Linear and geometrically non-linear analysis of composite beams under transverse loading

Abstract

The flexural analysis of fiber-reinforced composite beams based on a higher-order shear deformation theory is studied. The geometric non-linearity is incorporated in the formulation by considering the von Karman strains. The finite element method is used to solve the non-linear governing equations by direct iteration. Unlike conventional beam models, the present beam model accounts for y direction strains. It is observed that the solution obtained from the two approaches differ slightly in the case of cross-ply laminates, but there exists a considerable difference in the case of angle-ply laminates. The influence of boundary conditions, beam geometries, and ply orientations on the deflections and stresses of laminated beams is shown both in tabular and graphical form.