显。     

The effect of transverse normal strain in contact of an orthotropic beam pressed against a circular surface

The contact problem of a straight orthotropic beam pressed onto a rigid circular surface is considered using beam theories that account for transverse shear and transverse normal deformations. The circular nature of the rigid surface emphasizes the difference between Euler Bernoulli theory behavior, where point loads develop at the edge of contact, and the higher order theories that predict non-singular pressure distributions. While Timoshenko beam theory is the simplest theory that addresses this behavior, the prediction of a maximum value of pressure at the edge of contact contradicts the elasticity theory result that contact pressure must drop to zero. Transverse normal strain is therefore introduced, both to study this fundamental discrepancy and to include an important effect in many contact problems. To investigate this effect, higher order beam theories that account for both constant and linear transverse normal strain through the beam thickness are derived using the principle of virtual work. The resulting orthotropic beam theories depend on the bending stiffness (EI), shear stiffness (GA), axial stiffness (EA₁) and transverse normal stiffness (EA₂), which are independent stiffness parameters that can differ by orders of magnitude. The above mentioned contact problem is then solved analytically for these theories, along with the Timoshenko beam model which assumes zero transverse normal strain. The results for different orthotropic materials show that inclusion of transverse normal deformation has a significant effect on the contact pressure solution. Furthermore, the solution using higher order beam theories encompasses the two extremes of a Hertz-like contact pressure when the half contact length is smaller than the thickness of the beam, and the Timoshenko beam theory case when the half contact length is much larger than the thickness. Concerning the behavior of the pressure at the edge of contact, adherence to the boundary conditions required by the principle of virtual work, shows that while the pressure does tend to zero, it does not become zero unless artificially enforced. In this regard the solution for the case of linear strain is better than that for constant strain. All beam solutions are validated with plane elasticity solutions obtained using the commercial finite element software ABAQUS.     

Analysis of laminated glass beams for photovoltaic applications

Laminated glass beams and plates are widely used in glazing and photovoltaic applications. One feature of these structures is a relatively thin and compliant polymeric layer for embedding solar cells. Proper design of photovoltaic glass modules requires an analysis of transverse shear strain distribution in polymeric encapsulant. In this paper a three layered beam with glass skins and a polymeric core is applied as a model structure to evaluate the mechanical properties. Robust relationships between the maximum deflection, the transverse shear strain of the core layer and the applied force in a three-point-bending test of laminated glass beam samples are derived. The first order shear deformation beam theory and a layer-wise type beam theory are applied. An expression for the transverse shear stiffness of the laminated glass beam is presented. The results for the maximum deflection are compared with the results discussed in the literature. Furthermore, a three-dimensional finite element analysis is performed to verify the applied beam theories. Three-point-bending tests for laminated glass beams with core layers from different polymeric materials are performed. The experimental data for the maximum deflection are compared with the derived expressions.     

A micro scale Timoshenko beam model based on strain gradient elasticity theory

A micro scale Timoshenko beam model is developed based on strain gradient elasticity theory. Governing equations, initial conditions and boundary conditions are derived simultaneously by using Hamilton's principle. The new model incorporated with Poisson effect contains three material length scale parameters and can consequently capture the size effect. This model can degenerate into the modified couple stress Timoshenko beam model or even the classical Timoshenko beam model if two or all material length scale parameters are taken to be zero respectively. In addition, the newly developed model recovers the micro scale Bernoulli–Euler beam model when shear deformation is ignored. To illustrate the new model, the static bending and free vibration problems of a simply supported micro scale Timoshenko beam are solved respectively. Numerical results reveal that the differences in the deflection, rotation and natural frequency predicted by the present model and the other two reduced Timoshenko models are large as the beam thickness is comparable to the material length scale parameter. These differences, however, are decreasing or even diminishing with the increase of the beam thickness. In addition, Poisson effect on the beam deflection, rotation and natural frequency possesses an interesting “extreme point” phenomenon, which is quite different from that predicted by the classical Timoshenko beam model.     

Bending and stability analysis of gradient elastic beams

The problems of bending and stability of Bernoulli–Euler beams are solved analytically on the basis of a simple linear theory of gradient elasticity with surface energy. The governing equations of equilibrium are obtained by both a combination of the basic equations and a variational statement. The additional boundary conditions are obtained by both variational and weighted residual approaches. Two boundary value problems (one for bending and one for stability) are solved and the gradient elasticity effect on the beam bending response and its critical (buckling) load is assessed for both cases. It is found that beam deflections decrease and buckling load increases for increasing values of the gradient coefficient, while the surface energy effect is small and insignificant for bending and buckling, respectively.     

