Modified shooting approach to the non-linear periodic forced response of isotropic/composite curved beams

Large amplitude periodic forced vibration of curved beams under periodic excitation is investigated using a three-noded beam element. The element is based on the higher-order shear deformation theory satisfying interlayer continuity of displacements and transverse shear stress, and top-bottom conditions on the latter. The periodic responses are obtained using shooting technique coupled with Newmark time marching and arc length continuation algorithm developed. The second order governing differential equations of motion are solved without transforming to the first order differential equations thereby resulting in a computationally more efficient algorithm. The effects of excitation amplitude, support conditions and beam curvature on the frequency versus response amplitude relation are highlighted. The typical frequency response curves for isotropic and cross-ply laminated curved beams are presented. Phenomenon of strong modal interactions is observed.