Homogenization and Equivalent Beam Model for Fiber-Reinforced Tubular Profiles.

Daniel Gnoli,Sajjad Babamohammadi,Nicholas Fantuzzi

doi:10.3390/ma13092069

Daniel Gnoli, Sajjad Babamohammadi + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13092069

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Abstract

The current work presents a study on hollow cylinder composite beams, since hollow cylinder cross-sections are one of the principal geometry in many engineering fields. In particular, the present study considers the use of these profiles for scaffold design in offshore engineering. Composite beams cannot be treated as isotropic ones due to couplings mainly present among traction, torsion, bending and shear coefficients. This research aims to present a simple approach to study composite beams as they behave like isotropic ones by removing most complexities related to composite material design (e.g., avoid the use of 2D and 3D finite element modeling). The work aims to obtain the stiffness matrix of the equivalent beam through an analytical approach which is valid for most of the laminated composite configurations present in engineering applications. The 3D Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is considered for obtaining the correspondent isotropic elastic coefficients. The outcomes show that negligible errors occur for some equivalent composite configurations by allowing designers to continue using commercial finite element codes that implement the classical isotropic beam model.

Highlights

Hollow cylinders are one of the most common elements in offshore engineering, e.g., risers, pipes and generally used for scaffolding systems
The outcomes show that negligible errors occur for some equivalent composite configurations by allowing designers to continue using commercial finite element codes that implement the classical isotropic beam model
One of the plastics’ problem is the low stiffness and strength compared to steel

Summary

Introduction

Hollow cylinders are one of the most common elements in offshore engineering, e.g., risers, pipes and generally used for scaffolding systems. The most common material used in offshore structures is steel, which it is stiff and light (compared to reinforced concrete) but it can be corroded, which makes maintenance activities very expensive. Plastics, a non-environmentally friendly material, can be in this context environmental-friendly. This is due to the fact that fewer materials are involved due to less frequent maintenance, less resources. One of the plastics’ problem is the low stiffness and strength compared to steel. To overcome this problem fibers can be added in order to make the so-called Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRPs). Over the years, several methodologies have been utilized to analyze composite materials and structures and accurately

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