A new one-dimensional two-node layered composite beam element

Abstract

A simple one-dimensional two-node beam element is developed in this paper based on Timoshenko's composite beam functions. To account for the layered characterization of the composite beams, a layered method is employed in the proposed element. The proposed element provides a unified formulation for both slender and moderately deep beam analyses, and the notorious shear locking phenomenon for analysis of slender beams can be avoided naturally. The proposed beam element is demonstrated to be efficient and accurate for both isotropic and composite beams analyses by numerical examples.