Effect of Material Nonlinearity on Symmetric Aluminum Metal–Matrix Laminated Composite Beams Under a Bending Moment

Abstract

In this study, an elastic–plastic stress analysis is carried out on symmetric laminated composite beams subjected to a bending moment. The composite beam is to be strain hardening. The Tsai–Hill theory is used as a yield criterion in the solution. The Bernoulli and Euler hypotheses are assumed to be valid. The beam lay-up sequences are chosen as [90°/0°] s, [30°/−30°] s, [45°/−45°] s, and [60°/−60] s. The bending moment starting plastic yielding is found to be highest for [30°/−30°] s orientation. σ x residual stress component is found to be highest at the upper and lower surfaces. However σ x residual stress component becomes the highest at the elastic and plastic boundary for further expansion of the plastic region. The transverse displacement is obtained at the free end, numerically.