A continuum theory for viscoelastic composite beams

Summary A dynamical continuum theory is developed for laminated composite beams. Starting with an assumed displacement- and temperature field, the one-dimensional approximate theory is consistently constructed within the frame of the three-dimensional theory of linear, nonisothermal, anisotropic, coupled viscoelasticity. Each constituent of the beam may possess different constant thickness and mechanical properties. All dynamic interactions between the adjacent constituents are included. Further, the effects of transverse shear and normal strains and rotatory inertia as well as those of cross-sectional distortion are all taken into account. The resulting equations consist of the macroscopic beam equations of motion and heat conduction, the kinematical relations, the initial and boundary conditions and the constitutive equations, and they govern the extensional, flexural and torsional motions of laminated composite beams. The special cases of constituents which made of either isotropic thermoviscoelastic or anisotropic thermoelastic materials are discussed briefly.Supported by the Office of Naval Research.With 1 figure