Effect of delamination on the nonlinear transient response of composite shells in hygrothermal environments

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the nonlinear forced vibration response of delaminated composite shells in hygrothermal environments.Design/methodology/approachFinite element method using an eight‐noded C0 continuity, isoparametric quadrilateral element is employed. The theoretical formulations are based on the first‐order shear deformation theory and von Kármán type nonlinear kinematics. For modeling the delamination, multipoint constraint algorithm is incorporated in the finite element code.FindingsThe paper finds that the effect of presence of delaminations on the nonlinear transient response of composite shells is dependent not only on the size, but also on the location of the delaminations and the hygrothermal environments.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study is limited to cylindrical and spherical shells having rectangular planform containing single delamination. Studies on different shell forms having non‐rectangular planforms containing multiple delaminations can be taken up for future research.Originality/valueThe value in this paper lies in that nonlinear transient response of delaminated shells in hygrothermal environments is studied for the first time. It will assist researchers of nonlinear dynamic behavior of elastic systems.