Modifications to beam theory for bending and twisting of open-section composite beams — experimental verification

Abstract

The experimental verification of a modified beam theory for open-section, thin-walled, anisotropic composite beams is described. Symmetric and anti-symmetric glass/polyester I-beams were fabricated by hand-layup and vacuum bag techniques. These beams were supported as cantilevers and tested under trip loads (transverse loading) and end moments (pure bending). Anisotropically induced twist and out-of-plane lateral deflection as well as in-plane transverse deflection (bending deflection) were measured. Comparisons with finite-element analysis using a commercial code are also presented. Good correlation was found between the experimental, finite-element analysis, and the theory for the twist and bending deflection of the beams. Out-of-plane deflections were found to be too small to be measured accurately.