Nonlinear dynamic stability analysis of Euler–Bernoulli beam–columns with damping effects under thermal environment

In this study, a unified nonlinear dynamic buckling analysis for Euler–Bernoulli beam–columns subjected to constant loading rates is proposed with the incorporation of mercurial damping effects under thermal environment. Two generalized methods are developed which are competent to incorporate various beam geometries, material properties, boundary conditions, compression rates, and especially, the damping and thermal effects. The Galerkin–Force method is developed by implementing Galerkin method into force equilibrium equations. Then for solving differential equations, different buckled shape functions were introduced into force equilibrium equations in nonlinear dynamic buckling analysis. On the other hand, regarding the developed energy method, the governing partial differential equation for dynamic buckling of beams is also derived by meticulously implementing Hamilton’s principles into Lagrange’s equations. Consequently, the dynamic buckling analysis with damping effects under thermal environment can be adequately formulated as ordinary differential equations. The validity and accuracy of the results obtained by the two proposed methods are rigorously verified by the finite element method. Furthermore, comprehensive investigations on the structural dynamic buckling behavior in the presence of damping effects under thermal environment are conducted.     

A BEM solution to transverse shear loading of composite beams

In this paper a boundary element method is developed for the solution of the general transverse shear loading problem of composite beams of arbitrary constant cross-section. The composite beam consists of materials in contact, each of which can surround a finite number of inclusions. The materials have different elasticity and shear moduli with same Poisson’s ratio and are firmly bonded together. The analysis of the beam is accomplished with respect to a coordinate system that has its origin at the centroid of the cross-section, while its axes are not necessarily the principal ones. The transverse shear loading is applied at the shear centre of the cross-section, avoiding in this way the induction of a twisting moment. Two boundary value problems that take into account the effect of Poisson’s ratio are formulated with respect to stress functions and solved employing a pure BEM approach, that is only boundary discretization is used. The evaluation of the transverse shear stresses is accomplished by direct differentiation of these stress functions, while both the coordinates of the shear center and the shear deformation coefficients are obtained from these functions using only boundary integration. Numerical examples with great practical interest are worked out to illustrate the efficiency, the accuracy and the range of applications of the developed method. The accuracy of the proposed shear deformation coefficients compared with those obtained from a 3-D FEM solution of the ‘exact’ elastic beam theory is remarkable.     

Analysis of micropolar elastic beams

In this paper, a linear theory for the analysis of beams based on the micropolar continuum mechanics is developed. Power series expansions for the axial displacement and micro-rotation fields are assumed. The governing equations are derived by integrating the momentum and moment of momentum equations in the micropolar continuum theory. Body couples and couple stresses can be supported in this theory. After some simplifications, this theory can be reduced to the well-known Timoshenko and Euler–Bernoulli beam theories. The nature of flexural and longitudinal waves in the infinite length micropolar beam has been investigated. This theory predicts the existence of micro-rotational waves which are not present in any of the known beam theories based on the classical continuum mechanics. Also, the deformation of a cantilever beam with transverse concentrated tip loading has been studied. The pattern of deflection of the beam is similar to the classical beam theories, but couple stress and micro-rotation show an oscillatory behavior along the beam for various loadings.     

Non-local finite element analysis of damped beams

Non-local viscoelastic beam models are used to analyse the dynamics of beams with different boundary conditions using the finite element method. Unlike local damping models the internal force of the non-local model is obtained as weighted average of state variables over a spatial domain via convolution integrals with spatial kernel functions that depend on a distance measure. In the finite element analysis, the interpolating shape functions of the element displacement field are identical to those of standard two-node beam elements. However, for non-local damping, nodes remote from the element do have an effect on the energy expressions, and hence on the damping matrix. The expressions of these direct and cross damping matrices may be obtained explicitly for some common spatial kernel functions and Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Alternatively numerical integration may be applied to obtain solutions. Examples are given where the eigenvalues are compared to the exact solution for a pinned–pinned beam to demonstrate the convergence of the finite element method. The results for beams with other boundary conditions are used to demonstrate the versatility of the finite element technique.     

用材料力学公式计算任意截面短梁正应力时的修正项研究

对材料力学中梁的弯曲应力公式增加一修正项,以反映短梁弯剪翘曲变形对应力分布的影响。提出一种根据短梁横截面边界形状及艾瑞应力函数求解应力修正项的方法,应用弹性力学空间问题的一般理论,通过应力平衡方程、应变相容方程及应力边界条件,建立了关于任意截面短梁的应力修正项及剪应力的基本方程。在所建立的基本方程基础上,导出了矩形截面和圆形截面短梁修正应力的具体计算公式,该修正应力与均布荷载大小及弹性模量与剪切模量之比均成正比,但与截面惯性矩成反比。数值算例表明,本文方法计算的应力与通用有限元软件ANSYS计算的结果吻合良好,从而验证了本文方法及其基本公式的正确性。